Interior Architecture Careers Start at Columbia
Earn Your Interior Architecture Degree in a Leading Hub for Architecture and Design
The Interior Architecture BFA prepares you to design spaces that are functional, sustainable, and people-focused. As one of the top colleges with Interior Architecture Design majors, Columbia College Chicago gives you the chance to spend most of your time in the studio — building a portfolio, applying design-thinking to real-world challenges, and developing the technical skills to launch your career.
As part of the interior architecture program, you’ll build a practical skill set through:
- Foundational Courses in Art and Design: Learn design thinking, human-centered design, and the principles of materials, construction, lighting, and building codes.
- Hands-On Studio Experience: Work in professional-style studios where you research, plan, and prototype projects while strengthening your portfolio.
- A Real-World Capstone Project: Apply your skills to a client-based project presented to Chicago’s architecture and design community for industry critique.
Connect with us today to learn more about your future at Chicago’s esteemed interior architecture college.
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Gain a Competitive Edge in Creative Arts at Columbia
Live in a City at the Forefront of Arts and Culture
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
A High-Level Look at the Interior Architecture Program
The BFA in Interior Architecture Prepares You for Licensure
Design in Our 15,000-sq-ft Fabrication Facility
Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries — from design and media to performance, business, and tech. Ninety-six percent of recent graduates report being employed or achieving success in creative practice, and you'll graduate career ready and connected too.
Graduates of the interior architecture program are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including architectural designer, commercial space planner, historic preservationist, interior designer, landscape architect, sustainable design consultant.
"At Columbia, I learned that we’re not just designing for ourselves or making things look good — we’re designing for people, and that makes all the difference."
— Olivia Grote ’25, Interior Architecture Student
Columbia Makes Art School in Chicago More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: John Losacco
John Losacco, Assistant Professor of Animation, recently earned the Best Animated Short Film in North America award at the Kids International Film Festival for his visually experimental and deeply personal animated short “The Perfect Present.” Drawing on both traditional techniques and modern tools to push creative boundaries, he channels that same spirit of artistic exploration with his animation students.
“I really encourage my students to try something new and unique to them. I give them a lot of freedom so they can explore their own creative voice.”