Africa
Interior design education has been delivered in South Africa since the 1970s, and this education is on a par with programs offered in most developed countries of the world. In Africa, interior design programs are offered at universities, universities of technology and at registered private colleges.
Europe
In Europe, the educational requirements differ between interior architects (considered a profession comparable to architects or structural engineers) and interior designers (considered a trade comparable to carpenters).
Traditionally in Germany, Interior Architecture has been taught at polytechnic universities or universities of applied sciences. Baccalaureate programs are normally three years (6 semesters) in length. In Germany, the adaptation of the university system to the international degrees Bachelor and Master has led to a restructuring of degree programs. Since university education has traditionally lasted at least 5 years, many Diploma programs have been transformed into consecutive graduate Master programs. Some European universities form partnerships with other universities to offer "internationally orientated Masters courses" in Interior Design, where parts of the course takes place between European partner institutions to offer comprehensive instruction in the Interior Design program, including preparation for the Interior Design qualification exam.
In the United Kingdom, several universities and art colleges offer 3-year degree courses and year-long MA courses in interior design. Centres such as the Glasgow School of Art are held with high prestige. A fast-track alternative to this educational route, which is particularly popular with adult students, is available through the private education sector.
North America
Canada
Canadian interior design education can be acquired through the college or university level. Unlike the programs offered in the United States, a degree is not required to become a registered professional designer. Admission to programs is based on academic marks and creative ability as demonstrated in a portfolio submission. Once accepted into a program, six years of combined educational and work experience is required before one can take the professional examination to become a registered interior designer. Therefore, if someone graduates from a three year college diploma program, they will need a minimum of three years working experience, while someone graduating from a four year degree program will only need two. Masters degree programs in Interior Design are far less common in Canada.
Canada has similar professional standards as the United States, using the same professional examination, the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. In addition, students are recommended to complete their education at an institution that is accredited by the
Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The province of Ontario is currently in the process of requiring all institutions offering interior design to be accredited.
United States
Interior Design degree offerings
In the United States, many universities and colleges offer four year baccalaureate degrees in Interior Design. Some design colleges also offer Interior Design program as stand-alone program. Master degrees in the Interior Design discipline are also available, although this advanced degree is less common than the baccalaureate degree. Instead, many professionals pursue advanced degrees in related subjects, such as industrial design, fine art or education.
Distance education in Interior Design
Educational institutions have expanded beyond the traditional, studio-based instruction in interior design by offering online degree programs for in interior design. The online degree programs, like the ones offered in traditional form, feature as comprehensive curriculum under offerings that range from 60-credit diploma courses to certificate programs, and to as many as 132 credits for a full-blown baccalaureate degree program.
Recognition of degree programs
Some graduate degree programs in interior design do not require a bachelor's degree in a related field. It is highly beneficial to complete an interior design degree that is accredited by the
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly the
Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research, or "FIDER"), the primary accreditation agency for interior design education in the United States.
Although most interior design schools in the United States retain "Interior Design" in the program name, some schools have adopted the name "Interior Architecture" instead. However, programs with "Interior Architecture" in its name may not be comparable to programs for interior design. A practicing professional cannot use the title of "Interior Architect," unless the person also completes the requirements for becoming a licensed architect. As "Interior Architecture" programs are not NAAB accredited, the use of the term "Architecture" is somewhat of a misnomer.
References
External links
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Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) resources
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Council for Interior Design Accreditation
See also
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Interior Architecture
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Interior Decoration
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Interior Design
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International Interior Design Association
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