Welcome to Career Corner, a regular feature in Cougar News which highlights workforce programs at Collin College. Today, we are taking a look at the college’s Interior Design program.
Collin College’s Interior Design program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an industry dedicated to creating functional and attractive living and working spaces. To learn more, we talked to Debi Fuller, the lead professor for Interior Design.
What is interior design?
Interior design is defined as the professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human needs. Interior designers are creative, detail oriented, and technical problem solvers who work with their clients to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, and attractive. Combining aesthetic vision with practical skills and knowledge, interior designers impact the human experience and transform lives.
Through the use of furniture placement, color palettes, finish and materials, and sustainable strategies, interior designers can create a variety of spaces. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.
What will students learn in Collin College’s Interior Design program?
Students learn about color theory, history of interiors, computer-aided drafting, space planning, interior construction, interior finish and materials, and sustainable practices.
What career opportunities are available with a degree in interior design?
- Residential design assistant or consultant
- Residential designer
- Real estate home staging
- Draftsman/production
- Contract design firm – resource library
- Design build/interior design
- Residential home builder – design consultant (finish and material selection)
- Retail furniture design/sales
- Kitchen and bath design
- Closet planning and design
- Garage planning and design
- Design showroom manager
- Design showroom sales
- Drapery and custom bed linen design/sales and marketing
- Custom millwork fabricators – design and shop drawings
- Facilities site design/planning
- Contract furniture dealerships – design, project management, or sales
- Interior design product sales
What else can you tell us about the program?
Built to respond to current industry trends and job market needs, the program provides a greater focus on technical drawing, rendering, and interior detailing than other interior design programs offered by Collin College in the past. The program also integrates industry experts as guest speakers, mentors, and advisory committee members, exposing students to local industry events will help with future networking opportunities.
Interior Designer Average Salary: 57,300*
Job Growth: 12.4 percent*
For more information about other workforce programs, check out the information sheets at www.collin.edu/academics/info/ or visit www.collin.edu/academics/AcadPrg_careerclusters.html.
* Data for Collin County obtained from JobsEQ and O*Net Note: Average salary for occupation as of 2019 and job growth projected from 2020-2027.