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 mission of the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management is to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and the broader community by creating and extending knowledge in apparel, housing, and resource management. We apply business, consumer, and design perspectives to teaching and learning, research, and outreach.
The AHRM Department includes five majors Consumer Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Property Management, and Residential Environments and Design.
Career Advisor: G. Cheng
The Consumer Studies major prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Central to these careers is the ability to analyze issues and problems from the perspectives of consumers, business, and government. Students learn to reasonably advocate consumer interests and to help consumers improve their well-being. They develop fundamental skills that are used to resolve problems faced by consumers in the market place and the work place.
Graduates enter careers related to consumer affairs, marketing and sales, business management, and human resources. Required courses build a thorough understanding of households in the dual roles of producers and consumers that function within an international economic marketplace affected by government policy and regulation. Students study current events to track changing conditions and public policy. Additional courses develop skills for effectively processing and conveying information. A choice of controlled electives enables a student to tailor study to consumer products and promotion or consumer financial services, and counseling.
Consumer Studies students are provided a variety of learning experiences on- and off-campus. Through involvement with student professional associations, as well as relevant state and national organizations, students can develop leadership and organizational skills and network with active professionals. There are opportunities to relate classroom learning to the "real world" with projects and visits with industry, legislators, and regulators. An individualized study experience, typically an internship related to personal career interests, is required.
Career Advisor: S. Wilmot
Apparel fashion is an exciting and competitive field where designers, product developers, manufacturers and retailers create and merchandise products and services for target customers. The Fashion Merchandising and Design major prepares students for diverse career opportunities available to graduates of the program. Students may find employment with apparel or textile manufacturers or with a wide variety of retailers and fashion media, including magazines and social media websites. Products in apparel fashion range from fast fashion and haute couture to special-use apparel for athletes and extreme sports to accessories and shoes. Graduates from the FMD major may be employed in the areas of product development and/or merchandising. Positions in merchandising include:
Positions in design and product development include:
The FMD curriculum is structured to build students' knowledge and skills in the design, development, production, marketing, sale, and use of apparel and other textile products. Individuals employed in today's fashion world need to understand both product design and development and merchandising management. In addition, students learn details about the business and economics of the textile and apparel industry and the cultural and historic aspects of apparel fashion. Supporting courses in accounting or statistics, management, and marketing enhance career preparation.
Many courses in the FMD major promote hands-on learning so that students gain industry type experiences in product development, computer-aided design, textile and apparel evaluation, merchandise planning, promotion, and consumer patronage behavior. Through coursework, internships, study tours, student organizations, and interaction with industry experts, students become prepared to enter the dynamic apparel fashion field.
Career Advisor: K. Avery
Property management offers a fast-growing career encompassing positions in luxury and affordable apartment developments, senior living communities, mixed-use, and office and retail properties. Hundreds of management positions are available each year, and graduates of Virginia Tech's program are in great demand because they are equipped with skills that address the complexities of managing multimillion-dollar investments. Employment is available in various aspects of the industry including management, operations, marketing, human resources, training, development, and acquisitions.
The property management major offers a wide-ranging program of study that includes specific courses in property management, as well as supporting courses in housing, business, and real estate. All students complete at least one internship that is typically a paid internship with housing provided. The internships give students an opportunity to gain real-world experience, make valuable career contacts, and explore different aspects of property management. Property management's very active advisory board visits campus twice yearly, and many also attend the property management career fair held on campus each March. Board members act as mentors and provide financial support for field trips, professional development, and scholarships. Property management seniors take the National Apartment Association's Certified Apartment Manager exam. Graduating with this credential places new employees a year or more ahead of other entry-level peers.
Career Advisor: G. Galford
The Residential Environments and Design (RED) major focuses on the planning, design, and marketing of residential environments. Required courses emphasize design, human, social, and business factors, including current issues and practices, which influence the environment of housing. The diversity of the population with differing needs, the range of available products, the growth of regulation, the increased concern for health and safety, and the rapid changes in technology are among the factors that lead to a very complex marketplace in the residential industry.
There are many career opportunities for graduates of the RED major, which provide employment as well as business opportunities. Employment opportunities include certified kitchen and bath designers, manufacturing and sales of residential products, residential construction, home furnishings, appliances, and related industries. The future looks bright for those students who choose careers in the residential design industry. A number of trend and demographic indicators suggest that people will continue to spend money on their homes and need products and services from experts. There will be a strong, on-going need in the residential industry for well-educated professionals with specialized knowledge in design and the ability to think and solve complex problems.
