The Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture (MFA) offered by the New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University is a 60-credit, studio-based degree designed specifically for students with baccalaureate degrees in interior design, architecture, or other closely related fields. We prepare students to practice globally, to teach at the university level, and to achieve in-depth inquiry and advanced study in the field of Interior Architecture.
The coursework will provide professional proficiency, knowledge and research in the student’s selected area of inquiry including:
Degree requirements for the MFA in Interior Architecture should be completed within two to four years, and no longer than five years, after the start of graduate work. The program is divided into two phases: Phase I (24 credits) and Phase II (36 credits). Candidacy Review occurs after Phase I and before students may continue on to Phase II. There are two separate tracks of completion: Track A, a two-year track consisting of 6 semesters including two summer semesters; and Track B, a four-year track consisting of ten semesters including two summer semesters.
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and must successfully complete the required 60 credit course of study outlined in the MFA curriculum chart that culminates in the successful completion and defense of the final thesis project. At least 48 of the 60 required credits must be earned in 800-level or above numbered courses, and all must be in 700-level or above courses. MFA candidates are also required to exhibit their thesis project at a community-based venue to be determined and organized by the candidates.
ADF S151 OR ADF S551
3.00
This studio course is dedicated to the study of form in the three dimensions: length, breadth, and depth. Students will explore form at a conceptual level that will translate in future studios as it is applied to the built environment. They will look at the role of scale, light, texture, negative space, and proportion, as well as thematic and structural relationships in the creation of forms.
Occasional
ADI S201 OR S601, ADI S202 OR S602, ADI S303 OR S603 AND ADI 254 or ADI 654, Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772;
3.00
Advanced Lighting Design Studio applies technical and creative theories about lighting design. The class will look at natural and artificial systems of light and the ways in which they impact the experience of inner space. Specifically, color, lamp source, measurement methods, and control will be addressed. Lighting will be explored as an extension of aesthetic intent. Open to graduate students only.
Occasional
ADI S202 or ADI S602 and ADI 242 or ADI 642 and ADI S303 or ADI S603 and ADI S304 or ADI S604 and ADI S305 or ADI S605 and ADI 352 or ADI 652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only
3.00
The physiology and psychology of the client/user is one of the main factors influencing the design of the environment. This studio will present design problems that explore issues of ergonomics and proxemics as they apply to interior design. Universal design, design that creates accessibility, will be the context for the studio design problem(s). Discussions will cover the following: interaction of environment and the users culture, genre, stage of life cycle, and physical capabilities. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
ADI 242/642, ADI 244/644, ADI S303/S603, ADI S305/S605, and ADI 352/652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only.
3.00
This studio provides students with a more sophisticated understanding of structural and constructional issues and their impact on the design and planning of interior environments. The studio studies the influence of choices of materials on methods of construction and detailing, requiring students to identify and resolve construction-related issues by putting together a set of detailed construction drawings. Students sketch and analyze the works of prominent designers, and conduct precedent and market research to locate and specify materials, products, and technical information. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
A cross disciplinary course bringing together interior design students and graphic design students at the graduate level to collaborate on problem solving in the visual and built environments. In the studio, students will be exposed to design issues and problems, both experiential and graphic. Students will be working in teams bringing new insight to solutions for a variety of client/project types. Field trips to fabricators, professional firms and EGD sites will be included. This is a survey class designed to introduce students to ways of producing three dimensional graphic design projects within the built environment.
Offered Fall Term
TAKE ADI-S602, ADI-642, ADI-S603, ADI-S604, ADI-S605 ADI-652 AND ADI-S772;
3.00
The design community, along with society as a whole, has become aware that a new, more bio-friendly approach to design must be taken if we are to stop polluting our earth, wasting energy and resources, and jeopardizing our own health and that of other species. Design firms are therefore being looked to for expertise in these areas, and educated designers must be conversant with both the design strategies and building technologies associated with environmentally responsible structures and spaces. This studio course is designed to acquaint students with the implementation strategies for such design, through a series of lectures, case studies, and projects.
