2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
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."
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.
Chair: B. Whitney
Associate Professors: G. Tew4,2, E. Tural, and B. Whitney
Assistant Professors: A. Tural, E. Elgewely, Y. Zhou
Associate Professor Emeritus: B. Parsons, H. Renard
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.
Introduction to the elements and principles of interior design, the discipline and practice of interior design. Case studies from interior design practice. Design thinking, language of design, career paths, contemporary issues, global issues, presentation and drawing techniques and sketchbook preparation.
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. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
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. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
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.
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.
Exploration and development of interior spaces emphasizing corporate office use, branding of interior environments, and building system integration. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
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. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
Sustainable design concepts and theories. Ethical considerations of biophilia, biomimicry, cradle-to-cradle, and other emerging ways of addressing environmental sustainability. Use of biophilia to guide decision making in the built environment. Use of core green building concepts including water use, energy use, sustainable sites and materials. Review of Green Building standards.
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.
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.
Overview of building 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.
Overview of building 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.
An overview of construction documents: drawings and specifications. Development of a set of construction documents for a small commercial interior.
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. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
Senior Thesis studio requiring the integration of research and the design of a self-generated project. Course contact to credit hour structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C).
Project Programming and Design Research Methods in Interior Design. Evaluate and apply design research. Methods in design research, evidence-based design, and neuroscience.
Study of social, economic, political, and technological issues that influence contemporary interior design practice.
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