School of Interior Architecture & Design

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

It is the objective of the School of Interior Architecture & Design to prepare the student for a professional career in interior architecture and design. The School strives to achieve a balance between design knowledge and creativity by providing excellent courses taught by professionals.

BFA graduates of the School of Interior Architecture & Design will meet the following student performance criteria:

• Interior Design Skills

  • Demonstrate the use of sketches for design and spatial development.
  • Employ the design process in schematic and preliminary phases
  • Effectively employ design elements and principles (space, line, mass, shape, texture, scale, proportion, balance) in their projects
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of human behavior in the built environment
  • Effectively use color in design, demonstrating a basic understanding of color principles and theories
  • Select interior finishes & materials
  • Select and apply decorative elements, art and accessories, as appropriate to the project
  • Design custom interior elements
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of the principles of lighting design in their projects
  • Competently prepare drawings, skills, specifications as an integrated system of contract documents
  • Produce detailed and developed layouts of furniture, fixtures & equipment
  • Create graphic identification, such as signage, as needed in their projects

• Concept Development & Problem Solving Skills

  • Present a range of design solutions for their project (ideation drawings)
  • Demonstrate programming skills such as identifying user needs, gathering and analyzing information
  • Analyze and fully develop a design solution

• Visual Representation

  • Visualize concepts through sketching and space planning
  • Prepare space plans, elevations, sketches and study models
  • Apply 2-dimensional design elements & principles in their projects
  • Apply 3-dimensional design elements & principles in their projects
  • Render using multiple mediums

• Communication Skills

  • Clearly express their design ideas and justify their solutions relative to the goals and objectives of the project program, using accurate design vocabulary in verbal presentations and in writing
  • Communicate through alternative presentation techniques (audio, film, photography, video, slides)
  • Produce quality drafting and lettering, both manually and digitally, in construction documents

• Building Systems and Interior Materials

  • Demonstrate basic understanding of construction systems such as mechanical, energy management, telecommunications, lighting, ceiling and flooring, security, acoustics, and work station
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sources for and maintenance requirements material and products
  • Demonstrate understanding of installation methods of carpet and flooring
  • Use the metric system in design work

• Sustainability

  • Demonstrate appreciation of principles and theories of sustainability in their projects
  • Demonstrate understanding of sustainable building methods

• Cultural Diversity

  • Demonstrate respect and understanding for social and cultural differences.
  • Demonstrate basic ability to market themselves in a global market.
  • Accommodates individual needs for diverse clients

• Codes and Regulations

  • Demonstrate knowledge of fire and life safety principles in space planning
  • Demonstrate knowledge of codes and regulations and ADA compliance in projects
  • Demonstrate consideration of indoor air quality, noise and lighting in light of health and welfare
  • Demonstrate knowledge of universal design concepts & principles

• Professional Readiness

  • Produce a portfolio and identity system that meets industry standards
  • Analyze and edit work for successful communication
  • Create a business plan demonstrating familiarity with business and professional practices
  • Demonstrate knowledge of certification and licensing and professional design organizations
  • Complete large-scale projects, demonstrating time management and organization skills
  • Recognize the value & importance of community/public service
  • Appreciation of professional ethics in the design industry

• Historical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate familiarity with key periods in the history of art, architecture, interiors, and furnishings

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

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