Interior Design
The Interior Design curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in residential and non-residential interior design. The focus of the studies is technical knowledge, professional practices, and aesthetic principles.
Curriculum content includes residential and non-residential interior design, architectural drafting, computer-aided design, and universal design. Also included are basic design, history of interiors and furnishings, color theory, products, business practices, graphic presentations, and general education courses.
Graduates should qualify for various jobs, including residential and commercial interior design, set design, showroom design, and sales positions for furniture, textiles, and accessories and all businesses dealing with interiors.
General Information
Increasingly, our interior living and working spaces are being developed for a more sophisticated society. The Interior Design program at Central Piedmont prepares students to design today's interior spaces and tomorrow using the best of today’s technology.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in interior design employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Interior Design (A30220)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Interior Design is awarded by the College upon completing this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required. GED High School Equivalency and High School Diploma classes are available at Central Piedmont.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required in English and mathematics. Developmental Studies in mathematics and English courses are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- A counseling/orientation appointment follows placement testing.
- Contact the Program chair to enter the Interior Design program.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
For more information, call the Interior Design Department at 704.330.6548, or visit the Interior Design Program website.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Take one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication (Take one of the following) | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take one of the following | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Take 1 course: | 3.0 | |
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| DES 110 | Architectural Graphics | 2.0 |
| DES 112 | Building and Construction Systems | 3.0 |
| DES 120 | CAD for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 125 | Visual Presentation I | 2.0 |
| DES 130 | Digital Applications and Interior Design | 3.0 |
| DES 135 | Principles and Elements of Design I | 4.0 |
| DES 210 | Professional Practices for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 220 | Interior Design Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| DES 225 | Textiles for Interiors | 3.0 |
| DES 230 | Residential Design I | 3.0 |
| DES 231 | Residential Design II | 3.0 |
| DES 235 | Products | 3.0 |
| DES 240 | Commercial and Contract Design I | 3.0 |
| DES 241 | Commercial/Contract Design II | 3.0 |
| DES 255 | History of Interiors and Furnishings I | 3.0 |
| DES 275 | Furniture Design & Construction | 3.0 |
| DES 280 | Codes and Standards/Interior Design | 3.0 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 4 credits of the following: | 4.0 | |
| Color Theory | ||
| CAD for Interior Design/Advanced | ||
| Kitchen and Bath Design | ||
| Lighting/Interior Design | ||
| Green Building and Design Concepts | ||
| Construction Materials & Methods | ||
| Architectural Building Information Modeling I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Advanced Kitchen and Bath Design | ||
| Total Credits | 68 | |
Interior Design Diplomas (D30220)
- Residential Interior Decoration Diploma and Home Staging (D30220-D2)
- Kitchen and Bath Design Diploma (D30220-D3)
Residential Interior Decoration Diploma and Home Staging (D30220D2)
The Residential Interior Decoration and Home Staging Diploma is designed to prepare students for various job opportunities in the field of residential interior decorating. The focus of the studies is technical knowledge, professional practices, and aesthetic principles.
Curriculum content includes residential interior design, architectural drafting, and computer-aided drafting/design. Also included are basic design elements, history of interiors and furnishings, color theory, graphic presentation, business practices, and general education courses.
Graduates should qualify for various jobs, including residential interior design, set design, showroom design, and sales positions for furniture, textiles, and accessories.
Careful planning should allow students to complete the diploma in three full-time semesters or six to seven part-time semesters.
For more information, please visit the Interior Design Program website.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Choose one of the following | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| DES 110 | Architectural Graphics | 2.0 |
| DES 120 | CAD for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 112 | Building and Construction Systems | 3.0 |
| DES 125 | Visual Presentation I | 2.0 |
| DES 130 | Digital Applications and Interior Design | 3.0 |
| DES 210 | Professional Practices for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 220 | Interior Design Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| DES 225 | Textiles for Interiors | 3.0 |
| DES 255 | History of Interiors and Furnishings I | 3.0 |
| DES 230 | Residential Design I | 3.0 |
| ART 115 | Art History Survey II | 3.0 |
| or ART 114 | Art History Survey I | |
| Select 3 credits from the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Color Theory | ||
| Principles and Elements of Design I | ||
| CAD for Interior Design/Advanced | ||
| Products | ||
| Kitchen and Bath Design | ||
| Lighting/Interior Design | ||
| Furniture Design & Construction | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Total Credits | 38 | |
Kitchen and Bath Design Diploma (D30220-D3)
The Diploma in Kitchen and Bath Design equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competence needed for working in this specialized design area. Coursework includes design basics; both computer-aided and manual drafting techniques; 3D computer modeling; kitchen and bath materials, products, and business practices.
