Careers & Placement
What Does an Interior Designer Really Do?
The Interior Design Program embraces the definition of the professional interior designer as qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The professional interior designer:
- analyzes client's needs, goals, and life safety requirements
- integrates findings with knowledge of interior design
- formulates preliminary design concepts that are aesthetic, appropriate, and functional, and in accordance with codes and standards
- develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
- prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes
- collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval
- prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client's agent
- reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion
Placement
Job prospects in the region, nationally and abroad remain within reach of CSU interior design graduates with 90% of seniors placed with jobs in design or design related organizations. Graduates from the program have found employment within the top 100 design firms and top 40 multinational firms including Gensler, Studios, Slifer Design and Herman Miller Workplace, as well as leading regional firms. Portfolios are carefully reviewed and placement strategies developed in collaboration with the faculty.