Master the art of designing compelling interiors
March 4, 2025 In the last 5-10 years, people like Chip and Joanna Gaines, Ben and Eric Napier, Dave and Jenny Marrs and countless other TV personalities in the renovation business have become household names. The Art Department at GRCC is quite thrilled about this resurgent interest in design! “We love the idea that an art-based career has become popular around the world,” said Nick Antonakis, Department Head and Professor of Drawing and Painting. “We have seen related growth in our program, with the number of students pursuing an Associate degree in Interior Design more than doubling since 2020.” So what exactly does an interior designer do? “There’s a marked difference between interior decorating and interior design,” Antonakis said. “Decorators are called upon to help make choices about fabrics, finishes and furniture. Designers, however, have a much broader scope of influence in terms of how a space looks and functions. They need a working understanding of architecture and code requirements in order to create functional, practical and beautiful designs.” That’s why GRCC has transitioned its degree offering to an Associate of Fine Arts in Interior Design . “We have been working for many years to develop a program that is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design ,” Antonakis said. “It’s a complex, multi-year process that includes having graduates with the degree. This year, we expect to receive the final stamp of approval and see our program on the NASAD website.” The career path for interior designers can take many directions. Entry level positions are readily available for students who have completed their associate degree. However, to earn the best salaries and work on the most exciting projects, students need to complete a four-year degree so they can become accredited designers. That opens the door to employment at architecture and design firms, starting a business, and many more options. That’s why GRCC has created a transfer-friendly program. “Many of our students go on to complete their degrees at Kendall College of Art and Design,” Antonakis said. “We also have a strong transfer relationship with Western Michigan University, Michigan State University and others. Many of our faculty members teach at four-year institutions as well as at GRCC. This means our students are equipped just as well as, if not better than, those who start their degrees at the four-year institutions.” The solid foundation GRCC students build is one reason for the outstanding transfer success. “The students in the interior design program come from all walks of life,” Antonakis said. “It’s not unusual to have students right out of high school working alongside adults who are pursuing the second career of their dreams. I think the intergenerational aspect of the learning environment brings out the best in all our students. Our professors are also highly skilled and experienced. They know what is expected in a four-year program and teach to that level. When you combine the outstanding classroom experiences with the student support and financial benefits, GRCC stands out as an irresistible option.” An interior designer needs to have specific skills in drawing, design and color. The best way to showcase those skills is through a portfolio. GRCC embraces that idea by helping students work towards an event called Portfolio Day. “Your portfolio is the tangible representation of you,” Antonakis said. “The classes in the interior design program yield examples of still life, portraiture, 3D projects and client design sketches with mood boards for both residential and commercial interiors. They also include more refined designs from computer aided design programs.” All second-year interior design students bring their work to Portfolio Day so professors from six popular transfer schools can evaluate the work. “This is an amazing opportunity for students to showcase their work, but also to receive feedback on their competency in the various areas,” Antonakis said. “Students also get to interview with the schools a bit, which can help build their interpersonal skills. Once the evaluations are complete, we work with each student to help shore up areas where they may need more work. This prepares them to be transfer-ready and professionally competent.” Portfolio Day also showcases the quality of the GRCC associate degree. “It’s good for so many of our most popular transfer partners to see the overall skills level and talent development of our students,” Antonakis said. Demand for interior design is skyrocketing, which means that this field offers legitimate career options. “Saying ‘You can’t get a job in the arts’ is wrong,” Antonakis said. “There are more people working in the arts than in other fields. Yes, you have to work hard. No one is giving jobs away! But design is everywhere, from homes to offices to movie sets to websites and more. Students who hone their skills and practice their craft can go on to exciting and meaningful careers.” Learn more about the Interior Design associate of Fine Arts degree at GRCC . This story reported by Julie Hordyke.
