The Interior Design Program completed a successful accreditation visit from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) in summer 2021. The results indicated proficient outcomes in all areas, however, the interior design faculty decided to further strengthen the program by restructuring the current curriculum with a goal of implementation in fall 2023.

It’s an exciting time in the interior program. We are gaining national recognition, continuing to build relationships regionally that are making our program very robust, and pouring into our local community with our design creativity!
– Sarah Angne Alfaro, Assistant Professor-Interior Design

A few of the changes made to the current curriculum includes two new freshman studios that will focus on design fundamentals and thorough conceptualization techniques. These two studios will replace two freshman lab courses. There will also be an interior construction and regulations course that focuses on codes and construction as well as an interior systems course that will cover an in-depth study of building systems most commonly integrated and influenced by the design process such as structure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and material systems. A second lighting course will be added that will include technology and acoustical applications. The materials and application course will move to the sophomore year to allow students a more mature perspective. The professional development course will occur earlier to prepare students for internships. Finally, each of the eight studios will focus on a set typology: residential, corporate, community, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and institutional.

By revising our curriculum we are setting the interior design educational curve and providing an opportunity to challenge our students to be the best they can be as they enter the design profession.

By Dale Potts
Assistant Lecturer of Interior Design