Interior Design Course Descriptions

ID104 Architectural Drafting – 3 Credits

This studio course presents the concept of graphic communication techniques used by the interior design professional. Hand drafting and documentation, plans, sections, elevations, reflected ceiling, details, and lettering. The course investigates scaled drawings and basic space planning as a vital tool to the designer in developing design ideas and documenting solutions. Students will also complete furniture and finish schedules. NKBA design presentation standards are also discussed. These techniques learned are the basis for expressing the students’ creativity in terms of interior design.

Prerequisite: ID152 Introduction to Interior Design

ID113 Elements of Aesthetics for Interior Design – 3 Credits

This course covers the fundamental concepts of design principles with emphasis on developing creative abstract design thinking and interpreting it into the three-dimensional composition of form and space within an architectural organization. The course develops diagrammatic studies, design explorations, abstract ideation, and architectural compositions within the evolution process of design. Class projects cover the understanding of massing, composition, balance, form, interest, negative and positive spaces, color definition, and the ability to recognize quality design. This course is intended and designed to broaden the student’s design/conceptual perception and skills.

ID115 History of Architectural Interiors I – 3 Credits

This course will study early examples of architecture and design from ancient Egypt through European developments, ending with late Renaissance. Students will become familiar with key facilitators of various design movements and will develop the ability to analyze the feature of design within the context of commonly defined attributes of each style.

ID121 Space Planning I – Residential – 3 Credits

This studio course explores the concepts and methods of programming and planning the design solution to a problem for residential spaces including kitchens and baths. Students will use a sequence of tasks to analyze, organize and interpret the problem given, creating practical, safe and comfortable spaces that serve their intended purposes. Students will incorporate knowledge of design theory and principles, human behavior and ergonomics, universal design and related codes and constraints.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID123 Rendering for Interior Design – 3 Credits

This studio course introduces the basics of perspective drawing representation and construction. The course covers effective and dramatic interior design presentation graphics, including perspective drawings, rendering of floor plans and elevations, interior finish materials, emphasizing media techniques and rendering style refinement. Students practice rapid illustration techniques in various media and maintain a sketchbook journal.

Prerequisite: ID152 Introduction to ID

ID130 Textiles – 3 Credits

This course studies overall textile technology issues in a systematic manner to identify fibers, yarns and textiles types used in both residential and commercial interiors. Students will be introduced to basic categories of types of weaves, weights, descriptive information and suitable applications. Presentation of trim and fittings, coloring methods, and finishing options available. This lecture course also discusses how decisions as a designer affect the economic, visual and comfort of the environments created.

Prerequisite: ID152 Introduction to Interior Design

ID152 Introduction to Interior Design – 3 Credits 

Students are introduced to the interior design profession and provided with a comprehensive understanding of its history, customer base, operations, trends, and the direction of this ever-changing field. This course includes lectures, discussions and drawing exercises encompassing the elements and principles of design, design theory, and the phases of the design process. Design application projects further explore the interior design profession.

ID198 CAD I – Introduction to AutoCAD – 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to AutoCAD as a drafting tool to produce 2D drawings for interior design applications. The course introduces the setup and command structure of the program and tutorials to develop the required skills to produce digital drawings. Students develop a project from start to finish demonstrating the capabilities of the AutoCAD tools.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID205 Kitchen and Bath Business and Project Management – 3 Credits

This course focuses on the business practices of managing and/or owning a kitchen and bathroom design business. Students will be introduced to documents and forms necessary to operate a successful kitchen and bath company, including its business basics, accounting and finance, human resource management, marketing, advertising, and how to manage client expectations. The course will be presented through a series of lectures, discussions, class projects, guest speakers and/or field trips.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID206 CAD for Kitchen and Bath – 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to 2020 Design, the premier CAD program used in the Kitchen and Bath industry. The course introduces the setup and command structure of the program and tutorials to develop the required skills to produce digital drawings. Students develop drawings, quotes, and bill of materials for kitchen and bath projects.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID213 History of Furniture and Interiors – 3 Credits

This course presents an in-depth examination of furniture history and interiors beginning with the prehistoric period and continuing through to the present day. Students will be introduced to the art, architecture, furnishings, interiors and the cultural/societal influences of each period. Key facts pertaining to the life and works of select architects and designers who have impacted the design profession will also be studied.

ID215 History of Architectural Interiors II – 3 Credits

History of Architectural Interiors II introduces the history of architecture, design, fine arts, decoration, and the effects of technology, culture, and political, social and economic influence in design in the 20th Century. The course begins at the end of part one (Neoclassicism) and moves from the 19th century, Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts Movement to the present. It is remarkable and inspiring to move through modern design, which enables us to better understand current design.

ID223 Space Planning II – Commercial – 3 Credits

This studio course emphasizes the development of space planning and problem-solving skills related to commercial spaces. The course provides further programming and planning for commercial spaces by stressing accessibility and barrier-free design - American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students work on the creative and practical use of spaces on a conceptual basis. The course will practice various exercises following a program requirement, including adjacencies among spaces, egress, and ADA compliance/ Universal Design.

A Space Planning exercise is part of the Section 3 Practicum exam through NCIDQ.

