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The campus will remain closed until 12 noon Thursday, 02/13/25. Students should log into Canvas for specific class information from their instructors. Please contact event organizers for information on specific activities. Normal operations will resume at 12pm on Thursday.

Interior Design

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Home » All Programs » Interior Design

» Program Overview

Lawrence Technological University’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is a professional program that empowers students to create intentional, culturally relevant interiors that are both technically advanced and critically framed. The interdisciplinary curriculum blends hands-on studio experience with courses in design theory, technical skills, and collaborative processes—essential components for successful interior design projects. Through real-world, sponsored projects and internship opportunities, students connect with the local design community, gaining valuable experience with the latest innovations in technology, research, and theory. Graduates leave LTU equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional portfolio needed to excel in the field.

The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and LTU is a registered campus center of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

For those interested in expanding their expertise into architecture, LTU offers a direct-entry Master of Architecture program, which can be completed in just six years (181 credits) when combined with the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.

 

Careers in Interior Design
LTU’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program prepares students for creative and satisfying careers in a range of areas. While many graduates practice within interior, architectural and multidisciplinary design firms, others work as workplace strategists for leading companies and commercial real estate firms, or by specializing in furniture or lighting design.
Current students and graduates hold design positions with local and national organizations, including Bedrock Detroit, Michigan Medicine, SmithGroup, Walt Disney World, Gensler, InForm Studio, The Collaborative, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, CBRE, Boyne Design Group, Illuminating Concepts, Quinn Evans,DIGBAR Interiors + Architecture, CallisonRTKL, Laurel & Wolf, Adam Rogers Studio, and Nelson.

 

Admissions + Curriculum

Admission into the Interior Design program follows the University’s admission criteria. Portfolios are not required for admission.

For specific Interior Design program questions, contact the Chair of Design, Philip Plowright, at pplowrigh@ltu.edu. For general questions about admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Associate Dean, Lilian Crum, at lcrum@ltu.edu.

2024.12.11_Fall CoAD_finals week_055

» Flowcharts

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

» Flowcharts

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

» Curriculum

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Introduction to Design
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.

DES1022

 

2

Design Principles
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.

DES1213

3

Intro. to Visual Communication
Introduction to representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will introduce contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize a precursory hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Course work visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.

ARC1213

3

Precalculus
Quadratic equations, functions and graphs, systems of equations, inequalities, logarithms, trigonometric functions, identities, equations. No credit after completion of MCS1224 or MCS1414.

MCS1074

4

College Composition
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Engaging Ancient Texts
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Students study current environmental issues in the context of their scientific (biological, chemical, geological) underpinnings, while also considering the political, social and cultural dimensions of these issues. Also, the course addresses the role of scientific knowledge in understanding and resolving environmental problems, such as climate change, population growth, deforestation, extinction, air and water pollution, food production, and environmental health.

PSC1143

3

Visual Communication
Advanced representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will deeply examine contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize an advanced hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Coursework visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.

ARC1223

3

Design Methodologies
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)

DES1223

3

College Physics 1
“Algebra based kinematics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, bodies in equilibrium, rotational motion, thermal energy and thermodynamics. 3 Credit Hours. Lect. 3 hrs.

PHY2213

3

College Physics 1 Lab
Introductory laboratory covering experiments to complement College Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2213.

PHY2221

1

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Engaging Modern Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1223

3

History of Interiors
An exploration of the societal role of interior design as a profession and a survey of interiors to the present. The course will examine the temporality of interior space and the embodiment of culture, community, and identity through the expression of aesthetics, form, objects, materials, and decorative elements.

INX2313

3

Human Factors and Ergonomics
This course will focus on physical and cognitive ergonomics. Students learn to observe and examine the behaviors and skills of humans and specifications for our designed environment.

IDD3713

3

Bodies in Space
An introductory interior design studio centered on how humans create and occupy space. The introduction of Interior-specific vocabulary, skills, techniques, contexts and practices, extending from fundamental design elements and principles focused on the design process, scale and the human body in space, access, and navigation.

INX2513

3

Foundations of Graphic Design
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the study of visual communication. Projects develop visual communication techniques that explore the relationship between type and image, information graphics (infographics), composition, sequencing, and design systems. Students develop a vocabulary to engage with project workflow, as well as a working process that is rooted in design thinking.

GRA2523

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Interior Materials and Systems
An investigation of the physical properties and application of materials for interior construction systems, assemblies and components. Exploration into current and emerging materials will be emphasized along with the impact in larger systems such as sustainability, life cycle, well-being, and historical positioning.

INX2323

3

Human Behavior in the Built Environment
An exploration of the influences of environments on human behavior, including a study of the methods and tools used to evaluate psychological response and human needs.

