Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Major

Careers

Interior Design

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Interior Design
  5. Careers

Related Skills

  • Analyze client's needs, goals, life, and safety requirements
  • Integrate findings with knowledge of interior design concepts that are appropriate, functional, and aesthetic
  • Develop and present final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
  • Prepare working drawings and specifications for non-load-bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
  • Collaborate with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical, and load bearing design as required for regulatory approval
  • Prepare and administer bids and contract documents as the client's agent
  • Review and evaluate design solutions during implementation and upon completion
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Kristy DeWall
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

Jenna Kirkwood
(309) 438-2517
Turner Hall 106

Related Fields

The Interior Design major focuses on residential and commercial design. Residential interior designers are responsible for the layout and design of spaces where clients live while commercial designers specialize in designing spaces for businesses such as offices, restaurants, stores, and more. Interior Designers are needed in many areas such as:

  • Health Care
  • Hospitality
  • Facility Space Planning
  • Retail Design
  • Consulting Services
  • Lighting Design
  • Exhibit Design
  • Sustainable Design

Program Highlights

  • Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) since 2002
  • Research informed design solutions
  • Virtual reality
  • Design Software
  • Regular visits to top 100 design firms and industry sites
  • International study abroad opportunities
  • Close interaction with faculty

Being Successful in the Field

Get Experience Early

There are endless opportunities to get involved as you work toward a career in interior design. Begin by joining a student organization like International Interior Design Association (IIDA) where you’ll have the chance to network with faculty, alumni, and professionals as well as fellow students in the Fashion program at ISU.

Complete an internship that relates to your career goals. Students in the Interior Design major will complete a required internship as part of their academic requirements, which typically takes place the summer between junior and senior year. As you engage yourself in your courses, start thinking early about your passions in the field, what you 
still want to learn, and what kind of internship will prepare you for the career you want after graduation.

Consider Earning a Minor

Minors can help students gain additional practice and understanding in their future areas of expertise.  Some common minors that pair well with Interior Design include:

  • Art History
  • Business Environment and Sustainability
  • Entrepreneurship     

*Adding a minor is not required to graduate

Think about Graduate School

Although not required to be successful in the field, a graduate degree in Interior Design can qualify you to enter the workforce at a higher level and make you a more competitive professional when entering thejob market. Illinois State University offers a unique accelerated master’s option for students who earn their bachelor’s degree through the Interior Design undergraduate program. More information can be found here.

Alumni/Employers

  • Farnsworth Group, Inc. – Bloomington, IL
  • Whitney Architects – Chicago, IL
  • Lippmann’s Furniture and Interiors – Peoria, IL
  • Interior Design Group Ltd. – Lisle, IL
  • Marie Flanigan Interiors – Houston, TX
  • Gensler – Los Angeles, CA
  • Cannon Design – Chicago, IL
  • Arcturis – St. Louis, MO
  • Beijing Capital Museum – Beijing, China
  • HOK – Various Locations

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu