Reviews of Heritage School of Interior Design (Interior Designer)

Suzanne Atkinson

I attended the Heritage School of Interior Design Online program. I started by meeting the owner/director of the school, Stephanie, who is lovely and personable. She sold the program, and the school, with high expectations of opportunity and return on investment in terms of the education I would receive. I left the interview with the understanding that the online program would be delivered via an online portal and video lectures as that was the only way I had ever experienced online classes in a University setting. The positive reviews here are from students who attended the day program in the classroom setting. My experience was different than the other positive reviews for the following reasons: 1. Stephanie failed to mention that my class would be the first Online Program, and that essentially we were guinea pigs to her plan of expanding the program to online students. 2. There were no video lectures and this was an entirely self taught experience. The online curriculum consisted of you tube links and dim lit, two minute clips of Michele, rushing through assignments that the viewer could not see. 3. The lecturer, though knowledgeable of the practice, was less than inspiring as a teacher of design. 4. The lecturer responded rudely and defensively to questions of clarity about projects and assignments. 5. Initial concerns about the quality of the program were ignored when contacting Stephanie. It was if she did not want to address the issues, which was also hinted by the lecturer. 6. The online portal used was not able to support the bandwidth and size of the projects, making assignment submissions an extra stress. 7. There were two required textbooks (around $100 each) and one of them did not get used the entire program. 8. I did not receive the value in education equal to that of this expensive program. 9. "Graduation" consisted of a gathering at Stephanie's house which was put on the students to bring a pot luck style meal; for which reason I did not attend. 10. I had to write and then call to request my certification after completing my program/tuition. This request initially went ignored but I eventually received the printed paper certification. I suggest that you look into other online programs for interior design such as the Art Institute of Portland, if looking in the Portland area, or other online programs that are much more more effective and at a much lower price. I, unfortunately, had to go through a second interior design program to feel confident and skilled to enter the field.

Dani Christine

As a recent grad of Heritage I can't recommend this program enough! Becoming an interior designer has been a long held dream of mine and after thoroughly researching the education programs available, Heritage stood out as the perfect fit. The experience did not disappoint! Not only did I receive a comprehensive interior design education, I was equipped with the fundamental business tools to launch my career. Like any experience, you get out of it what you put in to it and the team at Heritage provided me with the education and resources to follow my passion.

Bridget Meiners

My experience at Heritage has been life changing. My instructor, Janis has given me the direction and confidence to actualize my dream of having a career in interior design.

Logan McGuire

A fantastic school, operated by a very talented and inspirational lady. You learn about design, business and life. Highly recommend.

Alexandria Garcia

This school is INCREDIBLE! The staff is so knowledgeable, helpful and absolutely inspiring. Also, this school is affordable and works with my budget! I can’t wait to begin my classes at Heritage!

wendy conway

I can’t say enough about the professionalism and creativity of this school. Everyone I have had contact with is amazing!

Amy White

I graduated from Heritage School of Interior Design last spring and can honestly say that it is a wonderful program and it changed my life. Before graduating college I jumped into a routine 9-5 job, which took place in a typical office environment. The people were amazing and the top-notch succession planning had me set for life. The only problem? I wasn't happy and I didn't feel fulfilled. I had a degree in Business but a passion for design. Getting another degree in Interior Design wasn't what I needed. I needed to know how to put business and design together! When I heard about Heritage from a very successful alum, I immediately looked into it and found it was the perfect option for me. Although leaving a stable job to explore my passion was a risk, it was the best risk I've ever taken. The knowledge I received from experienced design instructors along with the inspiration and support from my classmates was truly invaluable. We received thorough training on everything from fabric selection, custom furnishings, window treatments, floor planning, elevations, case goods, flooring, artwork & framing, green design, and so much more. In addition to learning the elements and principles of design, we also learned how to own and market an independent design business. Heritage launched me into my dream career that I thought I would never realistically have, and I couldn't be happier. If you can't stop imagining yourself on HGTV and you've been dreaming about doing Interior Design, please stop dreaming and go to Heritage! I promise you won't regret it.

