http://www.design.iastate.edu/interiordesign/index.php
The department offers the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Interior Design.
B.F.A. Interior Design. Emphasis is on the student's application of design processes to creatively solve problems of the interior environment based on knowledge of human safety, functional utility, physical, psychological, and contextual fit. Graduates in interior design are competent in visual communication (sketching, drafting and computer aided design), design problem solving, space planning, lighting and color specification for interiors, finish and furniture selection, detailing interior construction and application of human factors. The curriculum is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) as providing professional level education
Transfer students with studio credits from other colleges and universities must present a portfolio of work done in those courses to determine if these credits can be applied toward specific studio requirements. Students are required to present their portfolio upon admission and prior to registration for classes. Arrangements for this process must be made with department advisers.
The department offers no minor but participates in the undergraduate minors in Critical Studies in Design, Design Studies, and Digital Media.
Curriculum in Interior Design
The Curriculum in Interior Design leads to a 129.5 credit undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design including a 30.5 credit Core Design Program.
Admission into the professional program depends upon available resources and is subject to the approval of a faculty committee at the completion of the Core Design Program. Applicants are reviewed on the basis of academic performance and a portfolio of original work.
A 34 graduate credit program is offered leading to the master of arts, for students planning to undertake professional or design research-orientated pursuits. (NOTE: Applicants without a previous undergraduate degree in interior design may be required to complete up to 40 additional credits of deficiency work).
A 60 graduate credit post-professional graduate program is also offered leading to the degree master of fine arts.
For more complete graduate program descriptions see Graduate Study under Interior Design in the Courses and Programs section.
Consideration for admission into the undergraduate Interior Design curriculum requires completion of the 30.5 credit Core Design Program, including the following courses:
| DSN S 102 | Design Studio I | 4 |
| DSN S 115 | Design Collaborative Seminar | 0.5 |
| or DSN S 110 | Design Exchange Seminar I | |
| DSN S 131 | Design Representation | 4 |
| DSN S 183 | Design Cultures | 3 |
| Six credits of Social Science/Humanities | 6 | |
| Six credits of Math/Science | 6 | |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| or ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
Admission is based on department resources and will be determined by a formal review at the end of the Core Design Program.
Transfer students with studio credits from other programs, colleges, and universities must present for departmental review a portfolio of work done in those courses in order to have the credits apply toward studio requirements. Students are advised to present portfolio upon admission and prior to registration for classes. Arrangements for this process must be made with department advisers.
Total Degree Requirement: 129.5 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA average; Completion of all requirements listed below.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communication: 10 cr.
(C or better grade ENGL 150 and ENGL 250)
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Communication Studies | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communicating with the Deaf | ||
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | arr* |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Humanities: 6 cr.
6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.
Social Sciences: 6 cr.
6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.
Math/Physics/Biol. Sciences: 6 cr.
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Ideas | ||
| College Algebra | ||
or MATH 150 | Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | |
| Three credit hours from program curriculum sheet. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
General Education Courses: 9 cr.
9 cr. from program curriculum sheet; 6 cr. of course level 300-400.
College of Design Core: 11.5 cr.
| DSN S 102 | Design Studio I | 4 |
| DSN S 115 | Design Collaborative Seminar | 0.5 |
| or DSN S 110 | Design Exchange Seminar I | |
| DSN S 131 | Design Representation | 4 |
| DSN S 183 | Design Cultures | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11.5 | |
General Design History: 6 cr.
Select 6 cr. from any College of Design history courses.
Interior Design: 63 cr.
| ARTID 250 | Fundamentals of Interior Design | 2 |
| ARTID 251 | Human Factors in Design | 3 |
| ARTID 261 | Graphic Communication for Interior Design I | 3 |
| ARTID 263 | Graphic Communication for Interior Design II | 3 |
| ARTID 265 | Interior Design Studio I | 4 |
| ARTID 267 | Interior Design Studio II | 4 |
| ARTID 350 | Interior Finish Materials and Systems | 3 |
| ARTID 351 | Interior Health and Safety Systems | 3 |
| ARTID 352 | Interior Environmental Control Systems | 3 |
| ARTID 353 | Interior Building Systems and Details | 3 |
| ARTID 355 | Interior Design History/Theory/Criticism I | 3 |
| ARTID 356 | Interior Design History/Theory/Criticism II | 3 |
| ARTID 360 | Sophomore Interior Design Internship Seminar | 1 |
| ARTID 361 | Junior Interior Design Internship Seminar | 1 |
| ARTID 365 | Interior Design Studio III | 4 |
| ARTID 367 | Interior Design Studio IV | 4 |
| ARTID 460 | Interior Design Internship | 3 |
| ARTID 461 | Interior Design Professional Practices | 2 |
| ARTID 465 | Interior Design Studio V | 4 |
| ARTID 467 | Interior Design Studio VI | 4-6 |
| or DSN S 546 | Interdisciplinary Design Studio | |
| ARTID 569 | Advanced Studies in Interior Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 63-65 | |
Studio/Business Option: 6 cr.
