Why Interior Design?
Let’s think about why interior design is such a captivating field before we go into the complexities of choosing your major.
Art, psychology, and usefulness come together beautifully in interior design. It involves creating environments that evoke strong feelings, capture distinctive personalities, and fulfill functional needs. Interior designers are the unseen artists behind these captivated places, whether it be the tiny spaces of a coffee shop or the elegant appeal of a luxury hotel.
Let’s take behind the curtain on this artistic journey to discover what it takes to create an impact in the interior design industry.
What to Major in for Interior Design?
Bachelor’s Degrees for Future Designers
Let’s discuss the various bachelor’s degrees that students can pursue to become interior designers. We’ll explore the options available and help you understand what each program entails.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design is often considered the guiding star for aspiring interior designers. It represents the traditional and time-tested route to becoming a proficient interior designer. This degree program is a comprehensive immersion into the world of design, equipping students with a well-rounded education in various aspects of the field.
In the BFA program, you’ll journey through design fundamentals, where you’ll grasp the intricacies of creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. It provides a strong foundation in design principles, color theory, spatial arrangements, and the creative elements essential to thriving in an interior design career. You’ll learn how to visualize and bring to life your clients’ visions, understanding their needs and translating them into tangible, beautiful spaces.
This degree program emphasizes hands-on experience and encourages students to undertake design projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge and develop their creative abilities. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to delve deep into interior design’s artistic and practical aspects.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interior Design offers a unique twist to the traditional BFA path. It introduces a more technical and analytical dimension to interior design. While it encompasses the creative elements, it delves deeper into the technical facets of the field, such as construction, materials, and building systems. This blend of creativity and technical knowledge equips students with a comprehensive skill set that can be particularly valuable if your aspirations lean toward becoming a design-build expert.
In a BS in Interior Design program, you’ll explore the aesthetics and creative elements and master the practical aspects of bringing design concepts to life. You’ll gain insights into the structural aspects of interior design, understanding how spaces are constructed and the materials and systems that underpin them. This knowledge is essential when dealing with architectural plans, collaborating with builders, or overseeing the execution of your design projects.
Therefore, a BS in Interior Design is an excellent choice for those who wish to bridge the gap between the artistic and technical dimensions of interior design, preparing them for a multifaceted and dynamic career in the field.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interior Design
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interior Design is a degree that combines the artistic and theoretical aspects of the interior design field. It is an ideal choice for those who are not only fascinated by the aesthetics of design but also intrigued by the history, theory, and cultural influences that shape the design world.
Within the BA program, you’ll explore the rich tapestry of design history, understanding how various design movements have influenced how we perceive and create spaces. You’ll delve into design theory, examining the psychology of spaces and the cultural factors that impact design decisions.
This degree program places a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking. It encourages students to explore the intellectual facets of interior design, asking questions about the ‘why’ behind design choices and the societal and cultural contexts that inform them. It’s a great choice if you aspire to be a design thinker or a design historian or to incorporate a deeper layer of meaning into your design projects.
Beyond the Basics: Master’s Degrees
Master of Interior Architecture
A Master of Interior Architecture is like the road less traveled in interior design education. It represents a more specialized and advanced approach to the field. This degree program is designed for those who are not content with just the basics and wish to explore interior design in-depth.
In this program, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of design theories, advanced technical skills, and critical thinking. It goes beyond the surface of aesthetics and functionality, encouraging students to become design scholars who can critically analyze, innovate, and reimagine spaces. You’ll dive deep into the intricacies of architectural elements, understanding how structural design interacts with the aesthetics of interiors.
Master of Interior Architecture programs often entail research components, pushing students to contribute new knowledge. Graduates of this program are equipped to tackle complex design challenges with a holistic understanding of interior spaces, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to become leaders in the field and influence the future of interior design.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interior Design
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interior Design is the pinnacle of creative education in interior design. If you’re an aspiring design innovator, this is where you aim to be. This degree program is tailored for those unsatisfied with the status quo who aspire to push boundaries, break molds, and create revolutionary design experiences.
Within the MFA program, you won’t just learn how to design spaces; you’ll learn how to challenge and redefine the very definition of design. It’s a platform for creative experimentation, encouraging students to think beyond convention and embrace the extraordinary. You’ll explore avant-garde design theories, experiment with cutting-edge technologies, and deeply examine the essence of design.
Moreover, the MFA curriculum often involves collaborative projects, where students work with artists, engineers, and professionals from diverse disciplines to craft immersive, boundary-breaking designs. Graduates from MFA programs are visionaries who can shape the future of interior design, creating trends rather than following them.
Conclusions
Deciding on a major for interior design is like starting to paint on a blank canvas. The first step shapes your journey as a designer, but it’s only the beginning. With your passion, hard work, and appreciation of beauty, you can design spaces that tell stories and evoke feelings. So, let your creativity flow and embark on this artistic adventure to make the world more beautiful.
