Program Overview

The UB four-year, Bachelor of Science, BS in Interior Design Degree Program prepares graduates with the required experience for the N.C.I.D.Q. examination and state registration. In the course of their studies, Interior Design students learn about gathering design information and problem-solving in a range of actual projects, from residential to commercial design.

Students further develop technical skills for expressing design solutions, using traditional sketching methods,computer aided design (Auto CAD) and 3D simulation computer programs.

Residential, hospitality, corporate offices, retail spaces and health care: all part of the SASD Interior Design Program. Most of these projects are done in collaboration with outside design firms, which gives an added real-life experience to the students and allows them to make professional connections. SASD is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD),the governing body of undergraduate and graduate art and design schools.

Learning Outcomes and Careers

• Demonstrate ability to identify, analyze, conceptualize and solve interior design problems. Assessment: Studio portfolio projects appropriately respond to project criteria, and have clear, focused, expressive and communicative solutions to the stated problems. Apply learned design principles to solve the problem. Communicate solutions through 2D and 3D drawings, color theory and proper specifications of materials
• Demonstrate mastery of design techniques and concepts in interior design. Assessment: Projects within portfolios that show evidence of attention to detail, adherence to project-initial concepts throughout the process, and close attention that the initially presented concept matches the outcome. Projects show appropriate selection and implementation of materials, finishes, furniture, and fabrics
• Demonstrate an understanding of aesthetics and scale related to interior space, and of the history and current state of design in the world. Assessment: Projects, papers and presentations for art and history course work. In studio courses, projects that appropriately reference historical precedents and stylistic movements in interior design, bringing forward current thoughts in interior design with reference to the past. Through portfolio projects show working knowledge of scale though appropriate furniture and lighting specifications
• Demonstrate proficiency in selection and use of relevant technologies in design and in using available technologies to produce a design presentation. Assessment: Drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, rendered perspectives, and models made with the appropriate technology or software for the final presentation
• Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and societal connections linking interior design trends and processes as well as a knowledge of business practices and of the market place. Assessment: Project solutions that are culturally and audience appropriate for the problem as posed by the criteria for the project. Awareness of the current marketplace based on materials and mechanicals specified for studio projects, projects for Business practices course work
• Demonstrate proficiency in presenting their own work as well as discussing and constructively critiquing the work of others. Assessment: Presenting ones work with confidence and a working knowledge of the criteria and materials presented, active participant in class critiques; clear, thoughtful and honest ability to give, accept and incorporate feedback