Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Human & Global Centered Design

• Apply concepts of environmental psychology in the creation of interior environments addressing the interplay of humans and their physical environments enriching the quality of life

Design Process & Conceptual Thinking

• Produce a problem statement for the development of a thesis project contributing to the needs of a community or specialty area of design
• Research user needs to inform the programming document
• Produce schematic design solutions that meet programmatic requirements and conceptual intent culminating in the creation of volumetric spaces
• Create refined and holistic design solutions culminating in a design development presentation
• Produce construction documentation of interior buildings and FF & E specifications, based on the holistic design solutions

Furnishings & Materiality

• Apply furnishings, fixtures, & equipment, and interior construction materiality that enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of the design while providing for the programmatic requirements and conceptual design intent

Fundamentals of Design

• Apply aesthetics responsive to the programmatic requirements and design intent through the elements and principles of two- and three-dimensional design, including color principles and theories, across all platforms
• Demonstrate an understanding of movements and traditions in interior design, architecture, furnishings, and the visual arts

Integrated Design

• Demonstrate an understanding of major construction types and building systems, through design decisions
• Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, codes, and federal regulations impacting life safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency through application of these professional standards to design solutions

Oral, Visual, & Written Literacy

• Communicate and defend design solutions in oral and written presentations that support the project requirements and design intent, and exhibit a logical sequencing and hierarchy of information
• Demonstrate use of a wide range of visual media with professional craftsmanship to communicate ideas and solutions, including freehand & digital drawing and drafting, three-dimensional models, rendered presentations, and ideation sketching

Professional Practice & Collaboration

• Demonstrate an understanding of professional practice, business and contract procedures, and business ethics
• Collaborate with other disciplines on processes and solutions to produce a creative interior environment
• Produce a portfolio, including the incorporation of a thesis project, and identity system to qualify for a design position in interior architecture and design

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 skillsrelevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
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
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.