As I have mentioned on this blog a couple of times, I did receive formal training for interior design at an amazing boutique interior design school in Arizona. I had reached a point in my life where I think so many people end up — I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life! I had some prior college experience, was working a job that was really not going to take me anywhere, and all I really knew was that I had a love for making homes pretty. I think the first time I Googled ‘interior design schools’ was in December of 2012, and after checking out the Art Institutes (way too expensive for me), I found American Institute of Interior Design. It was going to be a 6-month intensive program, four days a week for seven hours a day, and after that you are a certified interior designer. I met with Judy Thompson, who owns the school and teaches the majority of the classes, and instantly fell in love not only with her, but with the interior of the school itself. Beauty surrounded me at every turn, and it truly was going to be the most inspiring environment to work in. I didn’t waste any time — I started in January of 2013, and the rest is history!
I thought I’d take you on a tour of the school today, because there is so much inspiration to take in here! This is definitely not your average school. 🙂
This is right when you walk in. A color board is always on display — these are what we would make to close out many of the units we studied. If you have worked with an interior designer or architect in the past, you might recognize a board like this!
Here’s a view looking toward the entrance. The shimmer wall — one of my favorite things!
This is The Eye of Design. Gorgeous painted mural and a really pretty vignette with those seatbelt chairs, gilded end table, and of course that lucite coffee table!
This is the Admin office. Really pretty and traditional, with a little bit of modern flair. Not a bad view, either. 😉
This is the view walking toward the classroom area. More shimmer wall!
Love this lounge area, with super fun throw pillows, an interesting settee, and of course a disco ball.
Here’s the classroom.
And the back of the classroom, looking out.
Chicest room ever — the library! Check out that light fixture. The finishes in this room are insane.
The perfect use of a wall niche. You can never have enough tufting!
And finally, the room we spent a HUGE amount of time in — the Design Studio. That whole back wall is covered in fabric books, wallpaper sample books, and every cabinet holds any type of finish you could want — woods, tiles, metals, trims, etc.
If you have a flair for design and are thinking about going to school to learn more, I cannot say enough good things about AIID. Seriously. And if you’re on the fence about it — just do it! There are so many careers out there that you can use your training for. The options are endless, and you learn about that and so much more at this school. Plus you won’t find a more inspiring place to learn. 🙂
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