Interior Design (IDSN), Bachelor of Science
At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Interior Design program provides a professional, applied education with an emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, and technology. The faculty is comprised of working professionals who are passionate about the field of design as well as student success.
Students use design theories, interior materials, building codes, cost analysis, and both hand and computer-aided drafting to develop and prepare functional and innovative designs for residential and commercial projects. On-campus studios foster an engaging environment where creative problem solving is emphasized. Students participate in cross-disciplinary collaboration with peers in architecture, graphic design, and other construction sciences majors. This holistic, career-based approach prepares the student to be a productive, successful professional.
Interior Design is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Length of Program: 4 years (8 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day
Available Starts: Fall Semester
Accreditation: CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation)
External Standard 4 (C4) - (CIDA) Standard 4: Global Context
a) Students understand that human and environmental conditions vary according to geographic location and impact design and construction decisions.
b) Student work demonstrates understanding of how social, economic, cultural, and physical contexts inform interior design.
c) Student work demonstrates understanding of how systems thinking informs the practice of interior design.
d) The interior design program provides exposure to the current and relevant events that shape contemporary society and the world.
e) The interior design program provides exposure to a variety of cultural norms.
f) The interior design program provides opportunities for developing multi-cultural awareness.
External Standard 5 (C5) - (CIDA) Standard 5: Collaboration
a) Students have awareness of the integration of multi-disciplinary collaboration in design practices.
b) Students understand the terminology and language necessary to communicate effectively with members of allied disciplines.
c) Students understand technologically based collaboration methods specific to the problem-solving process for the built environment disciplines.
d) Students understand the dynamics of team collaboration and the distribution and structure of team responsibilities.
e) Student work demonstrates the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple disciplines in developing design solutions.
External Standard 6 (C6) - (CIDA) Standard 6: Business Practices and Professionalism
a) Students have awareness of the contexts for interior design practice.
b) Students have awareness of the impact of regional and global markets on design practices.
c) Students have awareness of the breadth and depth of interior design's impact and value.
d) Students have awareness of the components and responsibilities of business practice.
e) Students understand types of professional business formations.
f) Students understand elements of project management.
g) Students understand Instruments of Service.
h) Students understand professional ethics and conduct.
External Standard 7 (C7) - (CIDA) Standard 7: Human-Centered Design
a) Student work demonstrates understanding of theories related to the impact of the built environment on human experience, behavior, and performance.
b) Student work demonstrates understanding of the relationship between the natural, built, virtual, and technological environments as they relate to the human experience.
c) Student work demonstrates the ability to gather and apply human-centered evidence.
d) Student work demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize human perception and behavior patterns to inform design solutions.
e) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply human factors, ergonomics, inclusive, and universal design principles to design solutions.
f) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply wayfinding techniques to design solutions.
External Standard 8 (C8) - (CIDA) Standard 8: Design Process
a) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply space planning techniques throughout the design process.
b) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to solve progressively complex design problems.
c) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to identify and define issues relevant to the design problem.
d) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to synthesize information to generate evidence-based design solutions.
e) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to use precedents to inform design concepts or solutions.
f) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to explore and iterate multiple ideas.
g) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to design creative and effective solutions.
h) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and skills learned to execute the design process: pre-design, quantitative and qualitative programming, schematic design, and design development.
i) Students understand the importance of evaluating the relevance and reliability of information and research impacting design solutions.
External Standard 9 (C9) - (CIDA) Standard 9: Communication
a) Students are able to effectively interpret and communicate data and research.
b) Students are able to effectively express ideas and their rationale in oral communication.
c) Students are able to effectively express ideas and their rationale in written communication.
d) Students are able to effectively express ideas and their rationale developed in the design process through visual media: ideation drawings and sketches.
e) Students are able to effectively express project solutions using a variety of visual communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes and audiences.
External Standard 10 (C10) - (CIDA) Standard 10: History
a) Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to interior design.
b) Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to furniture, decorative arts, and material culture.
c) Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to architecture.
d) Students understand the basic context and framework of history as it relates to art.
e) Students understand the social, political, and physical influences affecting historical changes in design of the built environment.
f) Students apply precedents to inform design solutions.
External Standard 11 (C11) - (CIDA) Standard 11: Design Elements and Principles
a) Students understand the elements and principles of design and related theories, including spatial definition and organization.
b) Student work demonstrates the ability to explore a range of two- and three-dimensional design solutions using a variety of media.
c) Students effectively apply the elements and principles of design and related theories throughout the interior design curriculum to two-dimensional design solutions.
d) Students effectively apply the elements and principles of design and related theories throughout the interior design curriculum to three-dimensional design solutions.
