Interior Design
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
The Interior Design major prepares students to design innovative, functional, supportive and responsible interior environments that positively impact the quality of life. The curriculum develops students' skills and knowledge in color and design, drafting, space planning, building and interior systems, materials and finishes, historical interiors, building and barrier-free codes, and Auto-CAD. The needs of special populations and the mandates that regulate the field of interior design are emphasized.
Illinois State's Interior Design program is accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Why Study Interior Design?
The Interior Design major prepares students to design innovative, functional, supportive and responsible interior environments that positively impact the quality of life. Students develop skills and knowledge in color and design, drafting, space planning, building and interior systems, materials and finishes, historical interiors, building and barrier-free codes, and Auto-CAD. The needs of special populations and the mandates that regulate the field of interior design are emphasized in this sequence.
Related Skills
- Analyze client's needs, goals, life, and safety requirements
- Integrate findings with knowledge of interior design concepts that are appropriate, functional, and aesthetic
- Develop and present final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
- Prepare working drawings and specifications for non-load-bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
- Collaborate with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical, and load bearing design as required for regulatory approval
- Prepare and administer bids and contract documents as the client's agent
- Review and evaluate design solutions during implementation and upon completion
Related Fields
Commercial Design
- Offices
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Hospitals and clinics
- Medical offices
- Hospitality
- Restaurants
- Bars and Clubs
- Hotels and Motels
- Resorts
- Theaters
Civic
- Airports
- Government Facilities
Residential Design
- Single-Family Houses
- Apartments
- Condominiums
Other Professions
- Appraiser
- Building Inspector
- Color Consultant
- Design Critic
- Design Services Coordinator
- Drafting Specialist
- Environmental Design Consultant
- Environmental Planning Coordinator
- Ergonomics Specialist
- Historic Preservation Specialist
- Interior Designer
- Kitchen Designer
- Museum Curator
- Project Manager
- Renovation Consultant
- Researcher
- Restoration Specialist
- Space Planner
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Kayfish | 208 Bone Student Center | meturne@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clint Smith | Turner Hall 106 | cmsmit2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5011 |
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
A fourth studio course was added to our program requirements in order to meet our CIDA accreditation standards. Junior transfer students may require five semesters to complete our introductory design elements course (FCS 104), architectural drafting course (FCS 242), and the four studio courses.
Alternatively, completion and portfolio review by the program coordinator of the following coursework may reduce the program to two years for junior transfers.
- architectural drafting
- perspective/paraline drawing
- 2D design
- 3D design
Minimum GPA
3.00
Middle 50% GPA
3.21 - 3.62
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
It takes five semesters at Illinois State University to complete this degree, so students should transfer after three semesters at the community college.
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Survey of Art I (ART 155) or
- Survey of Art II (ART 156)
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Nelson | Turner Hall 106 | lcnels1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | All Prospective Students and Current Students Last Names A-F |
| Clint Smith | Turner Hall 106A | cmsmit2@ilstu.edu | ((309) 438-2517 | Current Students Last Names G-Z |
Minimum GPA
3.00
Middle 50% GPA
3.21 - 3.62
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Application Period
August 1 - September 21; January 1 - February 21; April 1 - May 21
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Nelson | Turner Hall 106 | lcnels1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 | All Prospective Students and Current Students Last Names A-F |
| Clint Smith | Turner Hall 106A | cmsmit2@ilstu.edu | ((309) 438-2517 | Current Students Last Names G-Z |