3 answers
Jaylen
Student
Brighton, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
1132 views
How can I choose a good college option for interior design? Can I also have a course for event planning while in college?
Hello, I am looking for colleges for interior design that are available for me to come over and visit the campus. I am in Colorado and a Junior in high school currently. I want to know if I can also take a course so I can start party planning while in college.
Thank you.
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3 answers
Natalie Goodman, NCIDQ NEWH
Commercial and Hospitality Interior Design
7
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hello Jaylen,
I'm completely on the same page as Mauricio. CSU Fort Collins offers an excellent program known as Interior Architecture and Design. The more knowledge you can soak up about architecture, the more advantageous it will be for you. Plus, CSU being a state school, it's a more budget-friendly choice compared to RMCAD.
I would strongly suggest you consider spending a day shadowing a professional. This will give you a real-world glimpse into the everyday tasks and responsibilities of the job. You'll find that many architecture and interior design firms are open to providing this opportunity.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
-Natalie Goodman
I'm completely on the same page as Mauricio. CSU Fort Collins offers an excellent program known as Interior Architecture and Design. The more knowledge you can soak up about architecture, the more advantageous it will be for you. Plus, CSU being a state school, it's a more budget-friendly choice compared to RMCAD.
I would strongly suggest you consider spending a day shadowing a professional. This will give you a real-world glimpse into the everyday tasks and responsibilities of the job. You'll find that many architecture and interior design firms are open to providing this opportunity.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
-Natalie Goodman
Victoria Whitney
clerical work
2
Answers
Marrero, Louisiana
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hello!
It’s wonderful to hear that you’re exploring colleges for interior design and considering event planning as well. Let me share some steps and resources to help you make an informed decision:
1. Look for CIDA-Accredited Programs
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is a trusted organization that accredits interior design programs. Choosing a CIDA-accredited college ensures you’re getting a high-quality education that meets industry standards. You can visit the CIDA website for a list of accredited colleges.
2. Explore Colleges in Colorado and Beyond
Since you’re in Colorado, there are great local options like the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and Colorado State University, which have strong design programs. If you’re open to traveling, consider colleges in neighboring states that also offer CIDA-accredited programs. Many campuses welcome prospective students for tours to get a feel for their facilities, programs, and culture.
3. Combine Interior Design with Event Planning
Many colleges allow students to take electives or minors in related fields. Look for colleges offering programs or courses in event planning, hospitality management, or communication. These fields complement interior design well, especially if you’re interested in party and event planning, as both require creativity, spatial planning, and attention to detail.
4. Questions to Ask During Campus Visits
When visiting colleges, ask about:
-Program structure and specialization opportunities.
-Will you learn about residential design your first two years and commercial design your third and fourth years?
- Do you learn about both designs simultaneously?
- What is the course load like? how many support classes will you be taking alongside your studio class?
-Is everything taught in the studio class and you don't have support classes?
-Internship or co-op opportunities in interior design and event planning.
-Availability of minors or certificates in event planning or hospitality.
-I would personally look into a hospitality, event planning, or communications minor to help you with this
- If you just want the one class, look at the CIDA website for interior design accredited colleges, and view the colleges' academic catalog to see what classes they offer throughout the year.
-Alumni success stories in design or event-related careers.
-As a recent graduate still looking for a job in the field, finding a college that pushes networking events is very helpful as it can lead to job and internship offers before graduation.
5. Other Tips
-Check if the college has active clubs or student organizations for interior design or event planning.
- IIDA, ASID, and NKBA are three popular ones where I'm from. They are international and national organizations that can help you network, find jobs, find design solutions, and find friends if you move some place new.
-Inquire about study-abroad programs or industry connections, as these can enrich your learning experience.
-Consider the location—colleges in cities often provide better access to internships and industry networking.
Good luck with your search! If you need help narrowing down choices or have more questions, feel free to reach out.
Check out the CIDA website for Accredited Programs
Search a college's Academic Catalog for courses you would be interested in for event planning
Search the college's Academic catalog minors that need that course
Apply for the college of your choice
It’s wonderful to hear that you’re exploring colleges for interior design and considering event planning as well. Let me share some steps and resources to help you make an informed decision:
1. Look for CIDA-Accredited Programs
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is a trusted organization that accredits interior design programs. Choosing a CIDA-accredited college ensures you’re getting a high-quality education that meets industry standards. You can visit the CIDA website for a list of accredited colleges.
