Course Descriptions

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

For a full list of all courses offered by the Department of Interior Design, visit the course catalogue.

INTD 1111: Interior Design Orientation This is an introduction to university procedures, the Interior Design Program and an overview of the interior design industry. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The purpose of INTD 1111 is for students (1) to learn how UIW’s student support services aid in academic success graduation, (2) to learn about the field of interior design including specific language and various areas of specialization within the interior design field, and (3) to learn about the various networking opportunities that will aid in placement after graduation.

This is an introduction to graphic communication techniques for interior design. It includes mechanical drafting, architectural lettering, sketching, perspective drawing, diagramming, and schematic drawings. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to teach the fundamentals of basic plan layouts, schedules, and working drawings in elevation, plan, sections, and details. This includes basic understanding of demolition plans, framing, roofs, and vertical movement between multiple-level buildings. Sketching, diagramming, and schematic drawings are introduced as a means of transmitting the designer’s intent. Orthographic and perspective drawing are introduced to express technical and aesthetic details.

This course is an introduction to color and environment-behavior theory and principles. It includes a basic understanding of the physiological, psychological, and emotional effects they have on human experience, behavior, and performance. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The course is designed to examine the fundamental properties of color and color combinations and their effects. The fundamental theories found in environment and behavior interactions will be explored. Assignments will explore the physiological, psychological, and emotional effects of color, light, and space on human interactions within the built environment.

This course integrates visual elements and the organization of two and three-dimensional space with architectural form and function. Students will continue to study and apply environment and behavior theories and use architectural sketching and model-building to develop perceptual skills and communication. 8 studio hours a week.

Prerequisite: INTD 1320: Architectural Drawing and INTD 1364: Color and Environment- Behavior Theory.

Purpose: INTD 1410 is the study of the basic criteria of design for the built environment. Students will learn to creatively think in an abstract manner, learn about and explore the integration of visual elements and organization of two and three-dimensional space with architectural form and function. They will continue to study and apply environment and behavior theories, and use architectural sketching and model-building to develop perceptual skills and communication.

This introductory course for interior design majors will analyze the elements and principles of design as applied to interior environments. Fundamentals of professional requirements, human factors, structural and environmental systems, properties, and applications of interior materials and components of style will be explored. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The course introduces the knowledge and skills needed in the field of interior design. The course will apply elements of theory and skill. It will consist of an overview of the profession, elements and principles of design, color, space planning, human factors, the design process, materials and finishes, furnishings, architectural elements, and emerging trends.

This is an introduction to basic computer concepts, terminology, processes, procedures and applications as they relate to the interior design industry. It involves hands-on training with presentation and graphics manipulation software with an emphasis in interior design industry applications. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2363: Architectural Graphics

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to prepare students to use presentation and graphic software that is applicable in the interior design industry. Students will learn basic word processing, graphic design and presentation principles and be introduced to collaboration methods that are technology-based.

Bridging the gap between the theoretical and the practical, this course introduces building construction, building systems, and how the specific details are formally communicated. The use of architectural hand-drawing and physical model building will refine perceptual skills and communication.6 studio hours a week.

Prerequisite: INTD 1410: Form, Space, and Theory

Purpose: Students will apply building standards to design work begun in other interior design classes to understand the continual changes necessary in the design process as a project moves from theoretical to practical. Students will gain an understanding of construction and its relationship to human behavior. Architectural drawing and model building are used to refine perceptual skills and communication.

This course focuses on materials used in the built environment emphasizing sustainability and environmental impact. Research is used to determine appropriate use, durability, maintenance, sustainability, and quality of materials. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2360: Textiles for Interior Design

Purpose: This course focuses on materials used in the built environment emphasizing sustainability and environmental impact. Research is used to determine appropriate use, durability, maintenance, sustainability, and quality of materials. Cultural applications and global implications are discussed. Specification writing and estimations of material quantity are introduced.

The course provides students with thorough, historical knowledge of design of the built environment. It covers the evolution of architecture, interiors, furniture, and design from the earliest recordings through Neoclassical including social, political, cultural, economic, and religious conditions.