INX2413

3

Prototyping and Fabrication
Introduction to the theory and practice of prototyping and fabrication. The course advances the production of physical outcomes focusing on the relationship between information and morphology. Multiple levels of design development and implementation are addressed using current industry standards and state-of-the-art fabrication processes.

ARC3823

3

Spatial Perception
The interrelationship of light and color are explored in their relation to interior space, materials, form, and scale, and with regard to design principles. Lighting and color vocabulary, theory, and application are utilized in the creation of interior environments. Topics include daylight, shadow, artificial lighting systems and sources, material and surface response: reflection, refraction, absorption, and diffusion.

INX2523

3

Statistics
This course covers descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions with an emphasis on statistical inference such as confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, t-and F-distributions, and selected nonparametric tests.

MCS2124

4

Sophomore Portfolio Review
The course is a one-time portfolio submittal during the second semester of the sophomore year. It is administered by the Directors of the respective programs. Used for advising, faculty from the programs will review the contents of the portfolio to guide students towards a successful completion of their chosen degree path. Students will be provided a template to inform the content of their portfolios.

DES2020

0

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

SSC Elective

SSC2XX3

3

Technical and Professional Communication
Course description not found.

COM2103

3

History Designed Environment 1
No course title provided.

ARC3613

3

Furniture and Millwork
A comprehensive survey of the furniture and millwork industry. The selection, specification and procurement processes of residential and non-residential furniture will be introduced. Knowledge of the design and construction, with an emphasis on application of materials and components, and the technology used to fabricate furniture and architectural millwork, will be developed. Topics include ergonomics, performance standards, code implications, universal design principles, sustainability and parametric design.

INX3313

3

Situated Interior Response
This interior design studio will explore the comprehensive applications of the design process in historic and/or global settings. The course will integrate user needs along with the functional and aesthetic design of an interior environment through means of installation, insertion and/or intervention. The studio focuses on connecting users to community, heritage, ritual, societal narratives, and issues surrounding historic structures.

INX3513

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

LLT Elective

LLT2XX3

3

History Designed Environment 2
No course title provided.

ARC3623

3

Human Comfort
Building construction and systems for interiors and will address structural systems, construction materials, thermal comfort, lighting and visual comfort, sound and acoustical comfort, plumbing and water systems, electrical and data requirements, and building safety systems and considerations.

INX3213

3

Multi-disciplinary Studio
Course description not found.

DES3623

3

Documentation, Detailing and Specifications
Course description not found.

INX3223

3

Total Credits:

15

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Design Leadership
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.

DES4112

2

Design Theory
A survey course of design theory that presents theoretical and philosophical cultural belief systems that affect the production of objects and environments. Studies explore multiple points-of-views and attitudes towards knowledge construction in society as understood through historical and contemporary positions.

DES4643

3

Interior Design Practice
The study of the interior design profession; theoretical and practical functions of commercial/contract practice as a business including management, planning, marketing, or organizational structure, firm activities and scheduling, professional contract interior services and ethics, business liabilities and legal responsibilities.

INX4313

3

Space and Empathy
Radical empathy in a human-centered design approach is introduced through an investigation of the extent to which interior design can support and shape behavior for a diverse set of users with varying, complex requirements. The course explores preconceived notions around the nature of design, not as a luxury but as a human right. Emphasis will be on the development of ethically conscious design decisions in space typologies that range from permanent, provisional, mobile and transient installations.

INX4513

3

Interiors Capstone Research Seminar
An approach to solving complex interior design issues is defined through theoretical, social, cultural and physical responses. Qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources of research will be analyzed to support the understanding and impact of the project context. Diverse research methodologies will be introduced with an emphasis on written, diagrammatic and graphic content as a method of communication.

INX4213

3

Total Credits:

14

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

LLT Elective

LLT/SSC/PSY 3/4XX3

3

Interiors Capstone
An interior design studio focused on the synthesis of information learned throughout the curriculum as applied to a significant, complex interior project. Projects will engage high-performance building and material systems that support ecological sustainability, and the health and well-being of the intended users.

INX4523

3

ARC/ARI/ART//DES/GAM/GRA/IDD/IN

CoAD Elective

3

ARC/ARI/ART//DES/GAM/GRA/IDD/IN

CoAD Elective

3

ARC/ARI/ART//DES/GAM/GRA/IDD/IN

CoAD Elective

3

Total Credits:

15

» Awards + Accreditation


As a part of the NC-Sara Reciprocity agreement, Lawrence Technological University is required to disclose publicly, the educational requirements for professions that require a license or certification to practice in that field.
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» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.