Interior Design at CIA
Our Interior Design program emphasizes commercial retail, architectural, functional, and spatial design. As a student, you will study design processes, sensitivity and knowledge of material specification, and ethical problem solving. You also will learn several presentation methods, including drawing, rendering, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D modeling.
A Real-World Classroom
Partnering with local design firms is one of our program’s greatest strengths. These relationships provide Interior Design majors with exciting assignments, such as designing restaurants, health care centers, auto dealerships, and museum, exhibition and showroom space.
Additionally, you will participate in student exhibitions, job fairs, and materials workshops offered by leading furniture and materials manufacturers. You will gain a unique perspective of the industry through lectures and symposiums by award-winning designers, visits to top design firms in the region, and summer internships.
Each of these experiential learning experiences will strengthen your communication skills, demonstrate industry expectations, and improve your understanding of designer-client relations. They also create a learning atmosphere of collaboration, innovation, and community.
Learn More
Find out more about our interior design facilities, faculty, courses, and available scholarships. Check out potential career paths in interior design or works created by our students.
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Chris Istense |
Jody Amsden |
Kat Hoy |
Matt Schaefer |
Mike Muchoff |
Tara Sampson |
Interior Design Facilities
CIA students majoring in Interior Design work in their own studio space and also share resources with the Department of Industrial Design. You’ll have access to cutting-edge computer technology, shop facilities, presentation rooms, project rooms, and rapid prototyping—a technology that turns your CAD/CAM design into a three dimensional scale model.Careers in Interior Design
Our interior design graduates are employed by a variety of groups, such as Design Forum, FRCH, MillerZell, Chute Gerdeman, and Jones Apparel Group.
With a BFA in interior design, you may work for:
- Consulting design firms
- Architectural design firms
- Interior design firms
- Retail design firms
Download the Interior Design program of study
Access Course Schedules and Description
Interior Design Courses
- Architectural Drawing and Documentation
- Architecture and Communication Skills
- Freshman Environmental Elective: Design
- Graphics for Design
- Interior Design Advanced Problems
- Interior Design: AutoCAD
- Interior Design BFA Survey
- Interior Design Communication Skills I
- Interior Design Communication Skills II
- Interior Design: Intermediate Problems
- Interior Design: Senior Thesis Problem
- Materials, Research, and Space Planning
- Retail Design and Brand Design
- Retail, Restaurant, and Store Design
- Space and Planning Fundamentals
Scholarships
The Cleveland Institute of Art offers an extensive merit recognition program, using endowed scholarships and other private monies, to support our students. We offer scholarships through our academic departments, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Financial Aid. Learn more about scholarships at CIA.
Download Institute Wide (Open) Awards
Download Award Recipient Information Sheet
Interior Design Scholarships
Erwin J. Paulli Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Interior Design
Awarded for excellence to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Interior Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $220, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Laura Shapero Scholarship for Excellence in Interior Design
Awarded for excellence to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Interior Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,290, shared by 1 or 2 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Sharon Lynn Kumin Scholarship for Excellence in Interior Design
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Interior Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $330, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.