Interior Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
The NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accredited interior design program at Georgia State University prepares students for successful careers in the rapidly growing and changing field of interior design. The program strives to reflect the values of contemporary interior design practice as it prepares graduates who are adept at providing provocative aesthetic solutions which respond to a multitude of real-world constraints –client needs, program, schedule, and budget. The profession’s definition of the interior designer is “one who is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.” The program at Georgia State prepares students for careers as professional interior designers who can:
· address human physical needs, aesthetic concerns, and sociological dynamics in producing design solutions
· work well as a member of a multi-disciplined high-performance team, and
· interact responsibly, meaningfully, and successfully with clients and other professionals.
Student Profile
- Design oriented with exceptional communication and drawing skills
- Interested in and aware of environmental issues affecting the design and creation of both interior and exterior spaces
- Capable of integrating both functional and aesthetic demands required by the interior design profession
- Highly self-disciplined and able to complete tasks on schedule
- Able to clearly articulate a design problem and conceive of an appropriate design solution
Program Description
GSU’s interior design program is highly competitive and requires submission of a portfolio for admission into the concentration. All first-year School of Art & Design students learn humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, art history, and art foundations. ID applicants take three introductory ID classes in the fall of their sophomore year before they can qualify to submit application portfolios for admission into the concentration. These initial ID 3000 level courses:
- are open to all potential ID majors who have completed the first-year Art & Design foundations
- introduce students to the varied practical aspects of current interior design practice
- provide an introduction to the critical analysis and discussion of current and historical interior spaces
- introduce students to the basic architectural drawing (drafting) and communication skills necessary for entering ID majors.
Portfolio review for admission into the Interior Design program takes place at the end of the fall semester of the sophomore year, following the completion of the initial ID 3000 level courses. Once accepted into the program, majors are immediately introduced to computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling, building and life safety codes and regulations, building systems and construction methods. Students gain further experience in architectural drawing and communication, spatial analysis and design, space planning and furniture layout, and an introduction to the characteristics and use of hard and soft materials in interior environments. Strong interior space conceptualization is stressed, building on the fine arts foundation completed in year one. Graphic and verbal communication techniques are stressed as part of solving design problems.
At the junior level students commence a rigorous two-semester design studio sequence focused on the conceptualization and development of a variety of project types. Student projects are presented graphically and orally and critiqued in open studio settings by both faculty and guest jurors from Atlanta’s professional interior design community. This part of the curriculum is focused on excellence and innovation in design.
In the final year students complete coursework aimed at preparing them for transition to professional practice. Seniors complete advanced design studios and/or professional internship experience for credit. Specialized interior design practice area studios, seminars and lectures (e.g., healthcare, hospitality, retail, furniture design, advanced 3D computer modeling and animation) are sometimes offered and may be taken for elective credit at this level.
Transfer Credits
Upon acceptance into the University and before initial registration, students who wish to transfer credit for art courses taken elsewhere must bring a copy of their transcripts with a GSU transfer evaluation to the School of Art and Design undergraduate advisor in room 117 Art and Humanities. A catalog description, course syllabus, or portfolio review may be required for course evaluation.
Course Requirements for the Concentration (60 credit hours)
- Interior Design Concentration Requirements (53)
- Art electives from Art History, Interior Design or another studio area (8)
Application to the Concentration
Before Application:
- Students should attend a group advisement session held toward the end of each semester (look for notices announcing time and place) in the concentration for information about application requirements. Students may make an appointment with the Interior Design coordinator for advisement issues not covered in group advisement.
- Students must have taken or be taking 18 credit hours of fine arts foundation courses appropriate to the major field (4 studio foundation courses and 2 art history surveys with a final grade of C or better) before they are eligible for introductory ID 3000 level coursework.
- Students must also have completed or be taking ID 3000, ID3300 and ID 4600 with a final grade of C or better.
- Portfolios, are required for entry or when students have completed the courses appropriate to the major field.
Application Procedures:
Due to the highly sequential nature of the curriculum, applications to the concentration are submitted in the fall only when students are enrolled in the introductory ID 3000 level courses identified above. Portfolios will be reviewed at the end of the fall semester, and should include presentation of art work from the four fine arts studio foundation courses plus the required introductory 3000 level courses in ID. Students must also present for review a PACE advisement form obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Academic Assistance, room 724 General Classroom Building. Application to the concentration should occur prior to completing 33 credit hours in art. Students should attend a portfolio review seminar conducted each semester (look for notices announcing time and place) for information about portfolio presentation and content. Specific application and portfolio content and format requirements for ID are available outside of room 117, Arts & Humanities Building.
Internship
The student is encouraged to take advantage of practical interior design experience through the Internship Program. Offered for a maximum of 6 semester hours, each 3-hour-credit internship requires a minimum of 20 hours of work per week over a regular 16 week semester or 40 hours of work per week over an 8 week summer semester. Credit will be granted for internships completed in the senior year, following completion of all sophomore and junior level ID design studios.
Career Opportunities
Interior design graduates work in a variety of fields including residential and commercial design, retail store planning, restaurant and hospitality design, health care, lighting design, exhibition and stage design, and industry related commercial sales.
Student Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers
Interior Design students can become student affiliates of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and gain experience through association with professional designers, educational programs, and community service projects.
Professional Registration
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam is the internationally recognized test for qualifying interior designers. It is recognized by most states that have passed Interior Design registration acts (including Georgia) as a part of the license and registration requirement. The exam is required by ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and IIDA (International Interior Design Association) for professional membership. NCIDQ examinees must have received a degree from an accredited institution and have completed a minimum of two years’ professional practice following graduation. Graduates planning to practice interior design in another state are advised to check with that state authority about specific registration requirements there.
For more detailed information about the program please see the Georgia State University General Catalogues.
