The School of Interiors provides undergraduate and graduate students with professional training in order to design by giving physical shape, identity, and meaning to interior space through specialized knowledge, art, and craft that addresses the holistic human response of people in buildings. The foundation of the major is the studio experience, which is taken each semester and provides the framework for the integration of all program knowledge and technical skills in the design of interior environments.
Graduates from the School of Interiors begin their careers in a variety of settings, including interior design firms, architecture firms, corporations, and public institutions. Students graduating with an undergraduate degree may also pursue graduate or post-professionalism education in specialized areas of Interior Strategies.
Career opportunities in Interiors
"As the premier interior design program in the state of Kentucky, the School of Interiors inspires great talent by connecting its graduates to professional practice, design leadership, and community engagement opportunities."
Associate Professor, School of Interiors
The School of Interiors is the premier interior design program in Kentucky. Graduates of the program practice across the United States and have been recognized at the highest level of the profession. The professional degree program is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
The School of Interiors offers both the four-year undergraduate professional degree and the post-professional graduate degree. The foundation of the school is the studio experience, which is taken each semester and provides the framework for the integration of all program knowledge and technical skills in the design of interior environments. Through studio, classroom and real-world assignments, interior design students learn to solve complex organizational problems associated with work, place, experience and performance. These professional skills prepare students to manage the aesthetic, technical and business aspects of interior design projects.
Students are also provided the opportunity to interact with regional, national and international design professionals through shadowing, study abroad experiences, lectures by noted speakers, and field experiences.
Interiors Curriculum Apply to InteriorsThe UK College of Design is housed primarily in Pence Hall, Miller Hall, the Funkhouser Building, and Bowman Hall; all of which are located in the heart of UK's central campus.
Additional facilities in the College include:
The Workshop and Digital Fabrication Lab provides a safe, well-maintained environment in which both students and faculty can explore three-dimensional construction in most medium.
The laboratory maintains equipment to handle both large and small scale constructions. Below is a short list of the digital technology equipment and some of the more traditional tools and machines for making:
Prototyping Facility
96” x 48” x 17” Precix 3axis CNC router
48” x 36” x 6” AXYZ 3axis cnc router
18” x 24” - 60 watt Universal Laser
24” x 32” - 120 watt Universal laser
Zcorp 310 plus 3d printer (starch)
Uprint Plus 3d printer (abs)
Dimension 1200es 3d printer (abs)
Soluble Station (ss)
Wax Dipping Oven
De-powdering Station
7 Stationary support computers
Wood shop and General Use
two table saws
panel saw
two chop saws
wood and metal lathes
jointer
scroll saw
mortiser
radial arm saw
stationary belt sander
3 drill press (L, m, sm)
4 band saws
3 stationary disc/belt sander
two planers
Metal shop
manual roller
vertical band saw
large drill press
polishing wheel
shear
break
oxygen and acetylene torch set
Hobart MIG welder 110 service (inter-shield)
Millermatic 252 220 service mig and spoolmatic welder
Hypertherm Powermax 45 plasma cutter
welding supports
grinders
abrasive chop saw
*supervising office and tool cage with typical hand tool support such as chisels, drill bits, heat guns, orbital sanders, cordless drills, etc…
** stationary and portable compressor
***24-7 assembly space
The professional degree program is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Interiors students have the opportunity to work at design firms over spring break. These programs place students in firms for 1-2 weeks to garner professional experience, develop professional networks, and to contribute to the firms' projects. The program has offered students the opportunity to utilize their educational experience to engage in a variety of collaborative, design-related assignments including executing research, attending staff or client meetings, making site visits, producing drawings and models, and/or selecting materials and products.
Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$62,510
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
94,900
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,700
new jobs (average)
Many interior designers work in specialized design services or in architectural, engineering, and related services.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreThere are countless ways to enhance your time on campus, but the best way to maximize your journey at the University of Kentucky is by engaging in an Education Abroad opportunity.
This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major!
View Major Advising Page
College of Design
School of Interiors
Gray Design Building
349 Scott Street | Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-8870