Occasional
ADI 621 OR ADI 221 AND ADI 222 OR ADI 622
3.00
Much like the history of art, the history of interior design encompasses numerous styles, movements, and individual artistic contributions. It also reflects the influence of international, political, and social developments. A basic understanding of this history is important for the professional designer who often looks to the past for inspiration. This class will involve a study of historical interiors, styles and theory from several different viewpoints, examining their inherent qualities and contributions in order to better understand what constitutes a sense of place in the interior. Beginning with the Shaker movement and proceeding through the 20th century, the class will look at specific buildings, styles, movements, products, and materials that came to influence the interior space. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
3.00
This course covers advanced theory and study of contemporary issues and criticism as related to interior architecture. Several day long field trips will be required.
3.00
In this course, the student will develop the knowledge and skills to plan their theses in terms of research questions and design, methodology, data collection and qualitative analysis. In doing so, students will focus on the issues, problems, and strategies related to qualitative research while studying and analyzing the importance of quantitative research and mixed research methods.
3.00
This course teaches students how to develop a professional portfolio. Students will investigate overall development of portfolio content, substance, and design through a variety of hands-on exercises including digital and mock-up layout techniques; methods of documenting and archiving work; presentation formats; design influence investigation, and more.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
ADF S143 or ADF S543
3.00
In this course the student will explore three-dimensional aspects of color theory, including psychology, depth perception, and spatial context. Design elements of light, space, unity, and balance will be covered through lectures, in-class demonstrations, and class exercises. Criteria for color use, including contrast and harmony, will be explored for each application, with emphasis on each students area of specialization. Open to graduate students only.
Occasional
ADI 221/621, ADI 222/622, ADI S303/S603, and ADI S305/S605. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only.
3.00
Interior design does not exist in a vacuum, but is embodied in the historical agenda of its time. In History & Style Studio, we will explore the catalysts of style and design throughout particular periods of modern design history and will analyze those movements influences through readings, discussions, slide lectures, films, and design projects. Projects dealing with residential, hospitality, and retail environments as well as the purely conceptual, will deal with stylistic and influential issues and solutions and will draw on precedents of style for inspiration. Open to graduate students only.
Summer
ADI S372/S772. Open to graduate students only.
3.00
This course will develop a students ability to visualize their designs through a digital medium. Software such as AutoCAD, 3D Studio Viz R3, and PhotoShop will be the vehicles used to produce a series of images and animation sequences to illustrate students designs. This class is lab intensive.
Occasional
ADI 242/642, ADI 244/644, ADI S303/S603, ADI S305/S605, and ADI 352/652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only.
3.00
This studio provides students with a more sophisticated understanding of structural and constructional issues and their impact on the design and planning of interior environments. The studio studies the influence of choices of materials on methods of construction and detailing, requiring students to identify and resolve construction-related issues by putting together a set of detailed construction drawings. Students sketch and analyze the works of prominent designers, and conduct precedent and market research to locate and specify materials, products, and technical information. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
A cross disciplinary course bringing together interior design students and graphic design students at the graduate level to collaborate on problem solving in the visual and built environments. In the studio, students will be exposed to design issues and problems, both experiential and graphic. Students will be working in teams bringing new insight to solutions for a variety of client/project types. Field trips to fabricators, professional firms and EGD sites will be included. This is a survey class designed to introduce students to ways of producing three dimensional graphic design projects within the built environment.
Offered Fall Term
Approval of Program Director and NESADSU Chairman
1.00- 6.00
Directed study/studio allows students to pursue an in-depth research project in an area of particular interest, directed by a qualified graduate faculty member. Open to graduate students only. Normally offered each semester.
