Interior Architecture

Alison B. Snyder, Program Director
541-346-3656
210 Lawrence Hall
1206 University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon 97403-1206

Situated within the Department of Architecture, the Interior Architecture Program provides a comprehensive interior-design curriculum. By integrating subject-area course work with studio design exploration, the Interior Architecture Program prepares students to act as independent problem solvers and valuable design-team members.

Shared course work with architecture in the early stages of the undergraduate or graduate curricula provides an interdisciplinary context for study and learning, leading to advanced courses and studies that explore theory, technology, and practice.

Central to the program is the studio, where students gain experience with the design of interior spaces and elements, and focus on the issues and conditions related to adapting existing sites and buildings. Topical intermediate studios concentrate on specific design issues, human factors, and building types. Specialized intermediate studios focus on the programming, design, and fabrication of furniture, and on construction documents that illustrate a small design project. A final intermediate comprehensive project caps the design studio experience.

Preparation

High school and college students interested in interior architecture should prepare themselves by taking courses in the following subjects:

1. Fine arts 
2. Social sciences
3. Sciences 
4. Humanities 

Students are encouraged to travel in order to broaden their experiences related to environmental design.

Summer Architecture Academy

The Department of Architecture’s Summer Architecture Academy offers prospective undergraduate and graduate students a chance to experience architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture study in an intensive four-week residential program on the UO campus in Eugene. Workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and field trips complement daily studio work. Information about the Summer Architecture Academy may be obtained on the Department of Architecture website.

Design Camp

The School of Architecture and Allied Arts offers a summer career exploration program for college-bound students at the school’s facilities in the White Stag Block in downtown Portland. Students explore architecture, product design, and the digital arts in the city and in the studio. Information about Design Camp may be obtained on the website or by calling the School of Architecture and Allied Arts in Portland.

Careers

Most students prepare for entering professional practice with architecture and interior design firms. Other opportunities exist in related areas such as lighting design, furniture design, facilities and space planning, sales or product marketing, branding and environmental design, exhibition design, and other activities related to the designed environment.

Accreditation

Undergraduate and graduate professional-degree curricula in interior architecture are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). At the University of Oregon, the bachelor of interior architecture and the master of interior architecture degree programs are accredited by CIDA. The postprofessional master of science in interior architecture (MS) program is not accredited. Admission to the MS program is restricted to applicants who already hold a CIDA-accredited degree or the international equivalent. The Interior Architecture Program is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Internship, Certification, and Licensure

State laws governing interior design registration and licensure vary widely. In those states that have adopted legislation, a professional degree from a CIDA-accredited program is the preferred prerequisite. Candidates must pass an examination established by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) to become licensed as interior designers in those states with licensing or certification. Rules vary from state to state but typically two years of professional experience are required prior to taking the exam. Students should visit the websites of the CIDA, NASAD, or NCIDQ for further information about accreditation and licensure.

The Interior Architecture Curriculum

The professional curriculum in interior architecture has two principal objectives:

1. Broad inquiry into the integrative nature of environmental design
2. A comprehensive professional education that develops the ability to design interior environments ranging from intimate personal spaces to large-scale facilities in a variety of site contexts

Curriculum requirements are published in the UO Catalog and in the department’s Advising Handbook, which includes sample course sequences, grading policies, an explanation of how student progress is monitored through the program, and other advising information. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor and encouraged to consult that advisor for specific information. In addition, a departmental advisor is available for degree checks and other academic advising.

Professional Curriculum

The professional curriculum for the bachelor of interior architecture program and the master of interior architecture program include required architectural design studios, architectural subject area courses, and professional electives.

