Interior Design

Introduces the design, the environmental and the material implications of spaces for living. Fall semester.

Learn graphic communication techniques required to communicate ideas and information related to interior design practice, including one and two-point perspectives. Understand the proper use of equipment and materials and read interior and architectural drawings.

Explore advanced drafting skills necessary for the professional and technical communication of ideas and information related to interior design using various computer rendering and electronic media, including one and two-point Explores advanced drafting skills necessary for the professional and technical communication of ideas and information related to interior design using various computer rendering and electronic media, including one and two-point perspectives.

Study the interiors and architecture from ancient to the present. Understand the political, social, economic, religious, and technological context of the periods related to the historical development of built environments, furniture, textiles, and accessories until the twentieth century.

Learn the development of furniture, textiles and accessories and their relationship to interiors, Victorian to present. Spring only.

Study interior and architectural building codes, construction means, and methods required for built environments. Recognize through researching and applying international and jurisdictional building code requirements and identifying appropriate construction methods.

Explore interior model building materials, methods, and interior construction techniques used to construct a residential model focusing on the interior.

Explore design software programs for interior design practice. Learn instructed program commands, design techniques, and methods to produce professional presentations. Understand technical issues and investigating new creative uses for the software.

Explore 2-D and 3-D features and other visualization and rendering programs introduced to advanced drafting skills of interior perspectives and axonometric drawings. Learn software applications that demonstrate competency in intermediate commands and design acuity, resulting in complete construction documents and professional presentations.

Study materials and finishes used in residential and commercial interiors. Learn estimating, fabrication, installation, identifying materials, composition, use and appropriateness, manufacturers, and sources. Understand how to identify material performance characteristics, fire-resistant qualities, acoustic properties, and fabrication and installation of materials and textiles for structural finishes and furnishings. Learn industry building codes, standards and regulations, and sustainability requirements.

Explore various presentation techniques for interior design projects. Learn digital, graphic, and rendering methods to effectively communicate ideas in a presentation format that clients can recognize and evaluate. Study techniques for applying colors such as watercolors, acrylic, zipatone, and magic markers”comprehensions of CAD I and supportive curricula in art and design.

Explore residential design through an environmentally sustainable lens. Learn design programming, quality of life issues, and interviewing and collaborating with clients. Studio sessions include the development of viable solutions and creative planning of small and large-scale residential spaces, renovations to existing residences, and design for special needs populations.

Examine kitchen and bathroom design based on National Kitchen and Bath Association programming instruction, the latest codes, guidelines, and standards to meet professional credentials. Review and gain product knowledge regarding appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing fixtures. In addition, incorporate sustainable and WELL standards to improve quality of life issues. Studio sessions include the development of viable solutions and creative planning or renovation of kitchen and bath spaces and design for special needs populations.

Explore analyses and programming skills to design office interiors that address health, safety, and the public's welfare in commercial environments and the functional and aesthetic goals of the client. Learn and prepare construction documents with knowledge of building codes, standards, and guidelines appropriate to space type and usage. Produce a complete set of construction documents (excluding engineering sets) utilizing interior design and architectural standards.

Examine the foundations of business and the professional practice of interior design. Explores the principles, procedures, and methods, including compensation and fees, contracts, business forms, and budget management. Understand designer/client and trade relationships and legal considerations to operate an interior design business effectively.

Explore and observe business practices in an interior design establishment in the Washington, D.C., area. Requires completion of at least 10 hours per week or at least 100 hours of experiential learning to gain firsthand experience in the interior design profession”an instructor-approved internship. Documentation and evaluation are needed for this experiential learning opportunity.

Explore lighting as a design element for the interior environment. Identify the impact of lighting, types of lighting for specific uses, energy conservation, electrical systems and distribution, and related functions. Learn the fundamental principles of color as it applies to the spatial and visual perception of the built environment, the psychology of color, and its impact on human behavior and interior spaces.

Explore interior design offices, such as law, medical, insurance, banks, accounting, and other workplace settings. Understand critical thinking skills to develop conceptual ideas encompassing social, psychological, and design theories for impactful design solutions and incorporate codes and requirements of specified building types.

Explore critical thinking skills and designs acuity for large-scale commercial interiors. Work in collaborative and multi-disciplinary structures to explore and apply design methodologies in commercial interior design teams. Expands visual and verbal presentation skills.

Learn how to complete a body of work product that demonstrates studio portfolio that demonstrates progress from first-year to capstone year.

Learn how to analyze and explain a selected senior thesis design. Understand and demonstrate advanced design skills and vocabulary for a senior-level presentation.

Learn furniture design concepts, functions, materials, construction techniques, and custom millwork related to interior environments. Understand how to create environmental elements and craftsmanship, applying materials to ideas, and developing practical prototypes. Study how to solve furniture design problems using drafting and modeling techniques. Learn how designs are created through the study of structure and materials.

Examine advanced techniques for furniture design.

Study in an interior design firm or other suitable related approved area without compensation, applies and observes business practices in interior design. Understand and gain experiential learning in the interior design profession.

Explore structured learning experiences to broaden comprehension of the principles and competencies associated with the discipline or program with individualized, in-depth learning experiences.