Major in Interior Architecture and Design

The Major in Interior Architecture and Design exemplifies the definition of the professional designer as qualified by education, experience, and examination to design interior environments that enhance the function and quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Academic preparation is grounded in research-based problem solving and experiential education through studio instruction, service learning, and internships that encompass a variety of cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), recognizing the highest academic standards established by the profession.

Students seeking to apply to the Interior Architecture and Design major at CSU first are admitted to CSU as Pre-Interior Architecture and Design. All students who wish to be considered for admission to Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major will be required to complete the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario practicum. Selective advancement into the major is based on the review received at the IAD Scenario, where external reviewers will assess student competencies in writing for design, sketching, problem-solving, and conceptual frameworks. A cohort of approximately 50 students is selected upon completion of the IAD Scenario. The IAD Scenario occurs annually in the spring semester. See the Department of Design and Merchandising for more information regarding the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario.

In order to participate in the Interior Design Scenario students must have the following:

• GPA of 2.500 or higher.
• Completion of or current enrollment in INTD 110, INTD 129 and INTD 166 or equivalent. Equivalent courses from other institutions must be approved at least two weeks prior to the Interior Design Scenario by the Interior Design transfer advisor.

The Design and Merchandising department Academic Success Coordinator will work with Pre-Interior Architecture and Design students and advise them on their current performance in relation to the possibility of their admission to Interior Architecture and Design.

Faculty in the Interior Architecture and Design program value learning as a collaborative effort inviting diversity, design research as a basis for excellence in design practice, and new models for learning to respond to new ways of working. The program guides students toward becoming dedicated professional designers who have strong communication skills, are active as team players and creative problem solvers, and who make a positive impact in the practice of interior architecture and design. Students engage in research-based problem solving, providing a solid transition from education to practice in a global community. An internship in interior architecture / interior design practice is required for graduation.

The Interior Architecture and Design graduate will learn the entirety of the design process, beginning with assessment of client needs through design programming, development of alternative design solutions, development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, selection of furniture and finish materials, construction documentation, core compliance, and contract administration including project management and post-occupancy evaluation methodologies. In addition, students take course work in construction/ building systems and codes, business principles in interior architecture and design, computer-aided design and drafting, building information modeling, animation, multimedia, graphic visualization, history of architecture and interiors, and sustainable practices.

The teaching facilities include design studios; display, resource, and critique spaces; and computer labs.

Learning Outcomes

• Interior Architecture and Design core skills will include but are not limited to: applications of history and culture; space and form; color and light; fixtures, equipment, and finish materials; environmental systems; building systems, and interior construction; technology; and regulations.
• Students in the Interior Architecture and Design major will be able to assess and synthesize multiple factors in creating/producing quality products, services, and design solutions. The factors will address human, design, industry and business, global, science and technology sensitivities.
• Students will be able to describe their understanding of multiple processes that are involved in the practice of interior architecture and design. These processes include but are not limited to critical and creative thinking, communication, ethics, social responsibility and sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Students will distinguish and demonstrate qualities of professionalism and business practices that contribute to the industry, and advance the value of their knowledge to the interior built environments.
• Students will enroll in Internships credits at least one semester before graduation.
• Students who engage in co-curricular learning experiences will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, engage in project-based learning experiences, assist with department recruiting events and new student orientations, and attend a variety of leadership events.

Potential Occupations

Students are prepared as entry-level interior architects/ interior designers with competency in design fundamentals, space planning and programming, code compliance, lighting, materials research, project management, and professional practices in the design of diverse interior spaces.

Graduates seek employment in interior design and architecture firms as residential, corporate, retail, health care, institutional, education, and hospitality designers. Graduates also work in lighting design, product development, marketing, research, design-related journalism, illustration, facility management, showroom management, and as manufacturers’ representatives.

Learn more about the Interior Architecture and Design major on the Department of Design and Merchandising website.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
First year students are identified as Pre‐Interior Architecture and Design (IAD0). Students who qualify for the Selective Advancement Design Scenario must have INTD 110 ,  INTD 129, INTD 166 and a cumulative reported GPA of 2.500 or better to participate. Approximately 40 students are selected to advance to the Second Year and majors are changed to Interior Architecture and Design (IARD‐BS). The IARD-BS major is a cohort program ‐ after students pass the Design Scenario, semesters 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7, and 8 are sequential.

All majors in the program must earn a minimum grade of C in the studio course sequence to advance to the next studio (i.e., INTD 210, INTD 276, INTD 310, INTD 376, INTD 410).

Students must complete a 12-credit internship prior to graduation. For students who are unable to participate in an internship, substitute experiences could include study abroad or elective courses or independent study (service learning) with advisor approval.

In addition to required courses in the major, students must complete a minimum of 9 credits from one of the following focus areas. These credits may be used to fulfill required courses in a certificate, minor, interdisciplinary minor, second major, or a focused group of courses approved by an advisor.

Focus Areas:

• Art History
• Business Administration
• Construction Management
• Design Thinking 
• Entrepreneurship
• Gerontology
• Global Environmental Sustainability
• Graphic Design
• Media Studies
• Merchandising
• Real Estate
• Psychology