Architectural and Interior Design Studios

The architectural and interior design studios are social and interactive environments where students work cooperatively with their peers under the guidance of faculty members with frequent input from practicing interior designers, architects, and related-field experts as well as representatives of communities served by the studio’s design explorations. Students learn to respond to complex environmental and cultural contexts through design studio projects that explore interior space within a variety of site contexts. Introductory studios emphasize creativity, design communication skills, and critical thinking fundamental to the design process; intermediate studios emphasize integration of interior architecture subjects with critical design issues; advanced studios emphasize the comprehensive integration of these elements. Student performance in all design studios is graded on a pass/no pass basis and evaluated through written evaluations and exit interviews with faculty members.

Interior Architecture Subjects

Subject area course work develops theory, knowledge, and skills in interior architecture and related design disciplines, with an emphasis on learning interior architecture content in the context of design. This course work develops design skills and examines the influences of place, human activity, spatial order, structure, construction, environmental control, professional practice, and history on the practice of interior design.

Residence Requirements

For transfer students to earn the bachelor of interior architecture (BIArch) or professional master of interior architecture (MIArch) degree, the following minimum course work must be successfully completed in residence:

IARC 488/588	Interior Design Comprehensive Project I	8
IARC 489/589	Interior Design Comprehensive Project II	8
Interior architecture design courses		12
Interior architecture courses		30
Upper-division, writing-intensive general electives 1		12
Total Credits		70

1	Courses that delve into the literature of academic subjects outside the subject areas of architecture (ARCH) and interior architecture (IARC).

Leave of Absence

See policy statement in the Architecture section of this catalog.

Computer Literacy Requirement

Introductory architecture courses presume a knowledge of computer operations, general-use software, and Internet communications. Students lacking preparation may draw on resources at A&AA Technology Services, the University Teaching and Learning Center, the Library and Learning Commons, or Information Technology services. By the end of their first year in the bachelor’s or master’s program, students are expected to have achieved basic literacy in computer graphics as an integrated tool for architectural design—diagramming, two-dimensional drawing, image processing, three-dimensional modeling, accurate sun casting, parametric modeling, and presentation methods. Students must have an awareness of building information modeling, digital fabrication, building performance analysis software, and geographic information systems.

Students are required to have a high-speed laptop computer and a specified complement of software. Each year the department reviews its software and hardware recommendations. Minimum hardware specifications and software requirements are posted on the department website.

Off-Campus Study

Students may participate in off-campus and international study programs hosted by the Department of Architecture, the Historic Preservation Program, the Department of Landscape Architecture, and the Office of International Affairs. See the Architecture section of this catalog for more information.

Faculty

Kyuho Ahn, assistant professor. See Architecture.

Virginia Cartwright, associate professor. See Architecture.

Erin Cunningham, assistant professor. See Architecture.

Esther Hagenlocher, associate professor. See Architecture.

Alison B. Snyder, associate professor. See Architecture.

Linda K. Zimmer, associate professor. See Architecture.

The undergraduate programs in interior architecture consist of the bachelor of interior architecture (BIArch) degree and a minor in interior architecture. The curriculum of the five-year professional BIArch degree program is highly structured the first two years and more flexible the last three. This flexibility allows each student to establish a study sequence according to individual interests and needs. Transfer students should be aware that an accelerated program is normally possible only for students who transfer from an accredited interior architecture or interior design program.

Prospective applicants who have a four-year undergraduate degree in any field must apply to the graduate program (see Graduate Admission).

Major Requirements: 225 credits

The bachelor’s degree program includes requirements for a liberal education. This includes the following university general-education group requirements for professional school majors, totaling a minimum of 44 credits:

Select one of the following:		8
WR 121   & WR 122	College Composition I    and College Composition II
WR 121   & WR 123	College Composition I    and College Composition III
Select three Arts and Letters courses (ARH 314 or ARH 315)		12
Select three Social Science courses		12
Select 3 Science courses (PHYS 201 and PHYS 202)		12
Select 2 Multicultural requirements from different categories, if not met in other courses		8
Total Credits		44

Electives 1		25
Upper-division writing-intensive electives 2		12

1	Electives enable students to study general subjects beyond university group requirements and continue liberal studies beyond introductory courses.
2	These courses delve into the literature of academic subjects outside the subject areas of architecture and interior architecture (courses with subject codes or ARCH or IARC). The upper-division electives may not be courses in performance, service, weekend seminar, human development, or leisure studies.