External Standard 12 (C12) - (CIDA) Standard 12: Light and Color
a) Students effectively apply the elements and principles of design and related theories throughout the interior design curriculum to Students are aware of the environmental impact of illumination strategies and decisions.
b) Students understand the principles of natural and artificial lighting design.
c) Students understand strategies for using and modulating natural light.
d) Students competently select and apply luminaires and light sources.
e) Students have awareness of a range of sources for information and research about color.
f) Students understand how light and color impact health, safety, and wellbeing in the interior environment.
g) Student work demonstrates understanding of color terminology.
h) Student work demonstrates understanding of color principles, theories, and systems.
i) Student work demonstrates understanding of color in relation to materials, textures, light, and form.
j) Student work demonstrates the ability to appropriately select and apply color to support design concepts.
k) Student work demonstrates the ability to appropriately select and apply color to multiple design functions.
l) Student work demonstrates the ability to appropriately use color solutions across different modes of design communication.
External Standard 13 (C13) - (CIDA) Standard 13: Products and Materials
a) Student work demonstrates understanding of how furnishings, objects, materials, and finishes work together to support the design intent.
b) Student work demonstrates understanding of typical fabrication process, installation methods, and maintenance requirements for products and materials.
c) Student work demonstrates understanding of appropriate design or specification of furnishings, equipment, materials, and finishes in relation to project criteria and human and environmental wellbeing.
d) Students select and apply products and materials on the basis of their properties and performance criteria, including ergonomics, environmental attributes, life safety, and life cycle cost.
e) Students are able to design and specify a broad range of appropriate products, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and elements in support of the design intent.
f) Students are able to design and specify a broad range of appropriate products, materials, objects, and elements in support of the design intent.
External Standard 14 (C14) - (CIDA) Standard 14: Environmental Systems and Human Wellbeing
a) Students understand that design decisions relating to acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality impact human wellbeing and the environment.
b) Students understand the principles of acoustical design.
c) Students understand appropriate strategies for acoustical control.
d) Students understand the principles of thermal design.
e) Students understand how active and passive thermal systems and components impact interior design solutions.
f) Students understand the principles of water systems and waste systems.
g) Students understand strategies for integrating water systems and waste systems.
h) Students understand the principles of indoor air quality.
i) Students understand how the selection and application of products and systems impact indoor air quality.
External Standard 15 (C15) - (CIDA) Standard 15: Construction
a) Students have awareness of the environmental impact of construction.
b) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by base-building structural systems and construction methods.
c) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by interior systems, construction, and installation methods.
d) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by detailing and specification of interior construction materials, products, and finishes.
e) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by the integration of building systems including electrical (such as power, data, lighting, telecommunications, audio visual) and mechanical (such as HVAC, plumbing, and sprinklers).
f) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by monitoring systems pertaining to energy, security, and building controls systems.
g) Student work demonstrates understanding that design solutions affect and are impacted by vertical and horizontal systems of transport and circulation such as stairs, elevators, or escalators.
h) Students understand the formats, components, and accepted standards for an integrated and comprehensive set of interior construction documents.
i) Students are able to read and interpret base-building construction documents.
j) Students are able to contribute to the production of interior contract documents including drawings, detailing, schedules, and specifications appropriate to project size and scope.
External Standard 16 (C16) - (CIDA) Standard 16: Regulations and Guidelines
a) Students have awareness of the origins and intent of laws, codes, and standards.
b) Student work demonstrates understanding of standards and guidelines related to sustainability and wellness.
c) Student work demonstrates understanding of sector-specific regulations and guidelines related to construction, products, and materials.
d) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply federal, state/provincial, and local codes including fire and life safety.
