Overview
Narrative
Do you think in color and pattern? Are you sensitive to how people's surroundings can affect their mood, productivity, even their likelihood to make purchases in stores? Interior Design might be for you. Interior Design is the application of the visual principles of color, form, and space to the planning of interior environments. It is the exacting science and vibrant art that creates the places in which we all live and work. It is also a highly skilled profession that challenges you to take into account the structure and utilities of a building, client needs, and budgetary considerations in addition to aesthetics.
Our Interior Design program has been carefully organized to meet the demand for professionally trained interior designers in both residential and contract design. With our associate's degree, you may gain employment upon graduation or consider pursuing a four-year degree.
No special system of accreditation exists for pre-professional interior design programs. Senior schools consider applicants from Northampton on an individual basis and may grant full or partial credit depending on the ability of the student and his or her own transfer requirements. You will need to meet frequently with your faculty advisor in order to structure your course options effectively.
Courses are available for students who want to attend full-time, part-time, during the day or in the evening.
Features
First semester courses provide foundational skills and knowledge in drafting, architecture history and interior and architectural design. Second semester courses build upon these foundational skills with the addition of a digital design studio and History II.
The second year major courses all have some prerequisites from the first year and this allows students to extend their learning into more advanced skill areas. You'll also learn more about building technology in the interior structures and materials course.
Computer technology is woven thru the curriculum utilizing ArchiCAD software as a design tool in the studios and AutoCAD in our digital production drawing course. The program includes a four-course design studio sequence where each semester you will develop and execute your own design projects, working in professional design stations. You will use computers equipped with state of the art design and production software.
We also encourage you to get involved with the faculty-advised student chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) which provides opportunities to enrich your education with field studies and related extracurricular activities, including annual trips to major cities.
Our faculty brings current knowledge into your classroom direct from the professional interior design industry faculty are actively pursuing their own careers in interior design, architecture, product design, and related fields. Faculty are members of the American Institute of Architects and American Society of Interior Designers.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610.861.5500 for further information.