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May 31, 2013 What to Expect Year to Year in the Interior Design Major

David Matthews, Chair of the Interior Design Program, offers a look at life at the College of Architecture and Design through four years of study involved in our award-winning Interior Design Program.

Year One – Design Foundation Studies, Studio Culture, General Education Success, Engagement in College of Architecture and Design Events, and Participation in Student Professional Organizations

Students in the first year of interior design studies are introduced to the studio culture. Design studios are located in the Art and Architecture building and participation in this environment is at the core of the design educational experience during all years of program study. Students who adopt and participate fully in the design studio culture are much more likely to be academically successful. Most students enjoy and fully engage design studio culture on an academic and social level.

Interior Design and Architecture students complete the same core foundation studio courses. The first year studio and representation courses provide a foundation of knowledge, design processes, and critical thinking experiences relevant to all design disciplines. Students learn the design process, visual and representation communications, elements and principles of design, and solve basic universal problems of design. These courses emphasize open-ended projects that are time intensive, promote the development of critical thinking skills, and require collaboration with peers outside of scheduled class time.

Students must also successfully complete core General Education requirements such as math and English courses. These courses are essential to the overall educational experience and serve for success in future Interior Design course that require intensive writing, math, and a breathed of knowledge from related disciplines.

  • Key Experiences for First Year Success
    • Adopting studio culture as a core experience of learning and doing design
    • Establishing a good GPA by successful completion of all courses
    • Participation in College of Architecture and Design events such as the lecture series, TASST week, and professional student organizations such as the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) or International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
    • Engagement in the peer mentor program to learn from senior interior design majors
  • Typical Expenses for First Year Studies
    • Materials and tools for completion of projects in foundation studios
    • iPad or second hand laptop1
    • Digital camera (specific model required)1
    • Fees for Student Professional Organizations

1. Note the technology requirement sheet for incoming students.

Year Two – Interior Design Foundation Studios, Technology Purchase Program, College Field Trip, and Continued Engagement in the Interior Design Studio Learning Community

In the second year of study the studio experience shifts to specific design issues related to the practice of interior design. Students purchase a computer and suite of software core to the practice of interior design. The design studios and related courses require intensive use of technology and the skills learned in the foundation studios. Students are challenged to learn design and technology integrated in the design studio. Continued adoption of the studio culture, working in the Art and Architecture building with peers, is essential for learning and successful completion of course work.

During the fall term of the second year the College of Architecture and Design sponsors a field trip for second year students. This trip includes tours of professional design offices, landmark buildings, and the culture of design found in large metropolitan areas. The field trip provides a significant experience that often motivates and inspires design students.

Students begin engagement of technical support courses such as materials, physics, design and architectural history, and computer representation. These courses are essential for developing knowledge and skills that are applied in future design studio courses.

At the end of the second year students must pass progression requirements to move into the third year of interior design studios. These requirements include a minimum 3.0 design course GPA, and no less than a grade of C in required interior design courses.

  • Key Experiences for Second Year Success
    • Continued engagement of studio culture as a core experience of learning and doing design
    • Engagement in the intense  learning of technology skills and processes with the required computer and software*
    • Participation in the second year field trip (typically Chicago)
    • Continued participation in College of Architecture and Design events such as the lecture series, TASST week, and professional student organizations such as the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) or International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
    • Successful completion of progression requirements

2. During the summer between the first and second year of study you will be provided a document that will list exact specifications and purchase procedures for computer, software, and related accessories.

  • Typical Expenses for Second Year Studies
    • Materials and tools for completion of studio projects
    • Computer and software (see specific requirements)
    • Fees for Student Professional Organizations
    • Monthly subscriptions for website and tutorials
    • College of Architecture and Design Field Trip

Year Three – Interior Design Professional Studios, Interior Design, Interior Design Internship/Practicum, International Study Opportunities, and Continued Engagement in the Interior Design Studio Learning Community

The third year of study begins the educations of professional studio practices of interior design. Projects shift from the establishment of sound conceptual and philosophical approaches to design found in the first and second year studio to professional design experiences that integrate technology and knowledge required to create buildable/constructible interior projects.