Professional BIArch Requirements: 156 credits

Introductory Design Studios
ARCH 283–284	Architectural Design I-II	12
ARCH 383	Architectural Design III	6
Intermediate Design Studios
IARC 484	Interior Design 1,2	6
IARC 486	Furniture Design	6
IARC 487	Working Drawings	6
Advanced Design Studios
IARC 488–489	Interior Design Comprehensive Project I-II	16
Interior Architecture Design Skills
IARC 204	Understanding Contemporary Interiors	4
ARCH 202	Design Skills	3
ARCH 222	Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics	4
ARCH 423	Media for Design Development: [Topic]	3
Architectural Design Theory and Practice
ARCH 440	Human Context of Design	4
ARCH 450	Spatial Composition	4
ARCH 470	Building Construction	4
ARCH 492	Environmental Control Systems II	4
ARCH 417	Context of the Architectural Profession	4
IARC 445	Comprehensive Project Preparation	3
IARC 447	Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment	3
IARC 471	Interior Construction Elements	3
IARC 472	Interior Finishes and Design Application	3
IARC 473	Working Drawings in Interior Architecture	4
IARC 444	Furniture: Theory and Analysis	3
IARC 492	Electric Lighting	3
History of Art, Architecture, and Interior Design
IARC 474	History of Interior Architecture I	3
IARC 475	History of Interior Architecture II	3
IARC 476	History of Interior Architecture III	3
Approved 400/500- or 600-level courses in architectural history		8
Interior Architecture Electives
400/500- or 600-level ARCH or IARC courses		6
Approved 400/500- or 600-level courses in allied fields		7
Total Credits		156

1	Repeatable studio.
2	Site Planning and Design (LA 489)/Site Planning and Design (LA 589) or Architectural Design (ARCH 484)/Architectural Design (ARCH 584) may be substituted.

BIArch Sample Plan of Study

First Year
Fall		Credits
IARC 204	Understanding Contemporary Interiors	4
Architectural history elective		4
WR 121	College Composition I	4
Social science course		4
Winter
ARCH 283	Architectural Design I	6
ARCH 202	Design Skills	3
WR 122 or 123	College Composition II	4
Science course		4
Spring
ARCH 284	Architectural Design II	6
ARCH 222	Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics	4
Architectural history elective		4
Second Year
Fall
ARCH 383	Architectural Design III	6
ARCH 450	Spatial Composition	4
ARCH 470	Building Construction	4
Winter
IARC 484	Interior Design	6
ARCH 440	Human Context of Design	4
IARC 471	Interior Construction Elements	3
Arts and letters course		4
Spring
IARC 472	Interior Finishes and Design Application	3
IARC 447	Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment	3
ARCH 492	Environmental Control Systems II	4
Social science course		4
Summer
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad
Third Year
Fall
IARC 484	Interior Design	6
IARC 444	Furniture: Theory and Analysis	3
IARC 474	History of Interior Architecture I	3
Science course		4
Winter
ARCH 423	Media for Design Development: [Topic]	3
IARC 475	History of Interior Architecture II	3
Subject area elective 1		4
Science course		4
Spring
IARC 484	Interior Design	6
IARC 476	History of Interior Architecture III	3
Social science course		4
Upper-division general-education elective		4
Summer
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad
Fourth Year
Fall
IARC 484	Interior Design	6
IARC 492	Electric Lighting	3
Upper-division general-education elective		4
Winter
IARC 486	Furniture Design	6
ARCH 417	Context of the Architectural Profession	4
Subject area elective		3
Multicultural requirement
Spring
IARC 487	Working Drawings	6
IARC 473	Working Drawings in Interior Architecture	4
Subject area elective		4
Upper-division general-education elective		3
Summer
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad
Fifth Year
Fall
IARC 445	Comprehensive Project Preparation	3
Subject area elective		3
Arts and letters course		4
Upper-division general-education elective		3
Winter
IARC 488	Interior Design Comprehensive Project I	8
Arts and letters course		4
Multicultural requirement		4
Spring
IARC 489	Interior Design Comprehensive Project II	8
Upper-division general-education elective		4
	Total Credits:	223

