Course Descriptions for Interior Design

Introduction to the profession of interior design, its relationship to other design disciplines, and all the occupational opportunities and responsibilities of the practitioner. Emphasis is on basic design concepts, vocabulary, theories, evidence-based design, and visual awareness of the built environment. This is an introductory course to the program and the profession. (3)

Introductory studio that explores creative, abstract design-thinking as it relates to humans and the built environment. Techniques of abstract ideation will be explored through design theories, design conceptualization and diagramming, and drawing and modeling in 2-D and 3-D compositions. Emphasis will be on creating a series of small-scale environments translating space and form through the interaction of the person and the environment. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 121. (3)

Introductory course in freehand drafting for the representation and study of architectural form and the interior environment. Includes lettering, floor plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and isometric drawings using various paper-based media. Studio. (3)

This course explores the fundamental methods of graphic analysis, freehand sketching, and rendering for recording ideas and observations visually. These visual skills help designers be creative and understand the documentation of work for construction. Emphasis will be placed on rapid and notational sketching for the built environment; rendering skills for architectural interiors and exteriors, furnishings, and accessories; and material simulation and delineation techniques through a variety of media, including pen and ink, watercolor, and markers. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 121. (3)

An introduction to the principles of interior design and the relationship of humans to the built environment. The course emphasizes the physiological and psychological needs of the end user and the means to analyze these needs. Design process, spatial problem solving, human factors, color theory, and historic precedents are introduced and applied. Freehand drawing techniques are reinforced through floor plans, elevations, and perspectives. Studio. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in ID 102 and ID 122. (3)

Studio focusing on interior design projects for small groups of people. Emphasis is on designing for various socio-economic populations, familial structures, and other cultures. The course reinforces the visual communication techniques introduced in Presentation Drawings and the design skills introduced in Foundation Studios I and II. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 203. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

Exploration of the concepts, theories, and methods of computer applications for the schematic and design development phases of the design process. This course is designed to reinforce presentation techniques and graphic technical skills introduced in Sketching for Ideas and Freehand Drafting. Students will continue to develop skills in freehand sketching, freehand drafting, and rendering. A laptop computer meeting departmental specifications is required for this course. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 122. (3)

Focuses on textiles and finish materials used in interior environments with an emphasis on types of fiber, construction techniques, and the end use of products. Collection for a database of textiles and materials is required. Sustainable design, building codes, standards, and regulations are studied. (3)

Studio course that focuses on the development of comprehensive design solutions for the practice areas of commerce and entertainment, such as retail and hospitality. Creative solutions are developed through case studies, innovative design concepts, and branding. This studio emphasizes principles of sustainability, wayfinding, and security, as well as oral, visual, and written design communication. Freehand drafting, millwork detailing, rudimentary selections of architectural and interior materials, modeling, and perspectives are developed. Studio. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in ID 204 and ID 223. (3)

Study of strategic facilities planning for productivity and creativity, such as workplace, educational, or institutional environments. The course emphasizes programming analysis, schematic design, design development, workplace hierarchy, and design trends, including formal presentations with attention to life safety issues and building codes. The final portion will stress interior construction documents with attention to building systems, environmental systems and controls, fire suppression and detection, lighting and detailing requirements, and FF&E. Studio. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in ID 305 and ID 325. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

Exploration of the concepts, theories, and methods of computer applications for the design, development, and construction document phases of the design process. This course is designed to reinforce computer applications and techniques introduced in Presentation Drawings. Students will continue to develop their proficiency in freehand sketching, freehand drafting, digital drawing, and rendering. A laptop computer meeting departmental specifications is required for this course. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 223. (3)

Survey of residential and commercial building systems. Focus is on structural and environmental systems and the methods utilized in construction, installation, and sustainable design. Visits to construction sites as permitted. Prerequisite: junior status. (3)

Provides a basic knowledge of and background to the various components and materials utilized in lighting with an emphasis on the terminology, principles, and theory of illumination design. Concentration on establishing objective criteria for making and evaluating decisions in the lighting design process. Prerequisite: junior status. (3)

An examination of the philosophical and practical principles of sustainable design through exploration of environmental issues, sustainable materials and methods, and professional practice. Students will develop awareness of the implications of design decisions upon the environment and will gain a foundation for evaluation of materials, processes, and practices of design according to the principles of sustainable and environmentally responsible design. Prerequisite: junior status. (3)

A historical and aesthetic survey with a focus on Western architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts from ancient times through the 17th century. Stylistic developments, significant structures, important contributors, social history, and material culture are covered. (3)

A continuation of a historical and aesthetic survey with an emphasis on Western architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts from the 17th to the 20th century. Stylistic developments, significant structures, important contributors, social history, and material culture are covered. (3)

