B.S. in Interior Architecture and Design

The Interior Architecture and Design major at Colorado State University exemplifies the definition of the professional designer as qualified by education, experience, and examination to design interior environments that enhance the function and quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Academic preparation for the Interior Architecture and Design major at Colorado State University is grounded in research-based problem solving and experiential education through studio instruction, service learning, and internships that encompass variety of cultural, environmental, and historic perspectives.

Students seeking to apply to the Interior Architecture and Design major at CSU first are admitted to CSU as Pre-Interior Architecture and Design.

All students who wish to be considered for admission to Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major will be required to complete the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario practicum.

Selective advancement into the major is based on the review received at the IAD Scenario, where external reviewers will assess student competencies in writing for design, sketching, problem-solving, and conceptual frameworks.

A cohort of approximately 50 students is selected upon completion of the IAD Scenario. The IAD Scenario occurs annually in the spring semester. See the Department of Design and Merchandising for more information regarding the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario.

Learning Outcomes

• Interior Architecture and Design core skills will include but are not limited to: applications of history and culture; space and form; color and light; fixtures, equipment, and finish materials; environmental systems; building systems, and interior construction; technology; and regulations.
• Students in the Interior Architecture and Design major will be able to assess and synthesize multiple factors in creating/producing quality products, services, and design solutions. The factors will address human, design, industry and business, global, science and technology sensitivities.
• Students will be able to describe their understanding of multiple processes that are involved in the practice of interior architecture and design. These processes include but are not limited to critical and creative thinking, communication, ethics, social responsibility and sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Students will distinguish and demonstrate qualities of professionalism and business practice that contribute to the industry, and advance the value of their knowledge to the interior built environments.
• Students will enroll in Internships credits at least one semester before graduation.
• Students who engage in co-curricular learning experiences will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, engage in project based learning experiences, assist with department recruiting events and new student orientations, and attend a variety of leadership events.

Potential Occupations

Students are prepared as entry-level interior architects/ interior designers with competency in design fundamentals, space planning and programming, code compliance, lighting, materials research, project management, and professional practices in the design of diverse interior spaces.

Graduates seek employment in interior design and architecture firms as residential, corporate, retail, health care, institutional, education, and hospitality designers. Graduates also work in lighting design, product development, marketing, research, design-related journalism, illustration, facility management, showroom management, and as manufacturers’ representatives.