Student Experience

Create dynamic interiors using innovative approaches to spatial organization, materials, and lighting. If you’re willing to push boundaries, our faculty of industry experts will give you the space and support you need to do it.

We introduce design basics with a focus on 2D and 3D space and composition problem solving. You will create a variety of solutions for a problem and present concepts to scale using sketches and models. Utilizing the elements of design to communicate abstract conceptual ideas is emphasized.

You will apply the skills and theory learned to develop a comprehensive response to program and contextualize a commercial design project. You will also demonstrate a detailed understanding of the design process, including research, concept and design development, design documentation, and presentation.

You will gain a practical understanding of the field of environmentally conscious design. You will learn about the impact of design on the environment, and of ways to conserve and protect it. Focus is placed on principles of natural harmony, non-toxic materials, and earth-friendly initiatives within the design industry. Designing for real-world application is emphasized.

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Students working in one of the many labs

Facilities

San Francisco Design Center expand_more

Because we are based in San Francisco, we have a direct line to the best firms in the industry. The City by the Bay is home to an incredible wealth of visionary designers-a true hub for creativity. Our location gives you immediate access to the San Francisco Design Center, one of the finest and most accessible design showrooms in the country.

Computer Labs expand_more

Our computer labs offer the latest digital workstations, software, and new media technology to support our programs.

Materials Library expand_more

Our on-site print room is equipped with a large-format color printer and a small-format color copier and scanner.

Metal Shop expand_more

The metal shop expands students opportunities to realize their projects and explore the potentials of different material expression and technique. Students can learn a variety of metal fabrication processes. Craft precision metal parts in our full featured metal shop. Machine lathes, milling machines, disc grinders, rollers, and formers are all at your disposal.

Wood Shop expand_more

Fabricate objects and jigs in both natural and artificial wood in our wood shop. Work with band saws, drill presses, jointer, planer, miter saws, panel saw, wood shapers, and table routers. Two wood lathes and two isolated sanding rooms with spindle and disc sanders and one more lathe for working foam plastics give you the control to polish your designs. The wood shop also features four SawStop table saws as part of our ongoing commitment to safety.

Partnerships

The School of Interior Architecture & Design hosts guest speakers and events, creating an insider network connecting you with industry professionals. Pursue unique opportunities for worthwhile partnerships, like interior design internships or collaborations with artists, designers, and innovators outside of the classroom.

Five Keys Home Free Facility

Students from the School of Interior Architecture & Design collaborated with local nonprofit Five Keys Schools and Programs to design transitional housing for wrongfully convicted women who survived domestic violence. In this latest collab, Home Free and Five Keys worked with Academy students to provide stable housing as they re-enter society. Students spent the semester using their design skills for social good—transforming the apartment complex on Treasure Island into a tranquil, comforting place for 12 previously-incarcerated women as they begin their new lives on the outside.

Four Seasons

The School of Interior Architecture & Design was asked to participate in an exciting collaborative project with the Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco. Students were asked to conceptualize the future of hotel lobbies and provide the Four Seasons with innovative design solutions toward improving the function and aesthetics.

Events

Spring Show

Featuring the best work of our graduating class, the Spring Show is always an amazing display of creativity. Our Interior Architects, Landscape Architects, and Architects are featured, along with work from the Academy’s other 19 creative schools.

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