Kendall College of Art and Design
(800) 676-2787
17 Fountain St. NW,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Bachelor's Degree
Locations:
Design with Purpose
The Interior Design program, at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, teaches you to shape spaces that support how people live, work, and play. From your first year, you’ll work on a variety of project types from residential to workplace, retail, hospitality, and healthcare design. You will build your creative thinking and technical skills while focusing on human-centered design and sustainability. You will learn to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and made to support the people who use them.
With small class sizes and a close-knit community of faculty and peers, you’ll get one-on-one support to reach your goals. Most students complete at least one hands-on internship in a variety of work settings.
Hands-on Learning
With class sizes of 12-14 students, the learning experience is personal, collaborative, and supportive. Whether you’re just starting out or transferring in, faculty will get to know your professional goals and guide you through skill-building activities. Knowledge is applied through project-based learning in a studio environment, not just lectures or tests.
Career ReadY
This program gives you a foundation in creative thinking and technical skills while preparing you for a wide range of in-demand design roles across residential and commercial areas. You'll go on to become a designer, consultant, project manager, and product specialist. Courses include useful field trips and guest speakers to advance your knowledge of the industry.
Industry connections and internships
Field trips, studio tours, and internships will give you direct access to lead designers across Michigan. Over 90% of students have at least one, paid internship with companies like Steelcase, West Elm, Virginia Tile, Haworth, or architecture and design firms while in school. These experiences open doors and help you build a strong professional network before you graduate.
human-centered design
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based design to improve people’s well-being. You’ll explore topics like accessibility, life-safety, biophilia, sustainability, and how thoughtful design solutions can promote health and productivity. This human-centered approach ensures that your work as a designer has a lasting, positive impact on the people who live, work, and play in the spaces you create.
Program Details
Interior Design Resource Room
Explore and be inspired by more than 2,500 material samples in the Interior Design Resource Room. From textiles and wall coverings to flooring and finishes, this dedicated space will support and enrich your design process. This professional-grade resource mirrors what's used in design firms and will help you make informed, creative decisions as soon as you enter the interior design industry.
What You Will Study
Your work in interior design will change how people live and work. You will learn to rethink healing spaces in hospitals and create friendly public areas. As an Interior Design student at Ferris State, you will build a wide range of skills and learn to use innovation, empathy, and technical skills create impactful environments.
- Residential, workplace, retail, hospitality, and healthcare design
- Human-centered and evidence-based design
- Space planning and lighting design
- Industry business practices
- Digital and analog design tools
- Real-world, project-based learning
- Accessible design and sustainability
Career Outlook
Accreditation
The Ferris State University Interior Design bachelor's degree program is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
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