Interior Design

Curriculum



The Interior Design program at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design trains students to visualize and develop a complete understanding of three-dimensional space as well as its form and function.

The coursework focuses on the essential and critical components of the design process: drawing, drafting, color, design, and the fundamentals of space planning and perspective.

The Virginia Marti College of Art & Design gives students the opportunity to develop and refine the skills that enhance their artistic spirit by providing them with:

 Interior Design Brainstorming

  • A structured and comprehensive design curriculum
  • Focus on the aesthetics and practicality
  • A highly creative environment
  • A complete sample library
  • Research references
  • Technology growth
  • Small class sizes
  • Individual attention

 

Interior Design DraftingAs such, students will study a variety of residential and commercial projects that grow in complexity as students advance. Student-designers are trained to solve problems of space, both visually and practically, while observing its safety, usability, comfort and aesthetics.

Real world experience is gained through a hands-on approach to each class, as well as internship opportunities and community projects. Through these projects, students study commercial and residential planning and design, as well as project specifications, materials and construction details, and market realities.

Further information and training is provided to help students successfully communicate their ideas both visually and verbally.


Program Outline


First Quarter

Covers the fundamentals of math, including fractions, decimals, percentages, statistics, simple business and consumer math, simple geometry, and basic algebra. This course will develop the basic skills needed to excel in both business and technical studies.

Explores nine essay styles, reviews grammar and MLA fundamentals, and improves both verbal and written communication skills.

Must be taken first quarter

Discussion of the entire profession of interior design, including an overview of the industry, customer base, operations, history and direction of the ever-changing field. Course covers discussion of principles of interior design as well as phases of the design process; an overview of planning, materials, furnishings, human factors and problem solving.

Covers the origins of color, color consistency, means of expression, formal qualities, color qualities, color temperatures, color perspective, composition, and psychological interpretation.

Second Quarter

Prerequisite: Developmental Drafting X090

Expands on the knowledge of X090 – Developmental Drafting continuing to investigate scaled drawings as the basis to space planning and vital skill to the designer in developing conceptual ideas and communicating them to clients and contractors. Introduction to working drawings including plans, sections, elevations, details and finish schedules.

Prerequisites: Basic Color Theory B103

An overview of the basic concepts of design principles with emphasis on creativity within the evolution process of design. Class projects covers the understanding of composition, balance, form, interest, negative and positive spaces, color definition, and the ability to recognize quality design.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Interior Design BID152

A survey of early examples of design from ancient Egypt through European developments, including 19th century revival styles. Students will become familiar with key facilitators of various design movements, and will develop the ability to analyze feature of design within the context of commonly defined attributes of each style.

Prerequisites: English I G101

Revisits key concepts from English 1 and focuses on reading and discussing short stories, poetry and song, film, and a novella.

Analyzes artistic development in architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Prehistoric era to the Gothic period.

-or-

Can be taken in lieu of History of Art I (G160)

Covers the Patriarchs and Major and Minor Prophets from Genesis to Malachi and their historical context.



Third Quarter

Analyzes artistic development in architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Early Renaissance to the Post Modern era. 

Can be taken in lieu of History of Art II (G161)

Covers the writers of the New Testament and their historical context and the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

An introductory course in the applications and use of the advanced digital camera. The student will examine and study the technical workings of the DSLR digital camera and apply this knowledge to achieve a self understanding and confident direction in digital photography. Students will be working in teams on projects that will lead to successful picture taking. This team concept key will let the student work with any image in any mode and create a high level of self expertise and expression in learning the art of photography.

An introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication, which focuses on learning and applying the skills needed to improve the quality of interpersonal communication and interpersonal relationships with a variety of people.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Design BID151

Examines the history of furnishings and accessories from historic to present times by identifying important design periods and the cultural, technological and societal influences.

Prerequisites: Architectural Drafting ID104

Introduces the basics of perspective drawing representation and construction. The course covers effective and dramatic interior design presentation graphics, including perspective drawings, rendering of floor plans, interior finish materials, emphasizing media techniques and rendering style refinement. 

Fourth Quarter

Prerequisites: ID104, ID112

Covers the basics of lighting layout, lighting types and sources, specification, terminology, light measurement and the effects of lighting in interior spaces. Studies include the applications in both residential and commercial settings. Students work with the floor plans for residential and commercial spaces and develop a lighting design concept complete with reflected ceiling plans and lighting specification boards.

Prerequisite: BID152

Covers a survey of architectural interiors from Neoclassicism to present, with emphasis on modern design. It examines the social, economic, political, technological and regional influences to interior design and of these periods, including discussions of the design of celebrated buildings and designers.

Prerequisites: ID104 or minimum of 55 credits

This course introduces the study of basic construction methods, materials and details, including mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing and finishing components. Students prepare a set of construction drawings for a commercial space including dimensioned floor plans, reflected ceiling plan, sections, elevations and details.

