Initially, abstract three-dimensional exercises provide exposure to significant design concepts including: line, plane, volume, color in space and dimensional issues. Following these exercises, realistic design projects provide initial experiences with the practicalities of programming, space planning, and interior details. The projects for this first foundation studio introduce experiences with a residential setting, a small public space, and a moderate size office workspace. Basic hand drawing and model building skills are also given primary focus.
An historical survey of western and non-western interior styles provides a critical context for studio design work. Relationships to concurrent developments in art, architecture and related fields will be integrated with the primary interior design focus. A traditional chronology from Ancient through Rococo will be followed. Special presentations will focus on architectural mass-void relationships, and the relationships in the use of color on buildings and their interiors.
The fundamentals of perspective drawing and rendering perspective are introduced and developed. Students learn presentation techniques while gaining confidence in rendering with pencil, pen, marker and more.
This studio builds upon drawing and model-building skills gained in the first Foundation Studio and develops digital drawing skills. Healthcare and other public use space projects expand students’ vocabulary and experience with different scales, as well as color, materials, finish, details and signage. Students are required to analyze issues related to adaptive reuse and social responsibility as they relate to the profession.
Basic two-dimensional drawing techniques are covered, including: orthogonal drawing, dimensioning, notations and schedules, layering, drawing and drawing set organization, as well as an introduction to basic 3D. Students will gain an introduction to Photoshop, including presentation techniques and the incorporation of Photoshop with AutoCAD.
Basic construction principles and building codes are covered. Various materials including wood, masonry, steel and concrete are examined. Interior construction topics include doors and frames, interior glazing, types of partitions, floors and flooring systems and ceilings. The business of construction is introduced and includes working with contractors, estimating, bidding and negotiation.
Color application exercises provide a study of the fundamentals of color theory and practice. Materials are given an in-depth examination of their origins, processing, best and poor uses, endangered species, LEED, sustainability and code issues. Installation and maintenance are also covered.
This history survey continues, picking up with the Industrial revolution, the Crystal Palace, and on through the Modern Movement to contemporary issues. The ultimate goal of these two history courses is to imbue students with the understanding that they are the current end-point of the historical continuum.
Residential, corporate and retail projects provide an opportunity for in-depth study of specific issues including: sustainability, color and materials, lighting, architectural detailing, furniture design and acoustics. Each project fosters the development of different presentation techniques such as hand-drawing, digital drawing, hard line, soft line, part color and full color. One or two “sketch” projects of one day or one week duration are also incorporated.
Classifications and characteristics of lighting types as well as technical information and terminology involved in the study of lighting design are covered. Various exercises provide opportunities to study layering, developing a lighting design matrix and lighting presentation techniques as well as energy codes, sustainability and day lighting. Field trips allow students to study specific installations and offer an introduction to working with a professional lighting designer.
Construction principles and building codes are covered in-depth. Interior construction topics including doors and frames, interior glazing, types of partitions, floors and flooring systems and ceilings, are studied at length. Effective business practices as they relate to working with contractors, estimating, bidding and negotiation are covered.
Specific techniques of design related research and analysis are studied. Elements of interior design theory and their relationship to architectural theory provide a critical context for the students’ design studio. A study of the relationship between theory and criticism provides a formative basis for design solutions. Additionally, the application of design theory as it relates to design methodology, interdisciplinary design and globalization broadens the designer’s understanding and appreciation for this essential design tool.
Hand sketch techniques are further developed in this class. Hand sketches are manipulated in Photoshop to enhance presentation. In addition, other 2D and 3D digital presentation techniques are introduced including Sketch-up and 3D Max.
Hospitality and health care projects provide an opportunity for in-depth study of specific issues including: sustainability, color and materials, lighting, architectural detailing, furniture design and acoustics. Each project fosters the development of different presentation techniques such as hand-drawing, digital drawing, hard line, soft line, part color and full color. One or two “sketch” projects of one day or one week duration are also incorporated.
Building codes are studied with relationship to specifications. International Building Code basics, code concepts and NCIDQ expectations are examined in relation to zoning codes. Major code issues are covered, including: building classification, occupancy, construction classification, loads and egress. Various code issues are presented as case studies to resolve. ADA concepts are incorporated into studio design/space planning projects. In addition, flammability and testing requirements for upholstery and wall coverings are studied.
This class is comprised of three short courses, each five weeks in length. An introduction to acoustics covers basic concepts, terminology and materials. Students confront common and unusual acoustical issues through work on a small studio project and learn how to work with an acoustical consultant and an expert presenter.
The relationships between natural and manmade environments are explored. Design issues related to the environment are covered, including material, psychological and social issues that impact human behavior as it relates to interior and exterior settings. Macro and micro perspectives on the issue of sustainability provide a focal point for the course.
Drawing and drawing set organization are tied to issues explored in Construction I and II. Details such as partitions, doors, interior glazing, ceiling and flooring systems, acoustic techniques provide the initial focus for the class. Various schedules for doors, windows, hardware and finishes are examined. Details are related to specifications and are drawn within the broader planning context. This class includes additional AutoCAD instruction.
A comprehensive semester-long project includes a significant programming phase and is intended as a pre-thesis project with more demanding project content and presentation requirements than in previous design studio projects. Guest critics are involved on a regular basis and site/field trips are included.
This independent research opportunity allows the candidate to conduct an in-depth investigation of an area of specialty design that informs the thesis and demonstrates appropriate application of theoretical concepts. Candidates are expected to use a range of design research methods including field surveys, literature and web-based searches, and interviews with experts in the field. Investigations that go beyond current thinking and explore new concepts are encouraged. At the end of the study, a well-documented research paper that may include graphic material will be submitted. From this research, the candidate is prepared to develop their essential questions for thesis.
This class further develops students’ understanding of working drawings and details. Details related to specifications are drawn in larger context. Students are expected to produce a full set with demolition plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, reflected ceiling plans, electric/data plans, details and schedules. This class also includes additional AutoCAD instruction.
This course builds upon the investigation undertaken in Design Specialty Research. The candidate develops a tightly focused thesis program that reflects advanced research, analysis, synthesis and assessment of design principles and theories in relationship to social, economic and environmental contexts.
An essential course informing professional development, this course provides an overview of all practical issues related to working in the industry. Business, legal and ethical standards are addressed as well as the financial aspects of compensation, contractual relationships and business management. This course will also address the job market—getting a job, the interview process and creating a portfolio. Guest speakers and field trips are scheduled throughout the course.
An essential element of the Master’s in Interior Design program, the internship provides the candidate with their first exposure to the profession in which to gain experience as an integral member of a professional design team. The internship is faculty approved. At least three meetings with the supervising faculty advisor are required.
The candidate designs an innovative solution to a design program developed in Directed Research that demonstrates sophisticated problem solving, advanced research and inquiry, and command of theories, principles and techniques. At the conclusion of the course, the candidate will present their thesis to a panel of design faculty and experts. The culminating event includes an exhibition of the thesis process, research and project created in studio.