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I want to take interior design in college but before that I have senior high and I still don't know the strand I will take. Is to arts and design or STEM ?

I already asked some of my hs teachers and they said to take gas or stem.
What do you think guys it should be? 😭

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Céline’s Answer

Hi Ben. I have an unconventional background as I started with a Master in Environmental engineering, then changed career when I was 30 to become an interior designer. So from my personal point of view, here is my take: Interior design is of course about creativity, but also a lot about problem solving. Using AutoCAD requires to be really good in geometry and also math. If you are interested in Interior design, you are obviously already a creative person. But making sure the geeky part of interior design, which I love and is how to create functional and safe spaces for your clients, is to me the most important. For that reason, I would go for STEM to make sure you actually do not detest the math part of it. You will have plenty of time to hone your creativity skills before you become a designer. HOWEVER, if your high school offers classes or electives in interior design, architecture, AutoCAD, or even art classes (color theory, art history, exploring different media etc), by all means take them. But I would suggest you first go for STEM to get comfortable with the hardcore aspect of interior design, which is essential. My best interns and employees were the ones who were smart and loved AutoCAD and problem solving - Even if you end up becoming a partner and you will have drafters who will do your CAD plans, get comfortable with as many Computer Aided Design software you can. Best of luck!
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Gideon’s Answer

For interior design, I'd recommend the Arts and Design strand. Here's why:

Arts and Design Strand
- Focuses on creative and artistic skills
- Covers subjects like Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Fashion Design
- Develops your understanding of color theory, texture, and spatial relationships

STEM Strand
- Focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math
- While STEM is essential for many fields, it might not be the best fit for interior design

Taking the Arts and Design strand will provide a solid foundation for your future interior design studies. You'll develop essential skills in creativity, visual arts, and design principles.

However, if you're interested in the technical aspects of interior design, like building codes, sustainability, or architectural details, some STEM courses might be helpful. Consider taking elective STEM courses or seeking additional training in those areas later on.

Remember to research your college's specific requirements and recommendations for interior design programs. Some colleges might prefer or require specific coursework or skills.

Hope this helps you make an informed decision!
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Randall Paul’s Answer

Hi Ben,

I'll give you my perspective. What do you love? Interior Design is not what most people think it is. Most people will respond when they find out what I do with something like "Oh how fun! I love HGTV!" The real profession bears no resemblance to these perceptions. For decorators, the distinction can be more troublesome. The Decoration (FF&E, Fabrics, Finishes, Materials) aspect of this work is roughly 15% of the job on a good day. That means that the remaining activity 85%-90% is the technical and administrative part of Interior Design.
I am an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer and a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in Texas. The exams not only cover design abilities but also focus more heavily on Professional Practice, Building Systems, and most importantly Health, Safety, and Well fare. I practice more as an Interior Architect. I specialize in detailing interior spaces. Meaning that I actually take conceptual design and engineer it to be built. I love it. It is technical and I have approached it from a very different carrier path from most of my colleagues. I have worked for General Contractors in New York City, Residential Firms, Renovation Firms, Commercial Millwork Firms for the healthcare and hospitality sectors, and other specialized firms. I have worn the hats as a Designer, Project Manager, Design Manager, Architectural Lead and many other hats. All of that work,, for a time seemed unrelated. These days I view it all as essential and it has made me a better designer without question. I am in demand as a result of my well-roundedness. I can speak to any number of disciplines or trades with authority because I've been in their shoes. I can approach any design problem not from one but multiple points of view always with a strong foundation of "Why."
Now if it seems like my answer is my resume, it is really intended to let you know that it is a diverse field. If you're someone who loves to be creative and loves STEM, continuous learning, Interior Design is an incredible field that encompasses all of these things. It's also challenging. There is not a day that goes by that I don't enjoy what I do.

Randall Paul recommends the following next steps:

Find a Program the sounds interesting to you and tour the school/department.
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Karen’s Answer

There are advantages to both avenues. Following the STEM path will give you the technical understanding and math knowledge to excel in college studies. I love Interior Design, but there have been times over the years that I have looked back and thought about how much I would have enjoyed drawing the entire structure or managing the entire project. An architect is automatically an Interior Designer and can design an entire project from concept to completion whether it is commercial or residential. Please don't mis-understand, I love interior design work and I am delighted to work on any projects that may come my way, but if you want more control over the work you do, higher math will help you to achieve that. I love art and design as well and there are minors that you can add to your degree that will help you to understand the "why" of design.
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