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide students with thorough, historical knowledge of design of the built environment. The course covers the evolution of architecture, interiors, furniture, and design from the earliest recordings through Neoclassical including social, political, cultural, economic, and religious conditions.

This course focuses on textiles used in the built environment including relevant sustainability and environmental impact factors. Appropriate selections of textiles for fabrics, flooring, and other interior applications based on fibers, yarns, construction methods, finishing processes, patterns, and sustainability will be made for specific interior scenarios. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2375: Space Planning

Purpose: This course focuses on textiles used in the built environment including relevant sustainability and environmental impact factors. Cultural applications and global implications are discussed. Specification writing and estimations of quantity are introduced. Appropriate selections of textiles for fabrics, flooring, and other interior applications based on fibers, yarns, construction methods, finishing processes, patterns, and sustainability will be made for specific interior scenarios. Sustainability, environmental impact, and cultural and global implications are discussed and explored.

This course focuses on visual communication skills emphasizing the use of hand rendering techniques and color to enhance the visual message of design drawings and perspectives. Perspective drawing, sketching and hand-rendering skills will be developed and practiced to help communicate design and to develop a sense of balance and harmony with a variety of media. 6 studio hours a week.

Prerequisite: INTD 1320: Architectural Drawing

Purpose: This course is designed teach students communicate their design vision to clients through visually appealing documents. Perspective drawing, sketching and hand rendering skills will be developed and practiced to help communicate their design and to develop a sense of balance and harmony with a variety of media. Focus will be on color accuracy, shadow, shade, highlight and quick methods.

This course introduces students to the effects of natural and artificial light within the built environment. The focus is on lighting technologies, aesthetics, codes, environmental impact, and specifications including the effects on color, human factors, behavior, and health. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2325 Construction and Details

Purpose: This course is designed to introduce the student to lighting essentials necessary to design and specify the relevant documentation through project scenarios. They will learn basic knowledge of lighting controls, technologies, and systems as well as the effect of lighting on the environment, human factors, behavior, and health.

This course is an introduction to the design process. Emphasis is on the design process as a creative tool for spatial organization in both residential and commercial applications. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 1410 Form, Space, and Theory and INTD 2300 Introduction to Interior Design

Purpose: This course introduces students to the design process. Emphasis is placed on human-centered design, theory, conceptual processes of programming, and design communication. Students will develop design ideas for both commercial and residential applications and develop a schematic graphic style to aid in design communication and an efficient design process.

This course is an introduction to basic computer-aided drafting and other interior design industry software programs for the creation of construction documents and 3D visualization. Students will learn the role of technology in communications within interior design and architecture. 6 hours studio a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2325 Construction and Details. Fee.

Purpose: In this technical drafting course, students learn interior design industry software for creation of construction documents. Emphasis is placed on documentation that can be shared across multiple disciplines for project completion as students develop an understanding of the role of technology within interior design and architecture.

This course explores furniture design as a specialty within interior design. Students will learn about furniture design, modeling, materials, building techniques, ergonomics, anthropometrics, construction and structural methods, and finishing. Elective. 6 studio hours a week.

Prerequisite: INTD 2325 Construction and Details

Purpose: This elective, studio course offers students the opportunity to explore furniture design as a specialty within interior design. The course progresses from general theory of human use, history, and styles of furniture design to a studio project. Students will explore furniture design, learn about modeling, materials, building techniques, ergonomics, anthropometrics, construction and structural methods, and finishing.

This course is the study of building and interior codes, industry-specific regulations and guidelines, construction documents, and the resulting implications on human well-being. Documentation emphasizes constructability in terms of structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, and communication of materiality, lighting, and technology contributing to the student’s comprehensive set of specifications and construction drawings. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3367: Studio I and INTD 3315: CADD for Interior Design

Purpose: This course prepares students to design in compliance with national and international building codes and industry-specific regulations and guidelines. Codes are explored through application to construction documents. Documentation emphasizes constructability in terms of structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, and communication of materiality, lighting, and technology contributing to the student’s comprehensive set of specifications and construction drawings.

