Creative individuals who design interiors create the spaces in which we spend most of our lives. We live, work, and play in environments designed by professionals who have a unique blend of artistic talent and practical experience.

Interior designers must have a thorough understanding of efficient space planning, human factors, color, pattern, lighting, furniture, and materials. These elements are essential to the creation of residential and commercial spaces. Whether working for architectural or interior design firms, hotel or restaurant chains, department or furniture stores, or independently as consultants or firm owners, accomplished designers are adept at working with clients and understanding their needs.

The courses that constitute The Art Institute of Pittsburgh?s CIDA-accredited (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) Interior Design program are carefully balanced to provide a three dimensional understanding of space, form, and function. Students will learn to develop conceptual ideas into functional designs by acquiring a foundation of creative and technical knowledge that will be applied to studio projects as they advance throughout the curriculum. Students receive training on how to generate construction documents, material specifications and work with a variety of building and life safety codes. All courses in the Interior Design program are also available online. CIDA accreditation applies to the campus-based program at this time.

Students are introduced to a world where color, texture, fabric, and light are instruments that paint an interior environment they can manipulate. Students are introduced to computer-aided drafting (CAD) and explore the world of interior design in the studio, the showroom, and the industry through a hands-on required internship opportunity. By graduation, students have learned to control space and affect perceptions through the application of their designs the way color elicits response; the effect of ambient and task lighting on efficiency; the ability of a well designed space to control mood and support function.

Emphasis is placed on the development of a working professional portfolio for every Interior Design student. Faculty work with the students throughout the duration of the program to ensure that projects are portfolio-ready by graduation. Each student?s portfolio demonstrates a well-rounded set of design skills that is applicable in both the residential and commercial sides of the industry.

The Interior Design program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has been developed to educate a new generation of interior designers and prepare them for the challenges ahead. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level positions as interior designers*, space planners, corporate designers, facilities planners, dealership designers, and residential designers. Students can gain employment with architectural and design firms, interior design firms, home builders and planning departments of corporations, healthcare and education facilities. As graduates gain professional experience and certifications, many may obtain more advanced positions such as senior designer, project manager or design director.

The mission of the Interior Design Bachelor of Science degree program is to prepare students to obtain entry-level positions in their field and function as trained professionals able to conceive and develop viable, creative design solutions within the interior environment. Students are prepared for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productively and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. By meeting the educational goals, students should develop an attitude of flexibility and a desire for life-long learning necessary to meet the changing demands of the interior design profession.

*Please note that some states require licensing to hold this title

The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is accredited b