Graduate students maintaining a full-time course load may enroll for a maximum of 12 credits. Courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
ADF S151 OR ADF S551
3.00
This studio course is dedicated to the study of form in the three dimensions: length, breadth, and depth. Students will explore form at a conceptual level that will translate in future studios as it is applied to the built environment. They will look at the role of scale, light, texture, negative space, and proportion, as well as thematic and structural relationships in the creation of forms.
Occasional
ADI S202 or ADI S602 and ADI 242 or ADI 642 and ADI S303 or ADI S603 and ADI S304 or ADI S604 and ADI S305 or ADI S605 and ADI 352 or ADI 652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only
3.00
The physiology and psychology of the client/user is one of the main factors influencing the design of the environment. This studio will present design problems that explore issues of ergonomics and proxemics as they apply to interior design. Universal design, design that creates accessibility, will be the context for the studio design problem(s). Discussions will cover the following: interaction of environment and the users culture, genre, stage of life cycle, and physical capabilities. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
3.00
This course covers advanced theory and study of contemporary issues and criticism as related to interior architecture. Several day long field trips will be required.
3.00
In this course, students will learn contemporary language, theories, and techniques in the design of buildings as related to interior architecture, building components, and structural systems.
ADI S201 OR S601, ADI S202 OR S602, ADI S303 OR S603 AND ADI 254 or ADI 654, Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772;
3.00
Advanced Lighting Design Studio applies technical and creative theories about lighting design. The class will look at natural and artificial systems of light and the ways in which they impact the experience of inner space. Specifically, color, lamp source, measurement methods, and control will be addressed. Lighting will be explored as an extension of aesthetic intent. Open to graduate students only.
Occasional
ADI 621 OR ADI 221 AND ADI 222 OR ADI 622
3.00
Much like the history of art, the history of interior design encompasses numerous styles, movements, and individual artistic contributions. It also reflects the influence of international, political, and social developments. A basic understanding of this history is important for the professional designer who often looks to the past for inspiration. This class will involve a study of historical interiors, styles and theory from several different viewpoints, examining their inherent qualities and contributions in order to better understand what constitutes a sense of place in the interior. Beginning with the Shaker movement and proceeding through the 20th century, the class will look at specific buildings, styles, movements, products, and materials that came to influence the interior space. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
TAKE ADI-S602, ADI-642, ADI-S603, ADI-S604, ADI-S605 ADI-652 AND ADI-S772;
3.00
The design community, along with society as a whole, has become aware that a new, more bio-friendly approach to design must be taken if we are to stop polluting our earth, wasting energy and resources, and jeopardizing our own health and that of other species. Design firms are therefore being looked to for expertise in these areas, and educated designers must be conversant with both the design strategies and building technologies associated with environmentally responsible structures and spaces. This studio course is designed to acquaint students with the implementation strategies for such design, through a series of lectures, case studies, and projects.
Occasional
3.00
In this course, the student will develop the knowledge and skills to plan their theses in terms of research questions and design, methodology, data collection and qualitative analysis. In doing so, students will focus on the issues, problems, and strategies related to qualitative research while studying and analyzing the importance of quantitative research and mixed research methods.
ADI 242/642, ADI 244/644, ADI S303/S603, ADI S305/S605, and ADI 352/652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only.
3.00
This studio provides students with a more sophisticated understanding of structural and constructional issues and their impact on the design and planning of interior environments. The studio studies the influence of choices of materials on methods of construction and detailing, requiring students to identify and resolve construction-related issues by putting together a set of detailed construction drawings. Students sketch and analyze the works of prominent designers, and conduct precedent and market research to locate and specify materials, products, and technical information. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
A cross disciplinary course bringing together interior design students and graphic design students at the graduate level to collaborate on problem solving in the visual and built environments. In the studio, students will be exposed to design issues and problems, both experiential and graphic. Students will be working in teams bringing new insight to solutions for a variety of client/project types. Field trips to fabricators, professional firms and EGD sites will be included. This is a survey class designed to introduce students to ways of producing three dimensional graphic design projects within the built environment.
