Interior Design

Jump to the major map

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

2019-2020

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

Graduate and professional level job titles

Architect
Art Director
College Professor
Facilities Planner

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 to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Register for UNIV 291 module: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.
Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Check out the VCUArts Calendar.
Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Engage your curiosity, creativity, risk-taking and scholarly investigation and apply for a VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Start arts and design research by taking advantage of funding available through many Student Research Programs at VCU.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
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, and strategies for success in your program.
Explore VCU Libraries workshops and Cabell Library’s Innovative Media dept. at The Workshop.
Complete UNIV 200.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Attend Interior Design Student Community events and become engaged with professional organizations such as IIDA and ASID.
Attend AIA Richmond and Modern Richmond Tour.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
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

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Research many types of interior design and firms.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
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

Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Apply for mOb studio (IDES 400), a collaborative design studio that brings design solutions to individuals and small businesses in RVA.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Prepare for your design internship experience.
Attend the ASID Career Fair, held in February, and learn about design firms and opportunities for internships.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Submit your work to creative design competitions and apply for scholarships through orgs such as IIDA, ASID, and NEWH.
Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund your international, creative exploration.

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.
Be a mentor to sophomore and junior design students.
mOb studio provides students with “real world” projects and mentorship by design professionals.
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

Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Be a leader in the Interior Design Student Community.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
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

Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Continue working in a design internship.
Take on freelance design projects.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.

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

2019-2020

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 to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Register for UNIV 291 module: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO. Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.	Apply to join the Honors College. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Check out the VCUArts Calendar. Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.	Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center. Engage your curiosity, creativity, risk-taking and scholarly investigation and apply for a VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Start arts and design research by taking advantage of funding available through many Student Research Programs at VCU.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. 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, and strategies for success in your program. Explore VCU Libraries workshops and Cabell Library’s Innovative Media dept. at The Workshop. Complete UNIV 200.	Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Attend Interior Design Student Community events and become engaged with professional organizations such as IIDA and ASID. Attend AIA Richmond and Modern Richmond Tour.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. 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.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund international, creative exploration.	Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Research many types of interior design and firms.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. 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.	Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Apply for mOb studio (IDES 400), a collaborative design studio that brings design solutions to individuals and small businesses in RVA.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Prepare for your design internship experience. Attend the ASID Career Fair, held in February, and learn about design firms and opportunities for internships.	Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Submit your work to creative design competitions and apply for scholarships through orgs such as IIDA, ASID, and NEWH. Apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund your international, creative exploration.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Be a mentor to sophomore and junior design students. mOb studio provides students with “real world” projects and mentorship by design professionals. 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.	Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Be a leader in the Interior Design Student Community.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Fall is the perfect semester for a study abroad experience. Engage in mOb studio and other local cultural offerings on First Fridays.	Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Continue working in a design internship. Take on freelance design projects.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.