Interior Design
Introduction
Philosophy
The interior design program at Virginia Tech is dedicated to improving quality of life through design excellence, professionalism, and public service. With a curriculum that equally respects the importance of creative skill, history, building technology, ethics, innovation, and business practice, our graduates have the ability and confidence needed to immediately contribute to the profession.
Students in the Interior Design Program at Virginia Tech are challenged to think critically in their design of space and to develop solutions that not only enhance quality of life, but also protect the health, safety, and welfare of users as prescribed in the various codes and regulations that govern the work of interior designers. This philosophy is the core of our program. It establishes a foundation upon which each student graduates with creative ingenuity and professional responsibility.
National Recognition
Our students are continually recognized for design excellence in international design competitions and in their careers. Last year, at the 2005 Interior Design Educators Council Student Design Competition, our fourth-year design students collected two of the four awards presented. Additionally, two second-year students earned awards in the First Annual Hospitality Design Magazine competition. Their projects are published in the October 2005 issue of the magazine. And perhaps most importantly, our student interns and graduates find employment with design firms listed in Interior Design Magazine’s top 100.
Accreditation and Certification
Our program, accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formally known as FIDER) prepares future designers for licensure and practice. A degree from a CIDA accredited program is increasingly important as a requirement for professional certification and licensing of Interior Designers in the United States. Graduating from a CIDA accredited program is the first step in a three-part process in achieving certification or licensing as an interior designer in various states. The last two steps are to complete two years of assistantship as an interior designer and then passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. A CIDA accredited degree, work experience and passing the NCIDQ exam satisfy the requirements in Virginia for recognition as a “Certified Interior Designer.”
Updated Sept 13, 2006