The RED major's program in kitchen and bath design is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and interested students can prepare to sit for the first level design certification examination. Students in the major are mentored by industry members of the Residential Environments and Design Industry Board. Classroom learning is expanded through field trips, guest speakers, community clients, internships, competitions, and other special projects.
Department Head: Lisa M. Tucker 2,3,7
Professors: L.M. Tucker 2,3,7, H.I. Chen-Yu, P.J. Fisher, and D.H. Kincade
Associate Professors: E.Z. Hopkins, E. Hwang, J.E. Lee, I.E. Leech, and E. Shin
Assistant Professors: J. Yoo, G.A. Galford, E. Shin, and D.C. Smith-Glaviana
Collegiate Assistant Professor: G. Cheng
Associate Professor of Practice: K. Avery
Assistant Professor of Practice: R. Walsh and S. Wilmot
Visiting Assistant Professor: M. Gawrys
Instructors: H. Illahe
Footnotes:
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Academy of Teaching Excellence inductee
Wine Award recipient
Sporn Award recipient
Alumni Award for Extension Excellence
Alumni Award for Research Excellence
Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence
Academy of Faculty Service
Commonwealth of Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award
Diggs Teaching Scholar Awards
Overview of art and design principles and elements with a focus on their application in the creation and promotion of apparel, housing, and residential technology products for diverse consumers. Review of historical art and design trends and theories in relation to these products. Interpretative strategies and methodologies in visual art and design. Exploration of the design process, including examinations of human factors and user needs.
Introduction to the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management (AHRM), majors and curriculum requirements. Introduces students to experiential learning opportunities, undergraduate research, and career opportunities. Exploration of programs and services to enhance awareness of opportunities and support systems available for student success.
Exploration and application of design principles and elements in two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs that support the development and promotion of products for diverse consumers, including apparel, housing, residential technologies. Application of skills, tools, and methods to the creation of design. Utilization of the design process to develop plans for consumer products for diverse users. Design Lab/Studio.
Role of consumers in society and in national and international markets. Consumer rights, responsibilities, policies, regulations and redress. Consumer decision making and planned buying. Current consumer issues such as: product safety, food, health care, housing, environmental impact, banking, credit and insurance from an intercultural perspective.
The concept of community in Appalachia using an interdisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. Pre: Junior standing.
Overview of consumer and family finances, including budgeting, goal setting, cash management, credit, insurance, taxes, housing, investment alternatives, and retirement plans. Fundamental tools for financial decision making through the coverage of time value of money, calculations for consumer loans, and tools for financial decisions across the lifecycle. Explore ethical issues surrounding financial decisions.
Analysis of the role of effective consumer education strategies in consumer decision-making. Planning, developing, testing, and evaluating consumer education programs using a variety of strategies, including social marketing, for selected community partners and operating the Consumer Education Laboratory.
Introduction to resource management concepts and theories with application to personal and family life goals. Discussion of values, goals, decision making, planning, and communication in relation to the management process. Application of the management process to the use of resources, time, finances, stress, and the environment.
Advanced financial topics for consumers and families. Identification of employee benefit components including health care, incentive plans, insurance, and retirement. Analysis of consumers insurance needs. Discussion and comparison of retirement and investment tools used by consumers, including public and private retirement components. Interpretation of research directions and policy influences related to employee benefits, insurance, investments, and retirement saving. Investigation of special topics in retirement. Pre: Senior Standing.
Examination of legal and operational aspects of debtor-creditor relationship from the perspective of businesses and debtors. Overview of the types of credit, access to credit, factors contributing to debt problems, and alternatives available for resolution. Focus on collection processes of federal and state bankruptcy laws and regulations.
Examination of debt and budgeting problems affecting families. Utilizes a problem-solving approach. Includes financial counseling strategies for coping with financial crises and becoming proactive in family financial management.
Analysis of the effectiveness of consumer protection efforts. Examination of government laws, regulations, and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the effectiveness of both business and private consumer protection efforts.
Roles, functions and responsibilites of consumer affairs professionals employed in business, government, and non-profit public/consumer interest organizations. Professional advocacy within employing organizations, managing consumer complaint handling systems and major consumer and career issues are analyzed.
The study of the influence of culture and society on dress and dress practices, similarities and differences in the dress among groups and individuals, and the role of dress in reflecting and shaping intra- and inter-cultural interactions. The analysis of the construction and communication of personal and social identity (based on age, physical disability, gender, sex, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, religion, cultural and group/subcultural affiliations, etc.) through dress (clothing, accessories, body modifications) using fashion and social science theories and the intersection of various identities and positions in shaping human experience related to dress and appearance. Examination of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice issues and solutions related to dress and appearance within the United States and the global fashion industry.
