Interior Design
D'Zarea Preuss
Interior design is more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that are functional, comfortable, and safe. These environments subtly influence how we live, work, and connect, impacting our health, education, productivity, and overall quality of life.
The Program
At CCS, the Interior Design program is an immersive journey where creativity meets purpose. Students are empowered to design spaces that not only resonate aesthetically but also address client needs and environmental responsibility. With an emphasis on design thinking, research, trends, and sustainability, students develop their unique style while mastering the art of creating impactful, functional spaces.
Through collaboration, students learn to push boundaries, balancing innovation with a commitment to responsible design. Interior Design students at CCS are encouraged to think holistically about creating spaces that respond to the way people live, whether at home, work, or within their communities.
Interior Design Department Highlights
Personalized Learning Environment
With class sizes of just 10-14 students, we create a close-knit, almost personalized educational experience. This allows for individualized support, hands-on guidance, and strong connections between students and faculty, making the learning journey deeply engaging and tailored to each student’s growth.
Global Exposure & International Travel Opportunities
We support our students in expanding their design perspectives globally. Students have the opportunity to attend prestigious events like the Milan Design Week, where they can participate in the Domus Academy exhibition, and take part in a week-long workshop in Logroño, Spain, allowing them to gain international design experience and network with global industry leaders.
Access to National Scholarship Opportunities
Our department actively encourages and supports students in competing for national scholarships, helping them fund their education and build their credentials. This includes the Angelo Donghia Foundation Scholarship, offering a substantial award of $30,000, as well as opportunities with the NEWH Scholarship, a respected award in the hospitality industry.
Instructors with Industry Expertise and Networking Support
Our instructors are seasoned industry professionals who bring real-world insights directly into the classroom. Beyond teaching, they actively help students build network connections, opening doors to internships, mentorships, and industry collaborations that support students’ career paths and professional growth.
Possible Career Choices
Experiential Learning in Interior Design
With our extensive industry connections spanning over a century, we ensure that the active learning our students engage in aligns with industry needs, preparing them for careers. Through hands-on experiences and reflection, students bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications, both within and outside traditional classroom settings. Experiential learning opportunities are integrated into academic programs. Offered within courses or programs of study, these opportunities enable students to apply their knowledge through educational projects, partnerships, and placements.
Unfold - Milan Design Week
Ford Bronco
3M
Notable Alumni
CCS’s Interior Design alumni work in most major interior design firms and agencies across the nation, in addition to working as in house designers for many large brands. Graduates are highly sought-after and the program routinely achieves 100% post-graduate employment.
Paige Scoggin '18
Interior Designer, Midwest Common
Ash Hanson '19
Lead Designer – Women’s Footwear, Global Color Design, Nike
Karin Abel '17
Senior Interior Designer, ROSSETTI
Student Work
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