Prerequisites: ID104 and ID 128

Further exploration of three-dimensional drawings and refining one-point and two-point method of perspective drawings. Continue enhancing rendering skills and presentation graphics techniques, including line quality, color rendering and representation of various interior finish materials.



Fifth Quarter

Prerequisites: G221

Takes a psychological approach to explore classic and current trends in organizational communication and human relations in the work environment.

Prerequisites: ID104

An introduction to the basic use of 2-D Computer Aided Drafting (CAD software). The subject is handled on a strictly introductory level, specified to interior design, including floor plans, elevations and details.

Prerequisite: ID222

Continuation of studio problems in interior design. This course presents a program for a residential space. Students work with the architectural shell for the space and develop complete space planning and furniture layout for the given project; considerable interior styling and detailing required. Emphasis on research and analysis of existing building structure, function and furniture and materials specifications. A reflected ceiling plan will be completed following the development of a lighting design concept. Presentation will also include rendered plans, perspective and/or elevations, in addition to finish/color boards. A verbal presentation will be made and the project critiques by faculty.

Prerequisite: ID220

Provides further programming and planning for commercial spaces by stressing accessibility for the physically challenged (ADA). Students work on creative use of space with a concept basis.

Prerequisites: ID222

Provides further programming and planning for commercial spaces by stressing accessibility and barrier free design (ADA). Students work on creative and practical use of space with concept basis.

Prerequisite: BID152

Study of overall textile technology issues in a systematic manner to identify fibers, yarns and textiles types used in both residential and commercial interiors. Basic categories of: types of weaves, weights, descriptive information and suitable applications. Uses of trim and fittings, coloring methods, finishing options available and identifying major fabric houses will be studied.

Sixth Quarter

Examines the basic concepts of the economy and their applications to problems and policies.   Concepts include supply and demand, market and prices, income distribution, allocation of resources, contemporary economic issues, and personal finance.

Prerequisite: ID391

Continues the study and practice of two-dimensional drafting and design, with extensive drawing exercises and more complex shapes and commands.

Prerequisites: ID223

Continuation of studio problems in interior design. This course presents a program for a residential space. Students work with the architectural shell for the space and develop complete space planning and furniture layout for the given project; considerable interior styling and detailing required. Emphasis on research and analysis of existing building structure, function and furniture and materials specifications. A reflected ceiling plan will be completed following the development of a lighting design concept. Presentation will also include rendered plans, perspective and/or elevations, in addition to finish/color boards. A verbal presentation will be made and the project critiques by faculty.

Prerequisites: 55 credits and/or ID270

A study of the business components of interior design, including discussions on codes, material and products, and interior designers’ legal responsibilities/ethics, project management, material take-offs, budgets, estimates, proposals, project pricing methods, finish schedules, and specifications.



Seventh Quarter

Prerequisite: ID392

A demonstration of advanced concepts and techniques of computer aided design using software applied in the industry. Through participation in class, complete project assignments and readings, students will successfully apply these concepts and techniques to 3-D computer modeling process and other rendering and presentation techniques using computer software.

Prerequisite: ID262, ID222

Consists of the execution of a more complex project with a well defined program of a commercial space. Completion of this project will demonstrate the student’s technical skills, growth and more sophisticated design sense. The culmination of this project will be a formal design presentation. Design faculty will evaluate drawing and design skills, rendering thoroughness, and aesthetic judgment.

Prerequisite: ID104 or minimum of 55 credits

This course introduces the study of basic construction methods, materials and details, including mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing and finishing components. Students prepare a set of construction drawings for a commercial space including dimensioned floor plans, reflected ceiling plan, sections, elevations and details.


An introduction to principles of business, corporate structures, terminology, and an overview of the practical aspects of entrepreneurship including branding, advertising, marketing, public relations, and operations.

An overview of the American legal system and basic laws that apply to contract sales, copyright and trademark, negotiations, product liability, and setting up a business.

Eighth Quarter

Prerequisite: ID393

A continuation of 3-dimensional design applications, including rendering using computer aided design software.

Prerequisite: ID263

The "thesis project” for every interior design student. The student chooses a plan and program to complete the project. Growth in taste development, technical skills, understanding space and scale, as well as presentation techniques will be demonstrated. A complete project budget and program is submitted in this studio class. Students prepare to make a presentation to a selected professional review board.

Prerequisite: ID264 or taken currently with ID274

Exploration of current issues, professional associations and trends in the industry such as licensing. Students polish their work and prepare a portfolio in preparation for graduation. Professional advice regarding resume, cover letters, and interviewing for Interior design positions and the nature of the workplace are explored.

An intensive business course to assist artists of all disciplines interested in developing arts-based businesses. This course covers topics that impact an entrepreneur’s daily operations including identifying and developing their personal brand, developing strategies for communicating with their target market, identifying a variety of tools for protecting their work legally, raising capital, and accounting.