Interior Architecture Course

Lesson 1 • Elements of Interior Space

Introduces floors, walls, ceilings, and openings as the primary architectural elements. Builds vocabulary for analyzing and designing interior environments.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Design in Interiors

Applies universal design principles—balance, rhythm, emphasis, and unity—to interior contexts. Provides evaluative criteria used in all subsequent design work.

Lesson 3 • Spatial Perception and Thinking

Develops three-dimensional spatial reasoning as a core cognitive skill. Connects perceptual ability to design decision-making throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Building Systems

Surveys structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems as they affect interior space. Establishes technical awareness needed for integrated design solutions.

Lesson 1 • Measured Drawing and Scale

Develops accuracy in working with architectural scales and translating real space to drawing. Directly supports site analysis and design development tasks.

Lesson 2 • 3D Modeling for Interior Spaces

Introduces three-dimensional digital modeling to explore and present spatial designs. Prepares students for visualization and client presentation workflows.

Lesson 3 • Digital Drafting with CAD Software

Applies computer-aided drafting tools to produce precise interior drawings. Bridges manual drawing skills to industry-standard digital workflows.

Lesson 4 • Orthographic Drawing Conventions

Teaches plan, section, and elevation drawing standards including line weights and notation. Forms the graphic language used in all professional documentation.

Lesson 1 • Architectural Programming Fundamentals

Defines programming as the process of identifying client needs, activities, and spatial requirements. Establishes the analytical foundation for all design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Circulation and Flow Design

Analyzes primary, secondary, and service circulation paths within interior environments. Integrates movement patterns into efficient and experiential floor plans.

Lesson 3 • Bubble Diagrams and Adjacency Studies

Uses diagrammatic tools to map relationships between spaces before committing to geometry. Connects programmatic analysis to early spatial organization.

Lesson 4 • Human Factors and Anthropometrics

Applies human body dimensions and behavioral patterns to spatial sizing and layout. Ensures designs accommodate real users across diverse populations.

Lesson 1 • Sustainable and Healthy Materials

Evaluates materials for environmental impact, indoor air quality, and sustainability certifications. Integrates responsible material selection into standard specification practice.

Lesson 2 • Flooring Systems and Selection

Surveys hard, resilient, soft, and specialty flooring options with installation requirements. Connects material choice to spatial character, acoustics, and maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Wall and Ceiling Finish Systems

Covers paint, wallcovering, paneling, plaster, and acoustic ceiling systems. Links finish selection to aesthetic goals and technical performance criteria.

Lesson 4 • Writing Material Specifications

Teaches the structure and language of professional material specifications and schedules. Produces documentation that accurately communicates design intent to contractors.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Plans and Control Systems

Produces reflected ceiling plans with lighting layouts and specifies control systems. Connects design intent to technical documentation and energy compliance.

Lesson 2 • Layered Lighting Design Method

Applies ambient, task, accent, and decorative layers to create flexible, effective schemes. Integrates lighting layers into cohesive plans for varied interior typologies.

Lesson 3 • Artificial Lighting Systems and Sources

Surveys LED, fluorescent, and specialty lamp technologies with fixture types. Enables informed selection of light sources for diverse interior applications.

Lesson 4 • Natural Light and Daylighting Strategies

Analyzes daylight as a primary design resource and its integration with artificial systems. Connects window placement, shading, and reflectance to spatial quality.

Lesson 1 • Fire and Life Safety in Interiors

Covers egress requirements, occupancy loads, fire-rated assemblies, and sprinkler coordination. Ensures designs protect occupant safety and meet regulatory approval.

Lesson 2 • Navigating Permits and Plan Review

Explains the permit application process, plan review stages, and inspection requirements. Prepares students to manage regulatory approval as part of project delivery.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Universal Design

Introduces the seven principles of universal design as a framework beyond minimum compliance. Positions inclusive design as a quality standard rather than a regulatory burden.

Lesson 4 • Accessible Route and Space Requirements

Specifies dimensional requirements for accessible routes, turning radii, and reach ranges. Directly informs space planning and furniture layout decisions.

Lesson 1 • Construction Documentation Sets

Assembles complete interior construction document sets including plans, details, and schedules. Prepares students to produce bid-ready documentation for real projects.

Lesson 2 • Flooring Transitions and Thresholds

Details transitions between flooring materials, level changes, and accessible threshold conditions. Ensures technical accuracy at critical junctions in interior construction.

Lesson 3 • Millwork and Built-In Cabinetry

Teaches design and detailing of custom millwork, cabinetry, and built-in furniture elements. Develops precision detailing skills critical for high-quality interior construction.

Lesson 4 • Partition Systems and Wall Construction

Examines framed, demountable, and glazed partition systems with their structural and acoustic properties. Connects partition selection to spatial flexibility and performance goals.

Lesson 1 • Design Development and Coordination

Refines the selected scheme with detailed drawings, specifications, and system coordination. Resolves technical conflicts between architecture, structure, and MEP systems.

Lesson 2 • Concept Development and Design Direction

Translates programmatic findings into a cohesive design concept with supporting precedents. Establishes the creative framework that guides all subsequent design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Schematic Design and Space Planning

Develops tested floor plan options, section studies, and preliminary material palettes. Integrates space planning, circulation, and accessibility into a cohesive scheme.

Lesson 4 • Project Initiation and Site Analysis

Conducts site visits, existing condition surveys, and client interviews to define project scope. Applies programming and analysis skills from earlier chapters to a real brief.