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Interior Design

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Interior Planning and Design

This degree provides a foundation of education and skills in the expanding field of interior design. Topics include space planning, building and Life-Safety codes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, it covers a variety of subjects ranging from architectural and furniture history to reading construction documents.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
IDES 300 Fundamentals of Interior Design 3
IDES 310 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings I 3
IDES 312 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings II 3
IDES 322 Materials of Interior Design 3
IDES 324 Interior Design Business Practices 3
IDES 326 Interior Design Sales 3
IDES 330 Beginning Interior Design Studio 3
IDES 332 Portfolio and Presentation in Interior Design 3
IDES 334 Interior Environment and Space Planning 3
IDES 340 Beginning CADD for Interior Design (3) 3
   or DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) (3)
IDES 341 Intermediate CADD for Interior Design (3) 3
   or DESGN 320 Three Dimensional Graphics and Design (3)
IDES 350 Codes and Universal Access for Interior Design 2
IDES 351 Codes and Universal Access Lab 1
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ARTH 302 Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art (3)
ARTH 322 Art History of the Non-Western World (3)
FASHN 320 Textiles (3)
IDES 110 Estimating and Calculating for Interior Design (3)
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 40

The Interior Planning and Design Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • incorporate the appropriate finishes and materials for commercial and residential interiors.
  • examine building types and occupancy classifications.
  • create construction and presentation drawings that meet California building codes.
  • assess client's needs and plans with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Life-Safety Codes and Universal/Barrier-Free Design.
  • analyze interiors to reflect the needs of the end user.
  • design spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and incorporate sound design principles.

Career Information

The field of interior design offers a variety of career options, including residential design by itself, or with a specialty such as Universal Design, Green/Sustainable, smart-home, home office, and home theater design. It also offers commercial design, which can include ADA compliance, hospitality (restaurant, hotel, cruise ship) design, set design, and contract space planning. Additional career opportunities are available in product design, retailer, buyer/purchaser, manufacturers’ representative, and facilities management.

Certificate of Achievement

Para Professional Interior Planning and Design Certificate

This certificate provides a foundation of education and skills in the expanding field of interior design. It focuses on the fundamentals of both residential and commercial design. A variety of topics taught for this certificate include space planning, building and Life-Safety codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and architectural and furniture history. This certificate includes an internship within the interior design industry.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
IDES 110 Estimating and Calculating for Interior Design 3
IDES 300 Fundamentals of Interior Design 3
IDES 310 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings I 3
IDES 312 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings II 3
IDES 322 Materials of Interior Design 3
IDES 324 Interior Design Business Practices 3
IDES 330 Beginning Interior Design Studio 3
IDES 332 Portfolio and Presentation in Interior Design 3
IDES 334 Interior Environment and Space Planning 3
IDES 340 Beginning CADD for Interior Design (3) 3
   or DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) (3)
IDES 341 Intermediate CADD for Interior Design (3) 3
   or DESGN 320 Three Dimensional Graphics and Design (3)
IDES 350 Codes and Universal Access for Interior Design 2
IDES 351 Codes and Universal Access Lab 1
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) 0.5 -4
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ARTH 302 Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art (3)
ARTH 322 Art History of the Non-Western World (3)
FASHN 320 Textiles (3)
IDES 326 Interior Design Sales (3)
Total Units: 39.5 - 43

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • categorize building types and occupancy classifications.
  • create construction and presentation drawings that meet California building codes.
  • appraise the client's needs and plans with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Life-Safety codes and Universal/Barrier-Free Design.
  • distinguish historical periods and styles of architecture and interior design.
  • identify sales proposals.
  • select textiles for the appropriate end use.

Career Information

This certificate offers a variety of career options, including residential design by itself or with a specialty of home office and home theater design. It also offers commercial design opportunities, which include space planning, hospitality (restaurant, hotel, cruise ship) design, set design, and historical and adaptive re-use design. Additional career opportunities are available as product designers, retailers, buyers, manufacturers' representatives, and facilities managers.

Certificates

Designed 4 Life Certificate

This certificate provides training in designing quality living environments. It includes various courses in Gerontology and Interior Design and covers how to successfully, safely, effectively, and aesthetically design interiors for all ages and abilities.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging 3
GERON 281 Basics of Aging, Health, and Ethical Care 0.5
GERON 280 Home Adaptations for Safety and Independence 0.5
IDES 350 Codes and Universal Access for Interior Design 2
IDES 355 Residences: Designed 4 Life 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate interior environments and design changes in their function.
  • categorize specific expectations and desires in terms of the client's needs.
  • design environments for all ages and abilities.
  • design interiors that reflect the needs of the client.

