Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A.)

The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, https://www.accredit-id.org/, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The B.F.A. in Interior Design granted by Berkeley College meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. 

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE

Course Requirements

MAJOR CORE COURSES

INT1100 Architectural Visualization

3 Credits

Provides a foundation in the graphic language used to represent interior spaces by using drafting techniques and the proper use of drafting materials and tools. Introduces AutoCAD as a drafting tool. Topics include floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, perspectives, standard symbols, scale, and line weight.

INT1110 Sketching and Color Composition

3 Credits

Introduces the development of basic freehand sketches. This course emphasizes quick sketch techniques and rapid 3-d visualization. Students learn a variety of drawing media, rendering techniques and color theory, and fundamentals for visually communicating design concepts.

INT1120 Studio I: Conceptual Design

3 Credits

Introduces the principles and elements of design. This course emphasizes conceptual analysis and problem solution in two- and three-dimensional design. Students examine the psychological and cultural impact of form, space, and volume in making appropriate design decisions.

INT1150 CAD I

3 Credits

Students learn to use advanced CAD skills to create and edit plans, elevations, and section views of designs for use in design studies and presentations. Students also learn 3D modeling, presentation techniques, drawing organization, and other techniques used in professional practice.

Prerequisite: INT1100

INT1160 Studio II: Space Planning

3 Credits

Introduces space planning with an emphasis upon conceptual analysis. Students learn space planning and furniture arrangement from a functional and aesthetic viewpoint. This course addresses the major parameters of interior design, including human factors, ADA, and universal design as well as design theory.

Prerequisite: INT1120

INT1170 History of Architecture and Interior Design I

3 Credits

Surveys the history of architecture and interior design from the earliest civilizations through the late 18th century. The material will be presented chronologically, and various themes in the development of interior design will be traced throughout the period covered. Influence and originality in a design context will be examined. The analysis takes into consideration how the architects and designers are influenced from the social, political, economic and religious aspects of the historical periods.

INT2200 CAD II

3 Credits

Instructs students in the use of Advanced 3D modeling and rendering tools to create, manipulate, and render three dimensional views of interior spaces. Students master modeling, materials, and lighting to develop striking renderings of their design solutions.

Prerequisite: INT1150

INT2220 Studio III: Residential I

3 Credits

Introduces the study of residential environments and the planning of interior spaces. This course emphasizes the design process from initial client contact/programming through final design. Topics include space planning/presentation skills, review of human factors, and the needs of clients and the public.

Prerequisite: INT1160

INT2230 Materials, Textiles, and Finishes

3 Credits

This course emphasizes on the basic materials and goods specified by the interior designer.  Explores the manufacturing process and properties of materials and finishes; to guide us in the appropriate selection, specification, application, and installation, to enhance the beauty and functionality of the interior environment.

Prerequisite: INT1100 and INT1110

INT2240 History of Architecture and Interior Design II

3 Credits

Provides a survey of the history of architecture and interior design from the 19th century to the present. Covers the evolution of modernism throughout Europe and the United States. Course material will be presented chronologically and various themes in the development of interior design will be traced throughout the period covered. Influence and originality in a design context will be examined. The analysis takes into consideration how the architects and designers are influenced from the social, political, economic and religious aspects of the historical periods.

Prerequisite: INT1170

INT2250 Studio IV: Commercial I

3 Credits

Presents the fundamentals of commercial design through lectures, discussions, readings, and studio projects. This course provides an introduction and expert guidance on practical, aesthetic, and social issues involved in designing non-residential interiors.

Prerequisite: INT2220

INT2260 Architectural Construction and Methods I

3 Credits

Studies the relationship between Interior Design and Architectural systems. Topics include construction methods and materials. This course covers foundation, floor and wall systems; construction techniques and building materials; and elements of site analysis, regulatory factors, and zoning ordinances.

Prerequisite: INT1150

INT2290 Lighting

3 Credits

Introduces the student to the basic principles of lighting design. This will include technical, sustainable, and creative aspects of producing reflected ceiling plans and integrating light into the fabric of architecture. This course also covers the design and model making process of light fixtures.

Prerequisite: INT2230

INT3310 Building Codes and Regulations

3 Credits

Provides students with an overall understanding of codes, standards, and federal regulations with an emphasis on interior projects. This course utilizes real-life design examples to explain how specific codes and standards apply to a variety of building and project types.

