Carl Matthews, Department Head
Vol Walker Hall, room 111
479-575-7599

The Interior Architecture and  Design faculty is composed of well-qualified educators and practitioners who foster an attitude of inquiry and learning based on their individual skills and interests. A professional advisory board supports the program and serves as external critics/jurors. Intellectual development of students is stimulated and leadership qualities enhanced throughout the four-year curriculum. The Interior Design Organization (IDO) and American Society of Interior Designers Student Chapter (ASID) allow for interaction of students with professionals in interior design and allied professions. Both faculty and students participate in professional design association activities.

The studio sequence increases in complexity throughout the curriculum. The rigor of the program requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Students can expect to spend much time independent of studio classes to complete projects.

To promote a broader perspective of design, students are required to participate in a study abroad experience. In addition, both overnight and day field trips are required for studio courses.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (B.I.A.D.) degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA, an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization, is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in interior design.  To ensure conformance with educational standards, programs must seek re-accreditation every six years. The program is the oldest accredited interior architecture and design program in the state of Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design's department of Interior Architecture and Design offers the following CIDA-accredited degree program:

  • B.I.A.D. (120 undergraduate credits)

 The last accreditation visit for the Interior Design program was conducted in March 2018; the next site visit is spring 2024.

Requirements for B.I.A.D. in Interior Architecture and Design

Interior Architecture and Design Program Admissions: Students are admitted to the first year of the interior architecture and design curriculum based on criteria established by the university and by the program. They are evaluated each semester by grades in lecture courses and by grades for performance and progress in the design studio sequence.

Admission to the Professional Program for Interior Architecture and Design

The interior architecture and design program offers prospective students the opportunity to prepare for professional practice or related endeavors. With this opportunity comes a responsibility for demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and success in the professional program.

At the completion of IARD 2804 Interior Design Studio III in the interior architecture and design curriculum, students will be evaluated for admission into the professional program on the basis of academic performance in the university core and the required interior architecture and design curriculum. Admission is based on available desks and requires a majority vote of a departmental admissions committee. Students admitted to the professional program will continue in the established studio curriculum sequence and are to complete the final five studios at the school. Students with less than a cumulative 2.5 GPA in IARD and ARCH courses will not be admitted to the professional program. Students who are not admitted are encouraged to consider alternative programs in the school and the university.

Requirements for Interior Architecture and Design

As part of the 35-hour State Minimum Core, the department recommends the following:35
Social Sciences:
Select 3 hours from the following Economic courses:
Principles of Macroeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2103)
Principles of Microeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2203)
Basic Economics: Theory and Practice
Select 6 hours from the following:
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ACTS Equivalency = ANTH 2013)
Life Span Development
General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)
Human Geography (ACTS Equivalency = GEOG 1113)
General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
Professional Core Requirements (63 hours)
ARCH 1212Design Thinking I: Foundations in Technology2
ARCH 1222Design Thinking II: Foundations in History2
ARCH 4433History of Architecture III3
IARD 1035Fundamental Design Skills5
IARD 1045Fundamental Design Methodology5
IARD 2723Digital Media in Design3
IARD 2804Interior Design Studio III4
IARD 2814Interior Design Studio IV4
IARD 2823Interior Design Materials and Assemblies3
IARD 2883History of Interior Design3
IARD 3805Interior Design Studio V5
IARD 3815Interior Design Studio VI5
IARD 3833Building Systems for Interior Design3
IARD 3843Lighting Systems3
IARD 4805Interior Design Studio VII5
IARD 4813Human Factors for Design3
IARD 4845Interior Design Studio VIII5
Study Abroad Requirement3
Internship 11
Internship for Interior Design
Professional Practice3
Professional Practice for Interior Design
Art Elective3
Choose 3 hours from the following:
Art History Survey I (ACTS Equivalency = ARTA 2003)
Art History Survey II (ACTS Equivalency = ARTA 2103)
Drawing for Non-majors: Observation
Two-Dimensional Design
Three-Dimensional Design
Business Courses6
Choose 6 hours from the following courses:
Personal Financial Management
Real Estate Principles
Real Estate Appraisal
Real Estate Finance and Investment
Introduction to Marketing
Consumer Behavior
Professional Electives6
Total Hours120
1

Internship Requirement: In addition to other requirements, a supervised 200-hour internship experience is required for graduation. The one-credit hour summer internship generally occurs in the summer before the fourth year. Students have been placed in interior design firms, architectural offices, Main Street programs, governmental agencies, hospitality and casino design firms, and a wide range of other allied industries.

