School of Interior Architecture & Design

The School of Interior Architecture & Design is a serious professional program for the serious professional designer. Our curricula delves not only into the conceptual and theoretical but into the practical as well. Our teaching is hands-on, focused on aesthetics, and geared toward application and business. We are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, the most prestigious accreditation available in the United States for interior design schools.

Our program includes interactive interior architecture and design classes guided by our experienced faculty. Our courses teach the skills needed to help you succeed in a number of careers, including project designer, visualization specialist. or building information management (BIM) designer.

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What is Interior Design?

Interior design is the practice of enhancing the way people experience the physical spaces they occupy. It is achieved through reimagining, redesigning, and redecorating a room or multiple rooms within a dwelling. The ultimate goal of interior design is to attain a final design that is optimally functional, aesthetically pleasing, and personalized to the needs of those who inhabit it.

Interior design professionals use a broad range of skills and techniques to produce this desired outcome, from sketching new floor plans to identifying client needs and preferences, sourcing furnishings, implementing lighting solutions, and more. These competencies are typically obtained through enrolling in schools for interior design, as most clients prefer to hire a designer with a completed academic degree or certification.

It’s also important to note that graduates of interior design programs can apply their education to various job roles and industries, including commercial interior design, residential interior design, furniture design, lighting design, and TV/film production design.

You can prepare for a career in this field by completing your studies at the Academy of Art University. We offer an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts degree, along with a Certificate program, providing students with flexibility in how (and to what extent) they complete their training.

What We Teach

Create dynamic interiors using innovative approaches to spatial organization, materials, and lighting. If you’re willing to push boundaries, our faculty of industry experts will give you the space and support you need to do it.

Conceptual Design

We introduce design basics with a focus on 2D and 3D space and composition problem solving. You will create a variety of solutions for a problem and present concepts to scale using sketches and models. Utilizing the elements of design to communicate abstract conceptual ideas is emphasized.

Design Process

You will apply the skills and theory learned to develop a comprehensive response to program and contextualize a commercial design project. You will also demonstrate a detailed understanding of the design process, including research, concept and design development, design documentation, and presentation. Designing for real-world application is emphasized.

Sustainable Design

You will gain a practical understanding of the field of environmentally conscious design. You will learn about the impact of design on the environment, and of ways to conserve and protect it. Focus is placed on principles of natural harmony, non-toxic materials, and earth-friendly initiatives within the design industry.

Portfolio Preparation

The portfolio is a graphic representation of the designer’s range and overall approach to projects. In this course, you will develop an identity package, and your portfolio will serve as a presentation of your ability and personal style. Emphasis is placed on conveying strengths and professional readiness.

Student Stories

Interior Architectural Design: Spring Show Video

Come and take a closer look at some of the most outstanding student work produced by the Academy’s different schools, such as the IAD department. The annual Spring Show held at the end of every school year is a great opportunity for students to proudly show off their handiwork.

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Facilities & Technology

All of the best colleges for interior design know the latest in software and equipment is essential to preparing students to enter the industrial design workforce, which is why we keep up with current advancements in technology and industry practices. Whatever the pros are doing and whatever the pros are using is what you will find in our classrooms and studios.

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Faculty

We believe that the best teachers are current working creatives. That is why our faculty is comprised of nationally recognized art and design experts who maintain careers on the leading edge of industry trends. They challenge their students to reach their personal creative potential.

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