Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Overview | Degree Requirements | Studio Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Sample Curriculum

Educating future interior architects to shape meaningful interior environments through human-centered, technically informed design.

Bachelor of interior architecture

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OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIArch) is an accredited professional degree grounded in a multidisciplinary and human‑centered approach to interior design. The program prepares students to become independent design thinkers while working effectively within collaborative, professional teams.

What You’ll Study

Students balance design theory with hands‑on technical learning, developing skills across a wide range of interior environments:

  • Interior Architecture design studios addressing real‑world problems
  • Human‑centered and socially responsible design strategies
  • Environmentally responsive and sustainable solutions
  • Construction of full‑scale environments
  • Furniture, lighting, fixtures, and detailing
  • Technical integration of materials, systems, and building context

Learning Experience

Design studio is central to experimentation and learning. Students engage in on‑site research, collaborate with professionals and community members, and tackle complex spatial challenges. In the final year, students complete individual comprehensive projects that allow for focused research and exploration of specialized interests.

Program Structure

  • The BIARC is a five-year professional degree 
  • The program is completed in five years regardless of prior credits 
  • Students progress through a sequenced curriculum integrating studios and required professional coursework
  • Emphasis on applied making, research, and real‑world engagement
Degree requirements
Bachelor of Interior Architecture Degree Requirements 
225 Credits
REQUIRED COURSES

Interior Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements [72 credits]

Interior Architectural Design
72 Credits
  • ARCH 283 Architectural Design  [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 284 Architectural Design II [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 383 Architectural Design III [6 Credits]
  • IARC 484 Interior Design1 [4 terms, 24 Credits]
  • IARC 486 Furniture Design [6 Credits]
  • IARC 487 Working Drawings [6 Credits]
  • IARC 488 IARC Comprehensive Project I [8 Credits]

  • IARC 489 IARC Comprehensive Project II [8 Credits]

     

1One IARC 484 Interior Design Studio can be replaced with ARCH 484 or LA 489.

 

 

Professional Coursework (Non-Studio) Requirements [83 credits]

General Theory
  • IARC 204 Understanding Contemporary Interiors [4 Credits]
Media and Process
  • ARCH 202 Design Skills [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 222 Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 423 Media for Design Development [3 Credits]
Design Arts
  • ARCH 440 Human Context of Design [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 450 Spatial Composition [4 Credits]
  • IARC 444 Furniture: Theory and Analysis [3 Credits]
  • IARC 445 Comprehensive Project Preparation [3 Credits]
  • IARC 447 Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment [3 Credits]
Design Technology
  • ARCH 470 Building Construction [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 492 Environmental Control Systems II [4 Credits]
  • IARC 471 Interior Construction Elements [3 Credits]
  • IARC 472 Interior Finishes and Design Application [3 Credits]
  • IARC 473 Working Drawings in Interior Architecture [4 Credits]
  • IARC 492 Lighting [3 Credits]

 

Professional Practice
  • ARCH 417 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
Design History
  • IARC 475 History of Interior Architecture II [3 Credits]
  • IARC 476 History of Interior Architecture III [3 Credits]
  • ARH 314 History of World Architecture II  [4 Credits]
  • ARH 315 History of World Architecture II [4 Credits]
  • ARH 358 History of Design [4 Credit]
  • AAAP 410 Experimental Course [4 Credits]
  • AAAP 411 Introduction to Historic Preservation [4 Credits]
Subject Area Electives
  • Seminars offered in the College of Design [13 Credits]

 

 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
  • This sample curriculum shows how a student might progress through the program. The exact course sequence and total credit hours will vary by student based on program of study, course availability, and teaching commitments.
  • Occasionally, course term offerings might shift. Confirm term offerings with the Registrar's website and, in consultation with an academic advisor & Ducks on Track, which will always supersede the provided sample plan.
  • Optional studios may be offered in summer terms.

Year One

Fall Term
16 Credits
  • IARC 201 Understanding Contemporary Interiors [4 Credits]
  • Art History Elective [4 Credits]
  • SCI Course Science >3 [4 Credits]
  • WR 121 College Composition I [4 Credits]
Winter Term
17 Credits
  • ARCH 283 Architectural Design I [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 202 Design Skills [3 Credits]
  • SCI Course Science >3 [4 Credits]
  • WR 122/3 College Comp II/III [4 Credits]



Spring Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 284 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 222 Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics [4 Credits]
  • SCI Course Science >3 [4 Credits]

Year Two

Fall Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 383 Architectural Design III [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 450 Spatial Composition [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 470 Building Construction [4 Credits]
Winter Term
18 Credits
  • IARC 484 Interior Design [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 440 Human Context of Design [4 Credits]
  • IARC 471 Interior Construction Elements [3 Credits]
  • IARC 472 Interior Finishes and Design Application [3 Credits]
Spring Term
14 Credits
  • IARC 447 Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment [3 Credits]
  • ARCH 492 Environmental Control Systems II [4 Credits]
  • Elective [4 Credits]

Year Three

Fall Term
17 Credits
  • IARC 484 Interior Design (Programming) [6 Credits]
  • IARC 475 History of Interior Architecture II [3 Credits]
  • GP Course Global Perspectives >GP [4 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
Winter Term
15 Credits
  • ARCH 423 Media for Design Development [3 Credits]
  • IARC 476 History of Interior Architecture III [3 Credits]
  • US Course US: Difference, Inequality, and Agency>US [4 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
Spring Term
16 Credits
  • IARC 484 Interior Design (FFE RCP) [6 Credits]
  • Arch/Art/HP Elective [3 Credits]
  • IARC 444 Furniture: Theory and Analysis [3 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]

Year Four

Fall Term
16 Credits
  • IARC 484 Interior Design or IARC 486 Furniture Design [6 Credits]
  • IARC 492 Lighting [3 Credits]
  • GP Course Global Perspectives >GP [4 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
Winter Term
14 Credits
  • IARC 487 Working Drawings [6 Credits]
  • IARC 473 Working Drawings [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 417 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
Spring Term
13 Credits
  • IARC 484 Interior Design or IARC 486 Furniture Design [6 Credits]
  • SAE Subject Area Elective [3 Credits]
  • Elective [4 Credits]

Year Five

Fall Term
15 Credits
  • IARC 445 Comprehensive Project Preparation [3 Credits]
  • A&L Course Arts & Letters >1 [4 Credits]
  • SAE Subject Area Elective [3 Credits]
  • Elective [4 Credits] 
Winter Term
15 Credits
  • IARC 488 IARC Comprehensive Project I [8 Credits]
  • A&L Course Arts & Letters >1 [4 Credits]
  • SAE Subject Area Elective [3 Credits]
Spring Term
14 Credits
  • IARC 489 IARC Comprehensive Project II [8 Credits]
  • A&L Course Arts & Letters >1 [4 Credits]
  • Elective General Elective [2 Credits]