Interior Design

Courses for this A.A.S. degree program are offered day, online and/or hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (16 or 17 Semester Hours Credit)

• ACA 111 - College Student Success OR ACA 122 - College Transfer Success
• ARC 111 - Intro to Architectural Technology
• DES 112 - Building/Construction Sys.
• DES 125 - Visual Presentation I
• DES 135 - Principles & Elements of Design I
• --- Natural Sciences/Mathematics

First Year: Spring Semester (18 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 114 - Architectural CAD
• ARC 114A - Architectural CAD Lab
• DES 130 - Digital App/Interior Design
• DES 220 - Interior Design Fundamentals
• DES 225 - Textiles for Interiors OR DES 238 - Sustainable Interiors
• DES 255 - History/Interiors & Furn. I
• --- Communication Elective

First Year: Summer Session (12 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 230 - Residential Design I
• DES 235 - Products
• DES 242 - Kitchen and Bath Design I
• ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry

Second Year: Fall Semester (14 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 231 - Residential Design II OR DES 243 - Advanced Kitchen/Bath Design
• DES 240 - Commercial/Contract Design I
• DES 256 - History/Interiors & Furn. II 
• DES 265 - Lighting for Interior Design
• --- Humanities/Fine Arts

Second Year: Spring Semester (14 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 235 - Architectural Portfolio
• DES 210 - Professional Practices/Int Des
• DES 285 - Capstone/Interior Design
• WBL 112I - Work-Based Learning I - ID
• --- Social/Behavioral Science

Total Semester Hours Credit: 74 or 75

Social/Behavioral Sciences courses approved for this program.

Natural Sciences/Mathematics

• BIO 110 - Principles of Biology
• BIO 111 - General Biology I
• GEL 111 - Geology
• MAT 110 - Math Measurement & Literacy
• MAT 112 - Technical Mathematics
• MAT 143 - Quantitative Literacy
• MAT 153 - Statistical Metholds I
• PHY 110 - Conceptual Physics
• PHY 121 - Applied Physics

Communication Elective

• COM 110 - Introduction to Communication
• COM 120 - Intoduction to Interpersonal Communication
• COM 231 - Public Speaking

[D30220]

Courses for this A.A.S. degree program are offered day, online and/or hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (13 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 111 - Intro to Arch Technology
• DES 112 - Building/Construction Sys.
• DES 130 - Digital App/Interior Design
• DES 135 - Prin and Elem of Design I   

First Year: Spring Semester (11 or 12 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 114 - Architectural CAD
• ARC 114A - Architectural CAD Lab
• DES 125 - Visual Presentation I
• DES 220 - Interior Design Fundamentals
• --- Natural Sciences/Mathematics

First Year: Summer Semester (6 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 230 - Residential Design I
• DES 242 - Kitchen and Bath Design I

Second Year: Fall Semester (6 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 243 - Advanced Kitchen/Bath Design
• ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry        

Second Year: Spring Semester (4 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 210 - Professional Practices/Int Des
• WBL 112I - Work-Based Learning I-ID

Total Semester Hours Credit: 40 or 41

Natural Sciences/Mathematics

• BIO 110              Principles of Biology
• BIO 111               General Biology I
• GEL 111              Geology
• MAT 110             Math Measurement & Literacy
• MAT 112             Technical Mathematics
• MAT 143             Quantitative Literacy
• MAT 152             Statistical Methods I
• PHY 110             Conceptual Physics
• PHY 121             Applied Physics I

Courses for this certificate program are offered day, online and/or hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (12 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 111 - Intro to Architectural Technology
• DES 112 - Building/Construction Sys.
• DES 125 - Visual Presentation I
• DES 135 - Principles & Elements of Design I

First Year: Spring Semester (6 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 114 - Architectural CAD
• ARC 114A - Architectural CAD Lab
• DES 238 - Sustainable Interiors

Total Semester Hours Credit: 18

Courses for this certificate program are offered day, online and/or hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (9 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 111 - Intro to Architectural Technology
• DES 125 - Visual Presentation I
• DES 135 - Principles & Elements of Design I

First Year: Spring Semester (9 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 114 - Architectural CAD
• ARC 114A - Architectural CAD Lab
• DES 130 - Digital Applications for Interior Design
• DES 220 - Interior Design Fundamentals

Total Semester Hours Credit: 18

[C30220K] [C30220HK]

Courses for this certificate program are offered day, evening, online and/or hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (9 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 111 - Intro to Arch Technology
• DES 125 - Visual Presentation I
• DES 135 - Prin and Elem of Design I 

First Year: Spring Semester (6 Semester Hours Credit)

• ARC 114 - Architectural CAD
• ARC 114A - Architectural CAD Lab
• DES 220 - Interior Design Fundamentals

First Year: Summer Semester (3 Semester Hours Credit)

• DES 242 - Kitchen and Bath Design I

Total Semester Hours Credit: 18

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture

I have already taken General Education (English, math, behavioral science) classes at another 2 or 4 year college will those credits transfer?

