IDD-2010

Design Studio I

3 studio credits

This course will introduce many design issues and principles. Skills will be developed through three- dimensional sketch problems varying in levels of complexity and duration, culminating in a final interior project for juried presentation.

IDD-2015

Design Studio II

3 studio credits

A continuation of IDD-2010, Design Studio I, students will be given a wide range of projects of increasing levels of complexity and scope to expand design skills. A final juried project will be presented that demonstrates the application of previous course material, including technical and behavioral aspects of interior design.

IDD-2020

Color Theory and Rendering

2 studio credits

Interior rendering, with an emphasis on drawing perspective and color, is the focus of this course. Constructing perspectives from plans and elevations and rendering perspectives with a variety of media will be covered.

IDD-2030

Building and Interior Systems I

2 studio credits

This course will provide an introduction to interior construction theory, methods, materials and techniques commonly employed by the interior designer when developing design concepts and translating them into built interior spaces. The course will develop construction systems encountered within the built environment and their impact on human health, wellbeing and comfort. Beyond an introduction to various building systems—including structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical—this course will explore how building codes, acoustics, lighting and thermal design impact the quality of the interior environment. Sustainability concepts relating to building and construction systems will be discussed.

IDD-2035

Building and Interior Systems II

2 studio credits

A continuation of IDD-2030, Building and Interior Systems I, the goal of this course is the development of an overall understanding of the building process and the technical aspects of interior design, including lighting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, acoustics and conveying systems. Discussions will include sustainable considerations in product and systems design; professional ethics; fees; building laws and codes; project and team management; health, safety and welfare regulations. Professional business practices will be discussed as they relate to the process of design.

IDD-2130 / IDD-2135

Lecture Series III and IV: Inside the Box

no credit

This lecture series features leading design professionals from the interior design, product design and architecture fields. The series is thematically designed to learn about specific and diverse realms of the interior design industry. A range of world-class designers and professionals offer insight and perspective into the varied aspects of their highly successful practices, and give students the real- time opportunity to direct relevant questions and seek career advice. Lectures are offered periodically throughout the semester.

IDD-2140

Interior Materials and Finishes

2 studio credits

This course will present a broad study of materials and finishes that define our interior environment. The specification, composition, manufacturing processes, construction and application/usability of materials and finishes will be covered. The course will provide a foundation for students to understand, identify, select, specify and apply materials for interiors. Lectures, demonstrations, projects and field trips promote the development of design ideas related to materials with an emphasis on sustainable materials and finishes.

AHD-2210

World Architecture: Art and Interior Design

3 art history credits The different cultures and design theories of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, and their influences on the West, will be presented in this course. The totality of space, materials, ornament and furnishings will be stressed.

AHD-2220

Western Architecture: Art and Interior Design

3 art history credits

Significant contributions to Western design, both European and American, will be examined in this course. The relationships among social, technological and economic factors will be emphasized, as well as the interdependencies of space, materials, ornament and furnishings.

IDD-2341

Introduction to Rhino and Digital Fabrication Concepts

2 studio credits

The basics of Rhino 3D-modeling software, within the context of digital fabrication will be the focus of this course. In addition to exploring Rhino and its plug-ins, a brief overview of SketchUp will be given. Current practices in digital fabrication will be examined, with an emphasis on applications for interior design. This course prepares students for advanced machineries, such as laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC mills.

IDD-2344-A

Introduction to Revit: Building Information Models for Interior Designers and Architects

2 studio credits

In this course students will learn the basics of Autodesk Revit, and be introduced to the tools and concepts of working with a parametric building modeler for interior and architectural designs. The course will focus on creating a model in Revit using typical design phases.

IDD-3020

Design Studio III 3 studio credits

This course will present projects that one is likely to encounter in a diverse design practice, including those for special populations. We will explore space and uses of geometry, and emphasis will be given to using models and perspective as tools with which to explore space. Students will employ a variety of drawing techniques to represent their ideas and designs, including hand sketches, hand- drafted plans, AutoCAD and other computer programs. Building codes, universal and sustainable design will be incorporated into class projects.

