About Our MFA Program

School of Interior Architecture & Design

About Our MFA Program

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 graduate 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 Program Learning Outcomes

School of Interior Architecture and Design

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

1. MFA Thesis Project

   • Conceptualization and production of a graduate thesis project, demonstrating advanced and professional Interior Architecture and Design skills. Prior to being granted an MFA degree, students are required to present their work to a review committee.

2. Comprehensive Design

   • Ability to generate a comprehensive design.

3. Research and Production

   • Ability to produce original ideas, products, writing, rendering, and three dimensional models based on professional-level research.

4. Critical Evaluation of Information

   • Ability to analyze and act on complex information and variables.
   • Ability to gather, evaluate, and prioritize information.
   • Ability to execute complex projects, including defining the parameters of a design project, asking precise questions and developing strategy, and articulating their design process.
   • Ability to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

5. Problem Solving

   • Ability to define design problems and generate compelling solutions.
   • Ability to adapt design process and solutions according to client input.
   • Ability to work successfully within budget, time, and client mandate.< /li>

6. Communication and Presentation Skills

   • Ability to communicate their ideas using a variety of visual mediums, including digital.
   • Ability to make complex designs understandable.
   • Ability to persuade employers, clients and colleagues to go along with a design.

7. Collaboration

   • Ability to work effectively in a design team and with clients.

8. Project Management

   • Ability to manage complex projects and ensure deliverables.
   • Understanding of professional business practices as they relate to individual thesis project.

9. Historical Awareness

   • Ability to relate contemporary interior design work to historical architecture and design precedents.

10. Professional Involvement

    • Familiarity with cross cultural design and sustainability issues.
    • Understanding of design trends.
    • Recognize importance of participating in industry events and design competitions.

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.

For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 800-544-2787 or info@academyart.edu.

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