Interior Design Major
Shape spaces meant for extraordinary living, working and playing—and build your skills and connections to start your career strong.
At Moore, Interior Design students learn to transform built environments into remarkable destinations that balance beauty, function and sustainability. You’ll explore the seven principles of design—balance, unity, rhythm, emphasis, scale and proportion, contrast, and details—developing a keen eye for aesthetics and spatial harmony. From concept sketches to advanced digital modeling, you’ll be challenged to design spaces that are both thoughtful and visually compelling.
Recognized by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, Moore’s program prepares you for a career in residential, commercial and industrial interiors and illuminates pathways in textiles, historic preservation and environmental design. You’ll also get the chance to compete in Jacobs’ annual Student Design Competition (Moore student Carlee Herman ’26 recently earned top honors), join professional groups like the International Interior Design Association and connect with industry representatives in lighting, flooring, furniture and more.
Internships That Launch Careers
Every Interior Design student pursues a guaranteed paid $1,000 internship between their junior and senior years. Moore puts you in the field early, allowing you to grow your toolkit and make connections that lead to career opportunities.
Interior Design students and alumni have landed internships and jobs at places like...
Ashli Mizell
JacobsWyper Architects
Studio Friedman
ROHE Creative
Network with Industry Leaders
Through special events, you’ll meet guest speakers and critics who’ve walked the path you’re on. Ask questions, gain valuable feedback and build relationships that open doors in interior design. Here’s a glimpse of some of our recent visitors:
Abby Schwartz, FARA, NCARB
Schwartz started her own business, Abby Schwartz Associates, LLC in 1992, focusing on residential additions and renovations and growing over time to include larger and more varied projects. She has been featured in multiple publications and is president of the Pennsylvania Council of the Society of American Registered Architects.
Carol Elia, ASID, LEED-AP
Founder and principal of Philadelphia-based firm CR Design, Elia is a LEED-AP accredited designer, a frequent guest speaker at industry events like Neocon, Leading Age and the Environments for Aging Conference, and a founding member of the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania.
Michelle Reese, NCIDQ
Reese is an associate, project interior designer at Francis Cauffman Architects and works on producing renderings, selecting finishes and furniture, construction documentation and construction administration. A graduate of Moore, she regularly participates in student design critiques and is a member of the Interior Design program advisory board.
"Having professors in Interior Design that are from the industry is the number one thing. They can tell you what really happens out there. They’ve been doing it for years and they’re doing it right now. That adds incredible value because they not only teach you skills, but they bring experience from the field."
Interior Design Student Work
Our students craft spaces that are expressive and effective, combining intricate design with practical solutions.
Lucy Franck ’24
Izabella Groysman ’23
Natasha Cannavaro ’22
Technology and Creative Spaces
Explore advanced tools and workspaces for Interior Design students, including our curated materials library and a CNC router. Interior Design students also have additional hardware and software requirements.
Interior Design Core Curriculum
Year 1
- 2D Design
- 3D Design
- Foundation Drawing I
- Visual Communication
- Color Theory
- Drawing for Visual Communication OR Creative Design
- Writing Workshop I & II
- Art History I & II
Year 2
- Materials & Construction
- History of Interior Design
- Digital Representation
- Interior Design I & II
- Linear Perspectives for Interiors
- Modern Art History Course
- Non-Western Art History
- Gender, Race, Class & Power
Year 3
- Interior Design III & IV
- Lighting
- Advanced Digital Representation
- Interior Building Systems
- Building Info Modeling
- Professional Development I
- Humanities and Studio Electives
Year 4
- Historic Preservation
- Construction Documents
- Programming & Research
- Interior Design Thesis
- Professional Development II (Internship)
- Humanities and Open Electives
Choose from electives like...
- Furniture Design
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Education
- Architectural Drafting
- History of French Interiors & Design
- Perspective Drawing & Rendering
LAND YOUR DREAM JOB
Moore's Interior Design alumni have landed jobs at internationally-recognized firms and continue to shape the future at forward-thinking companies.
Gensler
Abby Schwartz Associates
Marguerite Rodgers Ltd.
Bernardon
Nelson
SFCS Architects
RD Jones & Associates
Take the Next Steps!
We're looking forward to meeting you and telling you more about the Interior Design BFA program at Moore. As the only independent art & design college in Philadelphia, we're ready when you are—apply today!-
PostedOnce a backdrop in the 1993 film “Philadelphia,” the iconic space was reimagined by Moore Interior Design alumna Hope Velocette ‘10, blending cinematic history with contemporary design.
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PostedMoore alums are soaring in their fields, using their unique talents and skills as artists and designers to make a difference in the world around them. Meet Kate Rohrer, an Interior Design hero, and learn more about her career.
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Interior Design Student Carlee Herman ‘26 Places in Top Five at Regional Interior Design Competition
CategoryPostedInterior Design major and transfer student Carlee Herman ’26 was awarded an honorable mention at the Jacobs Student Design Competition, placing her in the top five winners out of 35 students.
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PostedMeet Julia Kerr, an Interior Design student who returned to college life after nearly a decade in the restaurant industry.