Prerequisite: INT2260

INT3330 Studio V: Residential II

3 Credits

Develops advanced residential design concepts and skills with emphasis placed upon historical precedents, functionalism, energy efficiency, space planning, materials, and the latest technology in equipment and fixtures.

Prerequisite: INT2250

INT3340 Sustainable Design

3 Credits

Presents the fundamentals of sustainable design and its critical role in the design process. This course provides an understanding of green building philosophies, assessment tools, materials and methods, and design strategies for incorporating sustainable principles and materials into design projects.

Prerequisite: INT2250

INT3350 Architectural Construction and Methods II

3 Credits

Builds on the concepts presented in Architectural Construction and Methods I. Students are introduced to the various components and systems used in the construction and assembly of buildings. Types, differences, and features of interior environmental systems as well as traffic circulation systems are discussed.

Prerequisite: INT2260

INT3360 Studio VI: Commercial II

3 Credits

Focuses on design strategies and treatments for user populations and project types that have special needs. Students complete advanced level commercial design studio projects. This course explores practical, aesthetic, and social issues involved in designing non-residential interiors with a focus on special need user populations.

Prerequisite: INT3330

INT3370 CAD III: Working Drawings

3 Credits

Teaches students to create industry standard construction drawings used by the trade to build and renovate spaces. Symbols, graphic notations, sections, details, and schedules are taught to be used in the proper representation of their designs as legal documents for construction.

Prerequisite: INT3350

INT3380 Furniture Design

3 Credits

Covers basic principles and techniques of designing furniture implementing creativity, functionality, materials, and construction documents. Focuses on the understanding of the design processes, as well as manufacturing techniques of furniture making and human factors for responsible design. Through a series of design projects the student will learn to use sketching and technical drawing skills, model making, and 3D prototyping. 

Prerequisites: INT3350

INT4400 Studio VII: Special Topics

3 Credits

Focuses on current areas of special interest in interior design. This course allows students to explore and research in detail carefully chosen projects while working in groups and individually. These projects will focus on selected real-world design competitions.

Prerequisite: INT3360

INT4410 Career Management

3 Credits

Explores job requirements, avenues for career development opportunities, and strategies for successful career management. This course covers resume writing, interviewing, professional organizations and the importance of professionalism in the Interior Design industry. Students prepare documents needed to pursue job opportunities in interior design including a professional design portfolio.

Prerequisite: INT3330

INT4420 Capstone: Research and Program

3 Credits

Provides instruction in individual design program development, including project and site selection. This course is the first of two capstone courses. The approved program developed in this course will be used as the basis of design for continuation of the project in INT4460 Studio VIII: Capstone Project.

Prerequisite: INT3360

Co-requisite: INT4400

INT4430 Professional Practice

3 Credits

Introduces the professional practices of the interior design profession. This course emphasizes professional ethics, contracts, design fees, budgets, project management, marketing, and client/contractor/designer/trade relationships. All elements of establishing a business from business plan to execution of required legal documents for formation of a business are explored.

Prerequisite: INT3360

INT4460 Studio VIII: Capstone Project

3 Credits

Continues the research and design of the interior design project based upon the building type approved in INT4420 Capstone: Research and Program course. Students apply all the skills and knowledge developed throughout their course of study in interior design.

Prerequisite: INT4420

INT4483 Internship

3 Credits

Provides a field-based internship experience. Students work for an interior design/architecture firm under the direction of a mentor, who provides necessary guidance/direction to meet job requirements. Student interns meet/communicate weekly with a faculty instructor to assess/evaluate their programs. Prerequisite: Departmental permission

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES

ENG1105 Writing and Research

3 Credits

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.

ENG2205 Writing Through Literature

3 Credits

Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.

Prerequisite: ENG1105

ENG3316 The Confident Writer 

3 Credits

Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors.

Prerequisite: ENG2205

HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics

3 Credits

Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and ethical and moral issues that face us today. This course presents the ideas of great thinkers throughout history and encourages students’ own thinking on various ethical and moral issues.

MAT2211 College Algebra

3 Credit Hours

Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches and appropriate technology. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials.

Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score

SOC1123 First Year Experience

3 Credits

Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges.

SOC2231 Human Relations

3 Credits

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.

SOC3350 Psychology of Design

3 Credits

Introduces the role and value of design in our lives. We create the environments in which we live and are greatly influenced by them. Our choices are often an unconscious desire to express or validate certain personal and social identities. In this course, students think, experience, research, discuss, and create.