RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: Interior Architecture

Interior architecture is essentially a spatial art that differs from both architecture and interior design in its full commitment to rethinking the life of existing buildings — through design alterations, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. At RISD the program requires that you consider all issues relevant to renovation and reuse, including structure, building services and questions of environmental stewardship.

As an Interior Architecture major, you will choose among three specializations or “pathways” through advanced design studios, focusing on design for the theater, exhibition design or retail design. Completion of the core curriculum ensures that you will graduate with a sound grasp of everything you need to relate to fellow professionals in the building industry and allied fields.

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Interior Architecture Department Web Site

• Introduction to Interior Architecture (fall)
• Introduction to Computing for Interior Architecture (fall)
• Drawing for Interior Architecture (fall)
• History of Interior Architecture I (fall)
• Interior Architecture Studio I (spring)
• Building Materials Exploration (spring)
• History of Interior Architecture II (spring)
• Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
In the first semester of the program, you will take an introductory course that covers the ideas and vocabulary of the subject area and provides the basis for subsequent studios.

• Interior Architecture Studio II (fall)
• Introduction to Lighting (fall)
• Structures for Interior Architecture (fall)
• Advanced Design Studio (spring)
• Color for Interiors (spring)
• Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Juniors
As a junior, you will further explore interior architecture through advanced studios, supplemented by a broad range of technical, theoretical and historical courses

• Advanced Design Studio (fall/spring)
• Scheme Detailing (fall)
• Human Factors (fall)
• Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Seniors
As a senior, you will continue to develop your portfolio through advanced work, including a course in human factors.

• Advanced Design Studio (fall)
• Degree Project Preparation (fall)
• Degree Project (spring)
• Codes for Interior Architecture (spring)
• Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Fifth-years
The Bachelor of Interior Architecture program culminates in the successful completion of an individually selected Degree Project, which synthesizes everything you have learned and demonstrates your expertise in a chosen area of specialization.