Working at HIID, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Harrington Institute of Interior Design

The Harrington Institute of Interior Design (HIID), located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, was a specialized institution dedicated to training professionals in the art and science of interior design. Established as a for-profit college, it focused exclusively on design education, offering associate and bachelor's degrees in interior design. Although HIID ceased operations in May 2016 as part of Harrington College of Design amid financial difficulties, its legacy provides valuable insights into career opportunities in niche higher education fields like interior design. Jobs at Harrington Institute of Interior Design typically revolved around teaching aspiring designers, administrative support, and industry partnerships, attracting creative professionals passionate about shaping the next generation of interior spaces.

Chicago's dynamic design scene, with its mix of architecture icons like the Willis Tower and modern lofts, made HIID an ideal hub. Faculty and staff positions emphasized hands-on skills, portfolio reviews, and real-world projects. Understanding these roles helps job seekers targeting similar positions at active schools such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago or online design programs.

History of HIID and Its Impact on Design Education

Founded in 1931 by Mary Harrington, the institute began as a response to the growing demand for trained interior designers during the Art Deco era. It evolved over decades, becoming known for its practical curriculum that blended aesthetics, functionality, and technical skills. By the 2000s, HIID offered programs accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), now part of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

In its peak years, the institute served hundreds of students annually, with strong ties to Chicago's design firms. Jobs at Harrington Institute of Interior Design grew alongside enrollment, including full-time instructors, adjunct faculty, and career services specialists who connected graduates to firms like Gensler or Perkins&Will. The closure in 2016 was due to declining enrollment and competition from larger universities, but alumni continue to thrive in the industry, highlighting the quality of training provided.

Academic Programs and Job Relevance

HIID's core offerings included the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Interior Design and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design. Courses covered space planning, materials selection, building codes, and digital rendering using tools like AutoCAD and SketchUp. These programs prepared students for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, a key licensure step.

Jobs tied directly to these programs, such as curriculum developers or studio coordinators, required expertise in residential, commercial, and sustainable design. Faculty often brought professional portfolios, ensuring classes reflected current trends like biophilic design or smart home integration.

Types of Jobs at Harrington Institute of Interior Design

Careers at HIID spanned teaching, administration, and support roles. Common positions included:

• Interior Design Instructor: Leading studios and critiques.
• Program Director: Overseeing curriculum and accreditation.
• Admissions Counselor: Recruiting design enthusiasts.
• Career Services Advisor: Facilitating internships.
• Administrative Assistant: Managing student records and events.

For more on types of positions available in higher ed, including adjunct and full-time faculty, explore our resources. These roles mirrored broader higher ed faculty jobs, with a focus on creative disciplines.

Definitions

To help understand key terms related to jobs at Harrington Institute of Interior Design:

• NCIDQ Exam: National Council for Interior Design Qualification, a professional certification exam testing knowledge in codes, contracts, and design principles, required for licensure in most US states.
• FIDER/CIDA Accreditation: Standards ensuring interior design programs meet industry benchmarks for quality education.
• Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, common in specialized schools like HIID for bringing industry experts to the classroom.
• Portfolio Review: Evaluation of a designer's work samples, crucial for hiring at design institutes.
• Sustainable Design: Approach using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient practices to minimize environmental impact in interiors.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

📊 For faculty jobs at HIID, a minimum bachelor's degree in interior design or architecture was standard, with master's preferred for leadership roles. PhD holders occasionally led advanced seminars.

Research focus centered on applied design rather than theoretical, including topics like universal design for accessibility or hospitality interiors tailored to Chicago's hotel boom.

Preferred experience included 3-5 years in professional practice, publications in design magazines like Interior Design, or grants from ASID. Skills and competencies encompassed:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Revit.
• Teaching pedagogy for diverse learners.
• Project management for student exhibitions.
• Industry networking for guest lectures.

Admin roles required organizational skills and familiarity with higher ed software like Banner.

Application Process and Tips

Applications at HIID involved submitting a resume, cover letter, portfolio, and references via email or portal. Interviews featured teaching demos and design critiques.

Actionable tips:

• Customize your free resume template with quantifiable achievements, e.g., 'Mentored 50 students to NCIDQ success.'
• Build a digital portfolio on Behance showcasing HIID-aligned projects.
• Network at Chicago design events or via LinkedIn.
• Prepare for questions on sustainable trends; reference employer branding secrets.
• Follow up post-interview with thank-yous highlighting fit.

Use our free cover letter template for strong applications. For lecturer paths, see become a university lecturer.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

HIID embraced Chicago's diversity, with initiatives like scholarships for underrepresented groups in design and faculty hires reflecting varied backgrounds. Partnerships with organizations like Black Artists + Designers Guild promoted inclusive curricula, featuring case studies on multicultural spaces. Guest lectures from LGBTQ+ designers and women-led firms fostered equity, aligning with industry pushes for diverse perspectives in creative fields.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

🏙️ Campus life at HIID buzzed with energy in Chicago's Loop, near the Merchandise Mart, the world's largest design center. Staff enjoyed flexible hours for project-based teaching, professional development stipends, and wellness perks like gym discounts.

Work-life balance involved collaborative environments with low hierarchy, allowing creativity outside class. Events like annual design shows and field trips to the Art Institute built community. Proximity to Lake Michigan offered downtime escapes, though peak seasons demanded overtime for portfolio reviews.

Summary and Next Steps

While HIID no longer operates, its model informs higher ed jobs in interior design. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job for opportunities. Chicago's scene thrives—check Illinois university jobs for similar roles today.