Prerequisite: ID121 Space Planning I

ID230 Sustainable Design for Interior Environments – 3 Credits 

This lecture course will explore how sustainability affects the interior design profession. Students will be introduced how to integrate the principles of sustainability into design process; how to specify products that embody principles of sustainability; as well as to provide the basis to follow with professional credential testing.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID250 Materials and Methods – 3 Credits

This course covers interior finishes and furnishings used in the interior design industry. Proper construction, application, and composition for surface materials and furnishings are examined through a series of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, class projects and field trips. 

ID261 Interior Design Studio I – 3 Credits

This studio course includes a residential plan and program to be studied by the student while exploring critical thinking, conceptual design, schematics and design development phases. The goals, preference, and demographics of the client are outlines with the student completing the plan with furniture layout, selection of furniture styles and fixtures, fabrics, and interior finishes. The presentation will include NKBA drawings for Kitchen and Bath,  rendered plan, rendering or elevations and finishes/material presentation /boards/arrangement. A verbal presentation will be made and the project will be critiqued by faculty.

Prerequisite: ID121 Space Planning I

ID269 Lighting – 3 Credits 

This course covers the basics of lighting layout, lighting types, and the effects of lighting in spaces. Studies include the applications in both residential and commercial settings.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID298 CAD II – Advanced AutoCAD – 3 Credits

This course continues the study and practice of 2-D Computer Aided Drafting and design (CAD software) with extensive drawing exercises and complex shapes and commands.

Prerequisite: ID198 CAD I – Introduction to AutoCAD

ID301 Evidence-Based Design – 3 Credits

Students will be introduced to the theory of Evidence-Based Design; the process of basing design decisions about the built environment on research to achieve the best long-term outcome. Students will develop an understanding of research methods through coursework and participation in Evidence-Based Design research assignments. This course will go through the process of understanding, developing and applying evidence-based design to a project.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID317 Building Systems – 3 Credits

Interior designers must understand the aspects of construction in order to communicate with sub-contractors. This course introduces the study of basic construction systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishing components. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles that govern how buildings are put together and the relationship between design and construction. This lecture course will combine practical exercises to reinforce learning outcomes.

Prerequisite: ID104 Architectural Drafting

ID331 Communication and Practice for the Design Professional – 3 Credits

This course will provide a practical investigation of effective expository and argumentative writing and oral presentation. As tomorrow’s design professionals conduct business, they will need to have the writing and oral skills to enable them to communicate their ideas in providing information to colleagues, subordinates, clients, communities, vendors, consultants and constructors. Delivered in a project-based format for the business communication of letters, memos, proposals, reports, other deliverables and conveyance of verbal directives, motivations and rationale for interviews, testimony, discussions, speeches, negotiations and support cases, the course will provide students an opportunity to understand the importance and  impact of these elements in successful practice environment.

Prerequisite: ENG101 English Writing

ID350 Materials and Specifications – 3 Credits

The course continues to examine building materials and finishes that are used in interior applications. This will be explored with consideration for environmental impact, health and safety, and potential contribution to the design of architectural interiors. The effort is organized around the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Format as well as Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment (FF&E) standards, specification, and procurement.

Prerequisite: ID250 Materials and Methods

ID362 Interior Design Studio II – Universal Design – Mixed Use – 3 Credits

This studio course is a continuation of a studio problem in interior design. This course presents a program for a mixed-use space. Students work with the architectural shell for the space and develop complete space planning and furniture layout for the given project; considerable interior styling and detailing required. Emphasis is placed on research and analysis of existing building structure, function and furniture and materials specifications. This is a more complex project than Studio I involving floor plan modifications.

The presentation will include rendered plans, Kitchen and Bath drawings (including lighting and electrical plans), and perspective and/or elevations and finish/color boards. A verbal presentation will be made and the project critiqued by faculty.

Prerequisite: ID261 Interior Design Studio I

ID396 Digital Presentation and Techniques I – 3 Credits

This studio course introduces digital design tools and software applications used to enhance communication of design concepts and solutions. Students will learn basic tools and techniques along with scanning and digitizing images, rendering effective 2-D and 3-D drawings. The course introduces a variety of software used in the business.

Prerequisite: ID198 CAD I – Introduction to AutoCAD

ID397 BIM Process / REVIT Architecture Essentials – 3 Credits

The intent of Revit Architecture Essentials is to investigate the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to explore, create, design, and document an interior design project. The aim is to produce complete 3D models, introducing parametric design tools and from that model, create drawings. In this regard, the students will discover special features such as schedules, tags, design options, materials and phasing that emphasize the “I” in BIM. In addition, students will explore the software substantial graphics capabilities in order to assist the interior designer to communicate design intentions.

Prerequisite: ID198 CAD I - Introduction to AutoCAD

ID399 Advanced BIM / REVIT Architecture – 3 Credits

The intent of Advanced BIM / Revit Architecture is to investigate advanced topics of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to explore, create, design, and document an interior design project. The aim is to produce complete 3D models, using parametric design tools and from that model, create drawings. In this regard, the students will discover special features that emphasize the “I” in BIM which combines the graphics information with the object data. Further, the students will explore the additional software graphics capabilities to assist the interior designer to communicate design intentions.

Prerequisite: ID397 BIM Process / Revit Architecture Essentials