Interior Design
Chair: L. Tucker
Associate Professors: G. Tew, H. Renard, L. Tucker, and B. Whitney
Assistant Professors: M. Wagner
Associate Professor Emeritus: B. Parsons
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://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Urban Affairs and Planning.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the degree can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate 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)
1224: INTRODUCTION TO INTERIOR DESIGN
Elements and principles of interior design. Language of
design, career paths, drawing techniques and sketchbook
preparation.
(1H,1C)
2044: INTERIOR DESIGN I
First in a series of six studios. Foundation level interior
design studio. Exploration and development of interior
spaces emphasizing spatial volume, human factors, elements
and principles of design, and presentation techniques.
Pre: ARCH 1016.
(1H,12L,6C)
2054: INTERIOR DESIGN II
Spatial relationships continue as a priority from ITDS 2044
and become more advanced. Programs of required spaces are
introduced in design projects along with issues of human
behavior and perception and color.
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
Exploration and development of interior spaces emphasizing
corporate office use, branding of interior environments, and
building system integration.
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, color, and
finish materials in design solutions.
Pre: 3044.
(1H,12L,6C)
3125,3126: HISTORY OF INTERIORS
Survey of significant developments in the design of
interiors, furniture, and materials culture with a focus on
western civilization. Style, scale, material culture of each
period. Social, economic, technological and political
influences on design. Significant designers and
craftsmen. 3125: 3000 BC through the 19th century
European. Egypt, Greece, Rome, Renaissance,
Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical. 3126: Colonial America
through 21st century including Modern design. Bauhaus,
DeStijl, Post-War, Post-Modern, Eastern influences.
(3H,3C)
3175-3176: BUILDING SYSTEMS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN
Overview of buidling systems as they relate to the design of
building interiors. 3175: overview of building construction
including structural systems and materials, code information
and thermal concepts related to building systems. 3176:
lighting for buildings, sustainable design guidelines,
integration of building systems.
Pre: 2044 for 3175; 2044, 3175 for 3176.
(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
High-level spatial quality and design solution. Exploration
and development of interior spaces for a variety of project
types. Focus on collaboration and team work.
Pre: 3054.
(1H,12L,6C)
4054: INTERIOR DESIGN VI
Senior Thesis studio requiring the integration of research
and the design of a self-generated project.
Pre: 4044, 4994.
(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)
4224: DESIGN RESEARCH FOR INTERIORS
Project Programming and Design Research Methods in Interior
Design. Evaluate and apply design research. Methods in
design research, evidence-based design, and neuroscience.
Co: 4044.
(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.