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 | ||
| ARTS1000 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 18 | |
| Technical Requirements | ||
| IDSN1101 | Studio Design | 5 |
| IDSN1102 | Composition Lab 1 | 3 |
| IDSN1103 | Color Lab | 3 |
| IDSN1201 | Studio Mixed Use | 5 |
| IDSN1202 | Composition Lab 2 | 3 |
| IDSN1203 | Materials Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2101 | Studio Commercial | 5 |
| IDSN2102 | Design Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2103 | Universal Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2201 | Studio Housing | 5 |
| IDSN2202 | Lighting Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2203 | Evidence Lab | 3 |
| IDSN3101 | Studio Healthcare | 5 |
| IDSN3102 | Interior Design History | 3 |
| IDSN3103 | Detailing Lab | 3 |
| IDSN3201 | Studio Hospitality | 5 |
| IDSN3202 | Composition Lab 3 | 3 |
| IDSN3203 | Global Lab | 3 |
| IDSN4101 | Studio Research | 5 |
| IDSN4102 | Furniture Lab | 3 |
| IDSN4201 | Studio Capstone | 5 |
| IDSN4202 | Industry Lab | 3 |
| Technical Electives | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which General Education courses and electives you take and when you take them.
The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN1101 | Studio Design | 5 |
| IDSN1102 | Composition Lab 1 | 3 |
| IDSN1103 | Color Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| ARTS1000 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN1201 | Studio Mixed Use | 5 |
| IDSN1202 | Composition Lab 2 | 3 |
| IDSN1203 | Materials Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN2101 | Studio Commercial | 5 |
| IDSN2102 | Design Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2103 | Universal Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN2201 | Studio Housing | 5 |
| IDSN2202 | Lighting Lab | 3 |
| IDSN2203 | Evidence Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| Natural Science/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN3101 | Studio Healthcare | 5 |
| IDSN3102 | Interior Design History | 3 |
| IDSN3103 | Detailing Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN3201 | Studio Hospitality | 5 |
| IDSN3202 | Composition Lab 3 | 3 |
| IDSN3203 | Global Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IDSN4101 | Studio Research | 5 |
| IDSN4102 | Furniture Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| General Elective | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| IDSN4201 | Studio Capstone | 5 |
| IDSN4202 | Industry Lab | 3 |
| IDSN Elective | 1 | |
| General Elective | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Descriptions
IDSN1101 | Studio Design | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Introduction to the tools, techniques, and principles of architectural drafting through hand and computer-aided methods. Communicate design intent with emphasis on interior working drawings through a small commercial studio.
IDSN1102 | Composition Lab 1 | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Introduction to the tools for design and graphic communication. Create diagrams that support quick 2D and 3D ideation using various methods and techniques.
IDSN1103 | Color Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Create color compositions that explore ideas of hue, value, saturation, and color harmony, using traditional media. Explore and research the psychology and symbolism of color, cultural relationships to color, and effects of lighting.
IDSN1201 | Studio Mixed Use | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Practice the design process and how to communicate design intent through a small mixed-use studio project. Emphasis is placed on programming, space planning, presentation methods, and project communication techniques.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN1101
IDSN1202 | Composition Lab 2 | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Introduction to digital tools for application in design and graphic layout. Continue to explore ideas of presentation and visual communication.
IDSN1203 | Materials Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Analyze materials and textiles for durability, ease of use, life-cycle cost, sustainability, safety, and other performance criteria. Specify appropriate finishes and textiles for a variety of uses.
IDSN1501 | Design Explorations | Seminar (1 Credit)
Develop expressive designs, using observation and imagination, to explore environment, culture, and meaning.
IDSN1502 | 3D Concepts | Seminar (1 Credit)
Introduction to critical thinking methods as they relate to creative problem solving, using basic elements and principles of design. Explore the design process to create visual responses to abstract concepts.
IDSN1503 | Land By Design | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore ideas related to design and the landscape. Discover how designers interact with and impact our natural environment.