Rachel Anderson

I completed the Master's Program last summer and can't speak highly enough about my time there. Attending Heritage has truly been a life-changing experience for me! If you're like me and already have a college degree and can't imagine committing copious amounts of time and money to another lengthy program, then this is a perfect fit for you. There was not a single minute wasted during the Fundamentals program. I really felt like I was getting the most bang possible for my buck and so much of it was practical information that I now use every day in my design business. All of the staff at Heritage is fully commited to your success, if you're willing to put yourself out there. The program is intense and will be your prime focus for all of the months that you are there, but the immersive nature is what made it that much more impactful and exciting! The small class sizes were one of the best parts, not only because I made some lasting and valuable connections with others in this community, but also because you get the time and attention you need to leave the program feeling confident and successful. The Program really has had more of an impact on me than I can ever describe. I am so thankful for all that it has done for my life.

Design Allure

When I decided I wanted to go back to school my husband and I were looking for the most affordable, quality, hands-on education that could get me the skills I needed to launch my dream career in interior design. When I found Heritage School of Interior Design, I called Stephanie right away. A week later Stephanie and I met for the very first time. I went on to study interior design at Heritage and had the most phenominal experience! Heritage gave me the platform to turn my passion for interiors design into my dream career! Im proud to say that I am know the founding owner of Design Allure, offering Interior design, staging design and E-design services to the PDX community!

Kari Voegele

As a recent graduate from the Heritage Master's program, I highly recommend enrolling at the school! Stephanie and the entire Heritage team gave me all of the tools needed to become a successful interior designer. They even helped me find a job in the industry before graduating. It was an amazing life changing experience.

Jim Plymale

An intensive, cohort based approach to getting an interior design education that won't leave you in debt. You can get all the basics as well as the technical skills you need in 3 - 6 months of intensive study with a group of peers who share your passion. Instructors are experienced and the school is in a very cool location in the heart of Portland's Mississippi district.

Sarah Feda

Being a student in This great school gave me a lot of confidence. I learned a lot and classes are hands on. Now I feel that I am ready for the best interior design career and I gained a lot of experience.

MaryBeth Morris

As a graduate of HSID, I received excellent instruction and developed a network of professionals that have given me the confidence and skills to turn a passion for interior design into a career. The courses are taught by highly trained and knowledgeable instructors who work with students on a personal level. HSID Director, Stephanie Plymale has created a school with a mission to both educate students with a passion for design AND to expand a greater collaborative community of design professionals. I can honestly say that the instruction and professional network I gained by attending Heritage was the keystone experience that allowed me to pivot my career and FINALLY launch my own interior design business. HSID is a great school, with great instructors, churning out great students, who are building a great design community. Thanks to all at HSID for your passion and support!

RuthannLentz

Intense, informative and inspiring. I found my community at Heritage and the skills to hit the ground running.

Cozy-in-Love Spaces

I discovered Heritage through Instagram and knew the moment I found it that this was the answer to how I was going to go about fulfilling my future design aspirations. I attended the Executive program, as well as continued on for the customized Master's program. The teachers have real-world experience that they bring into the classroom. I felt supported throughout the classes and continue to keep in touch with many faculty and alumni. I would highly recommend Heritage for anyone looking to follow their design dreams, who are not looking for a 4-year University, and who want to be able to quickly apply their knowledge and skills, whether through starting their own business or landing a dream design job.

Katherine Pfliiger

Heritage has been a life changing experience in the best way! The instructors are hands on, they are always available and really help you to grow. Their only goal is to help you succeed!

A Google User

Heritage was such a valuable experience! Angie, our fundamentals teacher, was so knowledgeable and supportive. Cara was helpful every step of the way too. Can’t rave enough!

Victoria Wheeler

Just finished the 12 week fundamentals course, and I love this school! You make so many great friendships and connections, and the teacher, Angie, is the most supportive person I've ever met. Thank you Heritage!

Lauren Peterson

I’ve taken the fundamentals class, autocad/sketch up and photoshop/illustrator so far and have loved them all. I’ve learned so much and all my teachers have been so helpful with leading me into my dream career. Would highly recommend this school for all the courses they offer or just for a select few.

Madison Martin

I am currently taking the Masters Program at Heritage, and it has already been pretty life changing for me. I grew up despising going to school everyday and that was a big reason why I jumped right into the work world after high school instead of attending college. This experience has completely changed my outlook on school and learning. I absolutely look forward to coming to class everyday. The staff is wonderful and kind and will help you with anything you need. The director, Stephanie, constantly advocates for us as her students and really cares that the time that is set aside for learning is packed with useful information and great resources. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to enter into the interior design profession. It has already been one of my very favorite experiences in my life so far!

June Lee

As a student at Heritage School of Interior Design, I can happily say that it is such a wonderful experience and opens a plethora of opportunity. Teachers and staff are a wealth of knowledge and truly believe in you. I absolutely recommend this school to anyone who is interested in design!

