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B.S. in Child Development and Family Relations


B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education


B.S. in Fashion Merchandising The Program
The Profession


B.S. in Interior Design
The Program
The Profession
Achievements

About the Profession



Students often ask about the profession of Interior Design. Here are two excellent sources of information. 

FIDER (Foundation for Interior Design Education) defines the interior design field by the following (Source: FIDER 2002 Professional Standards):
The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The professional interior designer:
  • Analyzes client’s needs, goals, and life safety requirements
  • Integrates findings with knowledge of interior design
  • Formulates preliminary design concepts that are aesthetic, appropriate, and functional, and in accordance with codes and standards
    • Image: Interior Design
  • Develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
  • Prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes
  • Collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical, and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval
  • Prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client’s agent
  • Reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion

An excellent summary of the difference between interior design and decoration is available from the following source:

Jensen, C.S. (2001 September). Design Versus Decoration: Just what is the difference between interior design and decoration? Interiors & Sources.  (Available online at www.isdesignet.com.)

Interior Design Committees



The Interior Design Curriculum Committee (IDCC)

The Interior Design Curriculum Committee (IDCC) consists of the Interior Design faculty. The committee meets regularly to address and act upon issues related to the Interior Design curriculum and program as well as student concerns. The IDCC also supports the student chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

The Interior Design Student Advisory Board (IDSAB)
The ID Student Advisory Board (IDSAB) consists of students representing Interior Design majors. Representatives are nominated by students and faculty, then approved by members of the IDSAB and IDCC. Student representatives on this committee serve as a voice for all students in the Interior Design Program. Therefore, individuals should feel confident that their concerns would be made known to the faculty when expressed to a student representative on this committee.

Members of the 2005-2006 board included Bridget Dobson, coordinator; James Luce, Marcy Wilson, and Erica Kozlovac.

The Interior Design Advisory Board (IDAB)
The Interior Design Advisory Board (IDAB) consists of design practitioners. The Advisory Board meets regularly to discuss interior design issues and the academic program at IUP. The meeting is usually combined with a daylong professional development event, including seminars, mock interviews, and portfolio reviews. The diversity of IDAB members allows various types of input and suggestions for improvement in the program. For example, practitioners can offer advice on how to better prepare students for professional practice. This meeting gives students a chance to display and receive input on their portfolio. It is also a great chance to interact with professionals, some of whom are alumni.


Professional Organizations



Before and after you graduate, you'll find it helpful to your career growth and continued learning to be affiliated with professional organizations. Here are a few...


Correspondence regarding this site should be sent to its maintainer, Mary Swinker, Ph.D. swinker@iup.edu
Please see IUP's statement regarding pages that do not officially represent the university.