This is the initial design studio for ID majors. There are two major goals: understanding residential construction and beginning to explore the design process. During the semester, we cover construction related information from foundations to roof design. We also explore mechanical, electrical; and plumbing systems for residential architecture. Each week there is a one hour lecture, worksheets, and a quiz on the construction material. The rest of the class time is spent on project work. The first project is the construction of a ¾ scale model of a townhouse using actual construction methods. This project is a 3-d manifestation implementing the concepts and information students are studying from the text. The second project builds on the previous graphics knowledge and introduces the design process from programming to construction documentation. The basis of the project is the completed townhouse structure. Final presentation boards are created to present the design of the space. 

Course images are located in the photo gallery at right.

Course Description

(3) One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. Introduction to basic manual drafting and tools/techniques used by interior designers in executing and reading graphic language in two dimensional form.

Course Overview

This is the first interior design class that students take.  Most of the students are freshman and are not only new to the major but are also new to the college experience.  The class is structured to simulate the rigorous nature of the design world while providing a supportive environment for students to transition to college.  Over the semester, students keep a notebook of technical drawing assignments that progress in complexity as they master use of the tools.  The final project shown below is a set of drawings for a small house including floor plans, elevations, furniture plans, schedules and oblique drawings. 

Course Description

ID 4663/6663. Professional Procedures and Practices for Interior Designers. (3) Three hours lecture. Professional opportunities as they relate to individual competencies. Study of studio procedures, ethics, business and legal aspects. Preparation of resume and portfolio presentation.

Course Overview

This class is taught during the semester before the students begin their internships.  The class is designed to prepare students for the transition to the world of work.  Text material is supplemented with residential and commercial case studies that reinforce the business concepts reviewed in the lectures.  Students form teams to prepare comprehensive business plans for a new firm.  The work includes mission and vision statements and progresses through analysis of competition from firms in their chosen local markets and typical first year budgets.  Students also study personality styles through used of the Myers Briggs personality assessment.