Development, structure and operations of textile and apparel manufacturers, marketers and retailers in the fashion industry and the product types including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear and accessories. Identification of fashion careers and major fashion markets and vendors both domestic and international. Basic processes and principles governing forecasting fashion acceptance, movement and change as influenced by economic, sociological, psychological, political and technological factors. Sources of industry information such as trade journals, industry websites and company publications.
Basic principles and methods for digital drawing with consideration toward diverse populations in the global marketplace. Practice and skill development using a variety of computer tools to express design ideas via digital rendering by targeting diverse populations and understanding current global challenges. Hands-on experience via design projects.
Structure, properties and basic production of textiles and textile components: natural and manufactured fibers; yarns; woven, knit, nonwoven fabrics; mechanical and chemical finishes; colorants and coloration methods. Influence on performance of apparel and interior textile products. Sophomore standing and one semester of Pathways Concept 4 (Reasoning in the Natural Sciences) is required.
Identification and characterization of textiles and textile components including: fabrics, finishes and coloration. Influence of these structural parameters on performance of apparel textiles. Sophomore standing and one semester of Pathways concept 4 (Reasoning in the Natural Sciences).
Basic principles and methods for executing fashion illustrations, proportions of the fashion figure, design details, portfolio development, identifying target markets and fabric renderings with consideration toward diverse populations in the global marketplace. Exploration and practice in color with work in pencil, color pencil, pastel, and watercolor. Practice and skill development using a variety of manual and computer tools to illustrate construction details and create technical flats. Emphasis placed on the use of correct industry terminology.
Study of the pre-production stage of product development in the apparel industry, including planning a line based on market, consumer, and product research, forecasting trends in color, style and materials, developing and selecting designs and styles, and wholesale marketing of a line to retail buyers. Also includes the use of diverse inspiration sources for creating a design, application of computer-aided design to design and style development, and identification of career opportunities and qualifications for professional positions in the industry. Sophomore Standing required.
Study of the evolution and development of Western costume for adults and children from ancient times to the present with a focus on historical, socio-cultural, political, economic, and psychological factors/influences on changes in fashion and design style features. Use of terminology to describe each period’s fashion and clothing design style features. Evaluation of similarities and differences between fashion and clothing design style features of different time periods. Discussion of theories of fashion change and fashion revival theories that explain the revival/reoccurrence of features of historic costume styles in contemporary fashion and design.
An active learning approach to managing and digitizing historic costume and textile collections; conserving historic textiles; and designing and curating historic costume and textile exhibitions. Researching, documenting, interpreting, handling and storing artifacts. Mounting and displaying a professional costume and textile exhibit appropriate for general public viewings and sharing via oral or poster presentations. Community-engagement methods. Design Lab/Studio
Detailed investigation and analysis of the fundamentals of fashion merchandising concepts emphasizing problem solving at the retail level. Prerequisite: one semester of Pathways Concept 5 (Quantitative and Computational Thinking) required. Pre: Junior Standing.
Analysis of the performance properties of fabrics. Importance of evaluation to product development, quality control, and specification of care requirements.
Systematizing and assembling garment applications for the apparel industry. Conceptual study of simple to complex apparel construction techniques, stitch and seam types, cost-effective measures, applications with manual manipulation, computers, tools, and equipment.
Apparel product development using basic and advanced flat pattern drafting techniques and skills. Concepts and application of specifications, flat pattern drafting techniques, garment fit and alteration, pattern grading, and marker layout principles used in apparel engineering, product development, and production, along with the development of skill in using a variety of related manual and computer tools.
Comprehensive study of small business concepts as applied to the textile and apparel retail industry. Analysis of the entrepreneurial mindset and strategies for business entry with emphasis on small business development, including concept and opportunity identification, merchandising and management, operations and control, advertising and promotion, and financial planning for a textile and/or apparel retail business.
Study and application of basic and advanced draping techniques for patternmaking in the apparel industry, including darts in skirts and bodices, princess lines in bodices, yokes, pleats and gores in skirts, and asymmetrical structures for whole garments; selection of fabrics appropriate for garment styles; evaluation of garment fit, design and construction. Includes students design and construction of garments suitable for juried design competitions or exhibitions. Design Lab/Studio. Pre: Junior Standing
Implement design solutions using technologically advanced software to create styling on avatars with photorealistic 3D rendering. Transform skills acquired in digital illustration and flat pattern drafting courses into comprehensive tools to create real-life simulated garments. Manipulate or create digital assets (flat patterns, fabric, stitching, trim, etc.) to produce an original style for digital portfolio. Design Lab/Studio (2H, 2L,3C)
The development and production of a professional apparel portfolio in both paper and ePortfolio format. Pre: Senior Standing required; 3234 or permission of the instructor.
