Mount Ida College

Program Mission

The mission of the Interior Design Program is to provide an educational experience which guides the ethical and professional development of future design professionals. The program emphasizes and encourages professional participation and promotes a global perspective. The baccalaureate curriculum combines the techniques of the trade with the depth and breadth of a liberal arts education and includes an extensive thesis project, a traditional portfolio project, and a digital resume preparing student to work in a global market.

Students will have an awareness, understanding and competency in the following areas:

• Theory: including design, architecture, color, spatial composition, environment, sustainable design, planning, and current directions in design.
• Basic creative arts: including two and three-dimensional design fundamentals, creative arts and crafts.
• Interior design: including the design process, space planning, and furniture selection and layout, finishing materials.
• Technical knowledge: including technical drawing, laws, codes, standards, interior construction, materials and building systems.
• Communication skills: Students will communicate effectively through oral, written, and other means; integrating criticism and self assessment tools.
• Knowledge of the profession, its history and related professions, for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
• History: including a global perspective of culture and interiors, art and architecture, furniture, textiles and accessories.

Critical Analysis: Information gathering techniques, assessment and research. Students will be able to use critical thinking skills to interpret, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in order to make a considered judgment. Students will develop strong problem solving skills and have the ability to apply techniques to assess data and information for the purpose of drawing conclusions and inferences about phenomena and events.

Program Philosophy

The Interior Design program develops the artistic, technical, and functional aspects of design while being compliant with life safety codes and standards. A final portfolio is required from all students, as it becomes a vital tool upon entering the profession or graduate school. The philosophy of the Interior Design program is founded primarily upon the general education of the college. We are committed to fostering in all interior design students the following abilities, attitudes and areas of knowledge. The philosophy in the Interior Design program is founded primarily upon the general education philosophy of the college. We are committed to fostering in all interior design students the following abilities, attitudes and areas of knowledge:

• to communicate clearly and effectively
• to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
• to access information
• to work independently and in a team situation
• to acquire a commitment to lifelong learning
• to respect and appreciate both diversity and bonds of connection within the social group
• to be guided by a system of values and ethical standards
• to welcome challenges and to transcend and effect change
• to understand distinctive characteristics of the three primary domains of knowledge-the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics.