Bachelor of Arts (BFA) Interior Design
Course Descriptions
Course listed below are foundational interior design course ordinarily taken by undergraduate interior design students. Courses with two course codes (e.g. ADI S202/S602) may be taken for graduate credit in order to fulfill preparatory course requirements for candidates in the Master of Arts in Interior Design program.
ADI 01 Introduction to Interior Design & Decoration
This elective course is designed to aid students in determining whether to pursue a career in interior design and decorating. Through both lectures and studio work, students will be shown basic drafting and graphic communication techniques used in the presentation of visual ideas, as well as various elements of interior composition, such as space planning, color, furniture, finish and materials selection. The final project will be suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.
Offered each semester; 2 credits
ADI S106 Interior Design Communications
This course teaches students how to communicate design ideas through visual media. It will include drawing media, freehand sketching, interior perspective, shade and shadow, color, design graphics, rendering, presentation formats, and exposure to digital imaging. Projects will be organized in increasing complexity and will introduce students to necessary communication skills.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADF S101, ADF S143 (concurrently), ADI S108
ADI S108 Perspective & Rendering
This course introduces students to the systems of perspective developed during the Renaissance as a means of creating the illusion of 3-dimensional space on a 2-dimensional surface. Using 1-, 2-, and 3-point perspective, students will learn to effectively render the illusion of space. Students will learn a variety of creative architectural drawing techniques using various media, and both free-hand sketching and technical rendering methods will be emphasized.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent drawing experience.
ADI S110 Orthogonal Drawing
To make ideas become reality, designers must create drawings that accurately communicate the finished project. This course will enable the student to produce 2-dimensional drawings that accurately depict the length, width, breadth, and height of the interior space, object, or project. Students will acquire the skills necessary for measured plans, elevations, and sections as well as isometric and axonometric drawing types. Both hand drafting and digital drawing techniques (CAD) will be included. Projects will be organized in increasing complexity as skills are mastered.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI S108
ADI S201 Interior Design Studio I
This studio introduces students to basic design principles, design theory and concept development. Emphasis will be placed on design process, problem solving, spatial organization, anthropometrics, universal design awareness, and presentation techniques. Students will be given a series of projects of increasing complexity, utilizing and building upon the skills developed in the Foundation courses. Students will be expected to produce process diagrams, plans, elevations, models, and finish boards.
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADF S102, ADF S152, ADI S106, ADI S110
ADI S202 Residential Design Studio
This course addresses residential interior environments on a large scale. Students will develop client contact and programming skills. Emphasis will be placed on residential precedents, design process, human factors, accessibility, building codes, diagramming, spatial organization, detailing, presentation techniques, furnishings, finishes, and lighting.
Spring semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI S201
ADI S207 Fundamentals of Kitchen & Bath Design
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of residential kitchen and bath design. Through a series of lectures, guest speakers, and projects, issues such as space planning, ergonomics, and storage solutions will be addressed. Students will become familiar with plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinet options, and applications of materials and finishes. Professional practices such as specifications and documentation will be reviewed.
Spring semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI S110
Studio elective.
ADI 213 Color for Interiors
This course will develop in the student a sophisticated sense of the theories of color: its properties, psychology, and impact within a designed interior. The elements of light, space, harmony, and assimilation as they pertain to the use of color in design will be covered though lectures, in-class demonstrations, and class exercises. An understanding of the use of color in interior spaces will translate to the students’ own color application projects.
Fall semester; 3 credits. Required of Certificate candidates only; elective for BFA candidates.
ADI 214 Textiles & Drapery
Textiles are probably the most utilized elements in interior design installations because of their variety of applications. Through lectures and demonstrations, students will examine the technical and visual qualities of fabric: its manufacture, weave, texture, color, and versatility, and will learn how textiles are used as wall coverings, window treatments, upholstery, and accessories.