Alex Larsen

I am a recent graduate and I can't fully explain in this review how happy I am with my experience! I left my full-time job and expressed my concerns about the career change with the Director Stephanie. She then went out of her way to give me a lead on a part-time job that is now going to hire me as an interior designer! Who knew my life would make a complete 180 in a short 3 months! The program is a complete crash-course, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Being able to get into the field and meet practicing professionals in all sorts of avenues was encouraging and inspirational. The instructor, Michele, is a hoot and a half, and you will not go a day without laughing! I would highly recommend this program not only because it's affordable, but it gets you into the industry right away! Thank you Heritage!

Riley Koughan

Heritage was like a second home to me! These are the most amazing people I have ever met! Me and my classmates became such amazing friends! The curriculum taught at heritage has given me more than enough experience to begin my Interior Design career!

Krista Shulman

I give Janis Howard five stars as an instructor at Heritage. She was enthusiastic, encouraging and was very invested in the success of her students. If you are looking for a program that will provide you the basics of interior design to have your own business, this program is a good start.

Christina M

Excuse my lengthy review, but sometimes it's necessary! I'm a recent graduate of Heritage's 24 week executive program (On Saturdays!) and I'm beyond satisfied with my experience here! Interior design has always been a dream of mine, I just never knew where to start. Working full time, I knew I wanted to find an alternative and Heritage was exactly what I needed. You not only get the focused-education that you need, you also get to make connections with people who are already part of this industry. You are surrounded by passionate and caring individuals and students. By the end of it, they become your family. Janis is a wonderful instructor who will encourage you and push you in order to become the best you can be both as a designer and as an individual. You put in the work and Heritage will give you the opportunities to grow :) As someone who's always had an 8-5 job, I can assure you after taking courses here you will realize the endless possibilities this industry offers if you're willing to work for it! And I'm excited to see what my future will hold.

Shelly

Well, here goes! I am a recent graduate of Heritage School of Interior Design. I have never felt more on fire, more supported and more loved in my entire life. This experience has completely changed my life. The owner, Stephanie was and continues to be, very hands on and very involved. She is a dynamite personality. The curriculum is such that you are absolutely ready to work in the field... You can do any thing you want. I was offered an interior design position 2 weeks before graduation. I always loved learning and I loved every single thing we learned about. The instructor, Michele made learning fun! If you're interested in having your life take off, this is for you... all day long... this is for you. Do it. I went at it 110%. I have not attended school in many decades, so if i can do it, graduating with an A, anyone can. Give it everything you got! You will be in fire, like me! Oh, and I made life long friends!!

Adam Roper

I just finished my certificate in Interior Custom Design and felt like the experience was a fantastic one. Janis was a superb instructor who really cared about her students and the material. Between vendor field trips and homework assignments, not to mention a very intense final project, the program was a lot of work but I left feeling like I had a great foundation for my interior design career. I would absolutely recommend adding on the AutoCAD classes as well. It helps make one more marketable in the industry and Amy was a fabulous instructor as well. The program is very hands-on, with a lot of focus on the individual students which worked very well for me. I would highly recommend!

Stephanie Sprauer

I would 100% recommend Heritage to anyone looking to break out of their comfort zone, take control of their life, and meet some amazing new people! I'm not sure if I got exceptionally lucky...but my small cohort of 14 students meshed really well together during the fundamentals course, which created an insanely encouraging environment. We were all open-minded and encouraging & understanding of each other's styles, reservations, strengths, and goals...which personally allowed my confidence as a new designer to grow wildly! On top of that, the staff (Stephanie, Michele, Amy, etc.) all want you to succeed! There is no cut-throat mentality because a lot of us are starting at the very beginning of our careers after deciding to change course in life, so the staff really work for you if you take the time to reach out to them. I was recently hired at a luxury furniture showroom in downtown PDX because I had Stephanie and Michele advocating for me and speaking to not only my design ability, but also my personality! At a traditional university, I was simply a number in lecture settings, but at Heritage, there is a strong sense of community. The best thing about Heritage is that it is pretty immediately hands-on and intense. Some of us had never drawn a floor plan before...and we were doing that by week 2! We did in-class design challenges, had 6 hour furniture history lectures, studied color psychology, etc. There is a ton to cover in 12 weeks, so you really need to take initiative if you want to succeed. Overall, I really recommend this program if you're willing to work hard, ask questions, trust the process of not knowing anything, and be willing to break out of your comfort zone!