An active and experiential learning approach to historic costume and textile collection management, including describing collection scope, policies, and organizational systems, selecting appropriate basic preservation and conservation techniques used for the care of historic clothing and textiles related to controlling the environment, handling and storage, and cleaning, using standard museum practices when accessioning, dating, labeling, cataloging, mounting/mannequin dressing, and photographing textile artifacts, developing methods for community engagement, and designing and installing historic dress exhibitions. Design Lab Studio.
Study of clothing behavior of individuals in relationship to their needs, values, attitudes, interests, and self-concepts. Overview of principles and theories related to individuals emotional, mental, and physical activities when obtaining, using, maintaining, and disposing of apparel products so as to satisfy their needs and desires. Application of principles and theories related to clothing behavior to the analysis of consumer and the development of effective merchandising strategies.
Analysis of technologies, consumer trends, and strategies in fashion e-tailing. Identification of merchandising models, major features, challenges, and trends in fashion e-tailing, including big data, virtual and augmented technologies, and mobile- and social-commerce. Development of a strategic plan for an online fashion venture.
Study of the various segments of teh textile and apparel industry. Analysis of the market structure and functioning of each segment and of factors currently affecting the industry.
Functions of fashion analysis, promotions, forecasting, media, and communications in the fashion industry. Assessment of effective promotional activities based on consumer, market, and trend research of fashion products. Development of fashion promotion, forecasting, and communication plans. Pre: Senior standing.
Study of quality of ready-to-wear apparel and factors that influence variations in the aesthetic and functional performance of the end product, including consumer perceptions and expectations, manufacturing processes and trends, and the physical components of the end product.
Integrative study of methods of operating at all levels within the fashion industry. Special emphasis on design, merchandising, and promotional activities. Seminars on campus and at pre-arranged appointments during a five-day stay in New York. AHRM major; Junior standing. Twelve hours of AHRM/FMD courses required.
Analysis of consumer characteristics as part of a forecast/market study to prepare new fashion merchandise lines based on key findings from forecasts. Formulate a financial merchandise plan using measures of profitability and pricing and devise financially beneficial marketing communications. Compare and contrast career choices through self-evaluation within the fashion apparel industry.
Study of international sourcing of apparel products through a simulation of the sourcing production to illustrate the procedures and factors needed to source apparel abroad and interrelationships among suppliers, retailers and consumers in the global apparel supply chain. Examination of social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, and environmental factors, law and trade barriers that influence a sourcing decision of apparel products abroad.
The history of residential and commercial property management, roles and responsibilities of real estate managers, developing effective management plans for properties, maintenance strategies, marketing, legal regulations that pertain to real estate management.
Marketing and leasing functions for multifamily residential properties. Leasing processes, options, and online management tools. Market analysis. State and federal housing laws. Preparation for National Apartment Leasing Professional credentials.
Operations management of specialized housing such as senior apartments, active adult communities, independent living communities, assisted living communities, nursing homes, affordable housing, military housing, student housing, as well as community associations and mixed-use housing developments. Consideration of consumer lifestyles, financial circumstances, and sustainability issues for each housing option.
Detailed investigation and analysis of the fundamentals of property management operation functions. Functions included: human resources and relationship management, maintenance and risk management, marketing and leasing, and accounting and finance. Property manager and property owner role interpretation through examination of management agreement and plan components as well as nuances among residential properties, office buildings, and shopping centers.
Comparison and justification of green alternatives during the operations and maintenance phase of the building lifecycle by function with respect to the interrelationships of the social, environmental, and economic spheres of sustainability. Course topics also include group and individual decision-making and their influences on resource use such as energy, water, and waste as well as environmental degradation concern and its influence on various stakeholders and their relationship with each other. Ethical issues as they relate to sustainable property management also covered.
Examination of the competencies necessary to maximize the value of real estate assets through effective operations and financial management practices. Includes detailed examination of income maximization, financial reporting, and ownership objectives of real estate investors.
Managing and marketing housing for later life, including active adult communities and assisted living facilities. Pre: Junior Standing
Examination of the strategies used to market and lease various types of industrial, office and retail buildings with emphasis placed on brokerage relationships, the legal structure of commercial real estate leases, lease analytics, lease negotiations, and the impact of lease terms on the value of income-producing properties. Pre: Junior Standing.
Issues affecting property management, including ethics, professional management decisions, legislative issues, and current management practices. The course culminates in the analysis of an apartment community and development of a management plan. Senior standing.
