Study Abroad in London
Interior Design
Department Dean: Axel Griesinger, RIBA III
Degrees:
- Post-graduate Diploma, Garden Conservation, Architectural
- Association School of Architecture, London, 1994
- Part III, Studies in Architecture, Architects Registration Council of the UK, 1990
- Diploma in Architecture, Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, Germany,1984
- Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne – Diploma, Sorbonne, Paris, 1980
- Abitur with Merit, Humboldt-Schule, Wiesbaden, Germany, 1976
Still a practicing architect/interior designer himself, Prof. Griesinger knows how difficult making it in the design business can be, and that makes him even prouder of his students. He says the majority of his students do end up with successful careers in design after graduation. And why shouldn't they when they have all of the real-world experience he shares in the classroom, as well as department-organized, industry-associated extra curricular activities such as a student chapter of BIDA (British Interior Design Academy), workshops, site visits, tradeshows, and exhibitions to draw from? "We like nothing more than to see our students succeed."
AIU London Interior Design Courses*
London Interior Design Syllabi
INT 104 TEXTILES FOR INTERIORS
Prerequisites: None
This course is a study of the characteristics, functional
applications, and care of textiles, including fibers, yarn
construction methods, and codes/legislation that regulate
the use of textiles in interior spaces. Students are expected
to design their own textile as part of this course.
INT 105 INTERIOR DRAFTING
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students are introduced to manual drafting
fundamentals and the tools used in this technique. Some of the
goals are to learn basic interior drafting vocabulary, line quality,
lettering, and drafting conventions for a floor plan, furniture plan,
interior elevations, building sections, and reflected ceiling plans.
This course involves presentation techniques including models
and axonometric drawings. Anthropometrics and ergonomics will
be introduced.
INT 107 INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS
Prerequisites: INT 105
This foundation course focuses on the theory of twodimensional
design, critical analysis and the development of a
design vocabulary. This is accomplished through an understanding
of the basic elements used in the creation of space. Students
can learn to recognize the elements of design, which include
space, shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light and color.
INT 108 INTERIOR DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Prerequisites: DES 102, INT 107
This is a foundation course that introduces the principles of
interior design, including unity, balance, proportion, scale, rhythm
and emphasis. Students can learn their definitions and practical
applications through related assignments. In addition, students are
introduced to basic color psychology, client analysis, finish
selections, and mood and sample board presentation techniques.
Anthropometrics and ergonomics will be reviewed and an
orientation to the profession at local and national levels will
be achieved.
INT 204 PERSPECTIVE AND SKETCH RENDERING
Prerequisites: DES 103, INT 105
This course introduces students to multiple interior illustration
techniques from rapid-visualization and thumbnail sketching to the
formal composition of one- and two-point perspectives. Students
explore rendering of three-dimensional forms, shapes and objects
and learn the basics of black and white rendering techniques.
INT 206 VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Prerequisites: INT 204
In this course, students can learn multiple methods of color
rendering in various media. The rendering techniques vary from
initial sketches to a full-color, high standard of presentation.
INT 261 HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN I
Prerequisites: DES 103
This course is a survey of interior design development from
the Egyptian to the Classical Revival period. Knowledge of the
terminology and recognition of period styles is expected to be
attained through lectures, slide presentations, field trips, research
and analytical assignments.
INT 262 HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN II
Prerequisites: DES 103
This course is a survey of interior design development from the
Classical Revival period through to the present. Knowledge of
the terminology and recognition of distinct identifiable styles are
expected to be attained through lectures, slide presentations, field
trips, research and analytical assignments. Emphasis is placed on
recognizing masters of contemporary design.
INT 263 LIGHTING DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 105, MTH 111
This course introduces students to interior lighting design
fundamentals, light sources and systems, and light measurement
and calculation. Students can learn to analyze the spatial
requirements for light, proper system selection, lighting level
calculations, reflected ceiling plans, lighting legends and lighting
schedules. Emphasis is placed on communicating a design solution
by accomplishing projects that are application-oriented.
INT 266 RESOURCES AND MATERIALS
Prerequisites: INT 104
This course introduces students to the recognition and
specification of appropriate resources and materials. The student
can learn the application techniques and code regulations that
influence a designer's selection. Preliminary cost estimating is also
introduced.
INT 268 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN I
Prerequisites: CIS 101, CIS 103, INT 105
In this course, students are introduced to computer drafting
fundamentals and the tools used in this technique. Students can
learn basic computer drafting vocabulary, line weights and values,
as well as the skills necessary to produce floor plans, furniture
plans, interior elevations, building sections and reflected ceiling
plans.
INT 272 HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE OF LONDON
Prerequisites: None
This course is a study of architecture and interior design
development in London from the Roman era to the present.
Slide presentations, lectures and field trips are part of this
course. Emphasis is placed on recognizing, recording and
researching these different identifiable styles present in London.