Academic Policies – Department of Interior Architecture and Design

The following academic policies, beyond the requirements of the university, are applicable to all students in the Interior Architecture and Design Program.

  1. Successful completion of all IDES coursework requires demonstration of competence as evidenced by achieving a grade of "C" or better in those courses. Failure to achieve this minimum standard will require retaking the studio or lecture course.
  2. Each student’s progress through the design studio sequence is monitored and governed by the faculty and subject to a Design Review process.
  3. Any student receiving an "I" in a design studio must complete all work necessary to receive a grade prior to the first day of the next studio in the student's prescribed sequence to be eligible to enroll in that studio.
  4. Prior to graduation, a student must present a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at this institution in all work attempted including the university state minimum core, electives and in each interior architecture and design course.

Design Review Procedure – Department of Interior Architecture and Design

Design Review is a process initiated by a faculty member, department head, or by a student. The committee composed of interior architecture and design faculty may review a student’s design work within a studio course as well as other professional courses. The review process may be used by students to appeal grades and to seek resolution of conflicts with faculty when there are questions of fairness and equity in grading. Grade appeals initiated by students will occur during the week prior to the start of class in the subsequent semester. Petitions for this review must be made through the advising center prior to the scheduled meeting of the Design Review Committee. Grade appeals may be filed as soon as the student receives his or her final grade. In all cases, the student shall exhibit, at the place and time specified by the Design Review Committee, ALL work assigned and attempted for the course in the semester under review. Faculty are required to provide appropriate documentation including, but not limited to, the course syllabus, grading policy, and semester assignments. In the case of an appeal, the appeal will be presented to the entire Interior Architecture and Design faculty for consideration and may require the students to present their case in person.

The outcome of the Design Review process may include:

  1. A recommendation to the faculty member regarding the grade appeal of the student.
  2. A requirement for the student to repeat the design studio course or lecture course.
  3. A recommendation for enrollment in the subsequent studio course, while advising the student of the need to achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.00 (in the studio sequence) to progress in the program.

Internship Requirement: In addition to the requirements listed in the nine-semester degree program, a supervised 200-hour internship experience is required for graduation. The one-credit hour summer internship generally occurs in the summer before the fourth year. Students have been placed in interior design firms, architectural offices, Main Street programs, governmental agencies, hospitality and casino design firms, and a wide range of other allied industries. Geographically, students have completed internships in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, and other major cities in the United States, as well as international locations such as London and Edinburgh.

Interior Architecture and Design B.I.A.D.

Nine-Semester Degree Plan

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design can be completed in nine semesters that includes a summer internship. The one-credit hour summer internship occurs in the summer before fourth year. The study abroad requirement typically occurs in the summer before third year.  Please see the Fay Jones School of Architecture Advising Center for specific core course requirements and elective options. Go to the state minimum core and the general education requirements for more details.

First YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
IARD 1035 Fundamental Design Skills5    
ARCH 1212 Design Thinking I: Foundations in Technology2    
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)3    
MATH 1203 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)3    
UNIV 1001 University Perspectives
IARD 1045 Fundamental Design Methodology  5  
ARCH 1222 Design Thinking II: Foundations in History  2  
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)  3  
Fine Arts or Humanities State Minimum Core Requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1,2  3  
Social Sciences State Minimum Core Requirement (see options from Program Requirements listed above) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)  3  
Year Total: 13 16  
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
IARD 2804 Interior Design Studio III4    
IARD 2723 Digital Media in Design3    
IARD 2823 Interior Design Materials and Assemblies3    
Social Sciences State Minimum Core Requirement (see options from Program Requirements listed above) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)3    
ARTS or ARHS Elective3    
IARD 2814 Interior Design Studio IV  4  
IARD 2883 History of Interior Design  3  
IARD 3843 Lighting Systems  3  
Select one of the following (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2):  3  
HIST 2003 History of the American People to 1877 (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 2113)
HIST 2013 History of the American People, 1877 to Present (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 2123)
PLSC 2003 American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)
Interior Design Study Abroad    3
Year Total: 16 13 3
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
IARD 3805 Interior Design Studio V5    
IARD 3833 Building Systems for Interior Design3    
IARD 4823 Professional Practice for Interior Design3    
ARCH 4433 History of Architecture III3    
IARD 3815 Interior Design Studio VI  5  
IARD 4813 Human Factors for Design  3  
Science State Minimum Core Requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)  4  
Fine Arts or Humanities State Minimum Core Requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1,2  3  
IARD 4811     1
Year Total: 14 15 1
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
IARD 4805 Interior Design Studio VII5    
Professional Electives3    
Business Elective3    
Select one of the following (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3):3    
ECON 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2103)
ECON 2023 Principles of Microeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2203)
ECON 2143 Basic Economics: Theory and Practice
IARD 4815   5  
Business Elective  3  
Science State Minimum Core Requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)  4  
Professional Elective  3  
Year Total: 14 15  
 
