Design Studies
Learn design and computing, explore design ideas, and develop a toolbox of skills.
Students in the design services program receive a flexible interdisciplinary education in architecture AND interior design. You’ll learn a baseline set of design and computing skills and explore ideas which give you the ability to read plans, make drawings, understand finishes, and evaluate space. While you’re here, you’ll benefit from learning within a department at the forefront of sustainability, design thinking, and advanced computing.
Graduates are prepared to be a contributing member of a team involved with varying aspects of residential design or construction projects.
My dream career would help with reconstruction after disasters, and this program is helping me work toward that goal.
Curriculum
Application
Phase I
Building awareness
Students begin by learning abstraction, composition, and vocabulary. This approach exposes students to the basics of design thinking, history, and theory.
Following the 1st year, students must submit a portfolio of their work to continue into the professional phase of the program.
Students are becoming aware of:
- Ideation
- Inspiration
- Technical drawing
- Craftsmanship
- Story telling
Exploration
Phase II
Understanding realities
Students begin applying their developed skills and knowledge to real world conditions. Along with team members, they learn the working processes of defining scope, evidence-based design, and schematic design. This approach exposes students to the basics of professional practice, providing them with the time and knowledge to learn what they’re interested in and experiment before choosing a focus.
Students are exploring:
- Collaborating with team members
- Problem seeking
- Working with project constraints
- Prototyping
- Implementation
Focus
Phase III
Aligning your interests
Students choose the industry they’re interested in and work with an advisor to select the courses they’ll take. They may learn about construction management and engineering, or sustainability. Others may learn more about materials and finishes. This approach exposes students to general knowledge and practices on more pieces of the residential design process.
Students choose to focus on:
- Project delivery
- Construction management
- Sustainability
- Residential design
- Real estate
- Design business
- Historic preservation
- Civic engagement
Careers
Graduate with confidence
Businesses and institutions actively recruit our students because they have more advanced experience and knowledge with digital media and sustainable design practices. They’re ready right from the start to make a more substantial impact on their professional and academic teams. That makes you more marketable.