The Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Interior Design explores theoretical principles, regulatory requirements, and professional interior design strategies, focusing on the development of practical skills necessary for future employment. Students can examine space planning, resources and materials, lighting systems, acoustical principles, ergonomics and universal accessibility, contractual and business issues, building codes, presentation techniques, and aesthetic principles through the completion of residential and commercial projects.

Educational Objectives of the Program:

• Demonstrate knowledge of professional organizations in interior design, including certification, licensing, and/or registration requirements.
• Examine the history of design, architecture, furniture, and interiors, with a focus on aesthetic, economic, social, psychological, religious, and political influences on the design of interiors and architecture.
• Apply principles and elements of design from throughout history to the design of interior spaces.
• Develop sketching and perspective drawing skills to accurately represent perspective, volume, scale, and space and creatively showcase design ideas.
• Analyze and create professional presentations using three-dimensional models, perspective drawings, and other visuals.
• Examine the properties and behavior of sound within interior spaces, including principles of noise reduction and enhancement, ambient sound, structure-borne and impact sound, and reverberation; analyze building materials, envelope elements, and spatial design principles used to control sound.
• Evaluate the various types and properties of lighting used in interior design, with an analysis of the effects of light on environment and mood.
• Analyze equipment and materials used in uniform, non-uniform, and localized lighting arrangements, including technical specifications and lighting controls.
• Draft various lighting arrangements for residential and commercial locations, with a focus in integration, performance, maintenance, and cost within various environments.
• Formulate documents and solutions to design problems taking into consideration customer preferences and needs regarding lifestyle, color, budget and resources.
• Critique completed floor plans, material boards, and technical drawings, and produce variations based upon project needs and feedback.
• Experiment with materials, styles, and presentation techniques in the design of interior spaces.
• Examine the use of construction systems and methods, power distribution systems, mechanical systems, energy management, data/voice telecommunications systems, acoustics, and lighting, ceiling, flooring, and security systems in interior design.
• Communicate ideas visually, in drawings and models, as well as in writing and orally.
• Produce professional structural design prints, construction drawings, and working drawings using computer-aided drafting software.
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, processes, and theories involved in the development of residential and commercial interiors, and prepare rendered designs, elevations, sample boards, three-dimensional models, and lighting plans in support of project proposals.
• Draft plans for open and cellular office spaces; design electrical, communication, and lighting systems; and review codes, regulations, costs, materials, and architectural limitations for commercial spaces, including corporate, office, institutional, and retail environments.
• Examine required components of remodeling and restoration projects, including pre-established budgets, timelines, regulations, customer preferences, and other project constraints.
• Demonstrate design awareness and familiarity with health, safety and fire regulations, manufacturing codes, regulations, standards, universal design concepts, general practices, and factors affecting product use for the disabled.
• Prepare working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes.
• Describe various project management and business practices in interior design, including estimating, budgeting, marketing, time management, scheduling, supervision, contract administration, information management, office applications, strategic management, conflict resolution, and assessment processes.
• Examine and discuss solutions to various project management issues, including client and contractor relations, proposal writing and bidding, resource allocation and pricing, and scheduling.