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 American Society of Interior Designers Student Chapter allows 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.
Interior Architecture and Design elevates the human experience as it operates at the intersection of human aspiration and the constructed environment. Students rigorously investigate contemporary physical, socio-cultural, psychological, aesthetic, and sensory forces to craft the complete spatial experience.
Interior Architecture and Design at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design educates and prepares its students for a rewarding and successful career in the profession. Students develop strong design and technical skills through experimentation, discovery and invention. Study abroad opportunities; transdisciplinary collaboration; and minors in sustainability, business, historic preservation, product design, and history enrich students’ creative expression, deepen knowledge bases, and build critical thinking skills. The program requires practice-based internships and builds connections between students and potential employers. Our Graduates leave the School prepared to succeed as design professionals in growing global markets.
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 fall 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 28004 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:
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.
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.
Each student’s progress through the design studio sequence is monitored and governed by the faculty and subject to a Design Review process.
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.
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:
A recommendation to the faculty member regarding the grade appeal of the student.
A requirement for the student to repeat the design studio course or lecture course.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Each student’s progress through the design studio sequence is monitored and governed by the faculty and subject to a Design Review process.
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.
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:
A recommendation to the faculty member regarding the grade appeal of the student.
A requirement for the student to repeat the design studio course or lecture course.
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. Matthews, Carl W., M.S. (Pratt Institute), Professor, 2012. 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 10305. 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 10405. 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 10305. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)
IARD 27203. 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. (Typically offered: Fall)
IARD 28004. Interior Architecture and Design Studio III. 4 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: IARD 10405, ARCH 12102, and ARCH 12202. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for degree credit.
IARD 28104. Interior Architecture and Design Studio IV. 4 Hours.
Studio activities with emphasis on conceptualization, programming, design theory and applications, ideation, material performance, and digital techniques. Creation of complex spaces using building codes and inclusive strategies. Corequisite: IARD 38403. Prerequisite: IARD 28004, IARD 27203 and IARD 28203. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.
IARD 28203. Interior Architecture and Design Materials and Assemblies. 3 Hours.
A study of materials, resources and assemblies used in interior spaces. (Typically offered: Fall)
IARD 282H3. 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 28203.
IARD 28803. History of Interior Architecture and 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 288H3. 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 28803.
IARD 38005. Interior Architecture and Design Studio V. 5 Hours.
Studio activities with emphasis on increasingly complex interior projects. Continued development of presentation skills including hand and digital techniques and contract documents. Corequisite: IARD 38303. Prerequisite: IARD 28104 and IARD 28203. (Typically offered: Fall)
IARD 38105. Interior Architecture and Design Studio VI. 5 Hours.
Comprehensive studio problems involving larger-scale interior spaces and contract documents. Prerequisite: IARD 38005 and IARD 38303. (Typically offered: Spring)
IARD 38303. Building Systems for Interior Architecture and Design. 3 Hours.
A survey course of building systems that addresses general building structure, contract documents, the design implications of air conditioning, plumbing, power, fire protection, security and acoustical systems on building interiors. Performance characteristics and sustainable technologies will be addressed. Prerequisite: IARD 28104 and IARD 28203. (Typically offered: Fall)
IARD 383H3. 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 28104 and IARD 28203 and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 38303.
IARD 38403. Lighting Systems. 3 Hours.
Exploration of interior design applications of lighting systems. (Typically offered: Spring)
IARD 384H3. 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 38403.
IARD 40203. Interior Architecture and Design Advanced Studies. 3 Hours.
Advanced seminars in subjects of special interest to students and faculty. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.
IARD 4650V. 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 48005. Interior Architecture and Design Studio VII. 5 Hours.
Advanced design studio synthesizing design skills, knowledge and critical thinking skills with emphasis on research, programming and process. Prerequisite: IARD 38105. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for degree credit.
IARD 48103. 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, inclusive design strategies and human factors. Prerequisite: Completion of any two of the following: ANTH 10203, SOCI 10103, PSYC 20003, HDFS 14003 or GEOG 11103. (Typically offered: Spring)
IARD 481H3. 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 10203, SOCI 10103, PSYC 20003, HDFS 14003 or GEOG 11103. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 48103.
IARD 48203. Professional Practice for Interior Architecture and Design. 3 Hours.
Familiarize students with the fundamental practice of interior architecture and design, business documentation, communication, professional responsibilities and ethics. Corequisite: IARD 28104. (Typically offered: Fall)
IARD 482H3. 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 38005 and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to IARD 48203.
IARD 48301. Internship for Interior Architecture and Design. 1 Hour.
Approved work experience in a supervised setting. Prerequisite: IARD 28104. (Typically offered: Summer)
IARD 48405. Interior Architecture and Design Studio VIII. 5 Hours.
Advanced design studio synthesizing design skills, knowledge, and critical thinking skills with emphasis on research, programming, and process. Topics vary. Prerequisite: IARD 48005. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.
IARD 4850V. 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 28104. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
