Interior Architecture & Design MFA

The MFA program focuses on advanced techniques and theory of interior architecture and design. The curriculum—designed and taught by industry professionals—focuses on research, concept and design development, traditional and digital media, innovative ideas, and global issues.

The interior design program leading to the Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Interior Architecture & Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Interior Architecture & Design granted by Academy of Art University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Interior Architecture & Design

IAD 600

Studio 1 Major/3

Brandish your creativity in your first comprehensive design studio, while exploring the innovative profession of Interior Architecture and Design. Special emphasis is placed on the design process, concept generation, and spatial development. Plus, explore how factors such as circulation, accessibility, adjacencies, and design theories impact humans and the environment.

IAD 601

Fundamentals of Design Documentation Major/3

Produce your interior architectural construction documents including floor, lighting, electrical, furniture, and finish plans. You'll apply lettering, line weight, dimensions, and graphic symbols to interior sections, elevations, details, and schedules.

IAD 602

Building Systems and Codes Major/3

Gain technical experience with building codes and systems by working on a commercial building renovation. You'll learn to coordinate holistically with a design team on structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, acoustical systems, detailing, fire ratings, zoning, and more.

IAD 604

Lighting Design Major/3

Lighting is an art and a science. You'll develop lighting designs, technical drawings, and specifications for residential and commercial interiors that use light to illuminate colors, forms, and textures while adhering to energy codes and illuminance guidelines.

IAD 610

Studio 2 Major/3

Create a functional and imaginative workplace for your commercial client. In your second major studio, you'll develop plans and drawings, select furniture and materials, produce construction documents, and produce a dynamic presentation based on programming and your conceptual design.

IAD 611

BIM - Building Information Modeling Major/3

Master BIM. Using BIM as a tool to convey geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and building components, you'll learn to maintain project data within a single file that generates plans, sections, and elevations.

IAD 612

Material Use Major/3

Cultivate your sense of materiality. You'll learn to select and specify finishes, fabrics, and furnishings based on aesthetics, durability, environmental attributes, and industry standards.

IAD 613

Studio 3 Major/3

Create a functional and imaginative workplace where your commercial client will thrive! In your final major studio, you'll develop plans and drawings, select furniture and materials, and produce construction documents for a dynamic presentation based on your conceptual design.

IAD 625

Survey of Sustainable Design Major/3

Solidify your personal philosophy on sustainability. You'll examine facts and establish opinions to create a design project that applies 21st-century ideals to sustainable design and environmental issues. (This course is cross-listed with GLA 630 and IAD 380.)

IAD 640

Light and Color Perception Major/3

Design is a responsibility. As a designer, you'll learn to harness the power of light and color to impact human emotional responses, influence way finding, and play a role in behavioral modification. Plus, explore how color and light affect perception and the interior environment and learn to use this knowledge responsibly.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	30
Major by Advisement	6
Directed Study	18
Graduate Liberal Arts	9
Total	63

MFA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
1 Professional Practices & Communications course
A minimum of thirty semester credits of college-level liberal arts and sciences (general education) must be completed.

Note: this will include credits earned from the student’s bachelor degree.

Additional Information

Graduate Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Human & Global Centered Design

Apply concepts of environmental psychology in the creation of interior environments addressing the interplay of humans and their physical environments enriching the quality of life

Design Process & Conceptual Thinking

Produce a problem statement for the development of a thesis project contributing to the needs of a community or specialty area of design
Research user needs to inform the programming document
Produce schematic design solutions that meet programmatic requirements and conceptual intent culminating in the creation of volumetric spaces
Create refined and holistic design solutions culminating in a design development presentation
Produce construction documentation of interior buildings and FF & E specifications, based on the holistic design solutions

Furnishings & Materiality

Apply furnishings, fixtures, & equipment, and interior construction materiality that enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of the design while providing for the programmatic requirements and conceptual design intent

Fundamentals of Design

Apply aesthetics responsive to the programmatic requirements and design intent through the elements and principles of two- and three-dimensional design, including color principles and theories, across all platforms
Demonstrate an understanding of movements and traditions in interior design, architecture, furnishings, and the visual arts

Integrated Design

Demonstrate an understanding of major construction types and building systems, through design decisions
Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, codes, and federal regulations impacting life safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency through application of these professional standards to design solutions

Oral, Visual, & Written Literacy

Communicate and defend design solutions in oral and written presentations that support the project requirements and design intent, and exhibit a logical sequencing and hierarchy of information
Demonstrate use of a wide range of visual media with professional craftsmanship to communicate ideas and solutions, including freehand & digital drawing and drafting, three-dimensional models, rendered presentations, and ideation sketching

Professional Practice & Collaboration

Demonstrate an understanding of professional practice, business and contract procedures, and business ethics
Collaborate with other disciplines on processes and solutions to produce a creative interior environment
Produce a portfolio, including the incorporation of a thesis project, and identity system to qualify for a design position in interior architecture and design