High School Interior Design Opportunities
Philadelphia-area high school students have several ways to explore interior design, from specialized schools and CTE programs to mentoring and summer workshops.
Charter High School for Architecture + Design (CHAD)
This public high school in Center City Philadelphia offers a design-rich curriculum integrating creative thinking with real design skills. Students take core design foundations like drafting, visualization, materials, form, and environment -- all valuable for interior design careers. Because design is integrated across the curriculum, CHAD is one of the best choices in the city for students who want a career path toward architecture and design starting in high school.
Visit CHAD WebsiteWest Philadelphia High School - Architectural Design & Drafting (CTE)
Offers a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program in Architectural Design & Drafting where students work on real design projects, use tools like AutoCAD and Revit, and model interior spaces. While not labeled "interior design," this pathway teaches space planning, drafting, design principles, and digital design tools -- excellent preparation for interior design studies in college. Available starting around 10th grade.
Visit School District of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia School District CTE Programs
Many neighborhood high schools in the School District of Philadelphia offer Career & Technical Education programs including Architectural Drafting, CAD, and Graphic Design. Look for courses like "Interior Design," "Architectural Drawing," "Drafting," or "Creative Space Design." Your school counselor can check the most up-to-date Program of Studies for available electives.
Related courses to look for: Drafting & CAD, Graphic Design, Engineering & Architecture electives, Art and Studio courses.
Visit Philly CTE ProgramsACE Mentor Program - Greater Philadelphia
A free after-school mentoring program where high school students work with architects, engineers, and design professionals on real design projects. The program covers areas such as interior design/interior architecture, architecture, planning, and more through hands-on challenges and industry exposure. Great for exploring design careers, portfolio building, and networking with professionals.
Visit ACE Mentor ProgramPre-College & Summer Design Programs
If your school doesn't offer interior design classes, pre-college programs are an excellent way to gain experience.
Temple University - Tyler School Pre-College
Summer workshops in art and design that strengthen skills useful for interior design, including studio work and portfolio development.
Visit Temple TylerDrexel University - Discovering Interior Design Summer Program
A two-week intensive course for rising juniors and seniors covering interior design fundamentals: sketching, design thinking, presentation, and spatial planning in a college studio environment.
Visit Drexel Interior DesignTips to Boost Your Interior Design Skills Now
- Take art, drafting, CAD, or architecture electives at your school
- Create a portfolio of space plans, sketches, and room concepts
- Volunteer with local design events, museums, or youth design groups
- Learn online tools like SketchUp or Adobe Illustrator for digital design skills