Interior Design

A study of architectural interiors and furnishings from antiquity to present. Relationship of architecture, art, and furniture styles to interiors. Survey of contemporary furniture designers.

An exploration of the basic elements and principles of interior design. Includes application of design principles to human environments. Emphasis on design solutions relevant to human needs. Introduction to architectural drawing. Six studio hours per week.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Continued exploration of the design process and utilizing graphic communication techniques to visually communicate design solutions. Exploration of presentation methods and techniques.

Residential interior design studio. Included will be the solution of residential design problems, preparation of appropriate drawings and models, application of universal design principles and aging in place. Historic adaptation of residential spaces. Specifications of finishes, furnishings and equipment for residential interiors. Six studio hours each week.

Study of psychological, physiological, social, and environmental aspects of shelter. Included will be a study of the housing needs of elderly and handicapped; cross-cultural perspective of housing; ergonomics; historic preservation; energy efficiency; and government policies influencing housing.

In-depth study of materials and their appropriate application used in interior design, including flooring, window treatments, wall coverings and furniture. Quality, utilization and sustainability as factors in material selection are included. Calculations of materials for flooring, soft window treatments, upholstered furniture and wall covering installations are covered.

Exploration of technology techniques and tools for Interior Design. Design software and internet exploration. Introduction of computer aided drafting and design. 

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will participate in a research or creative project investigating topics and problems in Interior Design. This course will provide an introduction to the methods and techniques of the discipline. The research experience will culminate in a paper and/or presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

Application of advanced computer aided design for residential and commercial interiors. Further exploration of overlay design packages.

Survey of residential and non-residential systems, building materials, traditional and sustainable construction methods, and custom millwork design.

Application of design solutions for commercial and residential interiors. Included will be exploration of sustainable materials, solving design problems for diverse populations, and the study of building codes. Six studio hours per week.

Exploration of light as a design element in interior design; lighting theory; emphasis on technical aspects of lighting; lighting calculations; lighting specification and installation. Studio problems with application to residential, office, hospitality, retail, and institutional settings. 

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Exploration of business principles and practices of interior design. Using ethical practice in design management students gain knowledge and application of basic business processes. Introduction to professional organizations and professional development and creating a portfolio are covered.

Execution of creative and functional solutions for commercial interior design problems. Included will be study of space planning and specification of traditional and sustainable materials and furnishings for non-residential interiors. Lecture and six studio hours each week.

Senior level design studio course exploring various design problems in complexity, size and scope. Emphasis is given to multi-use spaces. Research and related readings are included. Six studio hours per week.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute a research project at an advanced level of complexity that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the interior design faculty. A research proposal form completed by the student, faculty mentor, and Honors Program director is required for registration.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will develop and conduct a research or creative project exploring issues and problems in Interior Design. The research experience will culminate in a paper and/or presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.