Undergraduate Department of Interior Architecture & Design
College of Fine Arts
Website: https://interiordesign.fsu.edu/
Chair: Jim Dawkins; Associate Chair: Amy Huber; Associate Professors: Dawkins, Huber, Ransdell, Sickler, Webber; Assistant Professors: Londy, McLane, Mick, Robinson; Specialized Faculty: O'Keefe; Adjunct Faculty: Ashcroft, Fishburne, Markham, Mozo, Saginario, Varnedoe, Wagner; Professors Emeriti: Butler, Koenig, Munton, Myers, Ohazama, Pable, Waxman, Wiedegreen
The Department of Interior Architecture & Design addresses design issues in all interior spaces, including both residential and nonresidential. Students are prepared to meet professional requirements and criteria for the practice of interior design, membership in professional organizations, and state registration and licensure. A professional designer is defined by the national accrediting body, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), as one who is “qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting health, safety, and welfare of the public.” The Department of Interior Architecture & Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design and Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The competencies taught include elements and principles of design, design analysis, space planning and programming, drafting and technical drawing, computer-aided design and building information modeling, graphic presentation of design solutions, design history, sustainability, construction systems, construction documents, and includes comprehensive design studios addressing a variety of design sector projects including residential, healthcare, retail, workplace, and hospitality. There are active student chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). The faculty includes members of ASID, IIDA, the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and holders of certificates in Certified Aging in Place (CAPS), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the WELL Building Standard (WELL).
The undergraduate program offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in interior design. Students must consult the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for BA degree requirements.
Digital Literacy Requirement
Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:
- Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
- Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
- Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
- Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
- Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
- Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically
Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.
Undergraduate majors in interior design satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C” or higher in IND 3469.
State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Interior Design
The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.
FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Interior Design. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/162/233.
Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.
Degree Requirements
The undergraduate degree program consists of seventy-four semester hours of coursework in interior design. Students are also required to participate in an internship for three credit hours prior to graduation. Any exceptions must be submitted to the chair for review.
Specific degree requirements include the following:
- CoreFSU Curriculum: of the required and elective semester hours, three must be taken in ARH 2051, an art history course, in the first year and three must be taken in MAC 1105, a math course, in either the first or second year. Refer to the ‘CoreFSU Curriculum' section in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific degree requirements. Contact the program advisor for further information if needed.
- Foundation classes: nine semester hours
- Interior design studio courses: twenty-four semester hours
- Technical and graphic design courses: twenty-three semester hours
- Lecture-based support courses: nine semester hours
- History of interiors and architecture: six semester hours
- Internship: three semester hours
- Electives in interior design: none required, but students must have at least 120 hours to graduate from the University.
Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree (only)
- Electives in art-related courses must also meet University humanities requirement.
- Language requirement is the equivalent of two years of language proficiency (no credit requirement).
Refer to the ‘CoreFSU Curriculum' section in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific degree requirements.
Requirements for a Major in Interior Design
The program is a specialized admissions major with required sequential course offerings and elective courses in interior design. Three foundation courses are offered during the first year of study (IND 1203, 1204, and 1206). All foundation classes must be taken at FSU. In a review of design work generated from these three classes, along with the student's cumulative college GPA and faculty evaluation of attitude and work ethic, up to thirty-six students are chosen to move forward into the second year and are formally accepted into the major. It is recommended that transfer students take all three first-year foundation courses at Florida State University during the spring term and then go through First Year Review at the end of the spring semester.
A specific listing of courses required for a major in interior design is available on the department Website at https://interiordesign.fsu.edu/programs/the-undergraduate-program/undergraduate-curriculum/. A minor is not required but may be obtained in other areas (departmental advisement required prior to electing a minor).
Students majoring in interior design must maintain the minimum 3.0 GPA for semester and overall averages and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all interior design classes. Students must repeat classes in which they earn a grade below a “C”, but only two classes may be repeated. Students who need to repeat more than two classes in the program will be removed from the program.
Honors in the Major
The Department of Interior Architecture & Design offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent research as part of the undergraduate experience subject to faculty availability. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.
Definition of Prefixes
IND—Interior Design
Undergraduate Courses
IND 1203. Design Fundamentals I (3). Corequisite: IND 1204. This course is the study and development of two- and three-dimensional design projects using the elements and principles of design.
IND 1204. Design Fundamentals II (3). Corequisite: IND 1203. This course is the continuing study and development of two- and three-dimensional design projects using the elements and principles of design leading to the development of architectural space.
IND 1206. Introduction to Interior Design (3). This course is a survey of the elements and principles of interior design to create an awareness of the made environment and a comprehensive appreciation of design.
IND 2002. Survey of Interior Design (3). This course offers a survey of the elements and principles of interior design and creates an awareness of the built environment and a comprehensive global appreciation of design. The presentation of major elements in residential and commercial interiors is aimed at self-application and beginning designers.
IND 2219. Design and Human Experience (3). This course focuses on the impact of design on the human experience. It is a gateway experience in which students will explore the nature of design, creativity, and problem-solving. The course will introduce some of the major theories from the design disciplines of interiors, architecture, landscape architecture, and products design, and provide students with an awareness, understanding, and enthusiasm for design and its impacts on our lives.
