PITTSBURGH, PA – The Art Institute of Pittsburgh announced plans today to begin enrollment for a new Associate of Science Degree Program in Kitchen & Bath Design. The program responds to growth in the residential division of the interior design industry and a demand for specialized design professionals equipped to work with educated homeowners. The Kitchen & Bath program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh will enable students to concentrate their studies and ultimately fill a career niche within this specialized portion of the residential market.
Recent market analysis reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association indicates that the kitchen consumes more attention, energy, finances and complex decision-making than any other remodeling project. Research suggests that female consumers view the kitchen as a premier interior project to reflect their personalities to friends, relatives and guests.*
Specialized courses within the curriculum will prepare graduates to pursue entry-level positions in the ever-changing design industry. Courses include studies in color theory, materials and finishes, cabinet construction, appliance design, green design, lighting, presentation skills, space planning, budget planning, health and life safety codes, and plumbing installation.
Professional experience will be gained through a required 160-hour internship designed to expose students to real projects prior to graduation as well as help students build professional relationships. Students will graduate with an interview-ready portfolio demonstrating both creative and technical problem solving skills necessary to complete residential kitchen and bath projects.
Career opportunities for qualified graduates of the Kitchen & Bath Design program include working for retail showrooms, distributors, cabinet shops, multi-branch retailers, manufacturers, fabricators, installers, manufacturer's representatives, dealers, builders/remodelers and decorative plumbing and hardware. Opportunities also exist with homebuilders, specialty firms, and residential-product retailers.
Typical duties would include: selection of products, working with showrooms, drawings and related construction documents. Kitchen and bath designers work with contractors, builders, manufacturers, retailers and private clients for completion of design development, budget management and installation of kitchens and bathrooms.
The Art Institute's degree program was created with the guidance of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA); The Art Institute developed a curriculum model and plan to apply for NKBA Supported Status and NKBA Accreditation.
"NKBA certification will demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a curriculum that that meets professional industry standards," said Kelly Spewock, Academic Department Director of Interior Design. According to Spewock, graduates of the program will be taught the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NKBA certification exam.
"As the industry niche of kitchen and bath design continues to grow, preparing for these exams is an integral component for securing employment and advancing professionally," said Spewock. "We believe graduates of this program will be well-prepared to enter the kitchen and bath industry as professionals ready to assist homeowners with their varied needs."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos293.htm) Employment of interior designers is expected to grow about as fast as average http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20016.htm for all occupations through 2014. Economic expansion, growing homeowner wealth, and an increased interest in interior design will increase demand for designers. All courses within the Kitchen & Bath associate's degree program will be offered both online and on campus at the college's downtown Pittsburgh location.
*HOMESIGHT: The Five Stages of Kitchen Remodeling, by Tom Troland, Senior Market Analyst- Home Categories, Meredith Research Solutions and Art Spinella, President, CNW Research
About The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh currently offers 14 Bachelor of Science degree programs and is comprised of approximately 12,300 students, as of spring 2008, who pursue degree programs through coursework both at the Downtown Pittsburgh campus and through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers bachelor's degree programs in Advertising, Culinary Management, Digital Media Production, Entertainment Design, Fashion & Retail Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Photography, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics and Web Design & Interactive Media. Associate's degree programs are also offered in Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Photography and Video Production. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Advertising, Culinary Management, Fashion & Retail Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation and Web Design & Interactive Media programs are also available fully online through The Art Institute Pittsburgh – Online Division.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
For more information call 1-877-872-8869 or visit http://www.aionline.edu.