Total Units in Sequence:   120
1

The Fine Arts Elective courses which satisfy General Education Outcome 3.1 include:  

ARCH 1003, ARHS 1003, COMM 1003, DANC 1003, LARC 1003, MLIT 1003, MLIT 1003H, MLIT 1013, MLIT 1013H, MLIT 1333, THTR 1003, THTR 1013, or THTR 1013H.

2

The Humanities Elective courses which satisfy the General Education Outcome 3.2 include:  

AAST 2023, ANTH 1033, ARCH 1013, CLST 1003, CLST 1003H, CLST 1013, COMM 1233, DANC 1003, ENGL 1213, GNST 2003, HIST 1113, HIST 1113H, HIST 1123, HIST 1123H, HIST 2003, HIST 2013, HUMN 1124H, HUMN 2213,LALS 2013, MRST 2013, MUSY 2003, MUSY 2003H, PHIL 2003, PHIL 2003C, PHIL 2003H, PHIL 2103, PHIL 2103C, PHIL 2303, THTR 1003, THTR 1013, THTR 1013H, WLIT 1113, WLIT 1123, or intermediate-level world language (usually 2003-level).

Minor in Interior Architecture and Design

All students in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design seeking an Interior Architecture and Design minor are required to complete 17 hours in the following courses or their equivalencies: 

IARD 2823Interior Design Materials and Assemblies3
IARD 2883History of Interior Design3
IARD 3843Lighting Systems3
IARD 4813Human Factors for Design3
IARD 4805Interior Design Studio VII5
or IARD 4845 Interior Design Studio VIII
Total Hours17

Requirements for Interior Architecture and Design

As part of the 35-hour State Minimum Core, the department recommends the following:35
Social Sciences:
Select 3 hours from the following Economic courses:
Principles of Macroeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2103)
Principles of Microeconomics (ACTS Equivalency = ECON 2203)
Basic Economics: Theory and Practice
Select 6 hours from the following:
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ACTS Equivalency = ANTH 2013)
Life Span Development
General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)
Human Geography (ACTS Equivalency = GEOG 1113)
General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
Professional Core Requirements (63 hours)
ARCH 1212Design Thinking I: Foundations in Technology2
ARCH 1222Design Thinking II: Foundations in History2
ARCH 4433History of Architecture III3
IARD 1035Fundamental Design Skills5
IARD 1045Fundamental Design Methodology5
IARD 2723Digital Media in Design3
IARD 2804Interior Design Studio III4
IARD 2814Interior Design Studio IV4
IARD 2823Interior Design Materials and Assemblies3
IARD 2883History of Interior Design3
IARD 3805Interior Design Studio V5
IARD 3815Interior Design Studio VI5
IARD 3833Building Systems for Interior Design3
IARD 3843Lighting Systems3
IARD 4805Interior Design Studio VII5
IARD 4813Human Factors for Design3
IARD 4845Interior Design Studio VIII5
Study Abroad Requirement3
Internship 11
Internship for Interior Design
Professional Practice3
Professional Practice for Interior Design
Art Elective3
Choose 3 hours from the following:
Art History Survey I (ACTS Equivalency = ARTA 2003)
Art History Survey II (ACTS Equivalency = ARTA 2103)
Drawing for Non-majors: Observation
Two-Dimensional Design
Three-Dimensional Design
Business Courses6
Choose 6 hours from the following courses:
Personal Financial Management
Real Estate Principles
Real Estate Appraisal
Real Estate Finance and Investment
Introduction to Marketing
Consumer Behavior
Professional Electives6
Total Hours120
1

Internship Requirement: In addition to other requirements, a supervised 200-hour internship experience is required for graduation. The one-credit hour summer internship generally occurs in the summer before the fourth year. Students have been placed in interior design firms, architectural offices, Main Street programs, governmental agencies, hospitality and casino design firms, and a wide range of other allied industries.

