Interior Design Major (BFA)

George Fox's interior design major educates students to become creative and responsible designers of residential and commercial spaces.

Program components emphasize problem solving in applied design studios, and with a focus on space planning, sourcing and industry connection, you will learn to design environments for residential and commercial spaces in a broad range of design programs.

As courses progress, you will be challenged by design problems that increase in size and complexity, and develop an understanding of sustainable building by learning the fundamentals of LEED and sustainable building practices.

Our program focuses on the human health and safety of spaces and prepares students to work in a variety of settings in the progressional interior design world.

Program curriculum and outcomes are all directly tied to NCIDQ Certification and LEED accreditation competencies, preparing students to join the interior design industry immediately upon graduation.

We've also been recognized nationally. Our program was named the International Interior Design Association’s 2023 Campus Center of the Year – quite an honor considering all U.S. schools with interior design programs were considered!

You Will Be Professionally Prepared

Our program is deeply connected to the local Portland design industry, and you will work with industry mentors in several classes to create professional relationships. We also work closely with local professional organizations like IIDA and ASID.

Our curriculum is based on the fundamentals of the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam, which you can take after entering the industry. From building codes to ADA regulations, you will be equipped with the knowledge to design for the health, safety and welfare of building occupants.

You'll also be prepared to take the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate exam, allowing you to be a step ahead when you enter the field and be an expert on sustainability before you even graduate.

With a curriculum that covers the facets of both residential and commercial design – by tackling real-world design problems, developing innovative solutions to challenging topics, and learning professional practices for the industry – you'll be equipped to be a successful and creative member of the design community.

What Will I Study?

• Designing residential and commercial spaces

• Knowledge in sourcing for furniture and finishes

• Detailing and building custom furniture

• Understand sustainability and green building

• Creating safe and equitable spaces

As courses progress, you will be challenged by design problems that increase in size and complexity. The curriculum will help you develop an understanding of the influence of sustainable building and reuse on human health, well-being and performance.