6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.
Electives: 6 cr.
Complete electives sufficient to complete graduation requirements.
Interior Design, B.F.A.
Four Year Plan
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| DSN S 102 or DSN S 131 | 4 | DSN S 102 or DSN S 131 | 4 | ||
| DSN S 115 | 0.5 | DSN S 183 or Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| DSN S 183 or Gen Edu | 3 | ENGL 250 or Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| Gen Edu | 3 | Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| Gen Edu | 3 | LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| 16.5 | 17 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ARTID 250 | 2 | ARTID 263 | 3 | ||
| ARTID 251 | 3 | ARTID 267 | 4 | ||
| ARTID 261 | 3 | ARTID 350 | 3 | ||
| ARTID 265 | 4 | ARTID 351 | 3 | ||
| ARTID 353 | 3 | ARTID 355 | 3 | ||
| ARTID 360 | 1 | ||||
| (DSN S 301-Rome Prep) | 1 | ||||
| 15 | 18 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ARTID 353 | 3 | ARTID 352 | 3 | ARTID 460 | 3 |
| ARTID 356 | 3 | ARTID 361 | 1 | ||
| ARTID 365 | 4 | ARTID 367 | 4 | ||
| Studio/Bus Option | 3 | Gen Design Edu | 3 | ||
| Gen Design Edu or Gen Edu | 3 | Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| Gen Edu or Elective | 3 | Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| 19 | 17 | 3 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ARTID 356 or Elective | 3 | ARTID 461 | 2 | ||
| ARTID 465 | 4 | ARTID 467 or DSN S 546 | 4-6 | ||
| ARTID 569 Gen Edu | 3 | ARTID 569 or Gen Edu | 3 | ||
| Studio/Bus Option | 3 | Gen Edu or Elective | 3 | ||
| Gen Edu | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 12-14 | ||||
Graduate Study
The department offers the degrees of Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Interior Design, and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art and Design, with degree specialization in interior design.
The M.A. in Art and Design with specialization in interior design requires a minimum of 34 credits including a studio concentration and work in research methods and human factors. Candidates focus on research in an area of specialization culminating in a written thesis comprised of original research. Graduates have a broad understanding of current interior design issues and design research, preparing them for special analytical aspects of design practice and further studies leading to the PhD. Applicants without a degree in interior design may be required to complete up to 40 additional credits of course work.
M.F.A. graduates in Interior Design are proficient in visual communication skills, design theory, human factors, and space planning. The M.F.A. degree is considered a terminal degree in the interior design field. The degree requires completion of a written thesis comprised of original research.
Credit earned at Iowa State University or other institution for the Master of Arts degree may be applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree at the discretion of the program of study committee.
Applicants to the graduate program should have an undergraduate major in an art or design area and demonstrate the ability to do technically competent and original work through the presentation of a slide or digital portfolio for faculty review. Past academic performance and the quality of studio work are critical in the admission process. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the student's undergraduate major is the standard for full admission to the graduate program. Admission is also determined by studio space available within the program area, which changes yearly due to graduate students' progress in their programs of study.
Graduate students who have not completed an undergraduate program of study substantially equivalent to that required of undergraduates in the department can expect that additional supporting coursework, determined by the graduate faculty, will be required.
Prospective students are advised to contact the graduate coordinator with specific questions about admission procedures and portfolio review. Application and additional program information may be obtained from the Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011-3092
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Studio Courses: 18 cr.
| ARTID 668 | Advanced Experimental Interior Design | 4 |
| Studio Options | 10 | |
| Field Trip | R | |
Human Factors: 15 cr.
| ARTID 551 | Design Humanics | 3 |
| Human Factors Options | 6 | |
Methods, Theory & Electives: 21 cr.
| ARTID 552 | Design Methods: Design Methods | 2 |
| ARTID Methods Option | 2-3 | |
| ARTID 660 | Research Methods | 3 |
| ARTID History Theory Option | 3 | |
| ARTID 554 | Interior Design Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| Electives | 3-4 | |
Thesis: 6 cr.
| 6 credits thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
Related Courses (outside of IVA program): 3 cr.
