Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
/Department of Design
/CoAD

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Summary / Career Opportunities / CIDA Accreditation /Admissions + Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program at Lawrence Technological University is an accredited, professional studio-based baccalaureate degree program. It offers a curriculum that encourages students to create intentional interiors in a manner that is practically grounded, critically framed, and deeply invested in cultural relevancy and technical advancement. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and is a registered campus center of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Read More The curriculum reinforces the interdisciplinary nature of design with common foundation courses for all CoAD programs during the first year, followed by numerous multi-disciplinary courses and electives. We balance the studio experience with courses that build the theoretical and technical skills needed for success. Students benefit from dedicated studio space and access to material, lighting, digital, wood and metal fabrication labs.

For students interested in achieving professional status in both Interiors and Architecture, we offer a direct entry Master of Architecture linked to the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design that can be completed in six years (181 credits). For more information about the direct entry program, please refer to the program website

Throughout their time at LTU, our students connect with the local design community through real-world, sponsored projects and internship opportunities that allow them to explore the latest innovations in technology, research and theory. Our students leave LTU with the ability to critically engage with practice, share compelling design stories, and grow into thought leaders. Read Less

Interior Architecture Furniture

Trent Schmitz Interior design drawing

green office space

chair in woods

3D Building GIF

green office space

Careers in Interior Design

LTU’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program prepares students for creative and satisfying careers in a range of areas. While many graduates practice within interior, architectural and multidisciplinary design firms, others work as workplace strategists for leading companies and commercial real estate firms, or by specializing in furniture or lighting design.

Current students and graduates hold design positions with local and national organizations, including Bedrock Detroit, Michigan Medicine, SmithGroup, Walt Disney World, Gensler, InForm Studio, The Collaborative, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, CBRE, Boyne Design Group, Illuminating Concepts, Quinn Evans, DIGBAR Interiors + Architecture, CallisonRTKL, Laurel & Wolf, Adam Rogers Studio, and Nelson.

Featured Alumni

Monique Pothoff

Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design

An artist by birth, an interior designer and MBA graduate by education, Monique has worked for various design firms over the past 16 years both in the Detroit and Paris areas. Monique recently started her own consulting business in France.

Q: For those who might be interested in Interior Architecture, do you have any advice?

A: I would recommend getting an internship as early as possible and starting from the ground up. Sometimes the world of design can appear glamorous, but it is mostly hard work, patience, and constant learning.

Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?

A: Having grown up in the greater Detroit area, I heard a lot of really good things about LTU. It was a school that was very serious about what they did and according to many, approached things from a practical perspective.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories of your time at LTU?

A: I loved the feeling of competition and passion during our design studio time. So many of us pushed ourselves to the absolute limit, and you would see so many amazing concepts and ideas. It was impossible to not be invested there between your fellow talented students and the staff always ready to challenge you.

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Steven Stroman

Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture, 1994

Steven is currently Regional Director for the Health Interiors Studio in the Midwest at HKS . Throughout his career, he has achieved the following accomplishments: Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Certification, Parsons School of Design, NCIDQ certified, LEED Accredited Professional, and International Interior Design Association.

Q: What sort of work do you do in practice?

A: I have been practicing within the field of healthcare for most of my career. I have a passion for creating spaces that help create environments that affect people. Spaces that help reduce anxiety for patients, families, and medical staff. Design that addresses people from a multi-sensory level that help to produce positive experiences. We are fortunate at HKS to have Research imbedded in our design practice so there is a true understanding of how design influences outcomes.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.

A: In my current role I am Regional Director for the Health Interiors Studio and reside in our Northville office. I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work across the globe and experience different places and meeting incredible individuals. I like to travel with though my work and personally to explore and discover new experiences.

Q: For those who might be interested in Interior Architecture, do you have any advice?

A: Interior Architecture is a wonderful field that allows for many diverse career paths. Many industry partners engage in creating the spaces that we inhabit, and I appreciate the team approach to design. The industry affords you the ability to create a role that allows you do something you enjoy and are enthusiastic about.

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Shawn Calvin

Master of Interior Design, 2011

As Director of Interiors at INFORM Studio , Shawn has provided creative and technical expertise in many large-scale projects in sectors such as Education, Workplace, Retail, Religious, Healthcare and Sports & Hospitality.

Q: Tell us a little about your background.

A: I achieved a Masters of Interior Design from Lawrence Technological University in 2011. I have been a LEED-Accredited Professional since 2009, and I was recognized by the Council for Interior Design Qualification for successfully completing education, experience and examination standards in 2015. .

Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?

A: I wanted to stay close to home and I also had a more technically-creative mindset which made Lawrence Tech a good fit. Knowing that there was an abundance of adjunct professors at Lawrence Tech also made me feel confident in the fact that I was networking with educators employed in the industry I was looking to break into.

Q: For those who might be interested in the Interior Design program, do you have any advice?

A: Take inventory of what you really enjoy doing during the design process. You might favor “pitching” your ideas, selecting finishes/furniture or rendering sexy spaces. The industry has an abundance of opportunities that will aid in your success if you listen to and hone in on what brings you joy.

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Interior Architecture Students

Basic Design Gif

student construction

Interior Architecture Study Abroad

CIDA Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design granted by Lawrence Technological University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: www.cidq.org/paths

It typically takes students 14-16 credits per semester and four years to complete the degree program.

Student Attrition and Retention
68.4% of students admitted in the fall of 2023 returned in the fall of 2024, putting attrition at 31.5%. (Data source: Institutional Research)

Graduation Rates
Of the students graduating in 2023, 13% graduated in 4 years. 75% graduated in 5 years. (Data source: Institutional Research)

Acceptance into Graduate Programs
6 out of 8 students who graduated in 2023 applied for graduate school, and 5 were accepted. All of the students who pursued graduate studies enrolled in LTU’s Master of Architecture program. (Data source: Institutional Research)

Job Placement Rates
100% of students who graduated in the 2022/2023 academic year were employed in interior design or a related profession upon or within three months of graduation. The students who pursued a Master’s degree all maintain employment. (Data source: Institutional Research and student self-reported information via LinkedIn)

Admissions + Curriculum

Admission into the Interior Design program follows the University’s admission criteria. Portfolios are not required for admission.

For specific Interior Design program questions, contact the Chair of Design, Philip Plowright, at pplowrigh@ltu.edu.

For general questions about admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Associate Dean, Lilian Crum, at lcrum@ltu.edu or click on the links below.

Transfer Work Sample Guidelines

Degree Flowchart