e) Student work demonstrates the ability to apply barrier-free and accessibility regulations and guidelines.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| ARTS1250 | Design History | 3 |
| ARTS2200 | Global Design History | 3 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 15 | |
| Technical Requirements | ||
| SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | 5 |
| SODN1012 | Design Representation | 3 |
| IDSN1013 | Design Materials | 3 |
| SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | 1 |
| SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | 5 |
| IDSN1022 | Design Programming | 3 |
| SODN1023 | Design Principles | 3 |
| IDSN2011 | Housing Studio | 5 |
| SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | 3 |
| SODN2013 | Detailing | 3 |
| IDSN2021 | Workplace Studio | 5 |
| SODN2022 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | 3 |
| IDSN3011 | Healthcare Studio | 5 |
| SODN3012 | Sustainable Design | 3 |
| IDSN3014 | Building Systems | 3 |
| SODN3015 | Design Communication | 1 |
| IDSN3021 | Hospitality Studio | 5 |
| SODN3022 | Furniture Design | 3 |
| SODN3023 | Universal Design | 3 |
| SODN3024 | 2D Design | 1 |
| IDSN4011 | Education Studio | 5 |
| SODN4013 | Designing Careers | 3 |
| SODN4014 | 3D Design | 1 |
| SODN4015 | Capstone Research | 3 |
| IDSN4021 | Capstone Studio | 5 |
| IDSN4022 | Advanced Detailing | 3 |
| SODN4024 | 4D Design | 1 |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | 5 |
| SODN1012 | Design Representation | 3 |
| IDSN1013 | Design Materials | 3 |
| SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | 1 |
| ARTS1250 | Design History | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | 5 |
| IDSN1022 | Design Programming | 3 |
| SODN1023 | Design Principles | 3 |
| ARTS2200 | Global Design History | 3 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN2011 | Housing Studio | 5 |
| SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | 3 |
| SODN2013 | Detailing | 3 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN2021 | Workplace Studio | 5 |
| SODN2022 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | 3 |
| Natural Science/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN3011 | Healthcare Studio | 5 |
| SODN3012 | Sustainable Design | 3 |
| IDSN3014 | Building Systems | 3 |
| SODN3015 | Design Communication | 1 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN3021 | Hospitality Studio | 5 |
| SODN3022 | Furniture Design | 3 |
| SODN3023 | Universal Design | 3 |
| SODN3024 | 2D Design | 1 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN4011 | Education Studio | 5 |
| SODN4013 | Designing Careers | 3 |
| SODN4015 | Capstone Research | 3 |
| SODN4014 | 3D Design | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN4021 | Capstone Studio | 5 |
| IDSN4022 | Advanced Detailing | 3 |
| SODN4024 | 4D Design | 1 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Descriptions
SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Foundation Studio explores design problems and solutions through the understanding of the design process. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, making, and technical, spatial and conceptual composition. Develop effective design solutions through the exploration of fundamental design principles and processes.
SODN1012 | Design Representation | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Representation is an introduction to methods of visual graphics and the basic tools and skills needed to develop professional presentations. Develop an understanding of analog and digital tools, composition, visual narrative, and verbal and visual communication.
IDSN1013 | Design Materials | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Materials examines materials for durability, use, life-cycle cost, sustainability, safety, and performance criteria. Design and understand material technology, application and specifications appropriate to use.
SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | Seminar (1 Credit)
Industry and Profession explores the history, structure, and organization of design practices. Discover and develop communication and collaborative skills along with an appreciation and understanding of the unique roles of design disciplines.
SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Drafting Studio introduces the tools, techniques, and principles of architectural drawing through hand and computer-aided methods. Emphasis is placed on architectural representation, technical agility, design standards, and spatial relationships. Communicate design intent through a small-scale design project.
IDSN1022 | Design Programming | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Programming explores critical thinking, creative problem solving, data gathering and research in the development of a design brief. Create visual responses to abstract concepts and diagrams to explore environment, culture, and interactions in interior architecture.
SODN1023 | Design Principles | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Principles introduces the fundamental processes and concepts of design thinking and making used in the development of design projects. Explore 2D and 3D space through experimentation, handson projects, and iterative making to achieve design outcomes.
IDSN2011 | Housing Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Housing Studio advances design skills while exploring evidence-based design through a multi-unit and mixed-use project. Emphasis is placed on programming, space planning, housing typologies, and human-centered design. Explore conceptual design thinking to solve interior and architectural design problems through documentation and visual representation.
SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | Lecture (3 Credits)
BIM Modeling introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts, practices, and drafting techniques. Explore virtual architectural environments that aid in the creation of construction documents and design presentations.
SODN2013 | Detailing | Lecture (3 Credits)
Detailing examines an introduction to construction practices, specifications, fabrication, and appropriate use of materials through sketching, hand-drafting, and computer-aided modeling. Explore the relationship between design intent, craft, and the execution of built work.
IDSN2021 | Workplace Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Workplace Studio develops skills while cultivating understanding for a workplace project driven by community connection. Emphasis is placed on addressing client needs, workflows, brand expression, universal design, wayfinding, and schematic development. Explore space analysis and planning to solve interior and architectural design problems.
SODN2022 | Lighting Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Lighting Design explores the properties, aesthetic qualities, and technical considerations of artificial and natural light. Examine function, interaction, and lighting controls to enhance interior and exterior environments.
SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Portfolio Design explores personal brand, visual identity, and professional portfolio through selfreflection, research, ideation, and assessment. Curate and compose current design work, focusing on selection, organization, and presentation for professional career goals.
IDSN3011 | Healthcare Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Healthcare Studio develops best practices around health, safety, wellbeing, and comfort through the design of a healthcare project. Emphasis is placed on performance requirements, and solutions that are inclusive and accessible. Gain effective collaborative skills through research and the exploration of sustainable techniques and environmental factors of the site.
SODN3012 | Sustainable Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Sustainable Design explores environmental factors and sustainable design strategies through the use of performance assessment tools and metrics. Learning focuses on material, product, and life-cycle with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact and maintaining healthy environments.
IDSN3014 | Building Systems | Lecture (3 Credits)
Building Systems examines the integration of internal systems and controls, and their standards for documentation. Learning focuses on the systems that support and affect interior space and occupants' health, safety, and welfare.
SODN3015 | Design Communication | Seminar (1 Credit)
Design Communication explores the skills and techniques of professional presentation and communication. Develop verbal and visual presentations that effectively describe design intent.
IDSN3021 | Hospitality Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Hospitality Studio explores adaptive reuse through a cohesive design solution in the development of a hospitality project. Emphasis is placed on brand expression and a highly conceptual, comprehensive, client-driven solution. Work collaboratively to articulate designs that integrate global and local perspectives, culture, environments, and materials.
SODN3022 | Furniture Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Furniture Design explores aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional issues related to the creation of custom furniture. Learning focuses on responsive design solutions through research, prototyping, and use of materials to develop a personal design approach to designing and making furniture.
SODN3023 | Universal Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Universal Design explores the legal and ethical responsibility that designers have in the creation of furnishings, objects, spaces, and environments. Learning focuses on ergonomics, anthropometrics, social factors, standards, and regulations and how they impact life safety.
SODN3024 | 2D Design | Seminar (1 Credit)
2D Design explores geometry, form, and patterning through research and hands-on exploration. Discover and develop visual and verbal communication skills for describing 2D forms.
IDSN4011 | Education Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Education Studio considers the environment we learn in by envisioning and designing an educational project supported by research, context and understanding user needs. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, diverse learning styles and the impact of environmental factors on learning outcomes. Explore the use of scale, materials, and the integration of technology appropriate to institutional buildings.
SODN4013 | Designing Careers | Lecture (3 Credits)
Designing Careers prepares students to navigate the professional working environment upon graduation. Learning focuses on enhancing job readiness, career options, refining portfolio, professional communication, personal brand, and networking opportunities.
SODN4015 | Capstone Research | Lecture (3 Credits)
Capstone Research focuses on the tools, methods, and skills needed to develop and frame the Capstone Studio project. Learning focuses on data collection, interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of a comprehensive design brief used to guide the Capstone Studio project through research.
SODN4014 | 3D Design | Seminar (1 Credit)
3D Design explores form through material exploration and experimentation. Develop design solutions using analog and digital tools, composition, prototyping, and visual communication.
IDSN4021 | Capstone Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Capstone Studio explores a self-directed, comprehensive design project supported by design research and cultural and social contexts. Emphasis is placed on individual design philosophy, process, learning, working, and thinking associated with academic work and practice. Demonstrate design skills that synthesize a comprehensive and professional understanding to solve design problems through exploration and iteration.
IDSN4022 | Advanced Detailing | Lecture (3 Credits)
Advanced Detailing enhances knowledge of interior architectural detailing, specifications, custom assembly, and installation through construction practices. Learning focuses on the documentation necessary to effectively implement and communicate design intent for construction.
SODN4024 | 4D Design | Seminar (1 Credit)
4D Design explores the language of design, user experience, and interaction with motion, sounds, and interfaces. Develop design solutions that are influenced by 2D and 3D principles.
ARTS1250 | Design History | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design has shaped human civilization for centuries, influencing everything from the tools we use to the ways we communicate and experience the world. This course surveys key design movements, cultural trends, and influential figures in graphic and object design, art, and architecture from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. You’ll use language of design to place its historical context and to explore its ongoing influence in shaping the modern world.
General Education: Humanities
ARTS2200 | Global Design History | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design reflects the evolving intersection of global history and diverse cultures, particularly in spatial design fields such as architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. This course examines how these disciplines are reflective of past cultures and responsive to the present through social, political, and environmental influences using examples from across the globe. You'll decode the historical trajectories and illuminate the meanings in cultural influences that have shaped and are expressed in the world’s built environments; influence design practice, theories, technologies; and create cultural meaning.
General Education: Humanities