Total 60 cr.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
The profession, issues, and the role of interior design.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Overview of issues related to the human/built environment interface: introduction to health and safety factors, ergonomics, anthropometrics, sensory perception, psycho-behavioral response, physical performance, cultural factors and universal design. Emphasis on application of human factor methods to the analysis, solution, and evaluation of design problems.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
A survey of variables influencing the nature and function of "interior" environments. Review of professional, geo-political, utilitarian, social-cultural, economic, humanistic, historical, technological, and other factors as generators of form and space.
Cr. R.
Prereq: Enrollment in interior design studio course
Study and tours of areas of interest within the interior design profession such as manufacturers, design studios, showrooms and museums.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(2-4) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Admission to the interior design program through program review and enrollment in ARTID 265
Perspective drawing, design sketching, and presentation drawings. Introduction to technical drawing conventions, and design drawings. Emphasis on drawing layout, line quality, and lettering. Use of various rendering media and techniques on 2D and 3D drawings. Overview of presentation techniques, both visual and verbal.
(1-6) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in ARTID 250 and ARTID 261; admission to the interior design program through program review
Enhanced creative interior design problem solving. Emphasis on research, spatial composition theories and graphic ideation and communication as applied to the interior design of small scale environments. Modeling and manual visualization techniques.
(1-6) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: ARTID 265
Human factors issues including ergonomics, human behavior and the requirements of special groups. Color theories related to interior spaces. Residential interior design and medium scale projects. Detail drawings, and expansion of visualization techniques.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Completion of the College of Design Core.
Exploration of concepts, materials, and assemblies associated with development of interior elements including floors, walls, ceiling, windows, and finishes. Fiber, plastic, sheet metal, and other surfacing materials. Attention to related human factors, testing, detailing, specifications writing and end-use application.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Completion of the College of Design Core.
Exploration of interior design concepts, materials, and assemblies as they contribute to the user, health, safety and general well-being. Wood, steel, masonry, and glass assemblies. Attention to related human factors, testing, codes, detailing, specifications writing and end-use application.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Completion of the College of Design Core.
Exploration of concepts, materials, assemblies associated with building service systems. Overview of electrical, lighting, acoustical, HVAC, plumbing and other non-structural building features. Attention to related human factors, testing, codes, detailing, specifications writing and end-use application.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Completion of the College of Design Core.
Exploration of building construction concepts, materials, and assemblies and their influence on interior design. Attention to human factors, codes, detailing, and other interior design issues related to buildings.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Theoretical approaches to evaluation of interior finishes, furnishings, and decorative arts in relation to parallel developments in art and architecture, from a critical, historical and multicultural perspective. Focus on pre-1850.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in ARTID 355 or permission of instructor
Advanced theoretical approaches to evaluation of interior finishes, furnishings, and decorative arts in relation to parallel developments in art and architecture from a critical, historical, and multicultural perspective. Focus on mid-nineteenth and twentieth century.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Participation in Study Abroad Rome program
An investigation of the 20th century roots of modern Italian design and its contemporary form. Lectures and seminar presentations highlight major Italian designers and internationally significant design in the 20th century. Focus is on innovative design that exhibits a synthesis of formal and social functions.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. R. F.
Prereq: Enrollment in third year interior design studio course
Study and tours of areas of interest within the interior design profession such as manufacturers, design studios, showrooms, and museums.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Sophomore classification in interior design program.
Procedural and ethical concerns relating to interior design internship. Preparation of documents for internship search. Formulation of personal internship and career goals.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: junior classification in interior design program.
Procedural and ethical concerns relating to interior design internship. Refinement of placement credentials and personal goals. Internship search process and agreements.
(1-6) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: ARTID 263, ARTID 267, and enrollment in ARTID 359
Refined methods of problem identification design programming and problem solving, including theoretically-based concept development and refinement. Emphasis and compliance with codes and standards. Produce small and large scale projects. Alternative manual and computer-based visualization methods. Teamwork. Multi-cultural, study abroad option.
(1-6) Cr. 4-5. S.
Prereq: ARTID 365
Emphasis on three-dimensional spatial development in large scale, multiple scale unit institutional projects. Inclusion of extensive design documentation. Expansion of alternative manual and computer-based visualization methods. Teamwork.
(1-6) Cr. 4-5. S.
Prereq: ARTID 365
Emphasis on three-dimensional spatial development in large scale, multiple scale unit institutional projects. Inclusion of extensive design documentation. Expansion of alternative manual and computer-based visualization methods. Teamwork.
Cr. R.
Prereq: Enrollment in fourth year interior design studio course
Study and tours of areas of interest within the interior design profession such as manufacturers, design studios, showrooms and museums.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 3. SS.
