The Interior Design program emphasizes the design of functional, aesthetic, and technically proficient environments that meet the needs of people in spaces that are both safe and universally accessible. As an interior design professional, you will work collaboratively with architects and engineers in design teams lending your particular expertise to the design and construction process. Given these close professional ties, you should not be surprised to find yourself in studios and classes with architecture students.
As a prospective interior design student, you should not confuse this program with interior decoration, although elements of decoration are inherent in any interior design program. To ensure a more positive understanding of the program, please note that similar programs at other schools are identified as programs in interior architecture.
Onondaga’s Interior Design faculty is composed of practicing architects, designers, and engineers with up-to-date design and construction experience in a variety of residential and commercial projects including historic preservation, additions and renovations, and contemporary new construction.
Admission requirements are flexible. Evidence of studio courses in art or three-dimensional design is desirable but not mandatory. A personal interview is recommended. You may begin in either the fall or spring semester.
The work of the interior designer has taken on new significance as many states, including New York, have established interior design as a licensed profession. The Interior Design curriculum at Onondaga is one of the registered A.A.S. programs recognized by the NYS Education Department as creditable towards the education/experience requirement necessary for certification to use the title “certified interior designer.” The Interior Design Curriculum closely matches the NYS Education Department List of content areas required for associate degrees as follows:
- Drafting and presentation techniques.
- Fundamentals of space planning and design.
- Materials and methods of construction.
- Furniture, finishes, and equipment.
- History of architecture and the decorative arts.
- Codes – construction, fire, safety and accessibility.
Students in the program will be required to create, transmit and present assignments using computers and other digital technology. After the completion of the first semester required classes (IND 101 , IND 110 , and IND 170 ), students will be required to provide their own laptop computer and software for all classes in the program. The laptop computer must be capable of running the required software as designated for each course.
Courses in color theory, computer drafting, environmental controls, and professional practice are also available. Individual courses are available to practicing professionals who wish to update skills and to satisfy continuing education requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C or better in core IND courses in order to graduate.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply historical precedents, the design process, and design principles in order to solve abstract and real interior design problems.
- Demonstrate the ability to graphically and orally communicate design ideas and concepts.
- Create competent construction documents for residential building project utilizing digital drafting techniques.
- Understand materials and methods of construction for commercial and residential interiors.
- Select interior finishes, furnishings, and equipment options for commercial and residential interior design projects.
- Apply building codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability concepts related to commercial and residential interior design projects.
