College of Architecture & Urban StudiesSchool of Architecture + Design: Interior Design
OverviewThe interior design program at Virginia Tech is dedicated to improving quality of life through design excellence, professionalism, and public service. With a curriculum that equally respects the importance of creative skill, history, building technology, ethics, innovation, and business practice, our graduates have the ability and confidence needed to immediately contribute to the profession. Students in the interior program begin their studies in the foundation design laboratory during the first two semesters with architecture, landscape architecture and industrial design students. From the beginning, both an independent and team approach to design solutions is encouraged. In their professional studies students are challenged to think critically in their design of space and to develop solutions that not only enhance quality of life, but also protect the health, safety, and welfare of users as prescribed in the various codes and regulations that govern the work of interior designers. This philosophy is the core of our program. It establishes a foundation upon which each student graduates with creative ingenuity and professional responsibility. Our CIDA accredited program prepares future designers for licensure and practice. A degree from a CIDA accredited program is increasingly important as a requirement for professional certification and licensing of Interior Designers in the United States. Graduating from a CIDA accredited program is the first step in a three-part process in achieving certification or licensing as an interior designer in various states. The last two steps are to complete two years of assistantship as an interior designer and then passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. A CIDA accredited degree, work experience and passing the NCIDQ exam satisfy the requirements in Virginia for recognition as a “Certified Interior Designer.” Required: Satisfactory Progress Students must maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA in ITDS courses for satisfactory progress toward the degree. If a student’s GPA drops below 2.5 in ITDS courses, courses with a grade below 2.5 must be repeated to elevate the GPA to 2.5 before continuing in the degree. A minimum 2.5 GPA in ITDS courses is required for graduation. Course Descriptions (ITDS)1114: DESIGN APPRECIATIONIntroduction to fundamental design concepts, design methods and the history of design. Examples drawn from architecture, interior design, industrial design, graphic design as well as vernacular craft and design traditions. Key concepts from art, literature and philosophy are discussed in relation to design theory. (3H,3C) 1124: DESIGN DRAWING Drafting of floor plans, elevations, sections, and other orthographic drawings; measured perspective and black and white rendering. (6L,3C) 2044: INTERIOR DESIGN I Exploration and development of interior spaces emphasizing spatial volume and presentation techniques. Pre: ARCH 1016. (1H,12L,6C) 2054: INTERIOR DESIGN II Spatial relationships continue as a priority from ITDS 2044. Programs of required spaces are introduced in design projects along with issues of human behavior and perception. Pre: 2044. (1H,12L,6C) 2134: MATERIALS AND METHODS IN INTERIOR DESIGN Properties and appropriate use of materials in design and construction of building interiors. Floor, wall, and ceiling materials, and materials used in furnishings and equipment are included. Special attention is given to the health effects and environmental impact of material choices in interior design. (3H,3C) 2144: SECOND YEAR ID STUDIO Focus on application of elements and principles of design to interior environments. Introduction to programming, space planning, human environmental interaction, and construction drawings in interior design. Pre: 2114, 1124, 1106. (1H,4L,3C) 2224: INTERIOR DESIGN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION Exploration and development of advanced presentation techniques appropriate for communicating interior design concepts. Special attention is given to utilizing digital media as support for visual and verbal communication. Pre: 2114. Co: 2144. (6L,3C) 2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 3044: INTERIOR DESIGN III Exploration and development of interior spaces emphasizing residential and mixed-use developments. Pre: 2054. (1H,12L,6C) 3054: INTERIOR DESIGN IV Design process, space planning and code compliance with advanced understanding of appropriate concepts for integrating furniture, fixtures, equipment and finish materials in design solutions. Communication and collaboration are emphasised. Pre: 3044. (1H,12L,6C) 3114: FURNITURE DESIGN The design of case furniture, millwork, and soft goods stressing materials, methods of construction, and ergonomic considerations in design. Pre: 1124, 2114, 2124. (6L,3C) 3124: INTERIORS Introduction to commercial and institutional space planning. Advanced residential space planning and specifications. Pre: 2114. (1H,4L,3C) 3125,3126: HISTORY IN INTERIOR DESIGN Surveys of significant developments in the design of interiors and furniture of western civilization. 3125: 3000 BC through the 19th century European. 3126: Colonial America through the 20th century modern design. University Core Area II required. (3H,3C) 3154: DESIGN STUDIO - FIBERART Structural and applied design experience using fibers and fabrics. Techniques will include simple and complex weaving techniques. Pre: 1114. (1H,4L,3C) 3175-3176: BUILDING SYSTEMS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN Overview of building systems as they relate to the design of building interiors. Pre: 2044. (3H,3C) 3184: CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN An overview of construction documents: drawings and specifications. Development of a set of construction documents for a small commercial interior. (3H,3C) 3954: STUDY ABROAD-INTERIOR DESIGN Variable credit course. 4044: INTERIOR DESIGN V Exploration and development of interior spaces emphasizing various commercial project types. Pre: 3184, 3044. (1H,12L,6C) 4054: INTERIOR DESIGN VI Capstone studio for students to demonstrate reseach skills, design excellence and technical proficiency in interior design. Pre: 4044. (1H,12L,6C) 4114: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND LEED Theoretical approaches to sustainable design as a context for the LEED Green Building Rating Systems. Biophilia, biomimicry, cradle to cradle, and other emerging ways of addressing environmental sustainability are presented. The pre-requisite ITDS 3175 may be waived with instructor's permission. Pre: 3175. (3H,3C) 4144: ADVANCED COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD) STUDIO Interior design studio with emphasis on computer modeling, rendering, and animation. Pre: 3144. (6L,3C) 4554: CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE Study of social, economic, political, and technological issues that influence contemporary interior design practice. Pre: 3126. (3H,3C) 4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course. College of Architecture and Urban Studies Programs of Study Art and Art History | Architecture | Building Construction | Industrial Design | Interior Design Landscape Architecture | School of Public and International Affairs |