2. Explore Colleges in Colorado and Beyond
Since you’re in Colorado, there are great local options like the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and Colorado State University, which have strong design programs. If you’re open to traveling, consider colleges in neighboring states that also offer CIDA-accredited programs. Many campuses welcome prospective students for tours to get a feel for their facilities, programs, and culture.
3. Combine Interior Design with Event Planning
Many colleges allow students to take electives or minors in related fields. Look for colleges offering programs or courses in event planning, hospitality management, or communication. These fields complement interior design well, especially if you’re interested in party and event planning, as both require creativity, spatial planning, and attention to detail.
4. Questions to Ask During Campus Visits
When visiting colleges, ask about:
-Program structure and specialization opportunities.
-Will you learn about residential design your first two years and commercial design your third and fourth years?
- Do you learn about both designs simultaneously?
- What is the course load like? how many support classes will you be taking alongside your studio class?
-Is everything taught in the studio class and you don't have support classes?
-Internship or co-op opportunities in interior design and event planning.
-Availability of minors or certificates in event planning or hospitality.
-I would personally look into a hospitality, event planning, or communications minor to help you with this
- If you just want the one class, look at the CIDA website for interior design accredited colleges, and view the colleges' academic catalog to see what classes they offer throughout the year.
-Alumni success stories in design or event-related careers.
-As a recent graduate still looking for a job in the field, finding a college that pushes networking events is very helpful as it can lead to job and internship offers before graduation.
5. Other Tips
-Check if the college has active clubs or student organizations for interior design or event planning.
- IIDA, ASID, and NKBA are three popular ones where I'm from. They are international and national organizations that can help you network, find jobs, find design solutions, and find friends if you move some place new.
-Inquire about study-abroad programs or industry connections, as these can enrich your learning experience.
-Consider the location—colleges in cities often provide better access to internships and industry networking.
Good luck with your search! If you need help narrowing down choices or have more questions, feel free to reach out.
Victoria recommends the following next steps:
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
50
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Hello Jaylen!
Here are some suggestions for choosing a good college for interior design and exploring courses in event planning:
Interior Design Programs in Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD):
Located in Colorado, RMCAD offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor's degree in Interior Design. The program emphasizes a mix of creative and technical skills, including drafting, lighting design, and space planning, with options for sustainability specializations. The college provides both on-campus and online courses, making it flexible for different learning preferences
2. Colorado State University (CSU):
CSU provides an accredited program in Interior Architecture and Design. The curriculum integrates sustainable design practices and offers opportunities to work on real-world projects through internships and collaborative studios
Event Planning Courses
While in college, many institutions offer electives or minors related to event planning, particularly within departments like Hospitality or Business. You can inquire with schools you're interested in to see if they offer courses or certifications in this field. Some online platforms also provide excellent event planning courses to complement your college education.
Campus Visits and Next Steps
If you’re interested in visiting campuses, both RMCAD and CSU offer tours for prospective students. Be sure to contact their admissions offices to arrange a visit and learn about their programs in detail.
Additional Suggestion
While researching, you might want to explore online programs in interior design. The National Design Academy (NDA) in the UK provides comprehensive and flexible courses in interior design, which can be pursued online, offering an alternative or supplemental option for your education.
Let me know if you'd like further details or assistance with planning your next steps!
May the force be with you!
Here are some suggestions for choosing a good college for interior design and exploring courses in event planning:
Interior Design Programs in Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD):
Located in Colorado, RMCAD offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor's degree in Interior Design. The program emphasizes a mix of creative and technical skills, including drafting, lighting design, and space planning, with options for sustainability specializations. The college provides both on-campus and online courses, making it flexible for different learning preferences
2. Colorado State University (CSU):
CSU provides an accredited program in Interior Architecture and Design. The curriculum integrates sustainable design practices and offers opportunities to work on real-world projects through internships and collaborative studios
Event Planning Courses
While in college, many institutions offer electives or minors related to event planning, particularly within departments like Hospitality or Business. You can inquire with schools you're interested in to see if they offer courses or certifications in this field. Some online platforms also provide excellent event planning courses to complement your college education.
Campus Visits and Next Steps
If you’re interested in visiting campuses, both RMCAD and CSU offer tours for prospective students. Be sure to contact their admissions offices to arrange a visit and learn about their programs in detail.
Additional Suggestion
While researching, you might want to explore online programs in interior design. The National Design Academy (NDA) in the UK provides comprehensive and flexible courses in interior design, which can be pursued online, offering an alternative or supplemental option for your education.
Let me know if you'd like further details or assistance with planning your next steps!
May the force be with you!
Thank you!