Best schools for interior design in Chicago?

I'm really passionate about interior design and am considering studying it in Chicago. Any recommendations for top schools with strong interior design programs in the city?

Sure, Chicago is a great city to study interior design. You'll want to consider several factors like curriculum, faculty, accreditation, career support, and opportunities for practical experiences or internships.

1. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): This is one of the most renowned art institutions in the US. The Interior Architecture program at SAIC emphasizes both design and critical thinking skills. It has a phenomenal faculty, and the curriculum is project-based, encouraging experimentation across different materials and scales.

2. Columbia College Chicago: This college offers a BFA in Interior Architecture that incorporates design history, theory, and technical skills. The program also provides opportunities for you to engage with professional designers and industry practitioners.

3. Harrington College of Design - Although Harrington College officially closed in 2015, it partnered with Columbia College Chicago to provide continuity for its students and programs. So, Harrington’s Interior Design degree program was moved to Columbia College. This program has a rich history dating back to 1931, making it a solid choice for those interested in the field.

4. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT): If you're interested in a Master's Degree, IIT offers a Master of Design + Master of Business Administration (MDes + MBA) dual degree program which combines design practices with business education.

Keep in mind that it's not just picking the best school on paper, it's about choosing the program that best aligns with your career goals, interests, and style as a designer. It would be helpful to take a tour of the campus, speak with current students and professors, and look at the work of students who have graduated to assess the quality of the program. Good luck!