Graduates should qualify for jobs with businesses that specialize in or relate to the design, sales, and installation of residential kitchens and baths.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Take one course | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take one course | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| DES 110 | Architectural Graphics | 2.0 |
| DES 112 | Building and Construction Systems | 3.0 |
| DES 125 | Visual Presentation I | 2.0 |
| DES 120 | CAD for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 130 | Digital Applications and Interior Design | 3.0 |
| DES 210 | Professional Practices for Interior Design | 2.0 |
| DES 220 | Interior Design Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| DES 235 | Products | 3.0 |
| DES 255 | History of Interiors and Furnishings I | 3.0 |
| DES 242 | Kitchen and Bath Design | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| DES 243 | Advanced Kitchen and Bath Design | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Interior Design Certificates (C30220)
Interior Design Certificate Specialization in Introduction to Interior Design (C30220-C1)
This certificate is available only to high school students enrolled in Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| DES 110 | Architectural Graphics | 2.0 |
| DES 125 | Visual Presentation I | 2.0 |
| DES 135 | Principles and Elements of Design I | 4.0 |
| DES 225 | Textiles for Interiors | 3.0 |
| DES 255 | History of Interiors and Furnishings I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Interior Design Certificate Specialization in Professional Interior Design (C30220-C2)
Note: This course is intended for graduates of the AAS degree in Interior Design in order to acquire minimum number of credits to take the CIDQ exam.
| Major Requirement | ||
| DES 220 | Interior Design Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| Take 9 credits of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Color Theory | ||
| CAD for Interior Design/Advanced | ||
| Kitchen and Bath Design | ||
| Advanced Kitchen and Bath Design | ||
| Lighting/Interior Design | ||
| Architectural Building Information Modeling I | ||
| Architectural Building Information Modeling II | ||
| Survey of Architecture | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
DES 110. Architectural Graphics. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic drafting skills and techniques. Emphasis is placed on the use of drafting equipment, lettering, dimensioning, elevations, sections, construction details, and design standards as related to interior design. Upon completion, students should be able to complete construction documents skillfully utilizing principles of drafting.
DES 112. Building and Construction Systems. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an overview of the residential construction process for the interior designer. Emphasis is placed on providing the fundamental knowledge needed by the designer in residential construction basics and methods, including electrical and lighting, plumbing, sustainability, mechanical and ventilation, and the building envelope. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate effective communication required for effective collaboration with architects, engineers, and building contractors.
DES 115. Color Theory. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the element of color as a major design factor. Emphasis is placed on the physical, psychological, and other implications of color in design. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of color and its effects on the human environment.
DES 120. CAD for Interior Design. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic computer-aided design and drafting skills and techniques within interior design applications. Emphasis is placed on the most common computer commands used in architectural drafting and design to draw, edit, manipulate layers, and create templates. Upon completion, students should be able to use specific computer applications to complete drawings and plot/print.
DES 121. CAD for Interior Design/Advanced. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides advanced techniques in drafting on the computer and the applications of computer-aided design for various projects. Emphasis is placed on specific exercises that integrate and reinforce the presentation topics into a scaled drawing. Upon completion, students should be able to draw, transfer, and plot assigned floorplans in an efficient and accurate manner using the computer equipment and software provided.
DES 125. Visual Presentation I. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces visual presentation techniques for communicating ideas. Topics include drawing, perspective drawing, rendering and mixed media. Upon completion, students should be able to present a design concept through graphic media.
DES 130. Digital Applications and Interior Design. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces digital applications using current appropriate software and emerging technologies. Emphasis is placed on the operation of computer software in interior design applications. Upon completion, students should be able to use digital media to prepare a design solution. Focus of this course will be 3D modeling using SketchUP and/or other design software as appropriate.
