School of Interior Architecture & Design

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate student in the Interior Architecture & Design program will be prepared for professional practice through integrated theory, design and technology in tandem with industry standards. The interior design graduate school student will be taught to achieve a balance between the mastery of design skills that meet the needs of the profession, and the creativity and imagination that will lead to better ways of thinking about our environment.

For the graduate Interior Architecture & Design student's Final Project, a site is selected in order to redesign its function and interiors; under the direction of a faculty of professional experts, concern for spatial issues, design innovation and attention to detail are emphasized. The concept of the project will demonstrate an energetic professional approach, and will be professionally exhibited upon approval by the Final Review committee.

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

• MFA Thesis Project

  • Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
  • Demonstrate the feasibility of their thesis project
  • Propose and produce an innovative graduate thesis project that contributes to the design community, demonstrating advanced Interior Architecture and Design skills.

• Concept Development & Design

  • Design and develop innovative solutions for the selected client, responding to client and user needs.
  • Demonstrate creative approaches to layout, spatial organization, use of color and material, lighting, and relationship of interior design and furnishings to the architecture of the building.
  • Present sophisticated selection and application of interior finishes, materials and furniture.

• Research and Context

  • Conduct in-depth research and cite sources related to their design, e.g. relevant case studies.
  • Relate their work to outstanding work by renowned architects and interior designers.
  • Research and creatively interpret historical and global design precedents, as appropriate to their project.
  • Apply their research to develop fully realized and original design element.

• Design Process

  • Document their design process development in the final thesis book and in Directed Study journals.

• Technical Skills

  • Represent their design ideas through both traditional and digital media.
  • Accurately depict the space through 2 and 3D basic creative work, drafting, CAD drawings and perspective.

• Visual Content

  • Produce professional-quality, aesthetically cohesive visual design elements and presentation boards.
  • Properly label their work, including title blocks.

• Presentation Skills

  • Present their work professionally using accurate design vocabulary.

• Written Content

  • Discuss their work and process clearly and maturely in their thesis proposal and midpoint thesis book, which should be submitted on time, free of errors, and with appropriate reference information.
  • Discuss their work and process clearly and maturely in their final thesis book, which should be submitted on time, free of errors, and with appropriate reference information.

• Collaboration

  • Work effectively in a design team.

• Professional Standards, Codes and Regulations

  • Apply correct professional standards for space planning and layout, demonstrating knowledge of building codes, safety, health and welfare and ADA.
  • Address sustainability in their thesis project.

• Human Behavior

  • Design projects that reflect an understanding of human behavior in physical environments.

• Professional Readiness

  • Produce a professional-quality portfolio of work that showcases their artistic and technical abilities.
  • Display knowledge of business practices by presenting samples of spec sheets.

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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