This course allows students to broaden their understanding of different cultures within the United States and the world. The exploration of varying cultures, art, architecture, history, and interior design through domestic and international travel opportunities will create greater understanding of cultures and places. Elective.

Purpose: This course allows students to broaden their understanding of different cultures within the United States and the world. Focus will be on the art, history, and architecture that has influenced interior design. Students will have the opportunity to visit significant architecture, design resources, markets, and/or professional design firms to have a richer experience of the locale as it relates to interior design.

This course is the study of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems in buildings. Students will also learn of the impact of acoustics, lighting, thermal and personal comfort. There is an emphasis on sustainability concepts and strategies. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3325 Codes and Construction Documents

Purpose: This course focuses on sustainability and environmental systems such as electrical, lighting, plumbing, thermal design, and acoustics and their impact in design and on human behavior. Students will learn the impact sustainable practices have on human well-being and environmental systems. At the end of this course students will be encouraged to take a professional certification (i.e. LEED GA, WELL Certification).

This course continues information begun in INTD 3315: CADD for Interior Design. Advanced computer- aided drafting and design programs will be used for the creation of construction documents and 3D visualization. 6 hours studio a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2301 Computer Applications for Interior Design and INTD 3315 CADD for Interior Design

Purpose: In this advanced course students learn interior design industry software for creation of presentation documents. Emphasis is placed on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and photo-realistic rendering plugins for presentation purposes.

The course provides students with thorough, historical knowledge of design of the built environment. It covers the evolution of architecture, interiors, furniture, and after Neoclassical to future predictions including social, political, cultural, economic, and religious conditions.

Prerequisite: INTD 2355 History of the Built Environment I

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide students with thorough, historical knowledge of design of the built environment. The course covers the evolution of architecture, interiors, furniture, and design from after Neoclassical to future predictions including social, political, cultural, economic, and religious conditions.

This course will explore residential projects utilizing the design process. Topics of ergonomics, theory, color and materiality, universal design, and human-centered design principles will be addressed. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 2375: Space Planning and INTD 2325: Construction and Details

Purpose: Students will explore residential project/s utilizing the phases of the design process with emphasis on development of key spaces. Topics of ergonomics, theory, color and materiality, universal design, and human centered design principles will be referenced in design exploration. Basic contract documentation will be produced, connecting design ideas to production processes.

This course will study commercial projects utilizing the design process. Topics of disadvantaged populations, vertical circulation, commercial types, code application, and environment-behavior and color theories will be addressed. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3367: Studio I and INTD 3315: CADD for Interior Design

Purpose: Students will explore mixed-use, multi-level, design challenges. Emphasis is placed on designs for culturally specific needs and/or challenges; examples include disabilities, economical disadvantage, social or religious differences. Solutions will be driven by historical precedents and the studio will emphasize design development documents for client communication.

This course is a continuation of INTD 4210 Portfolio I with student preparation of their creative work to gain a position in the field of interior design. The course focus is on presentation of creative work in both an interview setting and through digital means with culmination in a senior show. 2 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 4210: Portfolio I

Purpose: Continuation of student preparation for presentation of their body of creative work for the purpose of gaining positions in the field of interior design. Students will produce the elements required to secure work in the profession including digital and physical elements. Professional graphic design software will be utilized. The course focus is on presentation of creative work in both an interview setting and through digital means. The course culminates in a senior show.

This course applies practical application of classroom knowledge to an actual work situation in an approved setting. The course work is done in a supervised setting with a minimum of 150 hours work experience. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3367: Studio I

Purpose: This course consists of supervised work experience in an approved training situation. It is designed to provide practical experience in the interiors industry. Minimum of 150 hours work experience required.

This course is the initial preparation of student creative work to gain a position in the field of interior design. The focus is to develop the designer’s statement and mission, edit the body of work, and explore creative presentation methods tailored to the path of the student’s future design aspirations. 4 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 4340: Studio III

Purpose: Preparation of students to present their body of creative work for the purpose of gaining a position in the field of interior design. Students will explore and develop a plan of work presentation based upon their career ambitions and interests. The focus is to develop the designer’s statement and mission, edit the body of work, and explore creative presentation methods tailored to the path of the student’s future design aspirations.

