Major in Interior Architecture and Design
Program Overview
Colorado State University's Interior Architecture and Design program prepares students for professional design careers, emphasizing research-based problem-solving and the integration of cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives. The curriculum includes studio-intensive instruction, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, enabling graduates to excel in diverse interior design fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Interior Architecture and Design program at Colorado State University prepares students to become professional designers. The program emphasizes education, experience, and examination to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design interior environments that enhance functionality, quality of life, productivity, and public safety. The program's objectives include:
- Designing interior environments that enhance the function and quality of life.
- Increasing productivity in interior spaces.
- Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
- Preparing students for research-based problem-solving.
- Providing experiential education through studio instruction, service learning, and internships.
- Incorporating cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives into the design process. The program is accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and faculty hold professional certifications in NCIDQ and LEED AP.
Outline:
The program is structured as a cohort program, with students advancing through the curriculum in a sequential manner. The program is divided into eight semesters, with specific courses required for each semester.
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1:
- CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2)
- DM 192B First Year Seminar: Pre-Interior Architecture and Design
- INTD 110 Visual Expression of Interior Environments (GT-AH1)
- MATH 117 College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)
- MATH 118 College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)
- PSY 100 General Psychology (GT-SS3)
- Select one course from the following:
- ART 100 Introduction to the Visual Arts (GT-AH1)
- IDEA 210 Introduction to Design Thinking (GT-AH1)
- LAND 110 Introduction to Landscape Architecture
- Semester 2:
- CON 151 Construction Materials and Methods
- INTD 129 Introduction-Interior Architecture Design
- INTD 166 Visual Communication-Drawing
- MATH 124 Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Elective
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3:
- INTD 210 Studio I-Interior Architecture and Design
- INTD 266 Visual Communication-Digital Multi-Media
- Focus Area Electives (See Major Requirements Tab.)
- Elective
- Semester 4:
- INTD 276 Studio II-Interior Architecture and Design
- Focus Area Elective (See Major Requirements Tab.)
- Advanced Writing
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Elective
Junior Year:
- Semester 5:
- INTD 310 Studio III-Interior Architecture and Design
- INTD 330 Lighting Design
- INTD 335 Interior Architecture and Design Technologies
- INTD 350 Codes-Health and Safety
- Select one course from the following:
- AM 460 Historic Textiles
- HIST 354 American Architectural History
- Semester 6:
- INTD 340 Interior Materials and Products
- INTD 359 History of Interior Architecture and Design
- INTD 376 Studio IV-Interior Architecture and Design
- INTD 410 Evidence-based Design Theory
- Elective
Senior Year:
- Semester 7:
- INTD 456 Professional Practice-Interior Arch Design
- INTD 476 Capstone-Interior Architecture and Design
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Historical Perspectives
- Elective
- Semester 8:
- INTD 487 Internship
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a studio-intensive curriculum that focuses on research-informed and creative problem-solving. The curriculum incorporates cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives into the design process. The teaching facilities include:
- Design studios and critique spaces
- A gallery
- A design materials library
- Virtual reality computer labs
- Fabrication labs (prototyping, woods, metals, and screen printing)
Careers:
Graduates of the Interior Architecture and Design program are prepared to practice interior architecture/interior design with competency in:
- Design fundamentals
- Space planning and programming
- Code compliance
- Lighting
- Materials research
- Project management
- Professional practices in the design of diverse interior spaces Graduates seek employment in:
- Interior design and architecture firms
- Residential, corporate, retail, health care, institutional, education, and hospitality design
- Lighting design
- Product development
- Marketing
- Research
- Design-related journalism
- Illustration
- Facility management
- Showroom management
- Manufacturers’ representatives
Other:
The Nancy Richardson Design Center, a multi-disciplinary center located in the College of Health and Human Sciences at CSU, serves as a design-thinking hub for students across campus. The center provides state-of-the-art equipment and technology for hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. The center includes:
- Four studio/lab classrooms
- A seminar room
- A small dedicated project room
- Two computer labs
- A design exchange
- An ideation lab (including virtual reality equipment)
- A prototyping lab (laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC textile equipment, etc.)
- A metal shop
- A wood shop
- A sustainable dark room
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
Entry Requirements:
- Admission to CSU: Students must first be admitted to Colorado State University (CSU) as Pre-Interior Architecture and Design.
- Degree Advancement Design Scenario: All students seeking admission to the Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major must complete the Degree Advancement Design Scenario practicum.
- This scenario assesses student competencies in writing for design, sketching, problem-solving, and conceptual frameworks.
- Advancement into the major is based on the review of the Design Scenario by external reviewers.
- Approximately 50-60 students are admitted to the major based on their performance.
- The Design Scenario occurs annually in the spring semester.
- Prerequisites for the Design Scenario: To participate in the Design Scenario, students must have:
- A GPA of 2.500 or higher.
- Completion of or current enrollment in INTD 110, INTD 129, and INTD 166 or equivalent courses.
- Equivalent courses from other institutions must be approved by the IAD transfer advisor at least two weeks prior to the Design Scenario.