The internship provides a field experience in the Washington metropolitan area. Appropriate settings include interior design firms, architectural firms, governmental design agencies, and businesses specializing in residential design. The internship is monitored by a faculty member. Prerequisite: C- or better in ID 305 and ID 325. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

Continuation of the studio sequence with a focus on creativity and the design process in the built environment for areas of healing, restoration, and well-being. Programming and methodological inquiry will be used for problem solving in order to form a knowledge base for developing an in-depth research topic. Emphasis is on barrier-free design concepts, universal design application, and building and life safety codes. Collaborative teamwork skills and community service work will be major components of the course requirements. Studio. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 306. (3)

Students develop individual capstone interior design projects to which they apply evidence-based design. Using case studies, journal research, and design literature, students investigate, collect, and analyze the complex problems and issues in interior environments related to their senior capstone project. Students work individually with group critiques to draft, revise, and complete written analyses of programmatic research and information relating to project needs. Multiple schematic design solutions are developed to explore concepts identified through research. Capstone project continues in ID 409. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in EN 102 and ID 306. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

Students complete individual capstone interior design projects using the programming and schematic design created in Senior Capstone I. The course highlights the design process, including schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Emphasis is given to application of data collection and analysis, building and life safety codes, implementation of design concept, process development, and project presentation during professional critiques. Projects engage in appropriate application and documentation of interior architectural materials, furnishings, lighting, and details. Studio. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in ID 407 and ID 408. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

A survey of various construction methods and techniques used in the creation of custom-designed furnishings with an emphasis on contemporary trends and the development of the necessary drawing and 3-D modeling skills to convey the design. Studio. Prerequisites: ID 122 and ID 204. (3)

Introduces the benefits of adopting the habits and skills of freehand sketching in the study of architecture and design. Freehand sketching and quick rendering techniques are explored in the examination of existing spaces in our physical environment. This course is intended to provide advanced drawing and rendering instruction for students of design who are traveling in order to discover the world of art and architecture. Prerequisite: ID 122. (3)

This course is designed to reinforce presentation techniques and graphic technical skills introduced in sketching and rendering and in computer-aided drafting courses. Students will continue to develop their proficiency in freehand sketching, drafting, and rendering, as well as in computer-aided skills in drafting and rendering. Students will use digital technology to integrate their freehand design ideas with three-dimensional modeling, drawing, and rendering software. Students will learn various methods to complete enhanced, visually stimulating 2-D and 3-D rendered images to successfully communicate and present their final design solutions. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in ID 223. (3)

Investigation of a selected topic in the field of interior design. Provides an opportunity for majors to explore thoroughly a subject previously studied in the program or to investigate one that is not part of the curriculum. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and present the results in an expert manner. Prerequisites: permission of a faculty advisor and the dean of the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. (1-3)

Explores the human, environmental, and technical issues that have affected recent developments in interior design. Students will develop a personal design theory based on research in design philosophy from contemporary and historic sources. This course is a prerequisite for entrance into the track II graduate program. (3)

Survey of interior design business practices from the types of design services to the types of business organizations. Analysis of various project phases, contract documents, and specifications are emphasized. Provides a broad understanding of business ethics, professional organizations, and procedures. Prerequisite: EN-102 and junior standing. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

An in-depth study of advanced professional practice, including marketing proposal and material writing, marketing presentations, and portfolio development. The course develops writing and presentation skills for the individual designer, emphasizing verbal, written, and graphic communication of project work and qualifications. Includes the development of a graphic portfolio of student work. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in ID 305 and EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

Study of current and emerging interior design technologies. The course examines technical and organizational approaches to solving problems in the interior environment. Prerequisite: grade of C- or higher in ID 223. (3)

The course examines color theories in design and cross-disciplinary knowledge domains of science and psychology of color vision and perception. Investigations throughout the semester study function and application of color and light relationships in art, architecture, interior design, and photography. Students analyze and create simulations of color effects. Perception of the interaction of color and light will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in FA 104 and ID 203. (3)

Covers American home and furniture design from the 17th century to the present. Architecture of the same period is analyzed relative to historic preservation, renovation, and adaptation. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

Background of the dominant influences and character of interiors and architecture during the 20th century and beyond. Through local field trips and a variety of techniques, students will explore modern developments, relations to the preceding periods, and the effects on the present era. (3)

An introduction to the terminology, principles, practices, and development of historic preservation in the United States with particular emphasis upon interior design. Through various media presentations, local field trips, and guest speakers, students are exposed to the current thinking in the profession. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

Short-term study tours to a variety of locations provide an introduction to the historical and aesthetic study of architecture, interiors, furniture, and art, covering a variety of periods in the United States and abroad. In selected cities, participants will visit museums, significant buildings, and sites. Outcomes may be cross-cultural analyses of history context and/or design problem solving. Prerequisites: FA 202 and ID 350. (3)