Ranking for Interior Architecture/Design

The study of interior architecture and design is an intricate discipline that combines creativity, functionality, and technical expertise to shape the spaces we inhabit daily. According to DesignIntelligence’s 2009 rankings, the Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design programs in the United States have proven to be diverse, offering students a variety of learning experiences at some of the most prestigious institutions. At the top of this list is Kansas State University, followed closely by Pratt Institute and the University of Cincinnati, which share the second spot. Cornell University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also rank highly, rounding out the top five. These programs provide students with the foundational knowledge, practical experience, and interdisciplinary approaches needed to pursue careers in the dynamic and competitive field of interior architecture and design.

Kansas State University occupies the top position in DesignIntelligence’s 2009 ranking for its Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design program, establishing itself as a leader in the field. With a reputation built on innovation, academic rigor, and hands-on learning, Kansas State University has cultivated an interior design curriculum that emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Its program combines creativity with real-world problem-solving, enabling students to explore design concepts while focusing on functionality, user experience, and aesthetics. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning opportunities allows students to engage in projects that simulate real-world design scenarios, preparing them for the complexities of the professional design world. From spatial planning and design theory to sustainability and technological innovation, Kansas State University provides students with a well-rounded and practical education that aligns with industry expectations. Its focus on collaboration, environmental psychology, and architectural understanding allows students to approach interior design from a multidisciplinary perspective, ensuring they are well-prepared for leadership roles in the profession.

Following closely behind Kansas State University are Pratt Institute and the University of Cincinnati, which share the second spot in the rankings. These two institutions have established themselves as leaders in the interior design education field by prioritizing creativity, critical thinking, and practical application. Pratt Institute, one of the most prestigious art, design, and architecture schools in the United States, is well-known for its innovative approach to design education and its commitment to interdisciplinary exploration. The interior design program at Pratt focuses on training students to conceptualize and execute creative design solutions while emphasizing sustainable design, technology integration, and critical problem-solving. Pratt’s emphasis on conceptual design, spatial reasoning, and environmental analysis allows students to examine both the aesthetic and functional dimensions of interior spaces. Through both undergraduate and graduate programming, Pratt has fostered a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the skills, theories, and professional confidence needed to shape the interior design profession.

The University of Cincinnati also holds a prestigious place in DesignIntelligence’s 2009 ranking and is widely celebrated for its Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design program. Known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, the University of Cincinnati offers students opportunities to engage directly with design problems and real-world projects through its cooperative education (co-op) program. This innovative approach combines classroom instruction with professional work experience, allowing students to gain practical knowledge while building valuable industry connections. The University of Cincinnati’s curriculum emphasizes a balance of design theory, technical skills, and creative exploration. The program is designed to prepare students to think critically, creatively, and practically about design challenges, from spatial planning and sustainable materials to user-centered design solutions. Its innovative and interdisciplinary approach ensures students graduate with the ability to adapt to the dynamic and ever-changing interior design industry.

Cornell University is another highly esteemed institution that offers a competitive Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design program. Ranking fourth in the DesignIntelligence 2009 list, Cornell has established itself as a leader in the realm of art, architecture, and design education. Known for its emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and collaborative learning, Cornell’s interior design program offers students a comprehensive foundation in design principles, spatial reasoning, and environmental problem-solving. Cornell combines the study of design with a strong academic focus on history, theory, and sustainability, enabling students to approach interior design through both creative exploration and practical application. Its distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide students with access to cutting-edge resources and research opportunities, ensuring their design education is grounded in both innovation and professional preparation. Cornell’s program emphasizes experiential learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration, reflecting the modern-day complexities of interior architecture and design.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln rounds out the top five positions, offering a Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design program that is innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Recognized for its comprehensive approach to interior design education, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln combines technical knowledge, design creativity, and practical problem-solving in its curriculum. The program emphasizes design foundations, spatial planning, user experience, and environmental sustainability, preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln fosters a learning community where students are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and engage with diverse design perspectives. Its commitment to hands-on learning, combined with academic rigor, ensures students have access to projects and practical experiences that simulate real-world interior design challenges. Through these opportunities, students gain the confidence and technical expertise necessary to enter the professional design world and contribute meaningfully to the practice of interior architecture and design.

The rankings provided by DesignIntelligence in 2009 underscore the strength of these five institutions in preparing students for careers in interior architecture and design. Each program offers its unique strengths, such as experiential learning opportunities, sustainability education, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and critical design theory. From Kansas State University’s focus on integrating aesthetics with environmental psychology to Pratt Institute’s emphasis on sustainability and creativity and the University of Cincinnati’s innovative co-op program, these institutions collectively represent some of the best educational opportunities for students interested in interior architecture and design.

These programs are not merely focused on technical mastery but emphasize critical thinking, design exploration, and adaptability—qualities that are essential in today’s design industry. Interior architecture and design students are expected to tackle a variety of complex problems, including how to integrate sustainable materials, create functional spaces, address user needs, and design environments that reflect both aesthetics and functionality. The rankings highlight that these institutions approach these challenges through a combination of academic rigor, innovation, and practical application.

Students attending these highly ranked programs can expect to graduate with the knowledge, skill sets, and professional confidence necessary to lead successful careers in interior design. Many graduates of these programs go on to work in industries such as residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, or sustainable design. The programs’ emphasis on interdisciplinary exploration, design research, and real-world application ensures that students are not only trained in traditional design principles but are also exposed to cutting-edge trends and technological advancements shaping the industry.

The DesignIntelligence rankings of 2009 paint a clear picture of the strength and diversity of the American Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design programs. From Kansas State University’s emphasis on spatial exploration and design problem-solving to Pratt Institute’s innovative approach, the University of Cincinnati’s co-op model, Cornell University’s theory-focused approach, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration, these institutions represent the future of interior design education. They provide students with both the foundational knowledge and practical experience required to navigate and shape the interior design industry while addressing the evolving needs of a global and dynamic profession.

Bachelor of Interior Architecture/Design:

1. Kansas State University
2. Pratt Institute
2. University of Cincinnati
4. Cornell University
5. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
6. California College of Arts
6. New York School of Interior Design
8. Michigan State University
9. Arizona State University
9. Art Center Design College
9. Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago
9. Iowa State Univ of Science and Technology
9. Miami Univ
9. Univ of Missouri
9. Univ of Oregon
9. Univ of Texas at Austin
9. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ

Master of Interior Architecture/Design:

1. Pratt Institute
2. Kansas State University
3. Cornell University
4. Rhode Island School of Design
5. Savannah College of Art and Design
6. Arizona State Univ
6. Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln
6. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ
9. Washington State Univ of Spokane
10. Iowa State Univ
10. Syracuse Univ
10. Univ of Florida

Source: DesignIntelligence 2009