INT 305 INTRODUCTION TO DETAILING
Prerequisites: INT 105, INT 266, INT 269
In this course, the student can develop interior detailing technical
skills, with an emphasis on stairways, doors, windows, fireplaces,
and millwork (built-in furniture) details for residential and
commercial spaces.
INT 350 RESIDENTIAL DESIGN I
Prerequisites: INT 104, INT 108, INT 206, INT 268, INT 269
This is a fundamental studio course in which students are
expected to develop a residential interior. The course includes
lectures, in-class assignments, on-site investigation, field trips and
critiques. The student will be expected to accomplish projects and
learn essential skills such as client analysis, programming, space
planning, code analysis, furniture and finish selection. In addition,
electrical, lighting and plumbing requirements are introduced.
INT 351 FURNITURE DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 305
This course focuses on the issues related to custom furniture
design including construction, styles, function, technical aspects
and costs. Through study of the human form and research on
appropriate materials and construction techniques, students are
expected to develop a furniture prototype from initial concept to
construction.
INT 361 COMMERCIAL DESIGN I
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 266, INT 350
This is a fundamental course in the design of business
environments. Through studio projects, lectures and field trips,
the student is expected to develop a commercial interior that
includes critical client analysis, complex programming, space
planning, and the use of open-office systems. Students are also
introduced to ADA codes and standard building and fire safety
codes as they pertain to commercial design.
INT 364 WORKING DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 268, INT 305
In this course, advanced architectural drafting techniques are
used to complete a set of working drawings, specifications, and
finish schedules for either a residential or commercial project.
The principles of interaction with other design professionals
and/or team members are emphasized.
INT 365 RESIDENTIAL DESIGN II
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 266, INT 305, INT 350
Building on the skills and knowledge taught in Residential
Design I, this advanced studio course will require students to
design more complex residential projects. Through research
and analysis, students are expected to design and construct a
model of an environmentally-friendly residential interior, as well
as explore residential building systems in-depth.
INT 367 INTERIOR ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisites: INT 206
This is an advanced visual communication course. The student can
develop illustration skills by applying them to rendered interior
spaces.
INT 369 THE ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE AND ITS LANDSCAPE
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102
This is a study and research course that requires in-depth
research into historic properties and their gardens in the UK.
Students will have the opportunity to identify and analyze the
predominant style of each property as evidenced by the interior
and exterior detailing and conduct on-site investigation and
recording. This course includes a written research document
and a visual and written record of the visited buildings to be
presented at the end of the term.
INT 374 HOSPITALITY DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 305, INT 350
This advanced course emphasizes design
needs of the hospitality industry and
requires the completion of a project
from preliminary programming,
space planning, and utilization of
anthropometrics theory to the
selection of furnishings and finishes
that are ergonomically correct.
Comparative analysis, code/legislation
and other relevant research and
presentation will be covered.
INT 375 RETAIL STORE DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 305, INT 350
This is an advanced design studio course that focuses on retail
planning and design. Students are required to analyze the product
image, research the target market, and generate a design that
complements the product lines. Complete presentations
include comparative analyses, floor plans, reflected ceiling
plans, elevations, details, custom design, and furniture/finish
selections and specifications.
INT 452 EVENT DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 361
This course enables the student to understand the presentation
of design elements associated with both ephemeral and transient
events such as conventions, displays and set design. Selection of
materials, budgeting, construction methods, dismantling, storing
and transportation considerations will be integrated into the
design process. Presentations include working drawings, models
and detailing.
INT 454 UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Prerequisites: INT 263, INT 361
This is an advanced course stressing analytical research, and the
practical implementation of principles necessary for the design,
health and safety of spaces for special population groups, such as
children, the physically challenged, the elderly and the poor.
Students will study world-related issues in design, such as low
cost housing, recycling of building components and sustainable
energy.
INT 461 INNOVATIVE DESIGN
Prerequisites: Four Studio Courses
This is an advanced course that involves the research and
application of design theory to a competition project. Students
will have the opportunity to prepare competition entries from
conceptual diagrams, preliminary design and code analysis to final
presentation. Student projects may emphasize "green" design
and/or experimental technology and materials.
INT 462 HISTORIC RESTORATION
Prerequisites: INT 261, INT 262, INT 350
This is an advanced design studio course that requires in-depth
research of a historic property in need of restoration. Students
are expected to identify and analyze the predominant style as
evidenced by the interior and exterior detailing and conduct
on-site investigation, prepare as-built drawings, and design
development drawings and presentation boards. Part of the
course includes the preparation of a written research document
and the application of the research to the design.
INT 463 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN II
Prerequisites: INT 268, INT 305
This course continues to build on the fundamentals of
Computer-Aided Design I. Students can develop competencies
in the production of drawings that require advanced levels of
drawing commands and techniques in the manipulation of CAD
drawings. Emphasis is given to dimensioning systems, printing
techniques, preparation of construction documents, and
production speed and efficiency.
* Courses and content subject to change.