Program Overview

Introduction to the Interior Architecture and Design Program

The Interior Architecture and Design program at Utah State University is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), making it the first program in the state to receive this recognition. It has established a strong reputation for winning national and international design competitions. Additionally, the program is ranked 8th in the country for Interior Design Education based on important factors such as affordability and the likelihood of completing the program, which translate into real-world opportunities.

Program Overview

Our faculty are experts at preparing interior designers for professional success. Students are provided with numerous experiences to help them acquire and hone their design skills. Each year, we bring internationally renowned designers and architects to campus to work with our students. We also provide national and international study experiences to significant design venues and historical sites. Students are active in professional associations, including ASID, IIDA, and USGBC.

Program Requirements

In this highly competitive technical program, students must pass a first-year portfolio review for admission and complete a second-year review to continue. A minimum six-week internship is required during the summer of the third year, and most students pass the LEED Green Associate exam before graduating with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design degree. Additionally, students may wish to further their studies in architecture by applying for a graduate program that aligns with their goals.

Accreditation

The Department of Art + Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design, and our Interior Architecture Program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The Interior Architecture and Design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Statement of Accredited Status

The Interior Architecture and Design program at Utah State University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). It also prepares students for post-graduate degrees in Architecture. This degree program does not prepare students to sit for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE).

Mission Statement

The mission of the Interior Architecture and Design Program at Utah State University is to nurture students as they become leaders in design. This is accomplished through a balanced curriculum that provides students with a foundation in both theory and practical knowledge. As educators, we aim to:

• Impact and improve the human experience in the built environment.
• Challenge students to think beyond their current mindset and foster innovation.
• Support students as they seek to excel, both academically and personally.
• Prepare students to work with other disciplines and specialists in a positive collaborative environment.
• Provide exposure to the world of design outside the region, both nationally and internationally.
• Foster Inclusive Excellence.
• Emphasize design for the sustainability of society, the environment, and human well-being.
• Prepare students for graduate work and a career at the top levels of the profession.
• Inspire students to use their talents and skills to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

Faculty

Our faculty includes:

• Darrin Brooks, Professor of Interior Architecture and Design
• Susie Tibbitts, Associate Professor of Interior Architecture and Design, Interior Architecture and Design Area Coordinator
• Steven Mansfield, Principal Lecturer of Interior Architecture and Design
• Holly Murdock, Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture and Design
• Melle Dettenmaier, Adjunct

Program Details

First Year Review

All first-year students considering the Interior Architecture & Design Program must enroll in IAD 2780 and participate in the First-Year Review Fall semester. The review assesses basic skills and creativity and will consist of portfolio work from IAD 2780 and the completion of additional projects. Only students who successfully pass the first-year review and meet or exceed GPA and grade requirements can register for second-year courses.

Entrance into the Interior Architecture & Design Program

Students interested in becoming a major in Interior Architecture and Design must successfully submit a portfolio for the annual first-year review and must maintain a minimum overall GPA requirement of 2.75. The program invites approximately 20-24 students to advance onto the second year, making this a very competitive major.

Foundations Year

Required foundation courses include:

• ART 1020: Drawing I, Fall or Spring
• ART 1130: Three-Dimensional Design, Fall or Spring
• ARTH 2710: Survey of Western Art-Prehistoric to Medieval (Fall Only)
• IAD 2780: History of Architecture, Interiors, And Furniture (Fall Only)
• ARTH 2720: Survey of Western Art-Renaissance to Post-Modern (Spring Only)
• IAD 1700: Interior Architecture & Design Seminar, Fall & Spring
• ART 3710: Fine Art Seminar, Fall & Spring

Second-Year Review

At the end of the second-year, students submit a portfolio from the second-year courses for another review by the Interior Architecture & Design faculty. If a student does not meet the minimum grade requirements (B- or above), or if work does not meet the standards, students will not advance to the third year.

Student Agreement

Students understand that:

• Failure to earn a minimum grade of B- or above in any Interior Architecture & Design course will result in dismissal from the program.
• Attendance and participation in studios and all Interior Architecture & Design classes are mandatory.
• Time outside of class will be necessary to complete the required assignments.
• They will need to purchase a laptop that meets the specifications required by the Interior Architecture & Design after being invited to advance to the second year.
• The completion of required projects will involve the purchase of necessary computer software, art, and presentation supplies, as well as textbooks and reference materials.

Conclusion

The Interior Architecture and Design program at Utah State University is a highly competitive and accredited program that prepares students for professional success in the field of interior design. With a strong reputation for winning national and international design competitions, our program provides students with numerous experiences to help them acquire and hone their design skills. Our faculty are experts in preparing interior designers for professional success, and our program is ranked 8th in the country for Interior Design Education.