About Interior Design

The Division of Interior Design recognizes the definition of a professional designer as the cornerstone of its philosophical underpinnings:

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals.

Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks:

• Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs
• Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior
• Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines
• Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept, and to meet socio­psychological , functional, maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements; 
• Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture
• Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules;
• Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts
• Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space
• Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants
• Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials
• Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent
• Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports

Learn more from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

The Mission of the Division of Interior Design is to provide professional undergraduate and graduate education in interior design within a collaborative, multidisciplinary learning environment. The disciplinary perspectives shares a common pedagogy within the College of Architecture divisions, engaging high tech knowledge with high touch skills in preparing new graduates to solve problems related to global challenges facing the profession of interior design in practice.

See a colloborative project from the division of Archictecture and Interior Design and the Urban Design Studio in Tulsa, OK.

Although artistic talent and creativity are important qualities to being a successful interior designer, you will also be expected to learn many specific skills and acquire considerable technical knowledge. A formal education at a college or university that provides a CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited interior design education is the best path toward learning.

Qualities we are looking for:

• Creative and Analytical Problem-Solving
• Communication- Visual, Oral, and Written
• Time Management