Interior Architecture Major (B.F.A.)

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Major code BF5198

College of Fine Arts
School of Art + Design
Seigfred Hall 528
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4290
Fax: 740.593.0457

Matthew Ziff, contact person
Rosemarie Basile, Assistant Director, Student Services/contact person

Program Overview

Whether as intimate and familiar as a home or as dramatic and monumental as an international airport, our surroundings have a significant impact on the way we live. Interior designers recognize the importance of this impact. They create distinct, responsive, functional, and dynamic environments for living and working. These environments are shaped through the understanding and application of theories related to programming, ergonomics, anthropometrics, egress, building codes, green design as well as formal aspects of architecture and furniture. As an interior architecture major at Ohio University, you can learn how these elements combine to meet the physical, psychological, social, and intellectual needs of people in a variety of settings. Students who successfully complete the portfolio review process become part of the Interior Architecture Program. This program uses traditional drawing, model making, and computer-based design software in the development and planning of interior space. The Interior Architecture design studios foster a creative and productive workspace for all majors with 24/7 access.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

The program conducts a yearly portfolio review, at the end of the first year, through which 18 students are selected to advance in the program. The number of students selected is limited by accreditation standards, number of faculty, and physical facilities. To prepare for the portfolio review students are required to take five designated courses and then assemble the visual work from each of these classes into a folio. The program faculty review the work contained in the folios at the end of spring semester, and based on that review, select 18 students to be admitted into the next phase of the major. Students denied admission through the portfolio review must identify another major or can resubmit the following spring.

External Transfer Admission

It is imperative for students to speak with an interior architecture faculty member prior to, or at the time of transfer. A discussion regarding course selection must occur between the student and an interior architecture faculty member prior to registering for courses. Students who wish to transfer into the interior architecture major must submit a portfolio of work for review to the faculty. Students with previous design work will have their transcripts sent and reviewed for equivalencies in required coursework (see below). Admitted students must complete all major requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

For more than 30 years, Ohio University’s interior design program has been preparing graduates for successful careers in residential and commercial design, as well as in related areas such as lighting, visual display, sales and showroom management.