Offered Fall Term
ADF S151 OR ADF S551
3.00
This studio course is dedicated to the study of form in the three dimensions: length, breadth, and depth. Students will explore form at a conceptual level that will translate in future studios as it is applied to the built environment. They will look at the role of scale, light, texture, negative space, and proportion, as well as thematic and structural relationships in the creation of forms.
Occasional
3.00
This course covers advanced theory and study of contemporary issues and criticism as related to interior architecture. Several day long field trips will be required.
ADI S201 OR S601, ADI S202 OR S602, ADI S303 OR S603 AND ADI 254 or ADI 654, Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772;
3.00
Advanced Lighting Design Studio applies technical and creative theories about lighting design. The class will look at natural and artificial systems of light and the ways in which they impact the experience of inner space. Specifically, color, lamp source, measurement methods, and control will be addressed. Lighting will be explored as an extension of aesthetic intent. Open to graduate students only.
Occasional
ADI 621 OR ADI 221 AND ADI 222 OR ADI 622
3.00
Much like the history of art, the history of interior design encompasses numerous styles, movements, and individual artistic contributions. It also reflects the influence of international, political, and social developments. A basic understanding of this history is important for the professional designer who often looks to the past for inspiration. This class will involve a study of historical interiors, styles and theory from several different viewpoints, examining their inherent qualities and contributions in order to better understand what constitutes a sense of place in the interior. Beginning with the Shaker movement and proceeding through the 20th century, the class will look at specific buildings, styles, movements, products, and materials that came to influence the interior space. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
ADI S202 or ADI S602 and ADI 242 or ADI 642 and ADI S303 or ADI S603 and ADI S304 or ADI S604 and ADI S305 or ADI S605 and ADI 352 or ADI 652. Take ADI-S372 OR ADI-S772; Open to graduate students only
3.00
The physiology and psychology of the client/user is one of the main factors influencing the design of the environment. This studio will present design problems that explore issues of ergonomics and proxemics as they apply to interior design. Universal design, design that creates accessibility, will be the context for the studio design problem(s). Discussions will cover the following: interaction of environment and the users culture, genre, stage of life cycle, and physical capabilities. Open to graduate students only.
Offered Fall Term
3.00
In this course, students will learn contemporary language, theories, and techniques in the design of buildings as related to interior architecture, building components, and structural systems.
3.00
This course addresses the study of how people interpret, evaluate, and act in the built environment, including social, economic, and cultural factors.
Or
3.00
The Professional Practicum is a supervised practical work experience with observation, participation, and assistance coordinated with a design professional (e.g., interior architect, interior designer, architect, developer, etc.). Formal arrangements must be made with and approved by the Program Director.
3.00
The Professional Practicum is a supervised practical work experience with observation, participation, and assistance coordinated with a design professional (e.g., interior architect, interior designer, architect, developer, etc.). Formal arrangements must be made with and approved by the Program Director.
3.00
The Professional Practicum is a supervised practical work experience with observation, participation, and assistance coordinated with a design professional (e.g., interior architect, interior designer, architect, developer, etc.). Formal arrangements must be made with and approved by the Program Director.
3.00
The Educational Practicum is a preparatory experience with observation, participation, and assistance in undergraduate design courses at The New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University. This course explores materials and techniques suitable for undergraduate levels, examines developmental performance levels, and analyzes evaluation methods appropriate for art and design.
Open Elective
3.00
In this course, the student will develop the knowledge and skills to plan their theses in terms of research questions and design, methodology, data collection and qualitative analysis. In doing so, students will focus on the issues, problems, and strategies related to qualitative research while studying and analyzing the importance of quantitative research and mixed research methods.
Art/Design Elective
ADIA-938;
3.00
This course covers directed thesis research focusing on the continued construction and development of the MFA thesis.