Prereq: ARTID 350, 360, and 365
Professional interior design off-campus experience.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: ARTID 460
Organization and general management of the interior design office: agreements, business procedures, and professional ethics. Professional interior design issues and concerns.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: ARTID 460
Organization and general management of the interior design office: agreements, business procedures, and professional ethics. Professional interior design issues and concerns.
(Dual-listed with ARTID 563). (Cross-listed with GERON, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies or permission of instructor
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Dual-listed with ARTID 567). (1-6) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: ARTID 465
Refinement of technical, analytical and theoretical problem-solving methods and comprehensive design documentation. In-depth development of interior design projects. Current issues in interior design.
(1-4) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Enrollment or credit in third year studio courses
Study of selected interior design projects and designers practicing in an urban setting. Studio project examining issues related to interior design in an urban context.
(1-4) Cr. 3-4. S.
Prereq: Enrollment or credit in third year studio courses
Study of selected interior design projects and designers practicing in an urban setting. Studio project examining issues related to interior design in an urban context.
Cr. 1-6. Repeatable.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related interior design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.
Cr. 1-6. Repeatable.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related interior design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Evidence of satisfactory experience in area of specialization
Intensive 2 to 4 week studio exploration. Topics vary each time offered.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 15 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Instructor permission
An exploration of human nature as broadly defined and as applied to design of the built environment. Consideration of human characteristics, responses and performance, at varying scales, as sources of design insight. Topics vary each time offered.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Instructor permission
Human factors
related to the nature, performance and accommodation of the individuals and small groups, including sensation and perception, physical requirements, anthropometrics, safety and other issues connecting human needs and built environmental responses. Topics vary each time offered.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Instructor permission
Human factors issues related to the nature, performance and accommodation of medium to large groups and settings. Emphasis on psychological, sociological, cultural, interpersonal safety, and related human needs and built environmental responses. Topics vary each time offered.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 10 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Survey of methodologies and methodological tools for varied end uses and drawn from wide ranging sources. Emphasis on their organization and application to design of the human environment. Topics vary each time offered.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 10 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Methods of design research, analysis, programming and theory formulation.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 10 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Methods of synthesizing design concepts and solutions.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 10 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Methods of managing, translating, communicating and otherwise utilizing text, image, abstract and other forms of information.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 10 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
New and specialized methodological trends, including subject or setting-specific methods.
Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: ARTID 668 and permission of instructor
Supervised practical application of interior design theory, materials, and practice to the educational process.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate enrollment or permission of instructor
Study and tours of places of interior design-related interest such as manufacturers, design studios, related professional offices, showrooms, museums, and historical sites.
Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Professional interior design off-campus experience.
(Dual-listed with ARTID 463). (Cross-listed with GERON, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies or permission of instructor
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Dual-listed with ARTID 467). (1-6) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: ARTID 465
Refinement of technical, analytical and theoretical problem-solving methods and comprehensive design documentation. In-depth development of interior design projects. Current issues in interior design.
(0-8) Cr. 4. Repeatable, maximum of 16 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
Application of alternative design methods and sources of insight to the solution of human environmental design problems. Focus on the identification, formulation, refinement and application of theory to the design process. Emphasis on the pursuit of new discovery and innovative problem solving. Approaches, settings and scales vary each time offered.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
Examination of special issues with emphasis on their translation into design application.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
Examination of special issues with emphasis on their translation into design application.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
Examination of special issues with emphasis on their translation into design application.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
Examination of special issues with emphasis on their translation into design application.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
Examination of special issues with emphasis on their translation into design application.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Bachelor's degree in interior design, or evidence of satisfactory equivalency in specialized area. Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification; evidence of satisfactory experience in area of specialization
Intensive 2 to 4 week studio exploration. Topics vary each time offered.
(1-0) Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 times. F.S.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTID 565, ARTID 567, ARTID 568, ARTID ARTID 665, or ARTID 668, and permission of instructor
Presentation and discussion of cross-disciplinary design research theory, methods, and application. Focus on the investigation, application, and communication of types of design research.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Courses for graduate students:
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Research strategies related to design. Application of selected methods to specific issues. Open to non-majors.
(0-8) Cr. 4. Repeatable, maximum of 16 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor.
Application of alternative design methods and sources of insight to the solution of human environmental design problems. Focus on the identification, formulation, refinement and application of theory to the design process. Emphasis on the pursuit of new discovery and innovative problem solving. Approaches, settings and scales vary each time offered.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: M.F.A classification, permission of instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Approval of POS committee
Applied, off campus, professional interior design-related experience.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Professional interior design off-campus experience.