The goal of the Department of Interior Architecture is to foster an environment that encourages creativity and pushes the boundaries of design with an emphasis on conceptual thinking and the design process. The studio-based curriculum, the core of the program, is where students learn to design three-dimensional space using dynamic concepts, leading-edge materials, and innovative methods and techniques.
Visit the program website for additional information.
Associate Professor: S. Travis (Director)
Assistant Professors: E. Speck, N. Evans, C. Anderson, N. Volchansky
Adjunct Professor: M. Abrams
Explanation of Course Numbers
- Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory undergraduate courses
- Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-level undergraduate courses that also may be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work assigned
- Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students
- The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office
Note: Enrollment in interior architecture courses requires candidacy in the degree program or permission of the program director. A course fee is charged for all IA courses.
CIAR 1000. Dean's Seminar. 3 Credits.
The Dean’s Seminars provide Columbian College first-year students focused scholarship on specific intellectual challenges. Topics vary by semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details.
CIAR 2100. Studio 1. 6 Credits.
Introduction to design through study and application of fundamental design principles and elements to two- and three-dimensional projects. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 2125. Introduction to Graphic Communications. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the various techniques used in communicating design ideas. Image creation, logo design and branding, rendering, basic layouts, modeling, and printed and digital presentation skills. Restricted to undergraduate IA majors.
CIAR 2150. Beginning Sketching for Designers. 3 Credits.
Freehand sketching developed and applied as a tool in all phases of the creative design process. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 3200. Studio 2. 6 Credits.
All phases of design, from development of a concept through producing a complete presentation; implementing the different aspects of the design process. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 2100.
CIAR 3225. Understanding Materials and Color. 3 Credits.
The visual perception and interaction of color; interior and exterior materials for use in residential and commercial environments. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 3250. Introductory Digital Design Tools. 3 Credits.
Introduction to CAD technology, two-dimensional drawings, plotting, and enhancement of presentations; using CAD for the production of construction drawings. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 3300. Studio 3. 6 Credits.
Studio course emphasizing continued refinement of the design process as applied to multifaceted and complex problems in non-residential space. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 3200.
CIAR 3325. Interior Design History and Culture. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the history of art, decorative arts, interior design, and architecture, with a focus on the interior environment.
CIAR 3350. Basic Sustainability Design Strategies. 3 Credits.
Introduction to sustainable design and to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating Systems for Interior Design and Construction.
CIAR 4400. Studio 4. 6 Credits.
Continuation and refinement of the design process to further advance conceptual thinking for development of larger-scale and more complex design problems. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 3300.
CIAR 4425. Fundamentals of Lighting and Acoustics. 3 Credits.
Terminology, concepts, and principles of lighting design; acoustic principles as they relate to building design. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 4450W. Pre-Design for Studio 5. 3 Credits.
Research methodology applied to development of the senior project. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 3300. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.
CIAR 4500. Studio 5. 6 Credits.
Culmination of skills and knowledge gained through the program as demonstrated by the development of an interior design project covering all aspects from conception through presentation. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 4400.
CIAR 4525W. Professional Practice. 3 Credits.
Industry professionals provide students with guidance concerning the roles and responsibilities of the professional interior designer; written business procedures and practices, legal implications, ethics, trade relations, designer-client relations. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 4400. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.
CIAR 4550. Building Systems Methods and Processes. 3 Credits.
Organization and preparation of construction documents; methods and materials; application of codes; building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) relevant to function and design of interior spaces. Restricted to undergraduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 4560. Topics in Interior Architecture. 3 Credits.
Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Restricted to interior architecture summer study abroad.
CIAR 4570. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Independent research and special projects. Students must submit a written plan of study and obtain approval of the faculty member directing the study prior to enrollment. Restricted to juniors and seniors in the interior architecture program.
CIAR 6100. Studio 1–Graduate. 6 Credits.
Introduction to the theory and application of design principles and elements in the built environment and to two- and three-dimensional projects; understanding the design process while adhering to a concept or parti. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6125. Graphic Communications. 3 Credits.
Concepts and techniques used in communicating design; graphic design principles, including hierarchy, emphasis, balance, rhythm and contrast, tools used in creating two-dimensional communication ideas; image creation, logo design and branding. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6150. Sketching Architecture and Design. 3 Credits.
Three-dimensional mechanical drafting and free-hand sketching developed and applied as a tool in all phases of the creative design process; using line value, 2D and 3D representation of the built environment. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6200. Studio 2–Graduate. 6 Credits.
