College of Architecture & Urban Studies

School of Architecture + Design: Interior Design

http://www.archdesign.vt.edu/interior-design/

L. Tucker, Chair
Associate Professors: G. Tew; H. Renard; L. Tucker; B. Whitney
Assistant Professors:  M. Wagner
Associate Professor Emeritus: B. Parsons

Interior Design


Overview

    The 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.”

    Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

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 APPRECIATION
Introduction 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)

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)

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
Studio develops design process skills needed to resolve aesthetic goals with complex programming and code requirements typical to interior design practices. 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 emphasized. Pre: 3044. (1H,12L,6C)

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)

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
Studio develops design leadership skills along with advanced technical understanding of relationships between design concepts and building construction. Pre: 3184, 3044. (1H,12L,6C)

4054: INTERIOR DESIGN VI
Capstone studio for students to demonstrate research 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)

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.

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