Art/Design Elective
Take ADIA-938 and ADIA-940;
6.00
Thesis Design is a detailed, selected, visual and written investigation of theoretical, aesthetic, and social areas of concern to the interior architect as related to the development and completion of the thesis project. Continued scholarly research, writing, and design are expected in this studio-intense course for the goal of producing the design solution and corresponding or supplementary document that will support the area of research inquiry for the thesis design project.
3.00
Directed Studio allows students to pursue an in-depth research project in an area of particular interest directed by a full time faculty member.
ADIA-S942;
3.00
This course is a directed thesis study in which students document and organize the thesis research and solution into an appropriate format to their area of inquiry. An important part of this documentation is the community-based exhibit of work.
Transfer credit students seeking to transfer credit toward the MFA degree may transfer a maximum of 12 graduate credits in the field of specialization from an accredited institution. Determination of acceptable transfer credit is the responsibility of the Graduate Review Committee. Courses offered for transfer must have earned a minimum grade of “B”, must not have been part of another earned degree, and must be declared at the time of application.
The thesis committee is comprised of a graduate faculty advisor, one or two graduate faculty readers, and two or three professional thesis advisors (design or industry professional involved with the area of inquiry selected by the student for the thesis project). Each student who has passed the Candidacy Review will be required to form a thesis committee that they will work with throughout the thesis process.
As part of Candidacy Review, and under the direction of their academic advisors, students must declare their particular area(s) of inquiry. This declaration prepares students for the sequence of courses that comprise the MFA Thesis. This sequence begins at the start of Phase II, with ADIA 938 Research Inquiry (summer semester). Here, students survey a broad selection of current design research methods (i.e., quantitative or qualitative methodologies including data research, statistics, case studies, evidence-based design, historic, etc.) used in the field. In this course, requirements will include the development of a literature review (an annotated bibliography) for their area of inquiry to be applied in ADIA 940 Thesis Research (fall semester) for continued in-depth study and declaration of the thesis project. In ADIA 940 Thesis Research, students will read current scholarly and professional research as it pertains to the thesis project; they will collect information, conduct studies (i.e., interviews, case studies, site visits, comparative analysis, drawing, three dimensional modeling, etc.) and evaluate their research, asking creative questions from a sound theoretical and practical perspective. They will select their site and building plans, prepare models (when applicable), and gather other pertinent research information required (i.e., zoning, building codes, etc.).
All information gathered in ADIA 940 will be organized and chronicled in the initial draft of the thesis document (electronic and manual binder) in preparation for further completion in ADIA S942 Thesis Design Studio (spring semester). Here students begin to develop and create their thesis project through both the written word and the visual statement. An important part of this course is achieved through critiques and students’ discussions with their Thesis Committee members, allowing for evaluative discourse and response. ADIA S942 Thesis Design Studio culminates with a critique of the thesis attended by the Thesis Committee and the other students in the course. The thesis is further advanced, refined, and finalized in ADIA S900 Directed Studio (summer semester). The final thesis defense attended by the Thesis Committee takes place in ADIA S900 Directed Studio. ADIA S900 is taken concurrently with ADIA S944 Thesis Documentation; here all final documentation of thesis level work, written and graphic is completed. At the successful completion of ADIA S900 and ADIA S944, students are required to exhibit their thesis project at a community-based venue to be determined and organized by the exhibiting MFA candidates.
3.00
This course covers advanced theory and study of contemporary issues and criticism as related to interior architecture. Several day long field trips will be required.
3.00
In this course, students will learn contemporary language, theories, and techniques in the design of buildings as related to interior architecture, building components, and structural systems.
3.00
Directed Study allows students to pursue an in-depth research project in an area of particular interest directed by a full time faculty member.
3.00
In this course, the student will develop the knowledge and skills to plan their theses in terms of research questions and design, methodology, data collection and qualitative analysis. In doing so, students will focus on the issues, problems, and strategies related to qualitative research while studying and analyzing the importance of quantitative research and mixed research methods.
