O'More College of Design
O'More College of Design is a private art and design college located in Franklin, Tennessee, approximately twenty miles south of Nashville. Founded in 1970, the institution serves as one of the region's primary centers for undergraduate and graduate design education, offering programs in interior design, graphic design, fashion design, and related creative disciplines. The college operates as a non-profit educational institution and has become known for its emphasis on practical studio-based learning and professional preparation for careers in the design industries.
History
O'More College of Design was established in 1970 by Elise O'More and William O'More in Franklin, Tennessee. The college emerged from a need for specialized design education in Middle Tennessee, particularly focused on interior design and the applied arts.[1] The institution began as a smaller design school and gradually expanded its curriculum and facilities throughout the 1980s and 1990s to accommodate growing enrollment and emerging design disciplines. The college's early years were characterized by an emphasis on personalized education and direct mentorship between faculty and students, a pedagogical approach that remains central to the institution's identity.
The college received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 1998, marking a significant milestone in its institutional development and legitimacy within higher education circles. This accreditation enabled O'More to expand its degree offerings and attract a more diverse student population. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the college continued to modernize its physical infrastructure, investing in updated studio spaces, computer laboratories, and digital design facilities to reflect technological advances in the design professions. The institution's growth has been accompanied by an increasing focus on professional outcomes, with the college developing closer partnerships with design firms, corporations, and creative industries throughout Tennessee and the Southeast.[2]
Education
O'More College of Design offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate degree programs centered on the applied and fine design disciplines. The interior design program represents one of the institution's flagship offerings, preparing students for professional practice through coursework in spatial design, materials, codes and regulations, and professional practice standards. The graphic design program emphasizes visual communication, typography, digital media, and brand development, equipping graduates for positions in corporate marketing departments, design agencies, and freelance practice. Additionally, the college offers programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, and related areas, addressing the creative and business dimensions of the apparel and accessories industries.[3]
At the graduate level, O'More College offers Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees in design disciplines, as well as certificate programs for professional development and career advancement. The graduate programs are designed for working professionals and recent graduates seeking advanced expertise in specialized areas such as sustainable design, digital innovation, and design leadership. The college's curriculum integrates both theoretical foundations and applied project-based learning, with studios, seminars, and professional practices courses forming the core of the academic experience. All programs maintain accreditation with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) for interior design programs, ensuring that graduates meet national professional standards and are eligible for licensure examinations.
The pedagogical model at O'More emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on studio work, collaborative projects, and real-world client engagements. Faculty members are typically practicing designers and creative professionals who bring current industry knowledge and professional networks into the classroom. The college maintains relatively small class sizes compared to larger universities, facilitating individualized instruction and mentorship. Students are required to complete internships and capstone projects that integrate their learning and prepare them for professional practice. The institution also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with students from different design disciplines often working together on complex design challenges that mirror professional studio environments.
Culture
O'More College of Design maintains a creative and professionally oriented campus culture that prioritizes design excellence, innovation, and ethical practice. The college hosts regular exhibitions, lectures, and design symposia that bring together students, faculty, and visiting practitioners to discuss contemporary issues in design, creativity, and professional development. Student work is frequently displayed in college galleries and presented at regional and national design conferences, providing visibility and recognition for emerging designers. The institution encourages participation in professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the Graphic Designers Association, and fashion industry organizations, fostering connections between student designers and established professionals.
The college's location in Franklin, a growing community in Williamson County with a thriving creative and business sector, provides students with proximity to design firms, corporate offices, and retail environments that serve as internship sites and professional networking venues. This geographic positioning has enabled O'More to develop strong relationships with regional employers and creative industries. The campus itself reflects design principles, with facilities that showcase contemporary design practice and serve as living laboratories for student learning. The college regularly hosts visiting designers, design educators, and creative leaders for lectures and workshops, bringing external perspectives and industry expertise to the student body.
Notable People
O'More College of Design has produced numerous graduates who have achieved recognition in design, creative industries, and related fields. Alumni have established design practices throughout Tennessee and the Southeast, contributed to major corporate design initiatives, and held leadership positions in design-related organizations. While the institution does not maintain a comprehensive public registry of notable alumni, many graduates work in positions of responsibility within design firms, corporations, educational institutions, and creative enterprises across the region.
The college's faculty includes experienced designers and educators with professional credentials and exhibition histories in their respective disciplines. Faculty members have contributed to design publications, participated in professional organizations, and maintained active design practices while teaching. The institution has been led by administrators with backgrounds in design education and institutional management, who have shaped the college's strategic direction and educational philosophy. The collective expertise of faculty and staff reflects the practical, professional orientation that characterizes the institution's mission and educational approach.
Attractions and Campus Facilities
The O'More College campus in Franklin features design studios, digital laboratories, galleries, and classroom spaces that support contemporary design education and practice. The college maintains exhibition spaces where student work, faculty exhibitions, and visiting artist displays are presented throughout the academic year. These exhibitions serve both educational purposes and as showcases for student achievement and creative development. The library and learning commons provide resources for design research, including physical materials libraries, digital databases, and reference collections supporting design disciplines.
The campus location in Franklin provides access to regional cultural institutions, professional design firms, and creative businesses that enhance the educational environment. Students benefit from proximity to the Franklin downtown area, which has undergone revitalization and developed a growing creative district with galleries, studios, and design-related businesses. The college's position within this emerging creative economy has facilitated partnerships and collaborative opportunities that enrich the educational experience and provide pathways to professional employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Campus facilities and infrastructure have been regularly updated to reflect advances in design technology, digital tools, and pedagogical approaches.