Spring semester; 3 credits. Elective
ADI 221 History of Furniture & Architecture I
The goal of this course is the enhancement of the student’s critical comprehension of historic styles and the impact they have on contemporary design solutions. The survey begins with the Egyptian period and provides an overview of the history of furniture and architecture through the mid-1700’s, including ancient Greece and Rome, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods. Emphasis will be placed on chronological periods, the visual characteristics of each style including regional idiosyncrasies, and the terminology germane to a study of furniture and architecture.
Normally offered each semester; 4 credits.
ADI 222 History of Furniture & Architecture II
A continuation of History of Furniture & Architecture I, this course will extend the investigation of furniture and architecture into the 20th century, while addressing issues concerning preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive re-use. Drawing on the vast resources of the city of Boston and its environs, students will become actively involved in stylistic progression, local living history, and the benefits of preserving our past for future generations. Field trips will include visits to restored Federal, Victorian, and Contemporary venues.
Normally offered each semester; 4 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI 221
ADI 234 Introduction to Interior Design Theory
This course examines the theoretical foundations of interior design practice by introducing important individuals, movements, writing and works that have influenced the direection of the profession from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Combining lecture and seminar formats intermixing presentations, readings, discussion and field trips with exercises involving writing and drawing as methods of critical inquiry, we will explore the formal and philosophical ideas underlying the making of interiors and their relationship to broader social, political and economic issues: the roles of technology, the media, fashion, patronage, and individually and collectively held beliefs and values.
Fall semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Taken concurrently with ADI S201
ADI 242 Interior Codes & Construction
This course examines various interior construction assemblies on non-load-bearing walls, load-bearing walls, floors, stairs, elevators, fireplaces, ceilings, doors, interior windows, frames, millwork, and fire-related construction. Emphasis will be placed on building codes including state, BOCA, Underwriters Laboratory, ASTM, state and federal accessibility codes, and construction materials. Students will also be introduced to basic structural concepts and characteristics of structural materials.
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits.
ADI 244 Interior Materials & Finishes
Students will study the visual qualities, technical characteristics, and applications of the common materials and finished used in interior installations. These materials will include floor coverings, wall coverings, textiles, ceiling, and sustainable materials. Related fire, health, and safety codes, as well as maintenance and life cycle costs, will be discussed. Class material will be presented in the form of lectures, guest speakers, and a tour of the Boston Design Center. Students will learn to analyze, select, and specify materials and finishes for the appropriate applications, write specifications, and prepare a resource notebook.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
ADI 254 Lighting
This course introduces students to the art and technology of lighting and explores the use of lighting as a design element in the interior environment. Class material will be presented as a series of lectures, readings, and demonstrations. Students will learn to analyze interior lighting installations, calculate lighting levels for interiors, select appropriate light fixtures, and prepare a lighting plan base on one of their studio projects.
Normally offered spring and summer semesters; 3 credits.
ADI 306 Portfolio
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.
Spring semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Senior status
ADI S264 Advanced Interior Design Communications
This course helps students become proficient in computer-based advanced interior design communication techniques, as well as teaching them to integrate the numerous hand techniques with 2D and 3D design software. This course covers scanning, digital photography, digital imaging (Photoshop), CADD overlay, and initial webpage portfolio design, as well as various presentation techniques (PowerPoint,Web, digital slide shows). Additionally, this course will cover several schematic design level 3D CADD virtual reality rendering software packages (SketchUp, DesignWorkshop, ArchiCAD) to enhance the students’ skills in "free-hand" sketching, rendering, and perspective.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADI S106, ADI S110
ADI S303 Contract Design Studio I
This commercial design studio focuses on office and institutional design. Students will develop programming and space planning skills unique to these environments through a series of small- to medium-sized projects. Emphasis will be placed on commercial precedents, programming, design process, human factors, building codes, ADA, spatial organization, detailing, presentation techniques, office furniture systems, equipment, finishes, and lighting.
