Department of Interior Architecture + Design at FSU

The Department of Interior Architecture and Design, housed in the College of Fine Arts, encompasses a CIDA accredited undergraduate curriculum and master’s studies for the Advanced Professional and Master of Fine Arts student. Students focus on design theory, history, technical skills, as well as studio classes addressing residential and commercial spaces such as health care, retail, office environment, hospitality and designs for special populations such as children, elderly and others in need of supportive housing.  The curriculum prepares students to work in interior design firms or as interior designers in architecture firms–as well as in a number of other design related settings.

The Program

The Department offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.  The Undergraduate Program has been fully accredited since 1975 by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Both the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered at the undergraduate level.  The Graduate Program includes the Master of Science Advanced Professional, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees are available for candidates already holding a Bachelor’s degree in interior design or other related and approved design discipline. Our MFA program is especially responsive to those graduate students wishing to enter the field of design education.

Department Mission

The Department’s mission is to impart our department values of human-centered design.  We provide students the knowledge necessary to pursue careers as interior designers who create beautiful, functional and sustainable interiors that positively impact human health, safety and well-being.  Through the application of evidence-based design, creative and critical thinking in history, theory and studio courses, students create well-designed commercial and residential spaces where people live, work and play.

Department Values

As designers, we believe that well-designed spaces have the potential to positively impact human well-being.  As faculty, we strive to impart the following human-centered values to our students:

• Creative, beautiful and meaningful spaces enhance our life experiences.
• Well designed spaces are an important part of our culture and history.
• Good design should be available to all and can serve as an agent for social change.
• Spaces have the ability to contribute to our sense of place and community.
• Spaces should be functional and meet the needs of building occupants.
• Sustainable design is essential to human health and well-being.
• Research and evidence based design are an essential part of design decision making.
• Ethical behavior and responsible business practices are essential.

Department Facilities

The Department is housed in the $49.2 million renovation of the 1939 William Johnston Building, on Landis Green in the heart of the FSU campus (with our main department office in 1038 WJB). Aside from the department and faculty offices, our facilities consist of 6 design studios, a CAD lab, print center, resource room, a public critique space, graduate lounge, seminar and lecture spaces, a 1000 sf gallery, a fully equipped wood-working shop, a 2500 sf library and congregation spaces for our students. The building achieved a Gold LEED certification.