1	General-education and subject area electives can be taken any term and in any order.

Minor Requirements: 29 credits

Course Requirements
ARCH 201	Introduction to Architecture	4
IARC 484	Interior Design 1	6
Electives 2		16-22
IARC 407	Seminar: [Topic]
IARC 444	Furniture: Theory and Analysis
IARC 447	Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
IARC 471	Interior Construction Elements 1
IARC 472	Interior Finishes and Design Application 1
IARC 473	Working Drawings in Interior Architecture 1
IARC 474	History of Interior Architecture I
IARC 475	History of Interior Architecture II
IARC 476	History of Interior Architecture III
IARC 492	Electric Lighting 1
ARCH 440	Human Context of Design
Total Credits		29

1	Course may not be taken by students outside of the Department of Architecture, with the exception of landscape architecture students.
2	For students majoring in the Department of Architecture, 16 elective credits are required; for all others, 22 are required.

Undergraduates who are enrolled in any major can apply to the minor. Completed applications including supporting academic records and a curriculum worksheet are submitted to the Department of Architecture office. Applicants are notified when their applications have been approved. Because the department’s first obligation is to its majors, it cannot guarantee availability of courses for minors. Minors may register if space is available after the needs of majors have been met. Enrollment in the minor program is limited. If the department is unable to accommodate additional minor students, it may suspend admittance to the minor program until space becomes available.

Undergraduate Admission

Interest in the program exceeds the capacity of the department. Prospective students should review application requirements posted online during the fall, well before application deadlines (see Application Deadlines in the Admissions section of this catalog). January 15 is the deadline for completion of both the department and university applications. Applications are reviewed and accepted only once each year. Admission notices are mailed by April 1.

Admission to the BIArch major is through a selective review that focuses on three attributes: creative potential, academic capability, and potential for contribution to the program through diversity of background, experience, maturity, or demonstrated motivation. Students are expected to submit specific materials supporting each of these attributes (academic records, essays, recommendations, and a portfolio of creative work). Applicants need not have prior course work in interior design, but they are encouraged to seek a broad foundation in the visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, mixed media). Experience with crafts and construction may also demonstrate evidence of creative potential.

Accepted applicants must be academically secure. To be considered, first-year applicants must submit SAT scores and should have grades and scores that meet the following criteria:

1. High school grade point average (GPA)—3.25
2. Verbal–Critical Reading SAT I—550
3. Mathematics SAT I—550
4. Writing SAT I—550
5. Total of all SAT I sections—1650

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required for students whose first language is not English. For the TOEFL's paper-based test, a minimum total score of 575 must be achieved; for the Internet-based test, a minimum total score of 88 must be achieved. For the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7.0 must be achieved.

Transfer applicants (those with at least 30 college credits) must have a minimum college or university GPA of 3.00 and meet the foreign language criteria listed above for first-year applicants.

Prospective applicants to the BIArch degree program or the minor in interior architecture may find information about the program and application requirements on the Department of Architecture website.

There are two graduate degree programs in interior architecture: the professional master of interior architecture (MIArch) degree and the postprofessional master of science in interior architecture (MS) degree. Graduate certificate programs in the school include ecological design , museum studies , Oregon leadership in sustainability , and technical teaching in architecture .

Students interested in pursuing a concurrent master's degree in architecture and interior architecture may find information about the combined program requirements and application procedures on the Department of Architecture website and the department advising handbook.

