Interior Architecture & Design
The La Roche University Interior Architecture & Design Program believes that a successful interior design education enhances a student's innate creativity and interest in the built environment. An interior design education also effectively teaches the knowledge and skills needed to evolve holistic, thoughtfully conceived design solutions in response to humanity's aesthetic, emotional, and utilitarian design needs. The program's mission is to prepare students to perform as design professionals with a life-long desire to remain current in the profession and be advocates for design excellence, thereby promoting the importance of interior design to society.
This major prepares students for careers in commercial and residential interior design in large and small interior design and architecture firms, as well as industrial, commercial and institutional organizations. It also provides a solid foundation for students who wish to own a design firm or pursue a graduate degree in design. The interior design program fosters the transition to the professional world by requiring all majors to complete an internship experience in the field prior to graduation.
Entering Interior Architecture & Design majors are required to purchase a laptop computer with software that is commonly used in the profession. Specific computer requirements for the academic year can be viewed at http://intranet.laroche.edu/sci/overview.cfm. These requirements are updated annually in the summer.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation has granted accreditation to the La Roche University Interior Design Program continuously since 1985. The University also holds National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation, which extends to the Interior Design program. Membership in the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) and in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is available to all design majors.
Interior Architrecture & Design Portfolio Review
To advance in the curriculum, Interior Architecture & Design majors are required to present a portfolio of their work to the faculty at two key points in their education:
1. Freshman Review
Students submit work for Freshman Review after completing IDSN1020, IDSN1021, and IDSN1062 with grades of "C" or above. Students may advance to IDSN2038a Interior Studio II only after completing the Advisory Review process. Freshman Review results in one of three recommendations:
- to continue in interior architecture & design;
- to continue in interior architecture & design with stated reservations and recommended action; or
- to change majors before the next academic term
2. Sophomore Review
Students submit work for Sophomore Review after completing IDSN2038b and four of the following five courses with grades of "C" or above: IDSN1023, IDSN2015, IDSN2044, IDSN2045 and IDSN2046.
Exception: Students in the Three-Year Accelerated Curriculum must pass IDSN2038a and IDSN2038b and five of the following six courses with grades of "C" or above: IDSN1023, IDSN2015, IDSN2037, IDSN2044, IDSN2045, and IDSN3040.
Students may advance to IDSN3028a Interior Studio III only after successfully completing the Sophomore Review process. Sophomore Review results in one of three decisions:
- student is invited to continue to major in interior architecture & design;
- student is required to repeat IDSN2038b Interior Studio II the next semester, and submit work for Sophomore Review again (note: this option may only be offered once); or
- student is required to change majors before the beginning of the next term.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or above in all interior architecture & design major requirements to fulfill prerequisites and graduation requirements. Grades below a "C" may delay participation in portfolio reviews and advancement in the curriculum.
Interior architecture & design courses are offered during summer session as enrollment permits. Courses also are offered in the evening, but students are unable to complete the program without taking courses during the day.
The program is technically a four-and-one-half year curriculum because a student must earn a minimum of 127 credit hours to attain a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, with the last 30 credit hours earned at La Roche University. The following course work is required:
- 78 credits of interior architecture & design major requirements
- 12 credits of interior architecture & design major electives; in addition to the courses shown below, students may select electives from Graphic Design. Three of the 12 credits are business-related electives; options include accounting, advertising, management, marketing, and finance
- 37 credits of University core requirements
To complete the curriculum in four years, students must attend summer school or carry more than 15 hours a semester. (See Semester Credit Maximum for the University policy on overload.)
A Five-Year Extended Curriculum has been created for students who wish to pursue a minor (e.g., psychology, management, etc.) or for those who enter with test scores that indicate an extended curriculum would be beneficial. Additionally, a Three-Year Accelerated Curriculum has been developed for mature students who transfer a significant number of credits (generally 30 or more) from another institution. Admittance into the Three-Year Accelerated Curriculum is by invitation only. All curriculum alternatives include the same interior design course work. Information about these various ways of completing the curriculum is available in the Interior Architecture & Design Department.
Summary of Requirements
Art History Course: 3 credits: Choose 1
ARTH1018HISTORY OF ART II: RENAISSANCE TO MODERN
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will provide a survey of world art from early Renaissance to the present day. Emphasis is on cause and effect in the various historical and technological developments of art. Lecture, discussion, slides, film strips and field trips are part of the course.
ARTH3020HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A survey of modern art from the 19th century to the present day. This course explores the revolutionary forms, methods and media invented by contemporary artists to continually defy our expectations of what art should be.
