Major: Interior Architecture

What colleges offer a Major in Interior Architecture?

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The field of interior architecture shares a lot with interior design and decorating. Students of both fields learn to design comfortable, safe, and useful indoor spaces, from downtown penthouses to high school classrooms.

But the interior architecture major typically focuses on architecture and construction. You’ll learn about much more than artistic concerns, such as choosing which style of furnishings works well in an open, loftlike apartment. You’ll also learn about technical issues, such as seismic retrofitting (making old buildings safe from earthquakes).

Students of interior architecture learn how to design attractive and functional indoor spaces. Classes cover such topics as architecture and interior design, heating and cooling systems, and safety standards.

Did You Know?

The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has a glass dome that allows patrons to view artwork under natural light without letting the light directly hit the paintings, which could harm them.

Are You Ready To...?

  • Learn about preserving and restoring old buildings
  • Learn about building code and safety
  • Build physical and virtual (computer-based) models
  • Draw plans of your own designs
  • Study architectural and design styles and history

It Helps To Be...

As an interior architecture student, you may take a course or even a series of courses in professional practices or professional development. You’ll learn how to develop your portfolio and resume and how to market your business and skills. You’ll also learn the basics of preparing estimates, drawing up contracts, planning schedules, and managing projects. 

A professional practices class is often a prerequisite for an internship in the field.

College Checklist

  • Is the department accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation?
  • What is the background and philosophy of the faculty members? Are faculty members practicing interior architects? What kinds of spaces have they designed?
  • Does the department focus more on architecture and construction or visual effects and personal expression?
  • Do the students do good work? Ask to see examples.
  • What is the structure of the design studios? How often do they meet and how many students are in each class?
  • Will you be able to access your studio space at all times of day or night?
  • What role do computers play in the design process?

Did You Know?

Some of the furniture in the U.S. Environmental Defense office in Washington, D.C., was specially made from the hulls of sunflower seeds.

Course Spotlight

As an interior architecture student, you may take a course or even a series of courses in professional practices or professional development. You’ll learn how to develop your portfolio and resume and how to market your business and skills. You’ll also learn the basics of preparing estimates, drawing up contracts, planning schedules, and managing projects. 

A professional practices class is often a prerequisite for an internship in the field.

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