Application of fundamental knowledge of design to complex three-dimensional projects and small scale interior projects. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 6100.
CIAR 6225. Interior Materials and Color Theory. 3 Credits.
Perception and interaction of color; materials for residential and commercial environments; methods and materials in relation to build-outs; furniture-grade materials and construction; materials qualities, strengths, weaknesses, usage. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6250. Digital Drafting and Modeling. 3 Credits.
Introduction to CAD technology, two-dimensional drawings, plotting and enhancement of presentations. Use of CAD for the production of construction drawings. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6300. Studio 3 (Graduate). 6 Credits.
The design process as applied to medium scale projects for residential, business and mercantile spaces. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 6200.
CIAR 6325. Interior Design History and Culture. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the history of art, decorative arts, interior design, and architecture, with a focus on the interior environment.
CIAR 6350. Sustainability and the Built Environment. 3 Credits.
The application of sustainable design; introduction to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the Living Building Challenge, and the WELL Building Standard.
CIAR 6400. Studio 4 (Graduate). 6 Credits.
Continued refinement of the design process to further advance conceptual thinking for development of larger-scaled and more complex design problems. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 6300.
CIAR 6425. Lighting and Acoustics. 3 Credits.
Terminology, concepts, and principles of lighting design; acoustic principles as they relate to building design. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6450. Research Seminar for Studio 5. 3 Credits.
Students synthesize knowledge and define an area of interest that is well established or newly emerging within the discipline in preparation for the capstone project in Studio 5. Restricted to graduate CIAR majors. Prerequisites: CIAR 6300.
CIAR 6500. Studio 5–Grad. 6 Credits.
Students create and design an individual capstone interior design project that meets the learning objectives, accreditation standards, and requirements of the program. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 6400.
CIAR 6525. Practicum. 3 Credits.
Students work on projects with professional interior designers, architects, industry professionals. Roles and responsibilities of the professional designer, including business, legal, ethical, trade, and designer-client-contractor aspects. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program. Prerequisites: CIAR 6400.
CIAR 6550. Structures and Building Systems. 3 Credits.
Organization and preparation of construction documents; methods and materials; application of codes; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems as related to function and design of interior spaces. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6560. Advanced Topics in Interior Architecture. 3 Credits.
Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Restricted to Students in the MA in interior architecture summer study abroad program.
CIAR 6570. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Independent research and special projects. Students must submit a written plan of study and obtain approval of the faculty member directing the study prior to enrollment. Restricted to Interior Architecture graduate students.
CIAR 6810. Advanced Interior Environments. 3 Credits.
Exploration of topics specific to the professional practice of interior architecture in Washington, DC. Restricted to graduate students in the Corcoran interior architecture program.
CIAR 6815. Design Theory and Criticism. 3 Credits.
Identification and discussion of core design ideas in interiors and architecture; analysis of, and theoretical meanings behind, those concepts. Includes projects related to and site visits in Washington, DC. Restricted to graduate students.
CIAR 6820. Leadership in Design. 3 Credits.
Students interact with professionals in leadership and management roles in the design field while learning the attributes of successful leaders and how individuals come to master those qualities. Restricted to graduate students and undergraduate students with the permission of the instructor.
CIAR 6825. Advanced Visual Communications Methods. 3 Credits.
Introduction to advanced sketching, modeling, and graphic methods that enhance students' ability to communicate their concept ideas and design projects. Restricted to graduate students.
CIAR 6830. Psychology of the Interior Environment. 3 Credits.
Topics related to the human experience within interior spaces, such as geometry, color theory, sensory input, and biophilia. Restricted to graduate students; juniors and seniors with the permission of the instructor.
CIAR 6850. Architectural Design Theory and Criticism. 3 Credits.
Core design ideas in interiors and architecture; analysis of and theoretical meanings behind those ideas. Includes projects related to and site visits in Washington, D.C. Restricted to graduate students.
CIAR 6925. Psychology of the Interior Environment. 3 Credits.
Topics related to the human experience, such as social design, ethical responsibilities, and sustainability. Case study projects allow students to investigate precedents as they explore the psychological impact of design. Restricted to graduate students; and juniors and seniors with the permission of the instructor.
CIAR 6950. Leadership in Design. 3 Credits.
The attributes of successful leaders and how individuals come to master those qualities. Students interact with professionals in leadership and management roles in the design field. Restricted to graduate students; undergraduate students may enroll with the permission of the instructor.