InteriorDesign

Give me some space, and I'll show you what I can do.

You’re not the only person who has a knack for re-imagining the look of a room, and office, or even an entire building interior. For you though, it goes much deeper. You think about how a space connects to the people who use it—and to the environment. If you’re ready to go all-in and make a career out of it, our accredited Interior Design degree program is the place to start. Here, you’ll develop the technical and creative skills to design interior spaces that meet demanding requirements—not just aesthetically, but in terms of safety, accessibility, and sustainability. You’ll be surrounded and inspired by other talented, creatively driven students. And you’ll be pushed, challenged, and, above all else, supported by experienced faculty*. It’ll take total commitment. But it could add up to a career doing what you love.

ASID Allied Membership

The Art Institutes will pay the 1st year ASID Allied Membership dues (American Society of Interior Designers) for students who graduate with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Interior Design.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty & instructors.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Quarter Credit Hours:

180

Timeframe:

12 Quarters

View Academic Catalog

Meet our Alumni

Andray Clarke

General Education , 2012

"The Art Institute of Houston opened the doors to design for me. I have always been aware of my passion but didn't have the direction or knowledge to make it work for me."
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Andray Clarke

Andray A. Clark creates illustrations, animations, and 2D/3D modeling for Superior Energy Completion Services in Houston, Texas. Andray is an active serviceman. He’s spent eight years in the United States Navy, earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Andray is the only illustrator within the company and he’s careful to manage each project to ensure it’s completed in a timely manner. “I love my job and the clients love my work, so it is always worth it.”

Andray is proud to have completed his education and set a positive example for his children. “Most families I knew growing up didn’t see college graduation as a possibility. I’m proud to show my kids that this is one of the many options that can be accomplished by hard work and dedication.” Andray says he comes for a family of creative artists. His mother is a nurse who also works as an artist, decorator, and florist. He enjoys the opportunity to be creative and innovative. “This field is [on the forefront] of technology. The products that we have been trained to produce have multiple end users and [are] in demand.”

Andray, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Science in Design & Technical Graphics from The Art Institute of Houston, says his education opened the door to a career in design. “I have always been aware of my passion [for design] but didn’t have the direction or knowledge to make it work for me.” He recommends that current students work hard and discover their strengths. “Search for what you love and point it toward a career path.” Andray believes that successful illustrators and animators must also stay ahead of the curve. He says that future industry trends include evolving rendering software, using animation and 3D models for marketing, growing minority-owned business, and understanding marketing and educational material.

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Brian Jones

Culinary Arts , 2015

"[My education] taught me how to be a balanced and well-rounded chef. I learned about the importance of attention to detail and consistency."
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Brian Jones

Brian Jones is a culinary assistant at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He assists in the presentation and preparation of food. “Every day begins and ends with a meeting to discuss events. Stations are assigned and expectations for each of us are given. Stations rotate regularly so that we are able to learn everything equally,” he says.

Brian is excited to be a Disney cast member—a job he describes as “creating happiness.” “The fact that I am able to [make people happy] with food is what I’m most proud of.” He adds that his culinary inspiration is James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, TV personality, and restaurateur Chef Michael Symon. Living and working at Disney World is also a major perk. “I get into all of the parks for free whenever I want and I experience Disney magic on a daily basis.”

Brian, who in 2015 earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Houston, says his education taught him to be a balanced and well-rounded industry professional. “I learned about the importance of attention to detail and consistency.” Brian recommends that current students use fruits and vegetables that are in season and never stop practicing the basics. “The techniques you learn in your skills lab will go with you for your entire career.”
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Joe Pierzchajlo

Culinary Management , 2012

"I love the fact that I am in the kitchen on a weekly basis but I am also traveling and meeting manufacturers or providing on-site catering."
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Joe Pierzchajlo

Joe Pierzchajlo is working as an executive chef for Green Plate Foods in Bellaire, TX. He’s responsible for new product research and development, managing the catering staff, and menu planning. Each week, Joe and his team create new products for taste testing—then they fine-tune products that have already been developed. He also meets with contract manufacturers to begin the process of having certain products commercialized for wider distribution.

Joe is excited at the growth he’s experienced while at Green Plate Foods. When he joined the company, it was in transition. “One of [the new] goals was to take our top baked goods and produce them on a larger scale with the help of contract manufacturers. I helped lead this process and we now have around dozen items that being commercially produced and carried by food distributors like Sysco and sold in stores such as Whole Foods,” he says.