Academic Policies – Department of Interior Architecture and Design

The following academic policies, beyond the requirements of the university, are applicable to all students in the Interior Architecture and Design Program.

  1. Successful completion of all IDES coursework requires demonstration of competence as evidenced by achieving a grade of "C" or better in those courses. Failure to achieve this minimum standard will require retaking the studio or lecture course.
  2. Each student’s progress through the design studio sequence is monitored and governed by the faculty and subject to a Design Review process.
  3. Any student receiving an "I" in a design studio must complete all work necessary to receive a grade prior to the first day of the next studio in the student's prescribed sequence to be eligible to enroll in that studio.
  4. Prior to graduation, a student must present a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at this institution in all work attempted including the university state minimum core, electives and in each interior architecture and design course.

Design Review Procedure – Department of Interior Architecture and Design

Design Review is a process initiated by a faculty member, department head, or by a student. The committee composed of interior architecture and design faculty may review a student’s design work within a studio course as well as other professional courses. The review process may be used by students to appeal grades and to seek resolution of conflicts with faculty when there are questions of fairness and equity in grading. Grade appeals initiated by students will occur during the week prior to the start of class in the subsequent semester. Petitions for this review must be made through the advising center prior to the scheduled meeting of the Design Review Committee. Grade appeals may be filed as soon as the student receives his or her final grade. In all cases, the student shall exhibit, at the place and time specified by the Design Review Committee, ALL work assigned and attempted for the course in the semester under review. Faculty are required to provide appropriate documentation including, but not limited to, the course syllabus, grading policy, and semester assignments. In the case of an appeal, the appeal will be presented to the entire Interior Architecture and Design faculty for consideration and may require the students to present their case in person.

The outcome of the Design Review process may include:

  1. A recommendation to the faculty member regarding the grade appeal of the student.
  2. A requirement for the student to repeat the design studio course or lecture course.
  3. A recommendation for enrollment in the subsequent studio course, while advising the student of the need to achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.00 (in the studio sequence) to progress in the program.

Faculty

Furlong, Kimberley J., M.Arch. (U. Texas at Austin), B.F.A. (Pratt Institute), Associate Professor, 2013, 2018.
Huh, Michelle Boyong, M.I.D. (University at Texas, Austin), B.Arch. (Korea University), Assistant Professor, 2022.
Lee, Jisun, Ph.D. (Yonsei University), M.S. (Yonsei University), B.S. (Yonsei University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Matthews, Carl W., M.S. (Pratt Institute), Professor, 2012.
Miri, Marjan, M.I.D. (University of Texas, Austin), M.U.D. (Science & Research University, Hamedan, Iran), Assistant Professor, 2021.
Park, Jinoh, Ph.D. (North Carolina State University), E.M.B.A. (Aalto University), M.B.A. (Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technology), B.S. (Hanyang University), Assistant Professor, 2021.
Sharpless, Charles, M.Arch. (Harvard University), B.Arch. (Rice University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Tracy, Torrey, M.Arch., B.A. (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Tucci, Jake, M.S (University of North Carolina at Greensboro), B.S. (North Carolina State University), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Webb, Jennifer D., Ph.D. (Oklahoma State University), M.S., B.S. (University of Tennessee), Associate Professor, 1999, 2005.

Courses

IARD 1035. Fundamental Design Skills. 5 Hours.

Fundamental design skills; development of visual and verbal communication skills including observation skills, design technologies, analysis and representation in both 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions through analog and digital tools; creative and critical thinking skills. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)

IARD 1045. Fundamental Design Methodology. 5 Hours.

Fundamental design skills; use of precedents for understanding principles of design and natural and formal ordering systems; design development using both iterative and alternative methods of exploration in 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions using analog and digital tools; continued development of visual and verbal communication skills. Prerequisite: IARD 1035. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)

IARD 2723. Digital Media in Design. 3 Hours.

Develops conceptual and practical knowledge of digital techniques on architectural and interior design production. The aim is to provide a foundation in digital modeling, drawings, renderings, and an introduction to digital fabrication. Prerequisite: Interior Design majors only. (Typically offered: Fall)

IARD 2804. Interior Design Studio III. 4 Hours.

An introduction to interior space articulation and the creation of small scale spaces. Components of various presentation methods and formats. Overnight travel requires additional fees. Prerequisite: IARD 1045. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for degree credit.

IARD 2814. Interior Design Studio IV. 4 Hours.

Studio activities with emphasis on conceptualization, design theory and applications, ideation, programming and computer application. Overnight travel required. Prerequisite: IARD 2804 and IARD 2723. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.

