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  • Interior Design Curriculum

Interior Design course curriculum

NAU School of Art students have options based on their career desires

The Interior Design undergraduate degree at Northern Arizona University provides a number of specialized classes in a variety of basic areas.

Technical and professional:

  • Emphasizing building codes
  • Computer drafting and modeling
  • Building systems
  • Lighting and materials and professional practice

Instructor teaching student how to do a CAD drawing on a laptop computer

Student practicing her presentation skills of a house floorplan to a class

Other emphases for more artistic pursuits:

  • Designing projects in studio classes
  • Learning presentation techniques for projects and portfolio

Additional information

History/research Accordion Closed

  • Investigate historical movements and how they brought about development within design and influenced culture.
  • Recognize pattern languages. Design using “evidence” from historical and scientific research to produce living environments with predictable beneficial outcomes.
  • Choose your own research interest and explore it through the lens of a project as your capstone.

Graphics/CAD Accordion Closed

  • Learn how to create working drawings using time tested construction conventions.
  • Immerse yourself in the virtual world of computer assisted drawing and modeling.
  • Experience seeing your design ideas come to three-dimensional life and be able to walk through spaces you create before they are built.

Building codes/profession Accordion Closed

  • Protect the health, safety and welfare of persons many of whom spend 90% of their time indoors.
  • Become part of the building community by sharing in the rules and regulations necessary for building safe interiors.
  • Learn what it means to become a professional, prepare for qualifying exams, and conduct a job search.

Building systems/lighting/materials Accordion Closed

  • Learn how buildings are constructed, how the interior systems necessary for operation function and affect design.
  • Bring interior spaces to life using light sources to allow areas to change character and use in an exciting way.
  • Building materials form the designers palette allowing creative expression based on their unique properties and assembly.

Studio classes/projects Accordion Closed

  • Experience the freedom and challenges of studio classes where different building and interior types are explored in a laboratory setting.
  • Transition from projects where you are the client to preparing programs for clients, meeting their needs and exceeding expectations.
  • Apply critical thinking in accepting criticism of your work, looking at your work in a different way, learning and growing through both.

Graphic presentation Accordion Closed

  • Organize images, text and materials artistically on presentation boards to describe the solution and illustrate the process.
  • Understand and execute graphic design principles using different types of digital media to illustrate.
  • Develop personal identity through graphics and portfolio to present skills in pursuit of a professional job.

Laptop Requirements Accordion Closed

  • Purchasing a laptop is encouraged the Fall semester of your sophomore year, and essential for your junior year. We encourage students to use PC laptops for our program.

  • Refer to our Laptop Suggestion Guide for more information about laptop requirements.
School of Art
Location
Room 211 Building 37A
Fine Arts
1115 S Knoles Dr
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6031
Mailing Address
PO Box: 6020
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6031
Email
schoolofart@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-5945
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