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Design – Programs & Curriculum



  • Interior Design — Associate of Science
    • Creative individuals who design interiors develop the environments in which we spend most of our lives. Interior designers must have a thorough understanding of efficient space planning, color, pattern, lighting, furniture, and materials. These elements are essential to the creation of residential and commercial spaces. Whether working for architectural or interior design firms, hotel or restaurant chains, department or furniture stores, or independently as consultants or owners of their own businesses, accomplished designers are adept at working with clients and understanding their needs.

      PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

          •    Apply the basic principles of design to Interior Design
          •    Analyze a client profile and program requirements
          •    Develop design solutions from concept through final presentation
          •    Select appropriate materials, furnishings, and color palettes for each specific design problem
          •    Understand the codes, systems, and methods of building technology and construction
          •    Generate hand and computer graphics that appropriately illustrate a design in 2 and 3-dimensions
          •    Convey design concepts in a verbal presentation
          •    Administer ethical and professional business practices
          •    Adapt to a changing profession in response to global issues and technological innovations



      ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
      Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level positions such as draftsperson, AutoCAD operator, assistant designer, sales and showroom representative, and facilities or space planner.
    • Total Credit Hours: 120
    • Eight 11–Week Quarters or 88 Weeks
  • Curriculum
  •  
    • GE10110 English Composition I 

      This is a composition course that stresses the writing process. Students will write multi-paragraph essays using the following expository modes: description, narration, example, comparison/contrast, classification/division, process analysis, and causal analysis. Nonfiction readings will be covered to help illustrate writing structures and the organization of ideas. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0011EN and/or GE0012RD

    • GE10120 Art History: Prehistoric to Mannerist 

      This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from antiquity to the Mannerist period. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10210 English Composition II 

      This is a composition course that focuses primarily on analytical and persuasive writing, as well as the research paper. Emphasis is also placed on critical reading and thinking. Cultural issues such as diversity, multiculturalism, tolerance, and effective communication will be discussed in connection with some writing assignments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110

    • GE10220 College Math 

      This course covers algebraic techniques and problem-solving, such as algebraic and complex fractions, operations with real numbers, linear functions and systems, quadratic equations, radicals and radical expressions, factoring, polynomials, conic equations and applications, exponents and radicals. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0013MA, GE0013MA

    • GE10230 Art History: Baroque to Contemporary 

      This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from the Baroque to present day. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, architecture, photography, and conceptual art. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10320 Effective Speaking 

      In this course, students will learn professional methods of speaking and of communicating their ideas and experience to others. Students will prepare and deliver demonstration and persuasive speeches designed to be effective with a variety of audiences. Students will also participate in small group presentations. Topics include subject selection, audience analysis, research, organization, and the use of voice and body in speech delivery. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10410 Introduction to Psychology 

      This course focuses on a working knowledge of human sensory processes and their subsequent perceptual and behavioral manifestations. Topics include learning, memory, consciousness, and cognition. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20510 Ethics 

      This is course an introduction to the concepts, theory and practice of ethical decision-making in the personal and social realms. Concepts such as justice, mercy, responsibility, and morality are considered. Students will learn about a broad range of ethical theories and theorists, ancient to modern. These theories will be compared, contrasted, and applied to a variety of ethical problems, dilemmas, and controversies. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20530 Sociology 

      In this course students will examine group interaction within human society. Through texts, lectures, videos, and discussions, students will learn about the variety of ways sociologists view human culture and society, as well as the sociological phenomena that affect the lives of individuals within the world-wide human family. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20540 United States History: Early Period 

      This course covers the period of U.S. history from early colonization to the Spanish/American War. Primary emphasis is on the English colonies and the period of nationhood. This course will examine U.S. history in terms of social, economic and political perspectives, and students will also trace the histories of various American populations, such as women, African-Americans, Native Americans, etc., throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • ID0015PF Portfolio Foundations Interior Design  

      The creative professions require innovative individuals with clear vision. Freshmen at The Art Institute of Philadelphia will work together to develop the vision of what makes a successful student and professional. The course begins by welcoming students into The Art Institute of Philadelphia community and helping them integrate into this student environment. Students will become acquainted with college and community resources, explore their goals for success, and work on establishing a visionary course for the development of their professional portfolio. The course concludes with attending the portfolio show of the graduating class. (0 quarter credits, 2 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • ID10110 Drafting Fundamentals 

      The student learns to identify and use basic drafting equipment, drafting terminology, and symbols. Emphasis is on line and lettering and good drafting habits. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • ID10120 Drawing 

