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Creative individuals interested in becoming the next Nate Berkus or Joanna Gaines are encouraged to learn more about starting their career by attending the College of Arts and Sciences’ annual Interior Design Open House on Wednesday, August 23, at the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University downtown bookstore. Hosted by Curriculum Coordinator Robert Hardy, the informational event is free and open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the building.

The Interior Design Open House provides an opportunity for new and prospective students to learn more about the programs offered on campus, in addition to the steps involved in the registration process.

“Our open houses are a great way for prospective students to have their questions answered one-on-one and to learn how an interior design certificate from ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University will give them the knowledge, technical ability, and credentials they need to succeed,” said Hardy, who also works as an independent designer and contributor to House Beautiful Magazine . “They are a great opportunity to meet future classmates and to network with other people that share a similar passion for design.”

Established in 1976, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ’s interior design program provides students with a solid foundation in history, hands-on design experience, and training that enables them to translate abstract concepts into three-dimensional reality. Over the course of their studies, students are given the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio and to qualify to become NCIDQ certified (National Council of Interior Design) and/or members of The American Society of Interior Designers, depending on which certificate they complete. Certificates are available in residential, commercial, and professional concentrations and offer flexible day and evening courses to accommodate students’ demanding schedules.

“Having been part of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University for over 40 years, we have established ourselves as a very specific program geared to help adults move successfully into the field of interior design,” Hardy said. “Students range in age from early 20’s to late 50’s and consist of college graduates with varying degrees, many of whom already have led successful careers in other fields but now want to pursue their passion for interior design. Our program is the quickest route to completing a design education without the necessity of an additional degree."

For more information regarding ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ University’s interior design programs, visit fairfield.edu/interiordesign .