Overview of the issues relating to U.S. housing policy with an emphasis on housing affordability, homeownership, fair housing and community development, and homelessness. Examination of the policy tools used to respond to housing problems at local, state and federal levels.
Study tour that examines trends in the multifamily housing industry focusing on marketing, management, design, and customer service. Variable credit 2 credits maximum.
Analysis of residential spaces to meet the needs of residents. Interrelationship of residential spaces, site, and community, including climate, historic tradition, culture and impact on diversity. House construction systems and finish materials. Current and future trends in design, construction and marketing of housing for diverse households. Impact of codes and regulations on residential design and construction. Professional and labor force issues in the housing industry, interpreting residential floor plans, elevations, detail drawings.
Identifies materials used in residential applications. Flooring, Walls, Ceilings, Trim and Textiles. Reviews properties of materials, wellness for occupants, and sustainability criteria.
Principles of residential construction. Components, materials and methods of residential construction. Terminology used in residential construction. Interior detailing.
Principles of residential design. Concept development using elements and principles of design. Space planning for residential environments including kitchen and bath design. Introduction to hand and computer drawing. Design Lab/Studio.
Overview of housing as it relates to consumer needs, values, lifestyles, norms and constraints. Includes structural and tenure alternatives, financial and legal considerations, house design, neighborhood choices, the home buying process, and future directions in housing. Government aspects focus on the history of federal involvement in housing, major housing programs, role of state and local government, and current housing issues and policies.
Application of elements and principles of design in residential spaces and products from diverse cultural perspectives. Examination of human behavior theories that impact the design of residential environments. Development of residential design solutions and processes using computer aided design software. Design Lab/Studio.
Principles of space planning and 3-dimensional design, including activity analysis and user needs, program preparation as applied to residential settings. Zoning and space planning. Design process including schematic design and design development. Design detailing. Graphic design solutions for specific areas of the home, including social, private, kitchen, and outdoor areas. Design Lab/Studio.
Overview of the role of housing in family life and society throughout the history of the United States. Exploration of the impact of technology, resources, and societal values on the design and style of housing and products used in the home.
Residential systems such as lighting, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and security. Smart home technologies and appliances. Integration of systems into residential environments.
History, theory, and field methods of historic preservation in the United States such as building and site surveys, historic structures reports, and National Register Nominations; history and theory of European preservation; fundamental concepts and the role of preservation in allied disciplines; preservation in urban, town, neighborhood, and rural contexts; common preservation strategies and initiatives; understanding of community-based preservation efforts; focus on residential properties.
Environmental and sustainability issues in single and multifamily housing in the United States encompassing the building, site, lifestyle, energy and water consumption, waste, air quality and toxic materials; analysis and application of social science theories and equity and identity concerns that provide a foundation for the study of environmentally sustainable housing; current and future alternatives for management of energy and water systems and provision of environmentally sustainable housing.
Environmental and sustainability issues in single and multifamily housing in the United States encompassing the building, site, lifestyle, energy and water consumption, waste, air quality and toxic materials; analysis and application of social science theories and equity and identity concerns that provide a foundation for the study of environmentally sustainable housing; current and future alternatives for management of energy and water systems and provision of environmentally sustainable housing.
Planning, design, and evaluation of residential spaces with an emphasis on kitchens and bathrooms, in relation to the total house plan. Emphasis on planning principles and technical requirements with attention to functional use of the spaces to meet the needs of people. Industry standards, best practices. Materials, fixtures, and mechanical systems. Contract documents. Design Lab/Studio.
Planning, design, and evaluation of residential kitchens and bathrooms, in relation to the total house plan. Emphasis on planning principles and technical requirements with attention to functional use of the spaces to meet the needs of people.
Advanced topics in house planning, particularly kitchen and bath design, with emphasis on independent work of portfolio quality. Sustainability principles, design process, planning guidelines, design competition. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credits. Design Lab/Studio (5L,3C)
Application and assessment of the principles and strategies of universal design in residential and commercial environments, accessibility regulations and guidelines, products, and technologies. Demographic changes affecting global society. Disabilities and changes throughout the lifespan that affect peoples ability to interact with their environments. Marking strategies to promote universal design communities, products, environments and technologies. Methodologies to evaluate accessibility.
Evaluation and design of commercial and residential environments with consideration for accessibility, adaptation, safety, and support of the user(s).
Design of residential spaces that meet the needs of a range of users, including older adults and people with disabilities. Principles of universal design are applied to the spatial requirements and product selection for the home.
A study tour designed to examine the housing industry and trends in design, technology, products and processes. Junior standing required. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
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