Course Descriptions — New York School of Interior Design (2024)

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 230, 234

While providing an overview of contract design, this course emphasizes the elements used by the designer in the development of nonresidential interior spaces such as restaurants and offices. Conceptual and practical issues are explored relative to site selection, programming, space planning, circulation, volume, furnishings, color, and texture in the design of interior space.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111 or 640 or 601

This course surveys the evolution of materials and techniques used in the production of American interiors, including architectural detailing and decorative elements, from colonial times to the present. Each major building technology is explored using a historical perspective, from its pre-American roots to its further development in America. Students acquire a comprehensive knowledge of interior construction terminologies, historical methods of interior construction, and a detailed understanding of interior construction and finish materials that have been used. DH

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 187 or 640

A study of the materials and methods of plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, lighting, and electrical systems in relation to interior architecture and design. Through research and analysis, students become aware of the impact of materials, construction methods, and building systems on the built environment and develop an understanding of the relationships between codes, sustainability, culture, and human-environment interaction.

Studio Credits: 1

Curricular Practical Training allows undergraduate students to gain practical training working in a professional design office in the United States. This experience is directly applicable to the study of interior design. Students are required to keep a journal, recording their observations and reflections on the work environment, and on their experiences. Students must provide a letter of invitation from the prospective employer/firm to their academic advisor and to the International Student Services Specialist (ISSS) stating the proposed weekly schedule, the salary, if any, the responsibilities and expectations for the position, and other required information. This course is limited to international students studying at the undergraduate level. It may be taken a maximum of three (3) times. All international students must comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines and policies. Students must provide all required documents to the NYSID ISSS and to the academic advisor for their written approvals prior to beginning the training. The training may be paid or unpaid. Students enrolled in 291 may not work until the I-20 has been issued by the ISSS. Students must have completed 24 credits at New York School of Interior Design in order to enroll in this course. Although the U.S. Department of Homeland Security policies may change at any time, as of 2016, international students are limited to 11 months of CPT if they desire to continue to OPT after graduation. Students taking this course in the summer session may work 40 hours/week; students taking this course in the Fall or Spring may work for a maximum of 20 hours/week. NYSID considers all CPT to be fulltime. All CPT must fall within the dates of the semesters, or other dates as determined by the International Student Services Specialist (ISSS) and posted on the NYSID Portal and in other locations.

Studio Credits: 3, Prerequisites: 232 or 640

Building on 232 Presentation Techniques I, students learn advanced techniques for rendering interior finishes, furniture, window treatments, and accessories using SketchUp and its rendering application V-Ray, and will create a simple three-dimensional walkthrough of an interior space and learn to use basic video editing software. Autodesk 123D Design for rapid prototyping and creating physical models using the laser cutter is also introduced.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 102 or 502

This study tour will visit significant sites within the United States, examining both historical and contemporary interior design, architecture, and art.. Emphasis is on historical and stylistic analysis within a cultural context. Students will do preparatory readings, and keep a journal/sketchbook; a final research paper is required. Past trips have included the study of modernism in Southern California and art deco in South Beach. DH

Lecture Credits: 4, No prerequisites

Intensive French begins with basic vocabulary and grammar and continues through more advanced communication skills. Conversations use professional design terminology and references, enabling students to become familiar with significant developments in French art, architecture, and design. No prior knowledge of French is required.

Lecture Credits: 3, No prerequisites

Intensive French begins with basic vocabulary and grammar and continues through more advanced communication skills. Conversations use professional design terminology and references, enabling students to become familiar with significant developments in French art, architecture, and design. No prior knowledge of French is required.

Lecture Credits: 4, No prerequisites

Intensive Italian begins with basic vocabulary and grammar and continues through more advanced communication skills. Conversations use professional design terminology and references, enabling students to become familiar with significant developments in Italian art, architecture and design. No prior knowledge of Italian is required.

Lecture Credits: 3, No prerequisites

Intensive Italian begins with basic vocabulary and grammar and continues through more advanced communication skills. Conversations use professional design terminology and references, enabling students to become familiar with significant developments in Italian art, architecture and design. No prior knowledge of Italian is required.

Lecture Credits: 2, No prerequisites

Intensive Italian begins with basic vocabulary and grammar and continues through more advanced communication skills. Conversations use professional design terminology and references, enabling students to become familiar with significant developments in Italian art, architecture and design. No prior knowledge of Italian is required.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111, 112 or 601 and 602 or 640

This seminar will investigate the development of one or more building types and their interiors. Semester topics may focus on libraries, clubs, museums, hotels, or government buildings. Significant examples and stylistic trends will be investigated through visits to sites, class lectures and discussion, as well as student presentations. DH

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111, 112 or 640 or 601 and 602

This course explores the significant contributions of women to the fields of architecture and design. Important contemporary and historical figures such as Edith Wharton, Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Julia Morgan, Andrée Putman, Gae Aulenti, and Denise Scott Brown will be discussed. DH

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 640 or 601 AND 602 or 111 AND 112

Students will be introduced to some of the significant traditions of art, architecture, and design in the non-Western world and their influence on Western architecture and design. The course provides students with an understanding of the historical background of each culture, major building forms, types of furnishings and interiors, and distinctive forms of ornament. Changing topics may include Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Mayan design. DH

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 112, 111 or 640 or 601 and 602

This seminar is an in-depth study of a special topic related to the history of design and decorative arts. The course is structured around a set of lectures, class discussions, core readings, and field trips. Students are required to develop a creative project or write a research paper related to the seminar topic. DH

Lecture Credits: 2, No prerequisites

This course examines major developments in the design and decorative arts of China from ancient times to the present. It investigates architectural and interior designs, symbols, and meanings in the arts of jade carving, bronze vessels, ceramics, furniture, and costumes; which are discussed in relation to the history of painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and environment. Students will analyze designs and objects in terms of medium, form, and style in their historical context. Iconographical interpretation will be conducted in relation to religious, cultural, social, and political functions. The course will provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the significance of design and decorative arts in Chinese arts and culture. Illustrated lectures will be supplemented by museum and gallery visits, and a ‘Chinese Symbols and Designs’ workshop. Students may elect to take this course Pass/Fail, and must notify the Registrar of their choice in writing at the time of registration.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 112, 111 or 640 or 601 and 602

This history seminar explores the concepts, principles and methods of landscape design in a historical perspective with special focus on the relationships between landscape and interior and exterior architecture. The shape and meaning of gardens in each society will be examined, as well as analyzing what is revealed about the philosophical and spiritual concepts of nature in specific cultures and eras. DH.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111, 112 or 601 and 602

This course surveys urban form from its origins in the ancient world to present-day urbanism, and analyzes the concept of the "ideal city." Architecture, public space, city planning, and public works are considered in relation to the social, political, economic, and religious context of urban environments.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 111, 112

Through a broad survey and close study of gardens and landscapes from around the world, students will explore the philosophical and spiritual relationship between nature and culture, as expressed in the design of these special places.

Lecture Credits: 2, Prerequisites: 228, 160 or 640

This advanced professional practice course focuses on the business, legal, financial, and managerial considerations of interior design practice. A case study is used to explain the formation of a design business, and its structure and operations: designer/client and designer/ vendor relationships; contract formats for residential and commercial projects; various forms of compensation; project management including programming, budgeting, scheduling, bidding, contract administration, and post-occupancy evaluations; government and statutory rules and regulations; and insurance and dispute resolution. Students are also introduced to the issue of legal recognition of the profession and licensing.