Brookings Main Campus
The difference is design.
Interior design is about more than creating attractive interiors; it is about solving problems to improve the way people live, work and play. Interior design is a multi-faced profession in which creative and technical solutions are implemented within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied. In addition to creativity, this profession requires substantial technical and organizational understanding; sensibility to form, lighting, color and texture; and an awareness of design history and theory. Intensive design studios offer problem-solving experiences in all major areas of design practice (i.e. healthcare, retail, corporate office, education, hospitality and residential). Upon graduation from this CIDA (Council of Interior Design Accreditation) Accredited program, students are eligible to begin the NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) certificate examination process.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are creative and imaginative.
- Appreciate art and design.
- Are a good project manager.
- Have strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Enjoy working collaboratively.
Career Opportunities
- Interior designer with commercial focus (retail, healthcare, corporate office, etc)
- Interior designer with residential focus (kitchen and bath designer, home remodeling, décor)
- Set and/or stage designer
- Museum exhibit designer
- Researcher and writer
Recent Employers
- Gensler
- FourFront Architecture
- Canfields
- Shive-Hattery
- Highland House Showroom
Internship Opportunities
- Koch Hazard Architects
- TSP Architects
- KODO Kids
- Corgan
- Jonathan Blake Interiors
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- Interior Design Student Club
- South Dakota Interior Designers (SDID)
- International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.