      This course introduces the student to freehand perspective as it applies to interior design. Students use a variety of media to learn drawing skills and develop an awareness of light as it affects objects and figures in the environment. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • ID10130 Color Theory  

      This course is an exploration of the basic language of design and how it applies to color as perceived in the interior environment. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • ID10210 Perspective Drawing I 

      An introduction to the principles and techniques of one point perspective drawing. Perspectives are generated from dimensioned floor plans that include a variety of interior architectural elements. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10110, ID10120

    • ID10220 Interior Elements  

      An introduction to the spatial implications of common interior elements. Through the survey of drafting of furniture, doors, windows, fireplaces, and stairs in context, the student will learn the parameters of their design and depiction. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10110

    • ID10230 Basic Design  

      This course begins the basic design series. It is an introduction to the principles and elements of interior design and the process of design development. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10110, ID10130

    • ID10310 Perspective Drawing II  

      An introduction to the principles of two point perspective drawing. Detailing interior perspective drawings in one and two point perspective. The use of perspective in developmental design drawings is emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10210

    • ID10320 Design Process I 

      A continuation of the principles and elements of interior design and the process of design development; introduction to programming, schematics, space planning, and alternate design solutions. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10210, ID10220, ID10230

    • ID10410 Drafting III  

      Students learn the drawing skills and architectural symbols needed to interpret and execute a design. Plans, sections, elevations and details are developed for a design project. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10220

    • ID10420 Materials & Processes  

      A study of different materials and their appropriate use on walls, floors, ceilings, windows and furniture. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • ID10430 Design Process II  

      This course is a continuation of the principles and elements of design used in the planning of residential space. Kitchen and bath design and problems and guidelines used in new construction and in renovation are emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10310, ID10320, ID10410

    • ID20510 Rendering and Presentation I  

      Students learn to make realistic presentations of two- and three-dimensional drawings including materials such as fabric, steel, masonry, and glass utilizing marker and colored pencil. Emphasis is on light sources, shades, shadows, and board presentation. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420, ID10430 AND must be taken with ID20541

    • ID20520 CADD I 

      An introduction to computers and computer technology. Lessons emphasize computer-aided design and drafting (CADD). Hands-on laboratory time is provided. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10410

    • ID20541 Residential Design I 

      This course is an introduction to three major parameters of interior design: ADA, sustainable and universal design. Students will interpret client preferences and identify appropriate materials and design components based on the principles of these three integral design issues. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420, ID10430 AND must be taken with ID20510

    • ID20550 Contract Design I 

      An introductory course to contract design where students learn how to design and plan commercial interiors, stressing the basic concepts and principles of contract design. Emphasis is on employee job functions, interdepartmental relationships, traffic flow, and equipment needs. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420, ID10430 AND must be taken with ID20561 and ID20851

    • ID20561 Lighting 

      A study of artificial lighting as well as lighting fixtures, terminology, and applications. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420, ID10430 AND must be taken with ID20550

    • ID20610 Interior Systems 

      Students acquire a working knowledge of building materials and construction, as well as basic support systems, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electric, and their importance to interior design execution. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420, ID20520

    • ID20630 Residential Design II 

      A study of residential types, architectural styles, and the selection of furnishings for traditional residential spaces. Attention is given to the aesthetic and functional needs of people with various lifestyles and on a multi-level historic restoration. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20541, ID20510, ID20550, ID20561, ID20851

    • ID20641 Contract Design II  

      Students learn how to design and plan commercial, industrial, corporate, and institutional interiors. Emphasis is on employee job functions, interdepartmental relationships, traffic flow, and equipment needs including retail circulation. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20541, ID20510, ID20550, ID20561, ID20851

    • ID20661 History of Furniture  

      The study of furniture from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on historic styles and individual efforts. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID10420

    • ID20730 Business 

      An overview of business and marketing principles is given in this course. Students are taught to plan budgets and work within plan, to draft invoices, and to develop contracts. Also, students work with methods that will promote their abilities in business. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20541, ID20550, course must be taken with, or after, ID20752

    • ID20741 Residential Design III 

      A study of residential types, locations, architectural styles, and the selection of furnishings for both traditional and contemporary residential spaces. Attention is given to the aesthetic and functional needs of people with various lifestyles. Emphasis is on adaptive re-use (utilizing a raw space, designing a specific residence). (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20630

    • ID20752 Contract Design III 

      Students learn how to plan and design a corporate office space for LEED CI submission. Emphasis on concepting, developing a planning module, developing a space plan, designing a reflected ceiling plan, design development of finishes and furniture and presentation skills all in a sustainable framework. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20641