Students beginning the third year have some important decisions to make in the program. Students can choose to earn credit in the workplace and/or in international studies as part of program graduation requirements. The internship or international studies typically takes place during the summer between the third and fourth year, but planning should start at the beginning of the third year of study. The choice of what program to engage (internship or international program of study) is a personal decision related to professional goals. This decision should be made in consultation with an interior design professor. Students can choose to participate in both international studies and the practicum/internship program.

Design Internship/Practicum

  • Students work in a design office or related workplace under the supervision of a practiced design professional.
  • Students are evaluated on their performance in the workplace.
  • Students create a reflective journal while working to assist in developing professional goals.

Design International Studies

  • Students learn about design though the direct interaction of a culture other than their own.
  • Many large design firms are seeking employees with international cultural experience due to the amount of work being completed outside of America.
  • International studies provide amazing opportunities for significant growth and maturity of students.

Financial planning for either program is essential. Coordination of these requirements with the Office of Financial Aid well in advance of program participation is required for financial assistance. Costs of participating in international programs can be significant and vary widely based on the local economy of the place of study.

Internships are coordinated with a faculty member in the interior design program and are based in professional goals and geographic opportunities. Securing the internship position is the responsibility of the student. This is typically accomplished though an interview with a design firm and review of the portfolio of work created in the program to date. The College of Architecture and Design sponsor days where potential employers interview for entry level and internship position on campus. Student should seek interviews on and off campus for the best internship opportunities.

Internship costs can be substantial. While we encourage students to only engage paid internships, the pay may not be enough to cover living expenses in a large metropolitan area such as New York.

  • Key Experiences for Success
    • Continued engagement of studio culture as a core experience of learning and doing design
    • Early planning for internship/practicum and or international study
    • Development of portfolio and resume during winter break of the third year
    • Continued Participation in College of Architecture and Design events such as the lecture series, TASST week, and professional student organizations such as the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) or International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
  • Typical Expenses for Third Year Studies
    • Materials and tools for completion of studio projects
    • Fees for Student Professional Organizations
    • Monthly subscriptions for portfolio website and tutorials
    • Internship and or International Study Programs

Year Four – Interior Design Professional Studio, Interior Thesis or Joint Studio with Architecture, and Continued Engagement in the Interior Design Studio Learning Community, development of goals and planning for post-graduation employment or advanced degrees

The fourth year of study in the interior design program provides a transition from the academic environment to employment opportunities or advanced degrees. At the beginning of the fall term students should meet with interior design faculty to discuss post graduation goals. A list of potential employers or schools for advanced degrees and a strategic plan should be determined by early October of the fourth year.

During the winter break of the fourth year students should finalize portfolios, resumes, and implement the strategic plan for employment or advanced degrees.

Students in the spring semester of the fourth year can choose between an undergraduate thesis experience and joint studio with the Architecture program. Both studios offer rich opportunity for professional development. The thesis studio is a student driven project with faculty oversight. Students with interest in developing specializations or engaging unique opportunities related to career goals should consider this option.

 

The joint studio with architecture provides an experience of integrated practice, a team approach to design with interior design and architecture students teamed to solve complex design problems. Integrated practice is emerging as the norm in many professional offices. The collaboration experience of the joint studio can lead to essential skills that may give the edge in employment opportunities that emphasize integrated, team oriented design practices.

  • Key Experiences for Success
    • Continued engagement of studio culture as a core experience of learning and doing design
    • Early planning for employment opportunities or advanced degrees
    • Development of portfolio and resume during winter break of the fourth year
    • Continued Participation in College of Architecture and Design events such as the lecture series, TASST week, and professional student organizations such as the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) or International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
    • Participation as a mentor for first year interior design majors
  • Typical Expenses for Fourth Year Studies
    • Material and tools for completion of studio projects
    • Fees for Student Professional Organizations
    • Monthly subscriptions for portfolio website and tutorials
    • Development of portfolio for professional or academic goals
    • Senior field trip