Interior Design

A professional interior designer is one who is qualified by education and experience to identify, research and creatively solve problems relative to the function and quality of people's interior environments. The course of study in interior design leads to a first professional degree.

Background Information

Students pursue courses in aesthetic awareness, visual communication and technical skills that enable them to successfully complete studio projects in residential and commercial interiors including: institutional, entertainment, educational, hospitality, health care, retail and office space. Students learn how to approach design problems through a methodology that includes data gathering, product specification, identification of details, contractual documents and design business procedures.

The Program

The Department of Apparel, Design, Facility and Hospitality Management offers an accredited first professional degree program in interior design. The program requires commitment to visual communication, technical accomplishment and a sensitivity to aesthetics as a part of the process of problem solving relative to the interior environment.

 

The first two years of the program introduce the fundamentals of design, visual and technical communication techniques (including drafting, perspective drawing, model building and rendering) and theoretical and practical applications (including anthropometrics, ergonomics, interior design technology and color theory). Each student becomes aware that the interior design profession is exceedingly complex, and cooperating with other professionals in a team approach to problem solving is routine practice.

 

Upper-division course work is focused on a series of integrated studio experiences and support courses including history, interior materials, professional practice, computer aided design and interior systems. The studio experience culminates in a senior project. Studio experiences require that each student be exposed to a variety of projects at several different levels of complexity.

Field Experience

North Dakota State University interior design students are required to complete a field experience between the junior and senior year. Students accept a variety of positions throughout the United States. In the past few years students have completed field experiences in Scottsdale, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Denver.

Selective Admission

Because interior design is a growing program and there are limited resources available, 18 students per faculty member can be accommodated in junior- and senior-level studio courses. Students entering sophomore studio and co-requisite lectures are required to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average. In order to accommodate the enrollment restrictions, there is a mandatory review of each student’s work during the spring of the sophomore year to determine student’s ability to continue in the program.

Accreditation

The interior design program at NDSU is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly the Foundation for Interior Design Education, and received re-accreditation in 2003.

Career Opportunities

Three main career paths typically chosen by the design professional include residential, commercial and specialized design. Residential design primarily involves the design of personal living environments while commercial design deals with public and work environments. Specialized design focuses on specific design issues, such as kitchen/bath, lighting, furniture or health care.

 

Opportunities for NDSU graduates vary according to geographic area of practice and responsibilities of specific positions. Recent graduates have accepted entry-level positions with starting salaries as high as $40,000 (Colorado), $35,000 (Minneapolis) and $25,000 (Fargo). Some graduates are now working on commission and report somewhat higher earnings than those on salary.

High School Preparation

It is beneficial for entry-level interior design students to have a college preparatory high school background. The faculty at NDSU have developed a comprehensive program that assists students in developing the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful interior designers. The faculty is committed to developing each student to his or her fullest potential.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

NDSU students participate locally in the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). A number of professionals from all over the United States visit campus each year to present programs and informational seminars with students. Trips are planned each year to local, regional and national design studios, architectural firms and product markets to supplement course work. NDSU interior design students are encouraged to enter design competitions and have experienced a very high success rate. They have been the recipients of scholarship awards and regional and national design competition awards.

The Facilities

NDSU facilities and instructional amenities are among the finest in the Upper-Midwest. The Interior Design Resource Center is well equipped with current samples and an online computer service, and is continually being upgraded. Studios provide individual work stations and tools necessary to complete graphic presentations.

The Faculty

NDSU faculty hold terminal degrees in interior design or related fields and have been selected because of their individual and collective experience as interior designers and commitment to teaching. The faculty are encouraged to pass qualifying examinations for the profession (NCIDQ) and to maintain contact with colleagues and professionals. All hold memberships in professional design-related organizations.

Introductory Curriculum

A suggested curriculum is provided. Other combinations are possible, but the sequence of interior design courses cannot vary from this plan. Students who plan to transfer to NDSU should contact the Department of Apparel, Design, Facility and Hospitality Management for guidance in selecting courses before or during the first year.

Contact Information

Director of Student Services and Advancement
College of Human Development and Education

North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 255D
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7071
Fax: (701) 231-7174
Email:Nancy.Gress@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hde

or

Department of Apparel, Design, Facility and Hospitality Management
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 178
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8604 0r (701) 231-7351
Fax: (701) 231-5273
Email: Susan.Ray-Degges@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/adfhm

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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