Introduction
The Interior Design curriculum at Florida State is both demanding and rewarding and covers all areas of commercial and residential design. Design principles are applied to specific interiors including offices, restaurants, retail and hospitality venues, banks, healthcare facilities, as well as single and multi-family residences (including the special housing needs of the elderly and differently-abled.) Computer technology, and aspects of universal design and sustainability are spread throughout the course of study. The value we place on a global experience is underscored by a 22-year history of interior design focused summer abroad tours.
Program Philosophy
Design is essential to the physical and psychological well-being of the human experience through function, space, form and aesthetics.Interior Design applies knowledge, skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, cultural awareness and social responsibility to this philosophy.
Program Mission
The mission of the Florida State University Interior Design program is to educate learners to contribute to and advance the discipline and profession of interior design.The program will instill in learners technological and graphic proficiencies including an understanding and sensitivity to history, environment, codes and standards, and human response. The program’s academic objective is to promote the application of knowledge and skills to positively impact human culture.
The Program
The department offers the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees with many areas of minor emphasis available from other academic disciplines. The undergraduate program is fully accredited by the national accrediting agency, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research or FIDER). We are proud to state that our program has been continuously accredited since 1975.
The department also offers the Master of Science First Professional degree for those candidates without an undergraduate degree in interior design or architecture. This portfolio tract of courses fully prepares candidates to enter the profession and sit for licensure. The Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts degrees are available for candidates already holding a bachelors degree in interior design or other related and approved design discipline. Our Post-Professional program is especially responsive to those graduate students wishing to enter the field of design education.
The program is supported by an industry Interior Design Advisory Board. This 14 member board, composed of practicing designers (many of whom are alumni), and industry leaders work to provide continuing avenues of excellence for students and faculty of the program.
Department Facilities
The Program is currently housed in the historic Eppes Hall and the Kellogg Research Building (with our main departrment office in 302 Eppes!) Aside from the department and faculty offices, our facilities consist of 4 design studios, a CAD Lab, Resource Room, a public critique space, student lounge, seminar and lecture spaces, and offices and congregation spaces for our graduate students. Construction is now underway for a $49.2 million renovation of the 1939 William Johnston Building, on Landis Green in the heart of the FSU campus. It will include new and renovated LEED certified space of over 130,000 sf. Construction is slated to be completed in Summer 2011. When we move in we will have state-of-the-art studios, lecture and technology areas, a 1000 sf gallery and a full wood-working shop.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the interior design degree the graduate will encounter opportunities for work ranging from many disciplines. Our graduates are employed in the fields of contract and residential design, furniture design, product design and packaging, historic restoration, manufacturer representation, boat and recreational vehicle design, urban planning, drafting and space planning services, millwork design, graphics, lighting and color specialists and many other related aspects of the profession.
The department also has an excellent internship placement program which helps prepare students for job placements in all areas of design and in all areas of the country. Graduating students will have created a comprehensive portfolio of interior design work that demonstrates their capabilities and is the basis for potential employment.
ASID, IIDA, FIDER, NCIDQ, IDEC and IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) launched the official Careers in Interior Design Web site as a resource to those considering a career in Interior Design. The site can be found at careersininteriordesign.com.
Professional Organizations
Links with more information on interior design and related professions.