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 in our global society with a life-long desire to be at the forefront of the profession. Students are encouraged to explore creative solutions to complex problems while showcasing their own intellectual and design capabilities. Diverse studio experiences allow students to gain the confidence to advocate for design excellence and promote 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 Architecture & 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 https://www.laroche.edu/Academics/Student_Academic_Support_Services/Canvas_and_Tech_Support/Computer_Requirements/Interior_Architecture_and_Design. These requirements are updated annually in the summer.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation has granted accreditation to the La Roche University Interior Architecture & 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);(NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association); and NEWH, The Hospitality Industry Network is available to all design majors.
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 129 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:
- 80 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.)
Interior Architecture & Design Reviews
FRESHMAN REVIEW
All students majoring in Interior Architecture & Design are required to submit work for Freshman Review. The purpose of the Freshman Review is to give the faculty an opportunity to review the student’s work, talk candidly with each student about their progress to date and answer any questions they may have about their growth and success in the first year of the Interior Architecture & Design program.
Students are eligible for Freshman Review after completing the following courses with grades ‘C’ or above: IDSN1015, IDSN1020A, IDSN1060, IDSN1020B, IDSN1062, and IDSN1011. Specific project grade requirements that may affect the outcome of the review are listed in the course syllabi. Students may advance to the Sophomore year only after successful completion of the Freshman Review process.
After The Review:
· The faculty will further discuss student work and engagement in the program to finalize results.
· A letter is sent to students with the results of the review in early summer.
· Freshman Review results in one of the following recommendations:
- Successful/pass -- Student is invited to continue in interior architecture & design.
- Conditional -- Student is invited to continue in interior architecture & design with stated reservations and recommended action(s) which may require work during summer and/or enroll in an additional studio course after which they may submit work again for a Freshman Re-review (Note: this option is only offered once).
SOPHOMORE REVIEW
All students majoring in Interior Architecture & Design are required to submit work for Sophomore Review. The purpose of the Sophomore Review is to give students the opportunity to speak about their work, to answer questions from faculty in an interview format and to identify areas of proficiencies and/or weaknesses.
Students are eligible for Sophomore Review after completing the following courses with grades ‘C’ or above: IDSN2038A, IDSN1021, IDSN2052, IDSN2038B, IDSN2045, IDSN1023, and IDSN2032 or IDSN2039. Specific project grade requirements that may affect the outcome of the review are listed in the course syllabi. Students may advance to the Junior year only after successful completion of the Sophomore Review process.
After The Review:
· The faculty will further discuss student work and history in the program to finalize results.
· A letter is sent to students with the results of the review in early summer.
· Sophomore Review results in one of three decisions:
- Successful/pass- student is invited to continue to major in Interior Architecture & Design.
- Conditional - Student is required to do additional work during summer and/or enroll in an additional studio course after which they may submit work again for a Sophomore Re-review (Note: this option is only offered once).
- Unsuccessful/fail - Student is required to change majors before the beginning of subsequent fall semester.
Summary of Requirements
Art History Course: 3 credits: Choose 1
ARTH1018HISTORY OF ART II: RENAISSANCE
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
PREREQUISITE: ENGL1012 OR ENGL1012H. 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.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012 or ENGL1012H
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
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1060, GRADE OF C OR BETTER 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
PREREQUISITES: IDSN2052 and IDSN1021 A studio course that provides instruction and hands-on experiences related to the materials, design, and construction techniques of furniture, cabinetry, and millwork detailing.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN2052 & IDSN1021
IDSN3050SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2052. 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
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2038A 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
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2038A, GRADE OF C OR BETTER 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.
IDSN3062ADV COMPUTER MODELING & RENDERING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2045. 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
Credits (Min/Max): 1/3
IDSN4057INDEPENDENT STUDY- INTERIOR
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: 80 credits
IDSN1011INTERIOR GRAPHICS I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1020A, Grade of C or better. 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.