Professional Master of Interior Architecture Degree Requirements

The professional, CIDA-accredited master of interior architecture (MIArch) degree program prepares students for careers in interior design practice and careers in allied professions that contribute to shaping the built environment.

The Department of Architecture offers two tracks of study. Track I typically takes ten terms to complete. Track II is a six-term advanced placement program.

Track I

Students enrolled in the MIArch Track I program must complete the following:

Interior Architecture Design Studios
ARCH 680	Introductory Graduate Design	6
ARCH 681	Introductory Graduate Design	6
IARC 584	Interior Design	6
IARC 586	Furniture Design	6
IARC 587	Working Drawings	6
IARC 588–589	Interior Design Comprehensive Project I-II	16
Media and Process Skills
ARCH 611	Graduate Design Process	3
ARCH 610	Experimental Course: [Topic]	4
Intermediate Media
ARCH 523	Media for Design Development: [Topic]	3
Design Arts
IARC 545	Comprehensive Project Preparation	3
IARC 547	Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment	3
ARCH 540	Human Context of Design	4
ARCH 550	Spatial Composition	4
Furniture
IARC 544	Furniture: Theory and Analysis	3
Design Technology
ARCH 570	Building Construction	4
IARC 571	Interior Construction Elements	3
ARCH 592	Environmental Control Systems II	4
IARC 572	Interior Finishes and Design Application	3
IARC 592	Electric Lighting	3
IARC 573	Working Drawings in Interior Architecture	4
Professional Practice
ARCH 517	Context of the Architectural Profession	4
Architectural History (5 courses minimum)
ARCH 610	Experimental Course: [Topic]	4
IARC 574	History of Interior Architecture I	3
IARC 575	History of Interior Architecture II	3
IARC 576	History of Interior Architecture III	3
Subject Area Electives		12
Seminar		6
Total Credits		147

Of the required 147 credits, 15 must be applied to advanced study in a focus area. This work may include an independent research project.

Track I students typically complete all or most of the MIArch degree requirements at the University of Oregon, and begin the program the summer before their first full academic year of study. Students with bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS) other than a preprofessional degree in interior design, interior architecture, or architecture must apply to the Track I program. 

MIArch Track I Sample Plan of Study

Summer		Credits
ARCH 611	Graduate Design Process	3
ARCH 610	Experimental Course: [Topic]	3
ARCH 680	Introductory Graduate Design	6
First Year
Fall
ARCH 610	Experimental Course: [Topic] 1	2
ARCH 681	Introductory Graduate Design	6
ARCH 570	Building Construction	4
ARCH 550	Spatial Composition	4
Winter
Subject Area Elective 2		3
IARC 571	Interior Construction Elements	3
IARC 584	Interior Design	6
ARCH 540	Human Context of Design	4
Spring
IARC 547	Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment	3
ARCH 592	Environmental Control Systems II	4
IARC 572	Interior Finishes and Design Application	3
IARC 584	Interior Design	6
Summer
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad
Second Year
Fall
IARC 584	Interior Design	6
IARC 574	History of Interior Architecture I	3
Subject area elective 2		3
IARC 544	Furniture: Theory and Analysis	3
Winter
Subject area elective 2		3
IARC 586	Furniture Design	6
IARC 592	Electric Lighting	3
ARCH 517	Context of the Architectural Profession	4
Spring
IARC 576	History of Interior Architecture III	3
IARC 573	Working Drawings in Interior Architecture	4
IARC 587	Working Drawings	6
ARCH 523	Media for Design Development: [Topic]	3
Summer
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad
Third Year
Fall
Architectural history elective		3
IARC 545	Comprehensive Project Preparation	3
IARC 584	Interior Design	6
Winter
IARC 588	Interior Design Comprehensive Project I	8
IARC 575	History of Interior Architecture II	3
Seminar 2		3
Spring
IARC 589	Interior Design Comprehensive Project II	8
Seminar 2		3
Subject area elective 2		3
	Total Credits:	147

1	Experimental Course: [Topic] (ARCH 610) may be waived for students with appropriate background in design computing.
2	Subject area electives and seminars can be taken any term and in any order. One 3-credit (minimum) subject area elective must be an approved design arts course (not technology or media).

