Program Overview

Introduction to the Interior Design Program

The Interior Design program at Louisiana State University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create holistic, beautiful, and functional spaces that improve the quality of life for individuals. This program focuses on shaping environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and reflective of the users' needs, comfort, identity, and values.

What is Interior Design?

Interior design involves more than just making spaces look good; it's about improving the quality of life by shaping how people live and feel in those spaces. As an interior designer, one creates environments that are functional, sustainable, and inspiring, whether it's a home, office, or public space. The program teaches students to design for wellness, creativity, and purpose.

Program Highlights

• Holistic Design Approach: Students learn to use scientific research to design beautiful, functional, eco-friendly spaces that promote comfort, productivity, and better overall health. This often involves working with partner organizations to solve real-life design challenges for a sustainable future.
• Studio Culture: Studio courses start from the first semester, where students implement design principles and methods through project-based, collaborative learning. This builds confidence and provides a strong design foundation. Each student has their own personal workstation with 24/7 access.
• Beyond the Studio: The program offers visits to prestigious firms, internships, externships, service projects, and student organizations to provide professional experience through active learning. Examples include designing homes for families in need with Habitat for Humanity and representing LSU at the Disney Leadership Experience.
• Inspiring Spaces: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Fabrication Lab, Design Shop, Materials Lab, IDEA Hub, and Communication Across the Curriculum studio. These facilities provide access to woodworking, 3D printers, kilns, darkrooms, material samples, digital software, and more, allowing students to bring their ideas to life.

Career Opportunities

An LSU degree in Interior Design opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, graduates are prepared for success in today's competitive job market.

Potential Careers

• Interior Designer
• Designer
• Project Manager
• Design Director
• Interior Design Educator
• Events Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Lighting Consultant
• Brand Experience Consultant
• Sustainability Consultant
• Industrial Designer
• Product Designer
• Exhibition Designer
• Set Designer

Workplace Settings

• Interior Design Firms
• Interdisciplinary Firms
• Healthcare Facilities
• Educational Institutions
• Governmental Agencies
• Hospitality Groups
• Construction Companies
• Property Developers
• Branded Environments Firms
• Event Management

Salary Expectations

The average alumni Interior Design salary 5 years after graduation is $74,000.

Building Skills

The program fosters critical skills including:

• Critical Thinking: Solving real-world problems with empathy, design, and purpose.
• Utilizing Design Technology: Bringing ideas to life using 3D modeling, digital fabrication, specialty software, and more.
• Human-Centered Design: Creating spaces that reflect users' needs, comfort, identity, and values.
• Designing Well-Being: Shaping spaces that enhance the health, safety, and happiness of the people who use them.

Post-Graduate Education

LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help students innovate and lead in their field. These include:

• Masters (MSID) – Master of Science in Interior Design
• Masters (MArch) – Master of Architecture
• DDes – Doctor of Design

These programs engage students in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and provide learning from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges.

Related Majors

Students may also be interested in related fields such as:

• Textiles, Apparel, & Merchandising
• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Art

These programs share similarities with Interior Design and can offer complementary skills and knowledge for those interested in design, sustainability, and human-centered environments.