Interior Design
Interior Design combines the aesthetics of art and design with practical application. A degree in Interior Design allows you to enter a field with many job opportunities, work with a variety of interesting clients, be employed by a large commercial or small entrepreneurial firm, or go into business for yourself.
OUR MISSION
Our program promotes a curriculum intended to educate the student who is intent on a professional career as a registered interior designer with strong links to the professional communities that are impacting the twenty first century. Students who earn a BFA degree in Interior Design at Watkins College will possess professional presentation techniques and technical skills, will be capable of creating innovative designs, analyze and problem solve and understand the application of appropriate material use and code requirements.
OUR PROGRAM
Watkins’ Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA - formally known as FIDER). This is one of the most important deciding factors when choosing an interior design program. To receive CIDA accreditation means that the standards and educations given are of the highest quality.
Courses offered within the interior design major encourage the student to develop imaginative, responsible solutions to problems created by social needs and economic constraints, as well as the material and physical limitations of the built environment. The integration of fine art classes elevates the student’s ability to develop resourceful responses and further balances the increasing demands of technology.
Students form a sound approach to the design process through a progression of interior design studios beginning in the first semester of study and continuing throughout their education. Problems of varying complexity are presented to the student with projects ranging from the adaptive reuse of existing buildings to designing spaces for children and the elderly. Design studios challenge the student to create innovative solutions within environments of increasing size and scope. The interior design studios comprehensively explore the design of interior spaces through class projects, field trips and critiques, often involving visiting designers. Supporting classes complement studio projects while involving students in the study of practical and theoretical issues, materials and techniques.
The BFA in Interior Design culminates with the successful completion of an individually selected Thesis Project which is intended to be a clear demonstration of expertise in a chosen area of interest. Through the completion of the project, the student is able to show the depth of his or her skill and design capability.
