Introduction
Through courses in
space planning, drafting, presentation
techniques, architectural systems,
computer-aided design, materials and
technology, textiles, business
principles, professional practices and
ethics, residential and contract design,
the Interior Architecture major prepares
the student for a career as a
professional interior designer.
Specialties include lighting design,
green design, and international
opportunities in design travel and
internships. The program of study
provides many opportunities to explore
career options as well as to gain
first-hand experience in professional
design studios and in working directly
with clients.
Why Study Interior Architecture at UW-Stevens Point?
The Interior
Architecture program is accredited by the Council of
Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER) and
encourages international study as part of its four-year
curriculum. The faculty have present or previous
involvement in professional practice and international
travel. Specialized interests of the faculty include
lighting design, green design/sustainable design, retail
and office design, residential design, history of
architecture and decorative arts, and historic
preservation. Guest lecturers supplement class
instruction and field trips are taken to Chicago,
Minneapolis, and New York. The Home Economics Centennial
Endowment annually funds a "Designer in the Classroom"
series.
High School Preparation
Classes in art,
architectural drafting, computer-aided design,
construction, and psychology will help prepare the
student for the creative and analytical field of
interior architecture.
Department Features
The Interior
Architecture program has well-equipped design studios
for drafting and rendering, computer-aided design,
preparation of presentation boards and design
portfolios, lighting demonstrations, reference material
resource library, and a gallery/display cases for
student exhibits. Wireless internet connections are
available in the design studios and across campus. An
internship program is required with placement in a
variety of design firms and cities, including London.
Portfolio Reviews
To ensure a
quality program, students participate in two portfolio
reviews. The Admission Portfolio Review determines
admission to IA professional sequence courses in the
major. The Senior Portfolio Review includes a public
exhibit of work for faculty, professional designers,
students, and family and is held jointly with the
Graphic Design Seniors in the Department of Art and
Design (http://www.uwsp.edu/art-design/)
.
Employment Opportunity
The placement
record is excellent for UWSP interior architecture
graduates with over 90 percent consistently placed in
the field. Career opportunities are varied, including
design of office space, health care facilities,
restaurants, hotels/motels, retail stores, houses,
apartments, and historical renovation. Designers may
work in specialized studios, architectural firms, retail
settings or as in-house designers for corporations or
institutions. Additional possibilities are available in
allied fields of sales, manufacturing, consulting,
design journalism, design marketing and product design.
To maximize employment possibilities, graduates should
be geographically mobile and willing to start at the
entry level positions and work up.