IDD-3025

Design Studio IV

3 studio credits

A continuation of IDD-3020, Design Studio III, this course will further develop hand- and computer- based drawing and drafting techniques for a variety of interior projects. Interior design and behavioral science course materials will be integrated.

IDD-3030

Lighting Design

3 studio credits

Lighting plays a crucial role in the definition of space and visual communication within the built environment. The topic of lighting design is both an exercise in technical understanding and the practical application of the principles of light based on the unique requirements of each project. This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the techniques behind the successful application of light for use in their own studio and professional projects. We will explore techniques and concepts in lighting design—layers of light, light fixtures to create them, the science behind light and vision, color theory and quality metrics, as well as the accompanying psychological, emotional and aesthetic effects of light and color. The art and science of light will be explored through analyses, assignments, demonstrations, lectures and field trips. Each student will complete a lighting design project, including a reflected ceiling plan, light fixture selection and preliminary construction details.

IDD-3130 / IDD-3135

Lecture Series V and IV: Inside the Box

no credit

This lecture series features leading design professionals from the interior design, product design and architecture fields. The series is thematically designed to learn about specific and diverse realms of the interior design industry. A range of world-class designers and professionals offer insight and perspective into the varied aspects of their highly successful practices, and give students the real- time opportunity to direct relevant questions and seek career advice. Lectures are offered periodically throughout the semester.

IDD-3150-A

Sustainable Design

3 studio credits

Sustainable design is an important strategy in today’s design of the built environment, and clients are embracing it as part of their business models and mission statements. This course is geared toward the study of sustainable design strategy as good practice and as related to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Through case studies (in both the public and private sectors) and class projects, students will explore sustainable environmental design.

HMD-3232 / HMD-3233

Critical Thinking for Interior Designers I and II

3 humanities and sciences credits

This course will examine the cultural, social and political contexts that inform and shape design decisions. Students will explore how interior design can affect change in human behavior as they develop research, critical thinking and communication skills and begin to define a personal value system as designers. Research tools, such as Edward Hall’s proxemics and anthropometrics studies and Edward O. Wilson’s theories of Biophilia will be studied and employed. Students will analyze current events and cultural trends, learning through their own studies of the important role of the designer in making positive change through design.

AHD-3360

Modern and Contemporary Interiors

3 art history credits

Tracing the history of modern architecture, interior design and furniture during the 20th century, this course covers significant transformations in architectural form and ideology from the Victorian era and art nouveau to early modernism and the international style until today. We will concentrate on particular historical moments and create a detailed portrait of the critical buildings, interiors, movements and ideas that have had a lasting influence on architectural and interior design practice. The course will give students both historical and philosophical knowledge and critical tools to position their work in the field of contemporary interior design.

AHD-3370

Influences in Contemporary Interiors

3 art history credits

This course will address and clarify the influences contributing to today’s interiors and the theoretical and practical sources of inspiration that have formed contemporary dynamic design structure. The work of significant interior designers, trends and contributions, and related developments in architecture, furniture, industrial design, technology and art is discussed. Attention is paid to what influences and inspires interior design today, including environment, structure, sustainability, function, technology, materials, resources, changing of values, international influence, social and cultural issues, economic developments, reverberations of the past, globalization, and vernacular presences, aesthetical trends, and cultural and psychological identities. Through an interdisciplinary approach, topics are presented through lectures, digital images, discussions, field trips, guest speakers, student presentations, videos and film clips. I

DD-4010

Design Studio V: Thesis

3 studio credits

Design Studio V is the first part of a two-semester thesis project in interior design, which utilizes and incorporates the knowledge, experience and skills from previous academic studies. Each project will be unique and will be selected by each student and approved by thesis faculty.

