Courses

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Watkins College of Art and Design

Watkins College of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A.) in Interior Design which is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), formerly known as FIDER, the prestigious national accrediting body for interior design programs. An Associate of Fine Arts Degree (A.F.A.) in Interior Design is also offered. Both the A.F.A. and B.F.A. in Interior Design are accredited by NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

In order to prepare for interior design practice, studies must be pursued which enable the student to choose from a wide range of career opportunities and challenges. The profession of interior design requires a knowledge of human factors, building codes, and a keenly developed sense of aesthetics as well as the communication skills necessary to convey design intent. These skills are directed and applied to the issues that affect the function and quality of interior spaces.

 
 
 Why Study Interior Design at Watkins?
The only BFA (or AFA) in Interior Design offered by a College of Art and Design in Nashville. Accreditation by CIDA (formerly FIDER) and NASAD assures that essential areas of knowledge are targeted for emphasis.

Watkins’ BFA curriculum in Interior Design is unique in its emphasis on the three-dimensional aspect of design. Not only are students required to design lighting, furniture, and structure in two-dimensions, but they are also often required to construct models or working prototypes thus exposing the student to the particular problem-solving aspects of three-dimensional design.

The Interior Design Faculty, including the adjunct faculty, are practicing professionals who teach in their own area of specialty and bring knowledge of current work practice to the classroom.

Because of the comprehensive curriculum within the Interior Design degrees, graduates have competed successfully with graduates from top programs around the country.

To request more information about our Interior Design program fill out our request form.
 
 
The Program

Courses offered within the interior design major encourage the student to develop imaginative, responsible solutions to problems created by social needs and economic constraints, as well as the material and physical limitations of the built environment. The integration of fine art classes elevates the student’s ability to develop innovative solutions and further balances the increasing demands of technology.

 
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Students form a sound approach to the design process through a progression of interior design studios beginning in the first semester of study and continuing throughout their education. Problems of varying complexity are presented to the student with projects ranging from the adaptive reuse of existing buildings to designing spaces for children and the elderly. Design studios challenge the student to create innovative solutions within environments of increasing size and scope. The interior design studios comprehensively explore the design of interior spaces through class projects, field trips and critiques, often involving visiting designers. Supporting classes complement studio projects while involving students in the study of practical and theoretical issues, materials and techniques.

The B.F.A. in Interior Design culminates with the successful completion of an individually selected Thesis Project which is intended to be a clear demonstration of expertise in a chosen area of interest. Through the completion of the project, the student is able to show the depth of his or her skill and design capability.

A solid grounding in the fine arts, elevated practice of design communication skills and a thorough knowledge of pertinent technology enables interior design students at Watkins College of Art&Design to develop their own creative vision while gaining the practical skills and judgment of a competent designer.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Curriculum  Total credit hours: 126 
  Fine Arts Foundation 18
ART 111 Drawing I  3
ART 112 Drawing II  3
ART 115  Color Fundamentals  3
ART 230 3-Dimensional Design 3
  Studio Electives  6

Interior Design Major 78
IND 101 Design Fundamentals  3
IND 102 Space Planning and Human Factors  3
IND 111 Architectural Drawing 3
IND 113 Building Construction and Detailing  3
IND 203 Interior Materials and Specifications  3
IND 204 Codes and Regulations for Interior Design  3
IND 205 Textiles and Furnishings  3
IND 206 Historical Interiors I  3
IND 207 Historical Interiors II  3
IND 210  Residential Design  3
IND 303  Presentation Techniques  3
IND 304  Lighting I  3
IND 305  History and Theory of 20th Century Architecture and Design  3
IND 307  Seminar in Design Theory  3
IND 310 Commercial Design  3
IND 311  CAD I 3
IND 312  CAD II  3
IND 313 Computer Modeling & Visualization  3
IND 320 Advanced Commercial Design  3
IND 402  Professional Practices  3
IND 403  Advanced Materials and Detailing  3
IND 404  Lighting II  3
IND 405  Internship 3
IND 406  Portfolio Design  3
IND 410  Thesis Research  3
IND 420 Thesis Project  3

General Education  30
ART 102  Art History Survey II  3
ENG 101  English Composition I 3
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
HIS 101 History of World Civilization I  3
HIS 102 History of World Civilization II 3
SCI 101 History of Scientific Thought  3
  General Education Electives  12

Associate of Fine Arts in Interior Design *
Curriculum  Total credit hours: 84 

Fine Arts Foundation 9
ART 111 Drawing I 3
ART 115 Color Fundamentals  3
  Studio Elective  3

* No more acceptance into AFA Program after Fall 2007.

Interior Design Major 78
IND 101 Design Fundamentals  3
IND 102 Space Planning and Human Factors  3
IND 111 Architectural Drawing 3
IND 113 Building Construction and Detailing  3
IND 203 Building Construction and Detailing  3
IND 203 Interior Materials aand Specifications  3
IND 204 Codes & Regulations for Interior Design  3
IND 205 Textiles and Furnishings  3
IND 206 Historical Interiors I  3
IND 207 Historical Interiors II 3
IND 210 Residential Design  3
IND 303  Presentation Techniques  3
IND 304 Lighting I  3
IND 307 Seminar in Design Theory  3
IND 310 Commercial Design  3
IND 311 CAD I 3
IND 313 Computer Modeling and Visualization  3
IND 402  Professional Practices  3
IND 405  Internship 3

General Education  21
ART 102  Art History Survey II  3
ENG 101  English Composition I 3
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
HIS 101 History of World Civilization I  3
HIS 102 History of World Civilization II 3
SCI 101 History of Scientific Thought 3
  General Education Elective 3