Program Overview

Introduction to Interior Design Program

The Interior Design program at Virginia Commonwealth University offers a comprehensive education in the field of interior design. The program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of interior design, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the profession.

Course Offerings

The program offers a wide range of courses, including:

• IDES 103: Introductory Studio Course
• IDES 104: Introductory Studio Course
• IDES 201: Introductory Interior Design Studio I
• IDES 202: Introductory Interior Design Studio II
• IDES 211: Interior Graphics I
• IDES 212: Interior Graphics II
• IDES 231: Fundamentals of Interior Design
• IDES 241: Physical and Social Behavior
• IDES 251: Historic Environments: Ancient Through 19th Century
• IDES 252: Historic Environments: 20th-21st Centuries
• IDES 261: What is Good Design? A Survey of 20th- and 21st-century Design
• IDES 291: Topics in Interior Design
• IDES 301: Interior Design Studio I
• IDES 302: Interior Design Studio II
• IDES 311: Advanced Interior Graphics I
• IDES 312: Advanced Interior Graphics II
• IDES 321: Interior Materials and Textiles
• IDES 322: Color in Interior Environments
• IDES 323: Light and Color in Interior Environments
• IDES 324: Furniture Design
• IDES 330: The Business of Design
• IDES 370: Design History: 20th and 21st Centuries
• IDES 391: Topics in Interior Design
• IDES 400: Senior Interior Design Studio I
• IDES 401: Senior Interior Design Studio II
• IDES 405: Middle of Broad: Interdisciplinary Community-engaged Design Studio
• IDES 406: Middle of Broad: Interior Design
• IDES 421: Construction Documents
• IDES 422: Building Systems
• IDES 431: Interior Design Business Practices
• IDES 441: Senior Design Seminar I
• IDES 442: Senior Design Seminar II
• IDES 491: Topics in Interior Design
• IDES 492: Independent Study in Interior Design
• IDES 493: Interior Design Internship
• IDES 494: Interior Design Practicum
• IDES 500: Art and Design Methods Workshop
• IDES 501: Introductory Graduate Design Studio I
• IDES 502: Introductory Graduate Design Studio II
• IDES 511: Introductory Graduate Graphics I
• IDES 512: Introductory Graduate Graphics II
• IDES 521: Advanced Material Studies for Interior Environments
• IDES 522: Environmental Factors for Interior Environments
• IDES 591: Topics in Interior Design
• IDES 601: Graduate Interior Environments Studio
• IDES 611: Advanced Graphics for Interior Environments I
• IDES 612: Advanced Graphics for Interior Environments II
• IDES 623: Advanced Design Studies
• IDES 624: Advanced Furniture Design
• IDES 626: Advanced Light and Color for Interior Environments
• IDES 631: Ethics and Business Procedures for Interior Environments
• IDES 635: Teaching Practicum in Interior Environments
• IDES 651: History and Theory of Interior Environments I
• IDES 652: History and Theory of Interior Environments II
• IDES 690: Graduate Seminar in Interior Environments
• IDES 692: Independent Study in Interior Environments
• IDES 693: Interior Design Internship
• IDES 694: Graduate Interior Design Practicum
• IDES 699: Creative Project - Thesis
• IDES 800: Research Methods
• IDES 801: Theories of Art and Design
• IDES 811: Interdisciplinary Health Care Design Workshop I
• IDES 812: Interdisciplinary Health Care Design Workshop II
• IDES 820: Selected Topics in Health Care Design I
• IDES 821: Selected Topics in Health Care Design II
• IDES 899: Dissertation

Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete a minimum number of credits, including coursework, studio work, and internships. Students must also complete a senior design project and a thesis or dissertation.

Research Areas

The program offers research opportunities in a variety of areas, including:

• Sustainable design
• Universal design
• Health care design
• Historic preservation
• Design theory and criticism

Faculty and Resources

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced professionals and scholars in the field of interior design. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including design studios, computer labs, and libraries.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in interior design, including positions in private practice, government, and industry. They may also pursue advanced degrees in interior design or related fields.