IDSN3015STUDY OF GREAT AMERICAN HOUSES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A study of great houses in the United States from early salt boxes to Mies' Farnsworth House. Emphasis is placed on historic context and each structure's contribution to contemporary residential design.
Business-Related Elective: 3 credits: Choose 1
ACCTXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
ADMGXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
FINCXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
MRKTXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
Interior Architecture & Design - Major Electives: 9 credits: Choose 3
ARTHXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDNXXXX
Credits (Min/Max): /
IDSN2035INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An investigation into the special concerns of architectural photography and the use of the camera as a design tool. Students photograph existing interiors, work in progress and design projects in model and drawing form.
IDSN2048FURNITURE AND CUSTOM DETAILING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A studio course that provides instruction and hands-on experiences related to the materials, design, and construction techniques of furniture, cabinetry, and millwork detailing.
IDSN3050SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides an overview of the impact of the built environment on natural resources and sustainable building practices currently used in the industry. Green building rating systems will be introduced.
IDSN3055KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An elective interior design course that provides the opportunity for studying the fundamentals of kitchen and bath design. Aspects of technology, accessibility and applicable building codes will be examined. Material, equipment and finish selection, cabinetry detailing and the integrations of lighting, electrical and mechanical systems will be explored.
IDSN3059ADVANCED IDEAS SEMINAR IN ID
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An open-ended seminar dealing with various aesthetic questions pertinent to the student's needs. Occasional field trips and guest speakers are included in the course activities.
IDSN3062ADVANCED RENDERING AND MODELING I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An advanced course in 3-D computer modeling and rendering with introduction to programs that are commonly used in professional design practice. This course builds and extends the principles, concepts, and techniques learned in the IDSN2045 Architectural Rendering course. Students are provided with extensive hands-on experience to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of the program(s) utilized in the course. The computer will be used as a tool to generate 3-D models, 2-D renderings, and 3-D walk-throughs of an original studio project to provide practical and competitive industry experience.
IDSN4000DIRECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A professional experience in interior architecture & design.
IDSN4050SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERIOR DESIGN
Credits (Min/Max): 1/3
IDSN4057INDEPENDENT STUDY- INTERIOR DESIGN
Credits (Min/Max): 1/3
This course is designed to allow students to pursue advanced topics in interior design or to study an area of design in more depth. A member of the Design Division must serve as the mentor for the study, and will, together with the student, outline a course of study. Regularly scheduled IDSN courses may not be taken as Independent Study.
Interior Architecture & Design Major Requirements: 78 credits
IDSN1011INTERIOR GRAPHICS I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An introductory course focusing on hand-sketching and drafting techniques that are used by interior designers. Instruction focuses on understanding the equipment and developing the skills needed to produce manually generated floor plans, elevations, sections, orthographic, and axonometric drawings; sketches and perspectives using hand-rendered shade, shadow, and texture; architectural lettering; and drawing composition.
IDSN1020AINTERIOR DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An introductory course in interior design theory, principles, and processes, which are applied to spaces with simple design programs where people live and work.
IDSN1020BINTERIOR DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An introductory course in interior design theory, principles, and processes, which are applied to spaces with simple design programs where people live and work.
IDSN1023DRAWING I (GCDN1023)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A study-workshop in the language of drawing including practice in expression and communication in various media utilizing principles of line, tone gesture, exaggeration and lighting. Cross-listed with GCDN1023
IDSN1060FOUNDATION DESIGN I (GCDN1060)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An introductory course in design process, the principles of design and their application to studio projects. This course establishes a framework form which to explore the connection between the foundations of design and complex discipline-specific design problems. Cross-listed with GCDN1060
PREREQUISITES:
Interior Design Majors Only
IDSN1062FOUNDATION DESIGN II (GCDN1062)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course builds upon Foundation Design I, as an introductory course in design process, the principles of design and their application to studio projects, with a focus on color theory through both two- and three-dimensional design. This course continues to establish a framework from which to explore the connection between the foundations of design and complex discipline-specific design problems. Cross-listed with GCDN1062
IDSN2015COMPUTER GRAPHICS FOR INTERIORS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An advanced skills course in computer-aided design (CAD) and other computer graphic software programs. This course builds upon principles, concepts, and techniques learned in IDSN1011-Interior Graphics I and IDSN1021-Interior Graphics II for designing with two-and-three dimensional computer-aided drafting software. Students are provided with extensive hands-on experience to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of the computer and the graphic programs that are commonly used in interior design practice.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN1021 & ISTC1005
IDSN2032HISTORY OF ID AND ARCHITECTURE I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A survey of interiors and architecture from the ancient world through the gothic period. Emphasis is on understanding the development of our consciousness of space and the relationship between plan development, structural concepts, technology and materials.
