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Curriculum: Interior Architecture

The Interior Architecture and Design emphasis prepares students for a wide variety of careers related to the planning and design of interior environments. In a studio-based classroom setting students learn to integrate technical drawing and computing skills with the history and theory of interior design, principles of color and lighting, and an understanding of human factors. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry level positions in interior design professional or industrial practice, or to pursue advanced degrees in design and architecture.

The program allows students the opportunity to explore the development of interior spaces from many perspectives. Within the interiors emphasis students will be expected to learn core drawing and visual computing skills as the basis for expressing their design concepts. The history of interior design and architecture are emphasized as the basis for understanding present day and future trends in space planning. With this skills and theory background students will create practical design applications in a series of studio courses. Knowledge of building codes and other regulations regarding space planning are incorporated into instruction. Hands on work with furniture and lighting design are also an important learning activity of the emphasis track.

The interiors program places strong emphasis on design that supports a sustainable environment. Issues of life cycle for products and buildings, production methods that control waste and toxics, health consequences in interior planning, and maintenance issues are factors that are connected to the basic functionality and appearance of interior spaces. Students are encouraged to participate in LEEDs training, and to take other off campus workshops that expand a general understanding of environmental issues.

The Design Program houses the California Lighting Technology Center. This research facility focuses on the development of market applications for the latest in lighting technology. Interested students may find active roles in lighting projects and learn more about the challenges of introducing new technology to the general public.

While in attendance at UC Davis, interiors majors are encouraged to participate in off-campus internships in architectural and design firms to learn more about professional practice. Most of our students report that these experiences are very useful for directing their studies and providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the role of interiors in the creation of the built environment. Often these internships lead to full time employment after graduation.

Requirements for INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
College of Letters and Science
Prepatory Subject Matter: (26)

Des 1 - Design and Visual Culture (4)
Des 14 - Design Drawing (2) *ART 2 is equivalent
Des 15 - Design Media (4)
Des 16 – Graphic Design and Computer Technology (4)
Des 21 – Drafting and Perspective (4)
Des 40A - History of Design: Ancient to Industrial Revolution (4)
Des 40B - History of Modern Design (4)

Depth Subject Matter: (44)

Des 134A, B, C* – Introduction to Interior Design (12)
Des 180A, B – Advanced Interior Architecture (8)
Des 138 – Materials and Methods in Interior Architecture (4)
Two courses from Des 121, 135A,135B, 150A, 150B, 191B (8)
Des 144 – History of Interior Design (4)
Two courses from AHI 168, 184, 188A, 188B (8)
Total Units for Interior Architecture (70)

*Course changes and curricular substitutions in the Interior Architecture Emphasis:
1. Design 14 has been revised and increased to 4 units.

2. Students may now take Design 40A or 40B and 4 units of electives for the 8 unit lower division Design History requirement.

3. Design 134C has been cancelled. Students may substitute Design 150A for this requirement.

4. Instead of Design 180A, 180B "and 2 courses from Design 121, 135A, 135B, 150A or 150B” students may substitute 3 courses from 1 of the
following sequences:
Interiors: Design 180A, 180B, 150B
Furniture: Design 135A, 136B, 150B
Lighting: Design 136A (taught as 191B in F06)
Design 136B (taught as 198 in W07)
Design 137A (taught as 198 in S07)
Design 137B

5. Students who substitute Design 150A for Design 134C may not count it toward the 2-course studio requirement simultaneously.