IDD-4015

Design Studio VI: Thesis/Portfolio

3 studio credits

A continuation of IDD-4010, Design Studio V: Thesis, this semester will include revisions and design developments to complete the thesis portfolio. This course will culminate in a juried presentation to visiting industry professionals and include a presentation of projects for the professional and academic interior design community.

IDD-4030

Interior Design: Professional Practice

3 studio credits

Professional Practice will explore the nature of the client-designer relationship with special attention to providing marketable skills that clients are interested in procuring. Mutual expectations are identified, along with developing a working knowledge of standard forms of agreement. We will cover the resources necessary to provide services, such as office organization; managing people, time and money, and recognizing social styles of interaction. This course will emphasize the importance of communication and professionalism.

IDD-4130 / IDD-4135

Lecture Series VII and VIII: Inside the Box

no credit

This lecture series features leading design professionals from the interior design, product design and architecture fields. The series is thematically designed to learn about specific and diverse realms of the interior design industry. A range of world-class designers and professionals offer insight and perspective into the varied aspects of their highly successful practices, and give students the real- time opportunity to direct relevant questions and seek career advice. Lectures are offered periodically throughout the semester.

IDD-4210

Construction Documents

3 studio credits

In this course students will develop the skills necessary to produce contract documents, including coordinated drawings, schedules and specifications appropriate to project size and scope. How design solutions and interior construction are related will be examined, and students will create construction plans that reflect these relationships. INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO ELECTIVES IDD-3412 Design Visualization 3 studio credits This course will explore the 3D visualization programs and skills essential to the development and presentation of advanced projects. We will focus on building one model throughout the semester to become familiar with using Autodesk 3ds Max and Lumion. The basics of modeling, lighting, materials and rendering will be covered.

IDD-3413

Advanced Design Visualization

3 studio credits

This course is designed to help students communicate their architectural designs by exploring advanced rendering techniques using the V-Ray rendering engine, camera matching, and compositing with Photoshop. Emphasis will be placed on production workflow setting up an efficient production pipeline consisting of AutoCAD, Autodesk 3ds Max, V-Ray, Lumion and Adobe Photoshop.

IDD-3437

Introduction to Interior Photography

3 studio credits

Introduction to Interior Photography is a comprehensive overview of the history of photography specific to interiors and the technical strategies used in photographing them. Lectures will focus on the work and techniques of master photographers such as Ezra Stoller, Julius Shulman and Joseph Molitor, as well as contemporary photographers such as James Casebere. The relationship between the subject of the photographs—actual interiors—and the resulting photographic images will be studied to determine how three-dimensional interior designs are visually understood in a two- dimensional format. Technical workshops will explore the strategies for photographing interiors with a focus on view angles, lighting, spatial perception and color. Students will attend a photo shoot on location in New York City to learn about decisions that get made in the field in order to create a successful image. Some lab time is included for learning about cataloging and editing photographs in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

IDD-3451

Introduction to Set Design

3 studio credits

Introduction to Set Design is a hands-on design/build experience with an emphasis on interior scenes. Knowledge of set design is useful in the hospitality design industry where full-scale model rooms or components, such as closets, are often built before constructing a hotel to test the space for usability and visual effects. Similarly, in restaurant design a complete table setting with adjacent furniture and lighting is mocked up at the design development stage prior to construction. In this course students will study the methods and materials to make temporary interior structures, and learn about the integrity of materials. There will be demonstrations of various techniques for building sets; students will explore useful materials for light construction to produce finished pieces at full scale.

IDD-3513

Furniture Design

3 studio credits

This course will introduce design/build practices and digital fabrication through hands-on methodology. Students will design and build models and mock-up small-scale prototypes, as well as construct a series of individual projects with a focus on furniture using wood and other materials to achieve their vision. Lectures, demonstrations and site visits will examine fabrication methodologies and how furniture design has been integrated into the interior design industry.

Internship

3 studio credits

Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self-evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/career.

Curriculum