IARD 2823. Interior Design Materials and Assemblies. 3 Hours.

A study of materials, resources and assemblies used in interior spaces. (Typically offered: Fall)

IARD 2823H. Honors Interior Design Materials and Assemblies. 3 Hours.

A study of materials, resources and assemblies used in designing interior spaces. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 2823.

IARD 2883. History of Interior Design. 3 Hours.

Study of historic interiors and furniture from antiquity through the present day. Identification of interior styles and furniture of these eras is emphasized. (Typically offered: Spring)

IARD 2883H. Honors History of Interior Design. 3 Hours.

Study of historic interiors and furniture from antiquity through the present day. Identification of interior styles and furniture of these eras is emphasized. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to IARD 2883.

IARD 3805. Interior Design Studio V. 5 Hours.

Emphasis on residential and/or commercial building systems. Continued development of presentation skills including hand and computer-based techniques. Prerequisite: IARD 2814. (Typically offered: Fall)

IARD 3815. Interior Design Studio VI. 5 Hours.

Advanced studio problems involving larger-scale interior spaces and contract documents for public use. Overnight field trip requires additional fees. Prerequisite: IARD 3805. (Typically offered: Spring)

IARD 3833. Building Systems for Interior Design. 3 Hours.

A survey course of building systems that addresses the design implications of heating/air conditioning/ventilation, plumbing, power, data/voice/and telecommunications, fire protection, security, and acoustical systems on building interiors. Performance characteristics and sustainable technologies will be addressed. Prerequisite: IARD 2814 and IARD 2823. (Typically offered: Fall)

IARD 3833H. Honors Building Systems for Interior Design. 3 Hours.

A survey course of building systems that addresses the design implications of heating/air conditioning/ventilation, plumbing, power, data/voice/and telecommunications, fire protection, security, and acoustical systems on building interiors. Performance characteristics and sustainable technologies will be addressed. Prerequisite: IARD 2814 and IARD 2823 and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 3833.

IARD 3843. Lighting Systems. 3 Hours.

Exploration of interior design applications of lighting systems. (Typically offered: Spring)

IARD 3843H. Honors Lighting Systems. 3 Hours.

Exploration of interior design applications of lighting systems. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to IARD 3843.

IARD 465V. Special Topics. 1-6 Hour.

A focused study of specialized topics in interior design. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

IARD 4805. Interior Design Studio VII. 5 Hours.

Comprehensive design studio synthesizing design skills, knowledge and critical thinking skills with emphasis on research, programming and process. Prerequisite: IARD 3815 and IARD 4823. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for degree credit.

IARD 4813. Human Factors for Design. 3 Hours.

Emphasis is given to human behavior as applied to the design disciplines. Types of interior spaces, environmental effects on behavior, ergonomics, and design needs of special groups, and human factors programs are studied. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: Completion of any two of the following: ANTH 1023, SOCI 2013, PSYC 2003, HDFS 1403 or GEOS 1123. (Typically offered: Spring)

IARD 4813H. Honors Human Factors for Design. 3 Hours.

Emphasis is given to human behavior as applied to interior design. Types of interior spaces, environmental effects on behavior, ergonomics, interior design needs of special groups, and human factors programs are studied. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: Honors standing and completion of any two of the following: ANTH 1023, SOCI 2013, PSYC 2003, HDFS 1403 or GEOS 1123. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 4813.

IARD 4823. Professional Practice for Interior Design. 3 Hours.

General procedures for operating and maintaining an interior design business. Business documentation, communication, professional responsibilities and ethics. Corequisite: IARD 3805. (Typically offered: Fall)

IARD 4823H. Honors Professional Practice for Interior Design. 3 Hours.

General procedures for operating and maintaining an interior design business. Business documentation, communication, professional responsibilities and ethics. Corequisite: IARD 3805 and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 4823.

IARD 4831. Internship for Interior Design. 1 Hour.

Supervised work experience and observation of operations/management procedures in approved design, government or service business. Prerequisite: IARD 3815. (Typically offered: Summer)

IARD 4845. Interior Design Studio VIII. 5 Hours.

Comprehensive design studio synthesizing design skills, knowledge, and critical thinking skills developed in previous design studios, including ideation, programming, construction, and human factors. Prerequisite: IARD 4805. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.

IARD 485V. Design Tours. 1-3 Hour.

Domestic and international study tours of a variety of design locations that contribute to the body of knowledge. Prerequisite: IARD 2814. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.