The School of Interiors is a community of design researchers, theorists, historians, and practitioners in the College of Design at the University of Kentucky. We explore spatial design as a human-centered, critical practice focused on architectural interiors. Through our scholarship and community outreach endeavors, we advocate for the study of interiors as a complex, sensorial, intersectional, and equitable way of experiencing the world.
The College of Design School of Interiors at the University of Kentucky offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design, as well as a graduate program leading to a Master of Arts in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design.
Exploring the dynamic field of architectural interiors, ranging in scale from domestic spaces to interior urbanism, the School of Interiors nurtures students to become the next generation of design innovators. Our curriculum develops critical thinkers who pursue diverse career pathways. Students are taught to challenge and reimagine the built environment by promoting design excellence through an awareness of the social, cognitive, and performative potentials of spatial design. Internships, design-build activities, and speculative community-based projects engage students with emerging issues in the field. Students participate in faculty-led field research trips within the United States and overseas.
Housed within a Research 1 university, our faculty participate in research, teaching, and professional practices that bridge the disciplines of environmental design, interior design, architecture, preservation, adaptive reuse, healthcare, lighting design, furniture design, exhibition design, digital fabrication, and emerging technologies. The interdisciplinary and multi-scalar composition of their work offers students a broad and globally-connected perspective on contemporary design practice. While focused on architectural interiors, the curriculum explores the ways in which the 21st century interiors discipline connects to architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, preservation, product design, social sciences, and the arts.
Undergraduate Degree Information | Graduate Degree Information
Directed electives in the School of Interiors represent an opportunity for each student to establish a focus of study to augment required studio courses and lecture classes. In recognizing the breadth and diversity of approaches to design, the faculty of the School recognize that through this requirement students also might engage in an academic minor or a certificate program offered at the University.
After consulting with a faculty mentor, each student must submit a plan to the Office of Student Services in the College of Design for his/her 21-credit hour directed elective requirement. While it can be amended at any time, students must complete the plan by the end of their fourth semester in the program. Directed Electives courses allow you to gain in-depth knowledge about subjects and topics that are of interest to you and to supplement your degree program.
Overview | Thematic Tracks | Undergraduate Certificates | Directed Electives Plan Form
OUR MISSION
To inspire future design talent through excellent teaching and experiences, significant research and creative work, and exemplary service to make the world a better place for all.
A human-centered philosophy guides creative work in the School of Interiors across the expansive territory of environmental and interior design. Conceptual development, visual representation, and technical skills form the core foundational education in the curriculum. Studio is the focus of undergraduate and graduate coursework, combining research with making and experimentation. Studio projects encourage speculation and building through community outreach, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Students in the College of Design work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment supported by a world-class digital fabrication facility.
Our outreach studios have served various communities within the Commonwealth, across the country and around the world. Many have partnered with community stakeholders to serve as advocates, facilitators, thinkers, designers and makers.
The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design granted by the University of Kentucky meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
Per state laws, distance education courses and programs must be legally authorized in a state prior to offering courses or programs to students residing there. Therefore, program availability varies by state. Students should check the UK Out-of-State Educational Activities website to determine if a distance education program at the University of Kentucky is available in their state of residence.
All distance education students should keep in mind that relocating during the course of a program to another state could impact whether that student can continue in the course and/or meet the eligibility requirements of that state. If you plan to move to another state during your program, please contact your program advisor as soon as possible.
States may have additional requirements for programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state. Visit the UK Out-of-State Educational Activities website to learn more about your program.
Undergraduate Program Application Deadlines
Early Action Track: December 1
Regular Action Track: February 15
Applications will be accepted after February 15 as space in the program is available.
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