Interior Design

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

School of the Arts

Program description

The Department of Interior Design, accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, provides the breadth of a university education with the depth of a professional curriculum. The curriculum provides for the study of space, form, color and light in collaboration with the pragmatic investigation of building codes, materials, finishes, construction methods and business practices. An important focus also is placed on the study of design theory and the history of interior environments. All of these areas are synthesized in the curriculum to provide learning of the overall context of the built interior environment. Graduates are prepared with the skills and knowledge that can facilitate the student’s transition into an entry-level interior design position at a successful firm or corporation, or entry into programs of advanced study. The department also prepares students with the skills and knowledge that will allow for lifelong learning and professional development in the design industry. Prospective students are encouraged to review the School of the Arts undergraduate admissions website as well as the Art Foundation Program website.

Career opportunities

A degree in interior design can open up career opportunities in diverse areas of residential and commercial design and other related design fields. Commercial design includes all types of buildings and programs, and includes more specific areas such as corporate and contract design; governmental, institutional and educational; hospitality (hotels, restaurants, conference centers, etc); healthcare design (hospitals, assisted living facilities); cultural and performance venues; and program or product specific design, such as kitchen and bath, and furniture design. Interior designers can find opportunities in furniture and materials specification and sales, facilities and space planning, lighting design, production and set design, and computer drafting, 3D rendering and modeling.

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.

Bachelor-level job titles

CAD Designer
Design Consultant
Drafter
Interior Architect
Interior Designer
Job Captain
Project Designer
Project Manager

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Interior Design

Plan of study in Bulletin

Interior Design

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 131

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Interior Design

Building/room location:

Pollak Building, Room 406

Phone:

(804) 828-1713

Email:

intdesign@vcu.edu

https://arts.vcu.edu/interiordesign/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Register for UNIV 291 module: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.
Explore Interior Design in ARTF 139.
Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote and vote in Virginia
Learn about and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events.
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
Check out the VCUArts Calendar.
Join student run clubs or the Student Government Association.
Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options (particularly the Interior Design sponsored program in Italy) by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
Use Lynda.com to enhance your design software digital literacy and technical skills.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Engage your curiosity, creativity, risk-taking and scholarly investigation and apply for a VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant.
Start arts and design research by taking advantage of funding available through many Student Research Programs at VCU.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
Complete UNIV 200.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend Interior Design Student Community events and become engaged with professional organizations such as IIDA and ASID.
Attend AIA Richmond and Modern Richmond Tour.
Take a service-learning class.
Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other campus-wide leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider studying abroad. The Department of Interior Design sponsors a summer study abroad program based in Florence or Sicily.
Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
Develop a draft portfolio of work and get feedback from faculty, peers, and career services.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other career events to explore your interests.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore VCU Libraries workshops and Cabell Library’s Innovative Media dept. at The Workshop.
Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Research many types of interior design and firms.
Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Meet with your advisor to plan for next semester and your senior year.
Use the summer break to prepare for your thesis project. Explore the rich variety of architecture in Richmond and decide which building will be the focus of your thesis project.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for mOb studio (IDES 400), a collaborative design studio that brings design solutions to individuals and small businesses in RVA.
Attend local civic meetings, such as neighborhood association, school board, Urban Design Committee, City Council, or state legislative sessions.
Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class, an Outdoor Adventure Program trip, or an event sponsored by the Wellness Resource Center.
Create and complete a community-engaged research project.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Prepare for your design internship experience.
Develop your design dossier, including your resume and portfolio, and start your search for an internship.
Attend the ASID Career Fair, held in February, and learn about design firms and opportunities for internships.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Submit your work to creative design competitions and apply for scholarships through design organizations such as IIDA, ASID, and NEWH.
Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund your international, creative exploration.
Talk to your advisers, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Complete the Senior Capstone series (IDES 441, IDES 401).This is an opportunity to develop and express your design ideas and skills in an independent thesis project.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Be a leader in the Interior Design Student Community.
Be a mentor to sophomore and junior design students.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Fall is the perfect semester for a study abroad experience.
Engage in mOb studio and other local cultural offerings on First Fridays.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

mOb studio provides students with “real world” projects and mentorship by design professionals.
Continue working in a design internship.
Take on freelance design projects.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Interior Design

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression. Register for UNIV 291 module: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO. Explore Interior Design in ARTF 139. Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience	Register to vote and vote in Virginia Learn about and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events. Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs. Check out the VCUArts Calendar. Join student run clubs or the Student Government Association. Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.	Learn about your study abroad options (particularly the Interior Design sponsored program in Italy) by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office. Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources. Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities. Use Lynda.com to enhance your design software digital literacy and technical skills.	Engage your curiosity, creativity, risk-taking and scholarly investigation and apply for a VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant. Start arts and design research by taking advantage of funding available through many Student Research Programs at VCU. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program. Complete UNIV 200.	Attend Interior Design Student Community events and become engaged with professional organizations such as IIDA and ASID. Attend AIA Richmond and Modern Richmond Tour. Take a service-learning class. Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA). Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other campus-wide leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.	Consider studying abroad. The Department of Interior Design sponsors a summer study abroad program based in Florence or Sicily. Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week. Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange. Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.	Create a draft of your resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed. Develop a draft portfolio of work and get feedback from faculty, peers, and career services. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other career events to explore your interests.	Explore VCU Libraries workshops and Cabell Library’s Innovative Media dept. at The Workshop. Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Research many types of interior design and firms. Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience	Year 3	Meet with your advisor to plan for next semester and your senior year. Use the summer break to prepare for your thesis project. Explore the rich variety of architecture in Richmond and decide which building will be the focus of your thesis project.	Apply for mOb studio (IDES 400), a collaborative design studio that brings design solutions to individuals and small businesses in RVA. Attend local civic meetings, such as neighborhood association, school board, Urban Design Committee, City Council, or state legislative sessions. Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class, an Outdoor Adventure Program trip, or an event sponsored by the Wellness Resource Center. Create and complete a community-engaged research project.	Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Prepare for your design internship experience. Develop your design dossier, including your resume and portfolio, and start your search for an internship. Attend the ASID Career Fair, held in February, and learn about design firms and opportunities for internships.	Submit your work to creative design competitions and apply for scholarships through design organizations such as IIDA, ASID, and NEWH. Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund your international, creative exploration. Talk to your advisers, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Complete the Senior Capstone series (IDES 441, IDES 401).This is an opportunity to develop and express your design ideas and skills in an independent thesis project.	Be a leader in the Interior Design Student Community. Be a mentor to sophomore and junior design students. Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.	Fall is the perfect semester for a study abroad experience. Engage in mOb studio and other local cultural offerings on First Fridays.	mOb studio provides students with “real world” projects and mentorship by design professionals. Continue working in a design internship. Take on freelance design projects.	Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.