This course is the continued study of commercial environments utilizing evidence-based design in a large-scale project. Topics include advanced design research methods, large-scale programming, environmental issues, finish/selection and specification, furniture specifications, detailing, and contract documents. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3370: Studio II and INTD 3355: Advanced CADD for Interior Design

Purpose: Students will explore large scale commercial projects, such as hospitality or institutional, with an environmental challenge. Research will include the relationship between humans and space, historical precedence, and emerging research in environmental factors. Students will produce a variety of design development and contract documents to communicate design intent.

This senior studio course will focus on the research and programming for a complex interior design project. By selecting location, typology and social, cultural, or environmental issue, students explore topics such as precedent, environmental psychology, building codes and analysis, empirical data, emerging research and concept development to inform a thoughtful and meaningful design project. 6 studio hours a semester. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 4340: Studio III and INTD 3336: Environmental Systems and Sustainability

Purpose: In this senior studio course, students prepare research and programming for a complex project. By selecting location, typology and social, cultural, or environmental issue, students explore topics such as precedent, environmental psychology, building codes and analysis, empirical data, emerging research and concept development to inform a thoughtful and meaningful design project. Research methods and presentation, as well as issues of sustainability and environmental factors leading to human comfort, are key topics addressed. Students are expected to offer a defendable design solution to a social, cultural, or environmental issue.

This senior studio course is a continuation of the work begun in senior level studio INTD 4355 Capstone I with emphasis on design development, contract documentation, and professional level presentation. The focus of the course is production and communication of a design proposal offering defendable solutions to a social, cultural, or environmental issue. 6 studio hours a semester. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 4355: Capstone I

Purpose: Continuation of Capstone I, students apply their research and programming from Capstone I to develop a thoughtful and meaningful design project of their own development. Students continue through the schematic, design development, and contract documentation phases culminating with a professional quality design development presentation and a set of construction documents with specifications. The focus of the course is production and communication of a design proposal offering defendable solutions to a social, cultural, or environmental issue.

This course is an introduction to the field of historic preservation. It will familiarize students with historic/older buildings, adaptive reuse, and the standards and regulations relating to preserving a historic building. Elective. 6 studio hours a week. Fee. Spring, odd years.

Prerequisite: INTD 2355: History of the Built Environment I and INTD 3363: History of the Built Environment II and INTD 3367: Studio I and INTD 3325: Codes and Construction Documents

Purpose: This studio course introduces students to the field of historic preservation. It will familiarize them with historic/older buildings, adaptive reuse, and the standards and regulations relating to preserving a historic building.

This course is focused on the implications of interior design decisions on human wellness. This course helps students focus on the implications of indoor air quality, chemicals used in interior products, types of lighting, space planning, and other factors to the health and wellbeing of the occupants. Elective. 6 studio hours a week. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 3370: Studio II Prerequisite OR Co-requisite INTD 3336: Environmental Systems and Sustainability

Purpose: This studio course helps students to focus on the implications of indoor air quality, chemicals used in interior products, types of lighting, space planning, and other factors to the health and wellbeing of the occupants. At the end of this course, students will be encouraged to take a professional accreditation test.

This course will study various types of interior design business practices, business procedures, project management, professional practice and professional ethics. Specific terminology, management of projects including documentation and industry-specific forms, and an exploration of business in today’s global economy will be addressed. Fee.

Prerequisite: INTD 4161: Interior Design Internship

Purpose: This course studies professionalism, business practices, and business procedures in interior design. Specific terminology, management of projects including documentation and industry-specific forms, and an exploration of business in today’s global economy will be addressed. Students will be exposed to various professional interior designers and interior design organizations.

This course serves as a capstone experience for those Honors students majoring in Interior Design. Students will conduct an in-depth examination of a research topic developed in conjunction with and approved by the departmental faculty. This course is restricted to students in the UIW Honors Program and is not repeatable for credit.