    • ID20830 Portfolio 

      After a thorough evaluation, the graduating student’s portfolio is completed to bring it up to professional standards. Job interviews, portfolio presentation and what to expect from the first job are reviewed and discussed. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: completed a minimum 105 credits

    • ID20841 Contract Documents  

      The documentation of commercial design, including plans, elevations, sections, reflected ceiling, and dimensioning. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20610, ID20752

    • ID20851 CADD II  

      A continuation of CADD I with emphasis on AutoCADD and on producing a set of working drawings. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: ID20520 AND must be taken with ID20550 and ID20561

    • LS10110 Computer Science 

      This course introduces the theories and applications of both the IBM and Macintosh computers. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, computer graphics, file preparation for high-end output, file management, basic data storage and retrieval and the Internet. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

  • Other
  • Electives
  • General Education Electives List A (Select 1)
    • GE10310 World Literature 

      This course focuses on international literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: short story, poetry, and drama. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE10130 History of Photography 

      This course provides a framework for considering critically significant photographers and their work. Students will be expected to describe, interpret, and evaluate the origins, stylistic changes, and artistic innovations in the history of photography from the nineteenth century through contemporary times. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10330 American Government 

      This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of American Government. Concepts such as democracy, civil rights, civil liberties; public opinion; mass media, political parties, and the three branches of government will be discussed. Students will learn about the framework of government from colonialism to the present day. Government ideologies will be discussed and applied to various situations in an unbiased manner. Students will be able to see the importance of government and how decisions made by the government affect our everyday daily lives. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE10430 Environmental Science 

      This course will introduce the student to the physical, ecological, social and political principles of environmental science. The student should gain an understanding of scientific method and how it is used to analyze the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The course will help the student to develop an analytical framework that he/she can use to judge environmental issues and intelligently discuss environmental responsibility. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

  • General Education Electives List B (Select 2)
    • GE20520 Physics  

      Students will study the following principles: motion and the effects of unbalanced force systems acting upon rigid bodies; Newton’s laws of motion; motion along straight and curved paths; weight; work, energy and power; impulse, momentum and impact. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10220 OR GE10450

    • GE20550 United States History: 20th Century 

      This course covers the period of U.S. history from the turn of the century to the present. This course will examine U.S. history in terms of social, economic and political perspectives. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20580 Economics 

      This course provides an introduction to the principles of economics emphasizing an analysis of the economy as a whole. Interrelationships among the consumer, business, and government sectors are explored from American and international economic perspectives. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210, AND GE10220 OR GE10450

    • GE20590SA Study Abroad 

      This course is designed for students who wish to study abroad. Students will travel between the spring and summer quarters and will return to campus to complete a final exhibition project during the summer quarter. The course will consist of lectures, activities, research, and discussions designed to examine the culture, history, and aesthetics of the city or cities chosen for the study abroad experience. Students will also be encouraged to explore issues of identity and place, ideology (values, norms, customs), society (conformity/autonomy, gender, class), and structure (religious, political, economic) as they share, analyze, and reflect upon their experiences throughout the course. (3 quarter credits, 44 hours over two week break)

      Prerequisites: None

    • GE20610 Theatre Appreciation  

      Theatre Appreciation introduces students to the art, in theory and in practice, of live theatre and the many types of artists who collaborate to create a theatrical production. This course will enhance students’ appreciation of the nature and place of theatre in contemporary culture. Students will experience theatre in depth through reading scripts, analyzing productions, and completing a creative theatre project. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • GE20710 Aesthetics 

      This course focuses on aesthetics, which is alternately defined as philosophy of art, philosophy of beauty, and philosophy of taste. All three definitions point to the ways in which we create, experience, think about, and write about the fine arts. Through texts, lectures, videos, and discussions, students will learn about the variety of ways in which individuals generate their own critical voice and aesthetic theories. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210 AND GE10120 OR GE10230

    • GE20810 History of Film 

      This course introduces students to the aesthetic, technical, and historical principles of film and the artists who were instrumental in its development and growth. Students will examine the creative process and analyze the different genres of film. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

    • LS20620 Business Law 

      This course gives an overview of basic legal principles related to starting and conducting a business. Topics include legal systems, litigation, dispute resolution and contracts. The protection of intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks, is also emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210

The Art Institute of Philadelphia

1622 Chestnut Street  Philadelphia, PA 19103-5119 • 1.215.567.7080 • 1.800.275.2474