DES 135. Principles and Elements of Design I. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the basic concepts and terminology of design as they relate to the design profession. Topics include line, pattern, space, mass, shape, texture, color, unity, variety, rhythm, emphasis, balance, proportion, scale, and function. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles covered through 2D and 3D exploration.
DES 210. Professional Practices for Interior Design. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces contemporary business practices for interior design. Topics include employment skills, business formations, professional associations, preparation of professional contracts and correspondence, and means of compensation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic business practices as they relate to the interior design profession.
DES 220. Interior Design Fundamentals. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to the application of interior design principles. Emphasis is placed on spatial relationships, material selections, craftsmanship, and visual presentation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to apply interior design principles and illustrate design solutions through visual communication.
DES 225. Textiles for Interiors. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course includes the study of textiles and their applications for a variety of interiors. Emphasis is placed on history, manufacturing processes, fiber characteristics, and residential and non-residential applications. Upon completion, students should be able to specify appropriate textiles.
DES 230. Residential Design I. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course includes principles of interior design for various residential design solutions. Emphasis is placed on visual presentation and selection of appropriate styles to meet specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to present scaled floor plans, elevations, specifications, color schemes finishes and furniture selection.
DES 231. Residential Design II. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides advanced projects with a client profile that utilizes the skills developed in DES 230. Emphasis is placed on a total concept and the presentation of appropriate and creative design solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to complete a detailed floorplan, space planning, furniture plan, specifications, program schedules, finishes, and detailed window treatments.
DES 235. Products. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an overview of interior products. Topics include floor coverings; wall coverings and finishes; ceilings, moldings, and furniture construction techniques; and other interior components. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and select appropriate materials and furnishings for interior spaces based on application.
DES 240. Commercial and Contract Design I. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to focus on commercial/contract design including retail, office, institutional, healthcare and hospitality design. Emphasis is placed on ADA requirements, building codes and standards, space planning, and selection of appropriate materials for non-residential interiors. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze design and present non-residential projects.
DES 241. Commercial/Contract Design II. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an in-depth study of non-residential design exploring more comprehensive design solutions such as health care facilities, furniture gallery design, and large office complexes. Emphasis is placed on design of commercial interiors and suitability of materials to meet ADA requirements, codes, and standards. Upon completion, students should be able to design non-residential spaces meeting ADA requirements and select furniture, materials, fabrics, and accessories meeting codes and flammability standards.
DES 242. Kitchen and Bath Design. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the fundamentals of kitchen and bath design. Emphasis is placed on the principles and elements of kitchen and bath design, analysis of client needs, specifying products, and drafting design solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to produce basic kitchen and bath design utilizing standards established by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
DES 243. Advanced Kitchen and Bath Design. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers advanced kitchen and bath design. Emphasis will be placed on universal design solutions, producing professional working documents, and mastery of developing and presenting a design concept and theme. Upon completion, students should be able to execute complex kitchen and bath designs.
DES 255. History of Interiors and Furnishings I. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces architecture, interiors, and furnishings in a variety of historic styles from Prehistroic to Neoclassical. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary, chronology, and style recognition. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, classify and describe major styles of furniture, interiors, and architecture.
DES 265. Lighting/Interior Design. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces theory and contemporary concepts in lighting. Topics include light levels, light quality, lamps and fixtures, and their use and application in interior design. Upon completion, students should be able to visually communicate light concepts and requirements based on national standards and select solutions for specific lighting scenarios.
DES 275. Furniture Design & Construction. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces contemporary furniture design and construction techniques used in custom and handmade furniture building. Topics include design and manufacturing processes and materials selection for handmade and production, case goods, and upholstery manufacturing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and describe manufacturing processes used in both case goods and upholstered furniture manufacturing.
DES 280. Codes and Standards/Interior Design. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces standard building codes as they relate to interior design. Topics include state and federal codes and standards related to accessibility, fire codes, egress, occupancy, and plumbing requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to research and interpret and apply applicable codes.