FIRST YEAR

The first year focuses on laying a foundation for understanding design in its many formats while providing the liberal education required of a university education. The College of Architecture and Environmental Design and interior design courses taken during the freshman year provide a broad introduction to design culture and introduce the organizational principles and tools needed by designers to interpret and shape the built environment.

SECOND YEAR

The second year provides interior design students an understanding of the relationship of the human to the spaces they inhabit. Technical skills are interwoven into the design process that encompasses an understanding of design in a historical and contemporary context. These concepts are balanced with the basic knowledge and guidelines that the profession uses to shape interior spaces. An awareness of materiality, sustainability and computer imaging completes the education during this year.

THIRD YEAR

The third year of the program is dedicated to furthering the student’s knowledge of building and design materials and the professional documentation used in design practice. A major focus of the year is to inform the student of the relationship of design and research. The year also serves to prepare the student for the required internship, which can be taken during the summer session between the third and fourth years. The opportunity to spend a semester abroad is woven into the curriculum so that students can take advantage of a global experience (see below).

FOURTH YEAR

The final year of the program culminates with two studios directed toward professional-level work. The last studio in the program sequence is focused on community engagement and design. Current issues that impact and shape the profession are addressed. The internship may also be taken during this year, if not completed during the previous summer.