IDSN1015VISUAL PRESENTATION
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
This course will introduce the integration of type and image into layout and composition. Layout concepts will emphasize the elements of design, typography, legibility, hierarchy, and grid systems while executing the work with industry standard software. Standards of editing and file management for faste image work will also introduce a proficient workflow for image creation and manipulation.
IDSN1020AINTERIOR STUDIO I A
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 STUDIO I B
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1020A, GRADE OF C OR BETTER 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
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1060 or GCDN1060, GRADE OF C OR BETTER 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
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1021 and IDSN3028A. 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 & IDSN3028A
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.
IDSN2037TEXTILES FOR INTERIORS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2046, GRADE OF C OR BETTER A thorough investigation into the history, manufacture, application and installation of fibers and fiber-based products used in interior spaces. Criteria for evaluating performance, compliance with fire and building codes, and impact on the environment are discussed. Prereq: IDSN2046, none for 3-yr acc., IDSN1020 for 5-yr
IDSN2038AINTERIOR STUDIO II A
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1020B, IDSN1011, and Successful pass of Freshman Review. 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.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN1020B & IDSN1011
IDSN2038BINTERIOR STUDIO II B
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2038A, IDSN1021, and IDSN2052. 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.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN2038A, IDSN1021 & IDSN2052
IDSN2039HISTORY OF ID AND ARCH 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.
IDSN2044BUILDING TECH: CONSTRUCTION
Credits (Min/Max): 1/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2052. 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
PREREQUISITES: IDSN2038A and IDSN1021. An advanced course in the delineation of the interior space. Emphasis is on the development of individual style and expanded technical rendering knowledge.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN2038A & IDSN1021
IDSN2052BUILDING TECH: FINISH MATER & TEXTI
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN1020B, IDSN1011 and Successful pass of Freshmen review. A thorough study of finish materials and textiles as they pertain to interior spaces and their installation on floors, walls, ceilings and furniture. Criteria for evaluating performance under differing conditions, compliance with fire and building codes, and impact on the environment are discussed. Conventional and innovative uses of fiber-based products and finish materials to enhance design concepts are explored.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN1020B & IDSN1011; Passed Freshman Review
IDSN3028AINTERIOR STUDIO III A
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2052 and Successul pass of Sophomore Review; MUST TAKE CONCURRENTLY with IDSN3040 and IDSN4041. 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:
IDSN2052; Concurrent with: IDSN3040 & IDSN4041
IDSN3028BINTERIOR STUDIO III B
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITES: IDSN3028A and IDSN3040. 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:
IDSN3028A & IDSN3040
IDSN3032HISTORY OF ID AND ARCHITECTURE III
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ENGL1012 OR ENGL1012H 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:
ENGL1012or ENGL1012H
IDSN3040BUILDING TECH: LIGHTING & ELECTRICA
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
MUST TAKE CONCURRENTLY WITH IDSN3028A. 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.
PREREQUISITES:
Concurrent with IDSN3028A
IDSN3041BUILDING TECH: CONTROL SYSTEMS
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
PREREQUISITE: IDSN2052. 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
MUST TAKE CONCURRENTLY WITH IDSN3028A. 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
PREREQUISITES: IDSN3041, IDSN3040, IDSN2044, IDSN2052, and IDSN3028B. 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:
IDSN3028B, IDSN2044, IDSN3040, IDSN3041, & IDSN2052
IDSN4051INTERNSHIP I @
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
PREREQUISITE: IDSN4041. A practical work experience in a field setting. The student receives credit for work performed in the area of interior design.
IDSN4058PORTFOLIO
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: IDSN4059. Instruction and guidance in the preparation of a professional portfolio.
IDSN4059SENIOR DESIGN SEMINAR
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITES: IDSN3028B and IDSN2015. 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:
IDSN3028B & IDSN2015
IDSN4060SENIOR DESIGN CAPSTONE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITES: IDSN4059 and IDSN4042. Building on the research knowledge and design program evolved in IDSN40459 Senior Design Seminar, 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.
PREREQUISITES:
IDSN4059 & IDSN4042