Career Information

Our aging population is requiring more specialized design for long-term independence. This certificate offers opportunities in careers for both gerontology and interior design.


Event Design Coordinator Certificate

This certificate offers courses to help with event planning and design coordination careers for Interior Designers. Events from fundraisers to weddings will be addressed. Our curriculum teaches the basics of the eventscape and how to incorporate it with space planning skills.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 210 The Business Plan 1
HORT 201 Floral Design 2
IDES 105 Color and Interior Design 0.5
IDES 120 Seasonal Decorating 0.5
IDES 121 Event Planning for Interior Designers 1
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
FASHN 395 Visual Merchandising (3)
IDES 326 Interior Design Sales (3)
IDES 324 Interior Design Business Practices (3)
IDES 330 Beginning Interior Design Studio (3)
MGMT 362 Techniques of Management (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
Total Units: 8

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • utilize learned skills for planning and design of events.
  • design and plan events.
  • identify and design venues for planned events.
  • research vendors for planned events.
  • categorize elements required to execute a planned and designed event.

Career Information

Event and party coordinator planning and design.


Green Building and Sustainable Design for Interiors Certificate

This certificate provides students with expertise in the requirements for designing green and sustainable interiors.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
IDES 300 Fundamentals of Interior Design 3
IDES 302 Introduction to Green Building and Sustainable Design in Interiors 3
IDES 381 Interior Lighting and Electrical Components 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the history and development of the green movement as it applies to interior design
  • choose appropriate materials and finishes to achieve a green and sustainable interior
  • identify the skills that are required to apply for certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional and describe the process for receiving LEED certification for projects.
  • assess the role of the interior designer as part of a team of professionals involved in creating green buildings and sustainable design

Career Information

This certificate offers additional opportunities for an interior designer specializing in green design. It helps students be more employable by demonstrating a more focused skill set.


Interior Retail Merchandising Certificate

This certificate provides a foundation of education and skills in the expanding field of interior design. Topics include the materials of interior design, architectural (global and regional) and furniture history, business practices, and event planning.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
IDES 300 Fundamentals of Interior Design 3
IDES 310 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings I 3
IDES 322 Materials of Interior Design 3
IDES 324 Interior Design Business Practices 3
IDES 330 Beginning Interior Design Studio 3
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • select the appropriate finishes and materials for commercial and residential interiors.
  • analyze interiors that reflect the needs of the end user.
  • design spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and that incorporate sound design principles.

Career Information

This certificate offers a variety of career options in residential design. Additional career opportunities are available as product designers, retailers, buyers, manufacturers' representatives, and Sacramento architectural and interiors historians.


Sacramento Design History Certificate

This program covers Sacramento’s architectural heritage of more than 150 years. The students will compare and contrast various regional styles from Old Town to 21st century modern. The styles of Julia Morgan, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Greene Brothers are analyzed.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
IDES 130 Sacramento Design History - Architectural Gems 0.5
IDES 131 Sacramento Design History - Old Sacramento 0.5
IDES 132 Sacramento Design History - Victorian 0.5
IDES 133 Sacramento Design History - Bungalows 0.5
IDES 134 Sacramento Design History - Fabulous Forties 0.5
IDES 135 Sacramento Design History - Mid-Century Modern 0.5
IDES 136 Sacramento Design History - Modern and Contemporary 0.5
IDES 312 History of Interior Architecture and Furnishings II 3
Total Units: 6.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • catalogue various styles and periods of architecture in Sacramento.
  • research some of Sacramento's vast periods and styles of architecture.
  • locate some of Sacramento's architectural gems.
  • distinguish specific architectural details on Sacramento structures.

Career Information

1. Historical preservationist. 2. Architectural docent. 3. Tour guide.


Universal Design Certificate

This certificate prepares students to work in the field of interior design with an emphasis on Universal Design. Multi-generational or universal design addresses the needs and abilities of people of all ages. Universal Design gives careful consideration to space planning, accessibility, security, and privacy issues, to create an environment that promotes independent living for every member of the household.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
GERON 280 Home Adaptations for Safety and Independence 0.5
IDES 108 Lighting For Better Health 0.5
IDES 322 Materials of Interior Design 3
IDES 330 Beginning Interior Design Studio 3
IDES 350 Codes and Universal Access for Interior Design 2
IDES 351 Codes and Universal Access Lab 1
IDES 355 Residences: Designed 4 Life 3
Total Units: 13

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess the client's interior space planning needs.
  • design residences that will successfully meet the needs of most people.
  • analyze how Universal Design is used in a floor plan.

Career Information

Students who have completed this certificate may work in full residential design. They may also specialize in residential kitchen and/or bath design.