Joe, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management from The Art Institute of Houston, says that his education helped him to become a better cook and well-rounded culinary artist. The school’s chef instructors taught him the foundations of classical cooking, while his management classes helped him to gain an understanding of menu costing and accounting. “I love the fact that I am in the kitchen on a weekly basis but I am also traveling and meeting manufacturers or providing on-site catering.”
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What Will I Study?

I know what I want. Now show me what I need.

Creating living and working spaces isn’t just about color, light, and materials. It’s about building codes, accessibility, and sustainability. In a rigorous, all-encompassing Interior Design curriculum developed by industry and education innovators to deliver the right balance, you'll study:

Traditional and Computerized Design

Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)

Space Planning

Textiles

Lighting

Barrier-Free Designs

Interior Architectural Systems

Residential Design

Commercial Design

Institutional Design

Office Design

Materials and Specifications

Building and Safety Codes

Sustainable Building Principles and Practices

Environmental Design

Human Factors

I'm looking for my proving ground.

At The Art Institutes system of schools, creativity is our core, our calling, our culture. We know that a creative career isn’t for everyone. It’s only for those who have the confidence and tenacity to make the leap from passion to profession. Our Interior Design degree program reflects the real world and all its challenges. Because it’s tough out there, it’s tough in here. But you’ll have the support you need to make your creativity marketable. We’ll provide the mentoring and real-world experience you need to prevail, with faculty* who’ve worked in the field and internship possibilities at successful businesses. You’ll be encouraged and expected to be bold. To take risks. To push yourself and the people around you. It won’t be easy. In fact, it’ll be the hardest thing you’ll ever love.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

Program Accreditation and Student Achievement Data

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design is accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, Ml, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by The Art Institute of Houston meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit:https://www.cidq.org/paths.

In accordance with guidelines established by The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and CIDA, the institution collects and publishes student achievement data that addresses various aspects of program enrollment and student learning.

Student Achievement Data

Meet our Faculty

Patrick Brunelli-Guerra

Culinary Arts

"Never say that something is impossible. See every challenge as a new opportunity for you to grow even more."
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Patrick Brunelli-Guerra

Academic Credentials

International equivalency of a bachelor's degree, Culinary Arts, evaluated by Career Consulting International
B.S., Culinary Management, The Art Institute of Houston

More than 25 years' culinary experience and classical European training, including: Executive Chef, Marriott Hotels; Executive Sous Chef, Intercontinental Hotel Houston; Executive Chef, Trattoria Grappolo; Sous Chef, Sonnenalp Resort; Sous Chef, Restaurant le Beaujolais. Chef Guerra has competed and won 9 silver and bronze medals in ACF culinary competitions (2005 - 2013); Les Chaines des Rotisseurs Hospitality Award (2003); Swiss Culinary Cup, Lucerne (2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996); multiple international culinary competitions in Canada, Switzerland and Italy, including Swiss Cook of the Year 1994 and Best Apprentice of Switzerland for 1993. He is a Certified Executive Chef with The American Culinary Federation.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

I’ve always had a passion for cooking. When I was 13 I spent my summer vacation washing dishes at my uncle’s Italian restaurant. I was fascinated by how he prepared all these intriguing, delicious dishes. Two years later, I started a culinary apprentice in Switzerland.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?

I always combine the basic techniques with real-life examples from my experience as an executive chef. We end each class with a recap of techniques and cooking methods, then apply them to a situation in a restaurant kitchen. It helps students understand what’s expected of them once they graduate.

What class assignment exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring?

In my Senior Culinary Practicum Class, I show students the final product, then work backwards and explain the steps it takes to get there. I don’t like to hand them all the answers on a silver platter; I want them to think for themselves.

How does collaboration contribute to students’ success—particularly when students from various programs work together?

Teamwork is absolutely essential. In my Senior Culinary Practicum, I engage students from Photography, Graphic & Web Design, and Interior Design to create a menu, do the marketing, and design a kitchen and dining room layout. It’s a great way for students to see the big picture.

What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?

Always be humble, learn as much as you can, and be open to others’ ideas.

What’s the most critical advice you would offer any student embarking on a creative career?

Never say that something is impossible. See every challenge as a new opportunity for you to grow even more.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I firmly believe that partnering with international schools is very valuable for our students in terms of broadening their experience.
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Latest happenings

Interior Design

Ai LIVE: Interior Designer Michel Smith Boyd Creates Unique Style
Interior Designer Michel Smith Boyd, founder of Smithwood Interiors, talks about how he came up with his post-graduation plans and how he developed his signature style.

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