IND 2300. Graphic Techniques I (3). Prerequisite: First year review. This course is an introduction to achromatic media used in sketching, rendering, and design drawing, with an emphasis on schematics used in problem solving.
IND 2305. Sketching the City (3). In this course, students discover an awareness and appreciation for strong design input, inventiveness, and sense of style in design, architecture, and planning of spaces that define cities and their rural and urban neighbors by recording visuals via sketching and drawing. Students learn quick sketch techniques to be utilized during off- and on-site lectures and daytrips for local exploration.
IND 2310. Graphic Techniques II (3). Prerequisite: IND 2300. This course is an introduction to contemporary graphics color media, reproduction processes, and presentation drawings, with a focus on the reinforcement of perspective and freehand drawing proficiencies, as well as rapid rendering techniques for interior delineation.
IND 2620. Responsible Design (3). This course explores the role of designers in creating safe, equitable, sustainable environments that contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet. Students are introduced to theories of environmental psychology and learn principles that allow their work to adapt to a diversity of people, places, and timelines.
IND 3217C. Interior Design Studio I (4). This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of design, design process, problem solving, space planning, and specifications.
IND 3431. Lighting Fundamentals (3). Prerequisite: IND 3217. This course explores the advanced technical aspects of interior design with emphasis on lighting, electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans, measurements, and acoustics.
IND 3440C. Furniture Design (4). Prerequisite: IND 3217C. This course focuses on the study of materials, structural considerations, function, and style of furniture and case goods by developing and appreciating their design and construction.
IND 3465. Computer-Aided Design I (3). Prerequisite: First year review. This course is an introduction to computer-aided design and drafting using AutoCAD software. Students develop an understanding of the software and how designers and architects use computers.
IND 3469. Computer-Aided Design II (3). Prerequisite: IND 3465. This course is an advanced computer-aided design class. Students increase their knowledge of three- dimensional computer software to depict interior environments.
IND 3470. Construction Systems (3). Prerequisite: IND 3217C. This lecture course focuses on general construction techniques and terminology, integrating the building systems of structure, plumbing, and mechanical and fire safety.
IND 3474. Construction Documents (3). This studio course focuses on the generation of a comprehensive set of specifications and construction drawings for a single project.
IND 3480. Materials and Methods (3). This course involves the study of furnishings and finishes for interiors with an emphasis on both aesthetic and performance qualities of the materials typically utilized in interior space.
IND 3529. Portfolio Development I (1). This course is designed to assist students in developing the documents necessary to represent their professional identity.
IND 3533. Portfolio Development II (1). Prerequisite: IND 3529. This course provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to develop the graphic documents necessary to represent their creative work.
IND 3627. Principles of Sustainable Design (3). This course gives students a basic introduction to the fundamentals of sustainable design in order to better understand the inter-relationships between the built environment and nature.
IND 3930r. Special Topics in Interior Design (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.
IND 4101. History of Interiors I (3). Prerequisites: ARH 2051. The course focuses on historical and theoretical explorations of architecture, interiors, furniture design, and decorative arts from antiquity through the end of the 18th century.
IND 4131. History of Interiors II (3). Prerequisites: IND 4101 and ARH 2051. This course focuses on historical ad theoretical explorations of architecture, interiors, furniture design, and decorative arts from the early 19th century through today.
IND 4156r. Historical Restoration, Research and Documentation (3–6). This course includes study, research, and documentation of restoration and preservation procedures, sources of antiquities, and reproductions. Includes field trips. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
IND 4161r. History of Interiors III (3). This course includes the study of architecture, interior, and furniture design from the 19th century to the present. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
IND 4218C. Interior Design Studio II (4). Prerequisite: IND 3217C. This course consists of intermediate projects in creative problem solving applied to both residential and contract interiors. Emphasis on graphic communication and presentation.
IND 4242C. Interior Design Studio III (4). Prerequisite: IND 4218C. This course consists of advanced projects in creative problem solving with emphasis on programming, spatial analysis, and open-office systems.
IND 4243C. Interior Design Studio IV (4). Prerequisite: IND 4242C. This course is an advanced application of the design process with emphasis on individual professional objectives and procedures for portfolio presentation.
IND 4245C. Interior Design Studio V (4). Prerequisite: IND 4243C. This course is the undergraduate capstone studio and includes the design of a large-scale commercial space focusing on design development through final drawing production.
IND 4506. Business Practices for Interior Designers (3). This course involves analysis and application of current business practices by professional interior designers.
IND 4601. Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Design (3). Prerequisite: First year review. This course is an exploration of the relationship between humans and their environment through the study of personal and social use of space, proxemics, spatial analysis, and the effects of the environment on human behavior.
IND 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.) This course enables students to pursue independent work in the area of delineation or resources under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.
IND 4947r. Internship (3). This internship enables students to pursue experience with design firms or other related fields under the direction of a faculty member or supervisor. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours.
IND 4970r. Honors in the Major Research (1–6). In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours total, but may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credit hours in total.
For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.