IDSN1504 | Learning Beyond | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore various learning opportunities beyond the classroom; includes an introduction to educational possibilities for life beyond the college experience.
IDSN1505 | Surface Design | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore pattern design, color manipulation, and embellishment to create dynamic surfaces using a variety of techniques.
IDSN1506 | Community Connect | Seminar (1 Credit)
Develop professional growth skills by connecting to the greater design community.
IDSN2101 | Studio Commercial | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Develop design skills while cultivating empathy through a commercial studio project for an underserved community. Collaborate in concept, programming, space planning, and schematic design. Emphasis is placed on addressing client, universal design, and wayfinding.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN1201
IDSN2102 | Design Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts, practices, and drafting techniques. Create a virtual architectural model that will aid in the creation of construction documents and design presentation.
IDSN2103 | Universal Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Examine the history and application of federal, state, and municipal codes, standards, and accessibility guidelines with an emphasis on life safety and universal design.
IDSN2201 | Studio Housing | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Develop design skills while exploring evidence-based design through a multi-housing studio project. Emphasis is placed on code application, prototypes, and detailing.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN2102
IDSN2202 | Lighting Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Use design factors and strategies to create quality interior illumination. Emphasis is placed on function, specification, and environmental application.
IDSN2203 | Evidence Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Gather appropriate research and analyze data to address a design problem. Demonstrate best practices for information communication.
IDSN3101 | Studio Healthcare | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Develop best practices around health, safety, wellbeing, and comfort through a healthcare studio project. Collaborate in the execution of the design process. Emphasis is placed on performance requirements and fostering community.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN2102
IDSN3102 | Interior Design History | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Explore the global history of architecture, interiors, and decorative arts focusing on social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors.
IDSN3103 | Detailing Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Explore, in-depth, the art of interior detailing, specification, fabrication, and installation.
IDSN3201 | Studio Hospitality | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Strengthen conceptual skills while considering historical precedent through a hospitality studio project, Collaborate in the execution of the design process. Emphasis is placed on advanced digital tools, volumetric expression, custom detailing, and guest experience.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN2102
IDSN3202 | Composition Lab 3 | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Create a media package exploring personal branding for professional growth. Focus on visual communication and design impact.
IDSN3203 | Global Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Explore ideas of interior design in a global context. Gain knowledge of globalization, inclusivity, and cultural awareness through research and experimentation.
IDSN3501 | Custom Detailing | Seminar (1 Credit)
Complete an installation from concept through documentation to fabrication.
IDSN3502 | Dissecting Space | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore space and theory around a specific typology.
IDSN3503 | History in Depth | Seminar (1 Credit)
Examine a particular aspect of history (period, region, or designer) and apply to design practice.
IDSN3504 | Biomimicry | Seminar (1 Credit)
Solve design problems based on nature's wisdom and biological blueprints.
IDSN3505 | Design & Health | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore the relationship between the natural and built environments through the context of sustainable design.
IDSN3506 | Design Psychology | Seminar (1 Credit)
Examine mind and behavior through a design lens.
IDSN4101 | Studio Research | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Conduct an in-depth analysis, and synthesize information through a studio research project. Develop a comprehensive design brief used to guide further design solutions. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based design.
IDSN4102 | Furniture Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Explore aesthetic and functional issues related to the creation of custom, freestanding furniture.
IDSN4201 | Studio Capstone | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Synthesize findings, through the continuation of studio research, to develop a comprehensive design project. Emphasis is placed on execution of design brief into a design solution.
Prerequisite(s): IDSN4101
IDSN4202 | Industry Lab | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Examine, in-depth, project management and business practices using industry standards.
ARTS1000 | Introduction to Drawing | Lecture (3 Credits)
Analyze basic drawing concepts and techniques through demonstrations, discussions, critiques, slide lectures, and the use of a sketchbook. Work from observation using line, tone and other elements of art to solve spatial, compositional and light problems to accurately render the illusion of 3-dimensional form on a 2-dimensional surface.
General Education: Humanities