Interior Design

Program Overview

The A.A.S. in Interior Design program at Gallatin College Montana State University equips students with the skills and knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Through a comprehensive curriculum covering design principles, space planning, and materials, students develop proficiency in manual and computer drafting, sketching, and other design tools. The program emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices, preparing graduates for careers in residential, commercial, and other areas of interior design.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The A.A.S.
in Interior Design program at Gallatin College Montana State University prepares students to apply design principles and visual elements in various areas of the interior design field, from residential to commercial design projects. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of interior design principles, space planning, construction, and materials.
Students develop proficiency in using manual and computer drafting, sketching, and other design tools. The program emphasizes the importance of sustainability, environmental impact, and ethical practices in the field of interior design.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Interior Design Principles
• Space Planning
• Construction and Materials
• Manual and Computer Drafting
• Sketching
• Lighting Design
• Color Theory
• Sustainability in Interior Design
• Structure: The program consists of 68 credit hours, including core courses, elective courses, and a required internship.
Core courses provide a solid foundation in interior design principles, theory, and practice. Elective courses allow students to explore specific areas of interest, such as residential design, kitchen and bath design, or commercial interior design. The internship experience provides students with hands-on experience in the field and helps them develop professional connections.
• Course Schedule: The program is designed to be completed in four semesters.
The typical course schedule includes:
• Year One: Introduction to Design, History of Design I and II, Interior Design Graphics, Design Fundamentals I, Fundamentals of Space Planning, Building Construction I, and College Writing I.
• Year Two: Textiles and Interior Finishes, Revit I, Studio I Residential, Kitchen and Bath I, Business Mathematics, Light/Color/Lighting Systems, Interior Architecture CAD, and Professional Communication.
• Year Three: Studio II Commercial, Environmental Design Studio, Professional Practices, Advisor Approved Elective.
• Year Four: Internship.
• Individual Modules: Each module in the program is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous modules.
Some of the key modules include:
• Interior Design Principles: This module introduces the basic principles of interior design, including line, shape, color, texture, and space.
Students learn how to apply these principles to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
• Space Planning: This module focuses on the principles of space planning and how to create effective layouts for different types of spaces.
Students learn to consider factors such as traffic flow, furniture arrangement, and lighting when designing interior spaces.
• Construction and Materials: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of construction materials and techniques used in interior design.
Students learn about the properties and uses of different materials, such as wood, metal, glass, and textiles.
• Manual and Computer Drafting: This module introduces students to the principles of manual and computer drafting.
Students learn how to create technical drawings and plans for interior design projects.
• Sketching: This module teaches students how to use sketching as a tool for design development and communication.
Students learn different sketching techniques and how to use them to express their design ideas.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams: Exams are used to assess students' understanding of the course material.
Exams may be in-class or take-home exams.
• Quizzes: Quizzes are shorter, less formal assessments that are used to check students' understanding of specific concepts.
• Projects: Projects are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world design problems.
Projects may include design proposals, presentations, and portfolios.
• Participation: Students are also assessed on their participation in class discussions, group projects, and other activities.
• Criteria: The criteria used to evaluate students' work may include:
• Accuracy: The accuracy of the student's work in terms of technical information, measurements, and adherence to design principles.
• Creativity: The originality and innovation of the student's design solutions.
• Presentation: The clarity and effectiveness of the student's presentation of their work.
• Professionalism: The student's ability to demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote learning.
These methods include:
• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and provide students with a comprehensive overview of the course material.
• Discussions: Discussions are used to encourage students to share their ideas and perspectives on different topics.
• Studio Work: Studio work provides students with hands-on experience in design and allows them to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Critiques: Critiques provide students with feedback on their work and help them to improve their design skills.
• Faculty: The program's faculty are experienced professionals in the field of interior design.
They have a wide range of expertise in different areas of design, including residential design, commercial design, and sustainable design. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.
• Unique Approaches: The program offers a unique internship experience that provides students with hands-on experience in the field and helps them develop professional connections.
The program also emphasizes sustainability and environmental impact in interior design, which is a growing trend in the industry.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in interior design, including:
• Residential Design
• Kitchen & Bath Design
• Commercial Design
• Wholesale Interior Design
• Retail Interior Design
• Opportunities: Graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including design firms, architecture firms, furniture showrooms, and retail stores.
They can also choose to work as independent contractors or start their own businesses.
• Outcomes: The program has a high job placement rate, with over 96% of graduates employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation.
Many graduates go on to successful careers in the field of interior design.