Architecture and Interior Design Course

Lesson 1 • Spatial Awareness and Perception

Examines how humans perceive and navigate space, including psychological and cultural factors. Connects perceptual theory to practical layout decisions.

Lesson 2 • Design Process and Methodology

Introduces the iterative design process from brief analysis to concept development. Provides a repeatable framework applied in every project phase.

Lesson 3 • Elements and Principles of Design

Defines line, form, color, texture, scale, and balance as active design tools. Students apply each element in compositional exercises.

Lesson 1 • Sections, Elevations, and Details

Explains how cut sections and exterior elevations reveal spatial relationships and materiality. Connects 2D representation to 3D spatial understanding.

Lesson 2 • Floor Plans and Site Plans

Teaches scaled plan drawing, including walls, openings, and site context. Students draft residential and commercial floor plans to industry standards.

Lesson 3 • Perspective and Axonometric Drawing

Introduces one-point, two-point, and axonometric projection for spatial visualization. Enables students to present design intent to non-technical audiences.

Lesson 4 • Manual Drafting Fundamentals

Covers orthographic projection, line weights, and drafting conventions using hand tools. Builds precision habits that transfer directly to digital workflows.

Lesson 1 • Building Envelope and Enclosure

Examines wall assemblies, roofing systems, and fenestration for thermal and moisture control. Links envelope performance to occupant comfort and energy use.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

Introduces HVAC, electrical distribution, and plumbing layouts as spatial constraints. Students coordinate system zones within floor plan designs.

Lesson 3 • Construction Materials and Methods

Surveys wood, steel, concrete, and masonry construction methods and their design implications. Prepares students to specify materials appropriately in projects.

Lesson 4 • Accessibility and Safety Standards

Applies universal design principles and life-safety requirements to building layouts. Students audit plans for compliance with accessibility and egress standards.

Lesson 1 • Space Planning Fundamentals

Covers bubble diagrams, block plans, and furniture layout for residential and commercial spaces. Develops efficient, code-compliant spatial arrangements.

Lesson 2 • Commercial and Hospitality Interiors

Addresses office, retail, and hospitality planning with emphasis on brand, flow, and code compliance. Expands student capability beyond residential contexts.

Lesson 3 • Programming and Needs Assessment

Teaches client interview techniques and functional requirement documentation. Translates user needs into a spatial program that drives design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Ergonomics and Human Factors

Applies anthropometric data and ergonomic standards to furniture and fixture placement. Ensures designs support comfort, productivity, and safety.

Lesson 1 • Wall and Ceiling Finishes

Covers paint, wallcovering, paneling, and acoustic ceiling systems for interior applications. Links finish choices to acoustics, maintenance, and visual character.

Lesson 2 • Writing Specifications and Finish Schedules

Teaches the structure of specification documents and finish schedule formats used in professional practice. Students produce a coordinated specification package for a studio project.

Lesson 3 • Flooring Materials and Selection

Compares hardwood, tile, carpet, resilient, and stone flooring by performance and aesthetics. Students match flooring to occupancy type and design intent.

Lesson 4 • Cabinetry, Millwork, and Hardware

Examines cabinet construction, millwork profiles, and hardware selection for kitchens and custom built-ins. Students draft millwork elevations with specifications.

Lesson 1 • Post-Processing and Presentation Graphics

Uses image editing software to enhance renders with entourage, color grading, and graphic overlays. Produces polished presentation sheets combining renders and drawings.

Lesson 2 • Rendering Techniques and Settings

Covers render engine settings, lighting simulation, and material shader configuration. Students produce high-quality still renders suitable for client presentations.

Lesson 3 • Interior Modeling and Furniture Placement

Applies 3D modeling to interior environments, including furniture, fixtures, and millwork. Develops spatial judgment by reviewing designs in three dimensions.

Lesson 4 • 3D Modeling Fundamentals

Introduces solid and surface modeling concepts using industry-standard 3D software. Students build accurate architectural models from existing floor plan drawings.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Controls and Energy Efficiency

Introduces dimming systems, occupancy sensors, and energy performance standards for lighting. Connects control strategies to occupant comfort and sustainability goals.

Lesson 2 • Color Theory for Interiors

Applies the Munsell and subtractive color models to interior palette development. Students analyze how light source and material interact to shift perceived color.

Lesson 3 • Developing a Cohesive Color Palette

Guides students through palette creation from concept to finish selection across all surfaces. Produces a presentation-ready color and material board for a full project.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Architectural Lighting

Covers photometric concepts, light source types, and the psychological effects of illumination. Establishes the technical and experiential basis for lighting design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Design Development Phase

Refines schematic decisions into coordinated architectural and interior drawings with system integration. Students resolve all design conflicts before construction documents begin.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Submission and Permitting

Prepares students to assemble permit application packages and respond to regulatory comments. Covers zoning, occupancy classification, and building code compliance documentation.

Lesson 3 • Construction Documents and Drawing Sets

Produces a complete construction document set including plans, sections, details, and schedules. Teaches drawing organization, sheet numbering, and cross-referencing standards.

Lesson 4 • Schematic Design Phase

Translates approved concept into scaled schematic drawings and a preliminary material palette. Establishes project scope, massing, and spatial organization for client approval.