IDSN2037
Credits (Min/Max): /
IDSN2038AINTERIOR DESIGN II (A)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An investigation of the design process with emphasis on basic programming tools, concept development and the relationship between form, function and place-making. Design projects, emphasizing commercial with at least one residential, range in size up to 6000 square feet. Project organization is from simple to complex in each semester.
IDSN2038BINTERIOR DESIGN II (B)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An investigation of the design process with emphasis on basic programming tools, concept development and the relationship between form, function and place-making. Design projects, emphasizing commercial with at least one residential, range in size up to 6000 square feet. Project organization is from simple to complex in each semester.
IDSN2039HISTORY OF ID AND ARCHITECTURE II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A survey of interiors and architecture from the Renaissance through the 18th century, with special emphasis on styles and furniture.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012 & IDSN2032
IDSN2044BUILDING TECH: CONSTRUCTION
Credits (Min/Max): 1.5/3
An overview of architectural building systems that affect the responsibilities and decisions of interior designers. Emphasis is placed on structural systems and architectural components of buildings (e.g., floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, moisture protection, etc.) as well as relevant vocabulary, codes, and environmental concerns.
IDSN2045ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An advanced course in the delineation of the interior space. Emphasis is on the development of individual style and expanded technical rendering knowledge.
IDSN2046
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN1021 & IDSN1062 & IDSN2044
IDSN3028AINTERIOR DESIGN III (A)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An investigation into the development of complex interior spaces. Students are encouraged to develop a holistic approach to the design process as they learn to integrate design, technical, regulatory, and budgetary issues. Design projects that emphasize commercial and adaptive reuse, and one residential project, range in size from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN2038B Concur: IDSN3040
IDSN3028BINTERIOR DESIGN III (B)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An investigation into the development of complex interior spaces. Students are encouraged to develop a holistic approach to the design process as they learn to integrate design, technical, regulatory, and budgetary issues. Design projects that emphasize commercial and adaptive reuse, and one residential project, range in size from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet.
IDSN3032HISTORY OF ID AND ARCHITECTURE III
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Survey of nineteenth and twentieth century interiors and architecture in Europe and the United States. Special emphasis is placed on designers and their contribution to contemporary American environment. Prereq: IDSN2039 recommended.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
IDSN3040BUILDING TECH III: LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Fundamentals of lighting design and an overview of power distribution and communications systems pertinent to interior spaces. Technical aspects of lighting, its effect on behavior and perceptions of space, color, and finish materials, and environmental concerns specific to lighting are examined. Current issues relative to power distribution and telecommunication systems are incorporated. Emphasis is on the application of technical knowledge to design projects and the management of the workplace.
IDSN3041BUILDING TECH: CONTROL SYSTEMS
Credits (Min/Max): 1.5/3
An overview of mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, fire detection and suppression, acoustic, security, and transportation systems as they relate to the design and management of interior spaces. Emphasis is given to the application of technical knowledge to indoor air quality and the design of interior environments.
IDSN4041BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR ID
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Professional aspects concerning the practice of interior design including such topics as estimation, trade relations, contracts and office procedures and organization.
IDSN4042CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A basic course in working drawings and their development in conjunction with specifications. Students examine conventions, techniques and layout by producing a full set of architectural drawings for a small design project. Specifications are written to support the drawings.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN3028A, IDSN2044, IDSN3040, IDSN3041
IDSN4051INTERNSHIP I - INTERIOR DESIGN
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
A practical work experience in a field setting. The student receives credit for work performed in the area of interior design.
IDSN4058PORTFOLIO PREPARATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Instruction and guidance in the preparation of a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: senior status in interior design major.
IDSN4059SENIOR DESIGN SEMINAR I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Principles and techniques of interior design research are applied to a design issue that is selected by a student and approved by interior design faculty. Students present oral and visual documentation of their research to design practitioners. In the last several weeks, students apply the semester's research to a design program and site identification that provide the basis for the design project realized in IDSN4060 Senior Design Seminar II.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN2044, IDSN2046, IDSN3028B, IDSN3040, IDSN3041
IDSN4060SENIOR DESIGN SEMINAR II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Building on the research knowledge and design program evolved in IDSN40459 Senior Design Seminar I, as well as all previous experiences in the interior design curriculum, a student generates a fully developed design solution that is documented with drawings and/or models. Students present their work at the end of the semester to a design jury.