Not Just Decorating: What Interior Design Students Really Learn

March 18, 2026

Posted by School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts in Programs and Pathways 

Interior design is about more than choosing colors or making a room look nice. Designers think about how people move through a space, how the space is used and how details like lighting, materials, furniture and building codes affect the final design.

If you’re creative, detail-oriented and interested in solving real problems, interior design may be a career worth exploring. The field blends art, technology, communication and planning.

Students in the interior design program at St. Louis Community College build technical skills, create portfolio projects and learn how professional designers bring ideas to life.

What Do Interior Designers Do?

Interior designers help plan and improve indoor spaces. They may work on homes, offices, restaurants, hotels, health care spaces, schools, showrooms or community buildings.

Depending on the project, an interior designer may:

• Meet with clients to understand their needs, style, budget and goals.
• Plan how furniture, lighting and materials will fit in a space.
• Create drawings, floor plans, mood boards and 3D visuals.
• Choose finishes such as flooring, paint, fabric, tile and fixtures.
• Use design software to create technical plans.
• Work with architects, contractors, vendors and clients.
• Follow safety, accessibility and building code requirements.

Kim Gamel’s Career Change Into Interior Design

Kim Gamel came to interior design after more than 20 years in marketing and public relations. After her son was born, she started a container gardening business and earned her master gardener certification.

The work helped her discover how much she enjoyed design.

“I really loved the design aspect,” Kim says. But over time, the physical demands of the work became difficult to manage long term.

When she returned to the corporate world, she found herself wanting something more creative. A friend in the interior design field suggested STLCC’s program, noting that students came from many ages and backgrounds.

Kim decided to try a few classes.

“It was harder than I thought, but I just really enjoyed the interior design classes,” she says. “And now, this is my fourth semester. I should be finishing in May.”

Kim's experience reflects what many career-changers value at STLCC: structured training, faculty support and flexible day or evening classes that let students move at a workable pace.

What You Learn in Interior Design Classes

Interior design students learn how to turn ideas into detailed design plans. That means moving from inspiration and sketches to drawings, software files, presentations and client-ready projects.

At STLCC, students learn skills such as:

• Space planning.
• Architectural drafting.
• Color theory and materials selection.
• Lighting and furniture planning.
• Kitchen, bath, residential and commercial design.
• Construction documents and technical drawings.
• Presentation boards and portfolio development.
• Professional communication and client feedback.

Industry Software and Portfolio Skills

Students also learn industry software used by design firms.

“Every semester I was learning a new software: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Suite [Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop],” Kim says. “It was definitely a sharp learning curve, but it’s given me a lot of tools.”

Modern interior design is highly technical. Designers often need to create floor plans, 3D models, presentations and detailed documents that explain how a space should be built or updated.

Software skills can help students communicate ideas clearly to clients, instructors, contractors and future employers. Portfolio work also matters because it shows what you can do, not just what classes you completed.

Through class projects, STLCC students build a portfolio that may include:

• Floor plans and space plans.
• Material and finish selections.
• Presentation boards.
• 3D renderings or visualizations.
• Residential and commercial design projects.
• Technical drawings or construction documents.

Learning From the Design Industry

STLCC’s interior design program is shaped with input from an advisory board of practicing design professionals. These professionals help keep the curriculum aligned with the field.

“Our advisory board doesn’t just review student portfolios; they also help shape our curriculum,” says Erin LeClerc, program director. “They give students direct feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement, and they keep us up to date on emerging trends, from new software to how AI is being used in the industry.”

This feedback helps students understand what employers and clients may look for in their work.

Residential and Commercial Design

Interior design students may explore both residential and commercial design. Residential design focuses on homes, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Commercial design may include offices, hotels, restaurants, health care spaces or other public settings.

STLCC’s curriculum introduces students to both areas.

“Our program is designed so that students start with residential design, then move into kitchens and bathrooms, and finally commercial design — all in their first year,” LeClerc says. “In the second year, they go deeper into both residential and commercial projects, building on what they’ve learned.”

Kim started with an interest in residential design because she loves fabrics, textiles and specifications. Through industry events, she also learned more about commercial design opportunities.

“I’ve had more exposure to the commercial side, and I think it depends on the firm and their clients,” she says. “There are definitely opportunities on the commercial side.”

Real-World Experience and Networking

Class projects help students build skills, but professional connections can also make a difference. Kim joined Meramec’s interior design club and used it to meet people in the local design community.

Through the club, she visited design firms, toured places like a Frank Lloyd Wright residence and Hotel Saint Louis, and learned more about different parts of the field.

“It’s helpful to get an all-around picture of what your opportunities are,” she says.

Kim also found a residential interior design internship through her network.

“I do a lot of sourcing for clients,” she says. “I organize all the memos, maintain the library, and help with installs.”

Who Might Like Interior Design?

Interior design may be a good fit if you enjoy creative work but also like structure, details and problem-solving.

You may enjoy interior design if you:

• Notice how spaces look, feel and function.
• Like color, materials, furniture, lighting or architecture.
• Enjoy solving problems with both creativity and logic.
• Can stay organized across many details.
• Want to learn design software and technical drawing.
• Like working with people, feedback and collaboration.
• Are interested in homes, businesses, hospitality or health care spaces.

Career Paths in Interior Design

Interior design graduates may pursue entry-level roles in residential or commercial design. Job titles can vary by employer, but may include:

• Junior designer.
• Design assistant.
• CAD drafter.
• BIM drafter.
• Kitchen and bath design assistant.
• Showroom or design consultant.
• Materials or finishes assistant.

Some graduates enter the workforce after completing the associate degree. Others transfer to a four-year program to continue their education.

Why Start at STLCC?

STLCC’s interior design program can be a practical starting point because it combines hands-on training, software experience, portfolio development and transfer options.

Students can also benefit from:

• Affordable tuition.
• Day and evening classes.
• Faculty support.
• Industry connections.
• Portfolio feedback.
• Student clubs and networking opportunities.

Kim says she was surprised by the friendships she built in the program.

“Even with classmates my son’s age. People have been very gracious and open, just talking and getting good feedback,” she says.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in interior design, you don’t have to know everything about the field before taking the first step. It can help to talk with the program, review course requirements and consider trying an introductory class.

• Review the interior design program.
• Talk with an advisor about course planning.
• Ask about day, evening and transfer options.
• Learn what software and supplies you may need.
• Look for student club or networking opportunities.

Transfer Options After STLCC

Students who want to continue toward a bachelor’s degree can use STLCC as a starting point. Advisors can help students choose courses that support transfer goals and reduce the risk of taking classes that do not apply later.

If you know you want to transfer, talk with an advisor early. Planning ahead can help you understand credit transfer, portfolio needs and next steps at a four-year college or university.