Track II

Interior architecture design studios		40
Professional subject-area courses		47
Total Credits		87

Applicants who have a four-year preprofessional degree in an environmental design discipline (interior architecture, interior design, or architecture) and an equivalent amount of professional studio and course work may be considered for Track II. Students admitted into Track II begin their studies fall term. Track II students must fulfill the same professional curriculum requirements as those in the Track I program, but are admitted with advanced standing in studio and subject-area courses. Transfer credit may be given to students who have had academic experience in an interior architecture or design program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, or an architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The extent of this advanced standing is determined in consultation with the department academic advisor before beginning the program, and the student's advanced standing is reevaluated at intervals. This preliminary evaluation of transfer credit is provisional, pending satisfactory completion of three terms in residence.

Track II students may receive credit for up to four previously taken design studios and up to 50 credits of subject-area courses. Students usually complete a minimum of six terms and the approximately 87 credits in residence.

Of the credits satisfied in residence, 15 must be applied to advanced study in a focus area. This work may include an independent research project.

Postprofessional Master of Science Degree Requirements

The postprofessional program provides an opportunity for advanced study and contribution to knowledge in the field through the thesis. It leads to the master of science in interior architecture (MS) as a postprofessional degree and applicants must have, or expect to complete, a professional degree in interior architecture, interior design, or architecture to be eligible for the MS program. Students must complete a minimum of four terms in residence and are required to complete 9 credits in Thesis (IARC 503) or Terminal Project (IARC 611). The program does not have a graded-credit requirement, although students who enroll for graded credits must maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA

Students enrolled in the master of science degree program must take a minimum of 45 graduate credits, of which 30 must be in interior architecture and 9 must be at the 600 level.

Students are expected to develop an individual research topic in one or more of the following areas of faculty research:

• Adaptive reuse and interior environments: contexts, aesthetics, functions
• Craft and fabrication: green materials, finishes, furnishings, and products
• Behavioral factors: cultural, social, and economic sustainability
• Building occupant and community member perception, performance, and health
• Design modeling, processes, simulation, and communication
• Design history and theory
• Preservation and adaptive reuse: sustainability issues

The MS curriculum focuses on individual research that draws from professional and general university courses and consultation with the student’s advisor and thesis committee. For more information about the thesis, see the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Graduate Admission

Admission to the professional MIArch and postprofessional MS graduate degree programs is through a selective review that focuses on three attributes: creative capability, academic capability, and potential contribution to the program through diversity of background, experience, or demonstrated motivation. Applications include a résumé, a biographical statement, a statement of interest in the field of interior architecture, a portfolio of creative work, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions attended. Applicants must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) so that the scores, a required component of the application, can be reported by the application deadline. Applicants whose first language is not English must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 575 (paper-based) or 90 (Internet-based). Applications must be postmarked by the first Monday after January 1 for applicants to be considered for admission the subsequent fall term (or summer session for MIArch students). Notifications of results are mailed by April 1.

Prospective applicants to the MIArch and MS degree programs may find information about the application requirements at the Department of Architecture website.

Prospective applicants to graduate certificate programs should contact the office of the academic unit that administers the certificate program to get information about application requirements.

Graduate Teaching and Research Fellowships

A number of graduate teaching or research fellowships (GTFs) are available to well-qualified graduate students. MS or MIArch Track II applicants with previous education in interior architecture or an allied field are encouraged to apply for GTF positions. MIArch Track I students are generally selected in the second or third year of their degree program. Information about the GTF application process is available on the Department of Architecture and Graduate School websites.