Normally offered spring and summer semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADI S201, ADI 242, ADI S264
ADI S304 Furniture & Detailing Studio
This course introduces students to the design process as it applies to furniture, addressing furniture ergonomics, materials, construction techniques, manufacturing, and design. Students will research selected topics, and design seating, work/service pieces, and cabinetry. Emphasis will be placed on furniture precedents, research, design process, human factors, accessibility, detailing, documentation, and presentation techniques.
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADI S201, ADI S264, ADI 221, ADI 222
ADI S305 Contract Design Studio II
This studio focuses on adaptive re-use and renovation of commercial interiors with attention given to historic buildings in the Boston area. Emphasis is on creative problem- solving methods and a philosophical approach to medium- and large-scale hospitality and retail design projects. Students will be required to incorporate the skills and knowledge gained throughout their studies to create a comprehensive project, including presentation drawings, models, materials and furniture boards, and a set of construction documents and specifications.
Normally offered fall and summer semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ADI S110, ADI S202, ADI 222, ADI S303
ADI 352 Environmental Systems
This course studies mechanical, electrical, and plumbing technology and systems commonly employed in residential and commercial interiors. It will introduce students to the vocabulary, concepts, and basic components of these fields of engineering. This will enable students to integrate these building systems in their design work and communicate ideas effectively with project engineers and contractors. The course will include commonly used heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing piping and fixtures, fire sprinklers, electrical supply and distribution, smoke detection and fire alarm systems. Related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes will also be discussed.
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI 242
ADI S372 Construction Documents
This course will explore in more detail the features of AutoCAD software and will focus on the drafting and organizational skills necessary to produce a set of contract drawings on the computer. More advanced two-dimensional and three-dimensional uses of AutoCAD will be applied in a hands-on environment. Students will choose a studio project and complete a set of contract documents for it.
Normally offered each semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI S110, ADI S201
ADI 384 Interior Marketing & Contracts
This course will cover the business aspects of interior design, including management, client, and contractor relationships, project management, proposal writing, and market resourcing. In addition, students will be exposed to career planning practices, such as portfolio development, resume preparation, and interviewing techniques. Tours of architectural and interior design firms will also be included.
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ADI S201
ADI 400 Interior Design Internship
With the assistance of the faculty advisor, each student will identify an appropriate internship site with a local design firm. All interns are required to complete 120 hours of work/study within the semester, working a minimum of 8 hours per week under the direction of a qualified Interior Deigner. Interns are expected to contribute to the host firm at a high level of design interaction. All interns will meet bi-weekly with the faculty advisor. The classroom seminars will reinforce new skills, share learning experiences, answer questions or concerns, and provide counseling. A firm site visit, production of firm profile, and participation in a professional organization meeting are required within the seminar.
Prerequisites: Senior status, ADI S202, ADI S303
Normally offered spring and summer semesters; 3 credits
ADI S401 Senior Studio
This studio continues the study of interior design by emphasizing individual competence with respect to the total design process. Students will select a thesis project and, with the approval and assistance of faculty, develop it though all the design phases: precedent study, programming, concept, preliminary design development, presentation drawings, models, materials boards, selected working drawings, and specifications.
Spring semester; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: All other required design studios (ADI S201, ADI S202, ADI S303, ADI S304, ADI S305) must be completed prior to registration for Independent Studio
ADI S500/500 Interior Design Directed Study
The student completes a directed study project, either studio (ADI S500) or non-studio (ADI 500), under the supervision of an interior design faculty member. Please see "Directed Study" in the Suffolk University Academic Catalogue. Independent study forms are available from the Office of the Academic Dean and Registrar. All independent study request forms must be accompanied by a written proposal and must be approved by the individual faculty member, the Interior Design Program Director, the NESADSU Chairman, and the Academic Dean.
Available every semester; credits vary.
ADI 550 Special Topics
A series of one-credit workshops dealing with specific topics of interest to the interior designer or decorator, such as feng shui, color, antiques, etc.
Normally offered each semester; 1 credit.
Elective