Interior Design

About the Program

The Interior Design program at Ohlone College offers an in-depth introduction to the field of Interior Design. The program is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the skills necessary to enter the field, and to prepare students for responsible entry-level positions within the design profession. For practicing professionals, the program offers an opportunity for enhancing design skills and knowledge, or for redirecting existing skills towards new career goals.

View the Interior Design online photo album.

The curriculum integrates Interior Design with Fine and Decorative Art and Architecture. The courses emphasize design as problem solving, and are structured to teach both theoretical and practical applications of design.

Students may earn a Certificate of Achievement in Interior Design, or may complete general education courses and electives to earn the Associates in Arts degree. Selected credits in the curriculum transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The department also offers Certificates of Completion in the Basics of Interior Design, Interior Design Technology, and Interior Design Communications.

Check out the Interior Design online photo album!

Degrees and Certificates

Review academic requirements in the Catalog and in the Curriculum Guides. All students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review academic program requirements and/or have questions answered.

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• Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree
  • Interior Design (PDF) - This two-year program includes courses that will give graduates the professional skills needed to secure an entry-level job, as well as the option of continuing to study Interior Design at the university level.
• Certificate of Achievement
  • Interior Design (PDF) - This two-year program includes courses that will give graduates the professional skills needed to secure an entry-level job, as well as the option of continuing to study Interior Design at the university level.
• Certificate of Completion (also known as Fast-Track Certificate)
  • Interior Design Basics (PDF) - This Certificate of Completion signifies that students have received exposure to the major components of Interior Design. This certificate provides a firm foundation for continued study in the field of Interior Design.
  • Interior Design Communications (PDF) - This Certificate of Completion signifies that students have developed basic graphic and design communication skills and have a firm understanding and appreciation of the importance of visualization and presentation in the practice of Interior Design. This certificate provides a good foundation for continued study in the field of Interior Design.
  • Interior Design Technology (PDF) - This Certificate of Completion signifies that students have developed basic drafting skills and have knowledge of the design technologies associated with Interior Design. This certificate provides a good foundation for continued study in the field of Interior Design.

Related Information at Ohlone

• Art Department
• Interior Design online photo album

Courses

Course descriptions are available in the Catalog. Review the Class Schedule for class dates and times. A sampling of courses for this discipline includes:

• ID/ART-150A Interior Design Concepts - This is an introductory course. Students analyze interiors using basic design concepts. Principles and techniques used by professional interior designers are demonstrated. Case studies in problem solving with an emphasis on residential interiors are presented.
• ID/ART-150B Interior Design - This course is a continuation of ID-150A. Interior design theories and methodologies are explored in depth through case studies emphasizing the design of public space.
• ID/ART-151 Visualization and Presentation - This course familiarizes students with current methods and materials used in the design industry to develop concepts and communicate ideas. Students will prepare a design portfolio.
• ID/ART-153 History of Decorative Arts - Students study furniture construction, styles, and periods in conjunction with the architecture and related decorative arts of each era from ancient times to the present. This course includes a brief political, religious, and cultural history which significantly influenced these arts.
• ID/ART-154 Contemporary Home Design - Students will study the architectural history of home design and learn practical applications of information relating to design, construction methods, and economic practices.
• ID/ART-155A Architectural Drafting for Interior Design - This course will introduce basic drafting techniques as related to architectural working drawings for interior design. Construction materials and procedures will be presented.
• ID/ART-155B CAD for Interior Design - This course focuses on the fundamentals of computer-aided drafting as related to interior design and architectural drawings through understanding concepts rather than memorizing commands. Drawing skills are learned and developed by applying these concepts to solve practical laboratory problems.
• ID/ART-156 Architectural Modelmaking for Interior Design - Scale models will be developed in this class for presenting and studying architectural and interior design. A wide range of materials and processes will be explored.
• ID/ART-157 Professional Practice for Interior Design - This class introduces basic business practices for interior designers. It also includes an overview of career paths, business planning and organization, professional associations, marketing, sales, wholesale resource development, contractual obligations, and ethics. It is designed for people preparing to enter the field of interior design.
• ID/ART-158 Textiles - Students in this course will study the physical and chemical properties of fibers, fabrication systems for yarns and fabrics, the technology of fabric dyes, and decorative processes and finishes. The application of these principles to interior furnishings and appointments are an integral part of the laboratory experience for this course, and provide practical applications for students of interior design.
• ID/ART-159A Applied Design: Residential Lighting - This seminar will present an overview of basic considerations necessary to plan, choose, and place lighting fixtures through a home to help define space, articulate atmosphere, direct attention, and facilitate activities.
• ID/ART-159B Applied Design: Color for the Home - This seminar will explore various approaches that may be followed to arrive at color schemes that are satisfying, comfortable, and exciting.

• ID 150A offered morning and night every fall and spring semester.
• ART 106A offered fall, spring, and summer semester, times vary.
• ART 104B offered every spring semester.
• ART 104C offered every fall semester.

• Classes are scheduled every three semesters.  
• Classes are offered at different times.
• Classes with pre-reqs. are sequential (ID-155B follows 155A).
• Related classes are grouped (ID-153 and 158; ID-155A and 156).

Facilities

Interior Design classes are held in the Digital Arts and Drafting Lab and the Design Studio. Materials, samples, periodicals, reference books, and Internet access are available in the Lab.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the courses in this discipline, the student will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

• Plan a space and present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client.
• Demonstrate knowledge about the materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space and how texture, color, lighting, and other factors combine and interact to make a space.
• Demonstrate understanding of the structural requirements of the plans, the health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects.
• Be comfortable meeting and dealing with many kinds of people.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, as well as be attentive listeners.
• Be both good team leaders and good team players.
• Be willing to negotiate and mediate when necessary to solve problems.
• Demonstrate excellent time and project management abilities and work on more than one project at a time under demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct business planning and marketing ideas to clients, create informative and persuasive proposals and presentations, and maintain good client relationships.

Career Opportunities

The field of Interior Design is complex and diverse, with many career choices. With training, job opportunities are often found in support positions assisting designers in interior design or architectural offices. Other jobs may be found in corporations, health care, hospitality and other commercial facilities. Options are also available in department or furniture stores. Designers start as assistants or apprentices before being considered a professional designer. Advancement opportunities are based on ability and education. After gaining experience and expertise many choose self-employment.

Some specific opportunities graduates may consider are Interior Design Assistant; Decorator; Product Representative; Home Furnishing Salesperson; Merchandiser; Display Designer; or Color Consultant.

More information about Careers in Interior Design.

Employment Outlook

Please refer to the following links for employment outlook and labor market information:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Occupational Information Network

Please visit the Counseling Department and Student Success Center for information.

Transfer Information

The following California State University and University of California offer major in Interior Design. The campuses that offer the major are identified next to each major name. Click a campus abbreviation next to a major to see more information about that major through the ASSIST online student transfer information system.

Interior Design

• Art B.A. with Emphasis in Interior Design (SDSU)
• Art B.A. with Option in Interior Design (CSUC)
• Art B.F.A. with Option in Interior Design (CSUC)
• Art: Interior Design B.F.A. (CSULB)
• Family and Consumer Sciences B.S. Interior Design Option (CSUN)
• Interior Design B.A. (CSUFRES, CSUS)
• Interior Design B.F.A. (SJSU)
• Interior Design B.S. (SFSU)

Visit http://www.assist.org/ to explore major information and courses articulated with the above universities.

Please visit the Counseling Department and Transfer Center for information.

Faculty

• Denise Owen
  (510) 979-7917
  dowen@ohlone.edu
• Mark Nelson
• Joan Long
• Barbara Rogers
• Deborah Ogden

Division

Fine Arts, Business, and Communication Division.