This is a decision made by Records and Registration. You will need a C or better to transfer and the credit hours for the class you took will need to equal or be greater than the class you are attempting credit.

I have already taken Interior Design classes at another 2 or 4 year college; will those credits transfer?

This is the decision of Interior Design's department head. You will need to schedule an appointment with the department head to evaluate your transcript and design portfolio. Credit is granted based on course description, equated credit hours, and present skill set.

How long will it take to complete the program?

If you enroll and intend on going full time then you can graduate in five continual semesters.

Is there a wait list to get into the program?

Currently, there is not a wait list, but it is highly recommended that you apply to the college early.

Do you have online and evening classes?

Yes, thirty percent of the Interior Design classes are offered online. We currently do not offer evening classes in Interior Design.

When can I start the program?

Classes begin in the fall semester; however there are a few classes that you can take in the spring and the summer, which include the following:

• Spring
  • DES 125 Graphic Presentation
  • DES 225 Textiles and Fabrics (online)
  • DES 256 History of Furnishings II (online)
• Summer
  • DES 256 Lighting (online)

Which classes are taught online?

• DES 255 History of Interiors and Furnishings I
• DES 256 History of Interiors and Furnishings II
• DES 235 Products
• DES 265 Lighting for Interior Design
• DES 225 Textiles
• DES 210 Business Practices for Interior Design

I have never taken an online class. What should I expect?

All classes are taught using Moodle and are accessible through your account. Each week your instructor will upload a lecture and/and handouts using PowerPoint software. You are responsible for logging onto your account at least once a week to gather reading and weekly assignments and discussions. Most assignments are research or opinion based and can be submitted electronically through email.

All online classes are hybrid classes meaning that they are taught online and have several meeting dates throughout the semester. Meeting dates are required to take exams, give presentations, go on field trips, or participate in textile labs. Meeting dates are given prior to registration or the first week of class.

I want to take personal enrichment classes without finishing the program. What can I take?

The following classes are first-year classes which have no or low prerequisite requirements. * indicates classes that are taught online. You may choose from any of these courses:

• Fall Semester
  • DES 135 Principles and Elements of Design I
  • DES 110 Architectural Graphics
  • DES 255 History of Interiors and Furnishings I
  • DES 235 Products
    
    
• Spring Semester
  • DES 136 Principles and Elements of Design II (must complete DES 135)
  • DES 220 Principles of Interior Design (must complete DES 135, DES 110, and be enrolled in DES 136)
  • DES 210 Business Practices for Interior Design
  • DES 125 Graphic Presentation
  • DES 120 AutoCAD for Interior Design (must complete DES 110)
    
    
• Summer Semester
  • ES 265 Lighting for Interior Design

Do you offer a class multiple times during the year?

Generally, no.

What is a typical day schedule?

If you plan to take classes full time then a typical week is Monday-Thursdays, 9-4:30. Duration of your schedule decreases as you continue with the program.

Can I still work and go to school?

Daytime students often find it difficult to balance a part-time job and go to school full time. Students who have part-time jobs should schedule their work for after 5, Monday-Thursday and designate weekends to working on projects.

You will find this to be true at other two, four, and five year institutions as Interior Design in general is a rigorous program that takes a great amount of dedication outside the classroom.

How many students are typically in a class?

We choose to keep class sizes small to optimize time spent with individual students. Typically there are 10 students in a studio class and 20 in a lecture class.

What is your employment success rate?

Our employment success or transfer rate is 100% six months after graduation.

What kind of jobs do your graduates get?

Past students have been placed in residential and commercial design firms, retail/showroom design, sales, CAD/draftsman, kitchen design, photography styling, education, product design, and marketing.

Are scholarships and financial aid available?

Yes, refer to the Financial Aid section of the website for additional information.

If I choose to transfer to a four or five year college after graduation, do my credits transfer?

Almost all of our courses do transfer, which usually place you into a Junior Standing. Our students have had (informally) a high transfer success rate with High Point University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Savannah College of Art and Design, Salem College. It is best to contact the institution's registrar and department for official transfer credit information.

Is your internship required and do you help students find internships?

Yes, the co-op work experience is required and is in the last semester of your graduation year. Co-ops are 20 hours a week for 16 week or for a total of 320 hours. Co-ops are important because it provides work experience which is mandatory for entry-level positions, it provides a connection to industry, it a vital learning experience that can not be expressed in class, and it may turn into a job placement. Co-ops can be paid or non-paid.

The program assists students in placement, however; students may choose their own experience.

What special supplies do I need to purchase for the program? Will I need CAD or purchase a computer?

Please refer to the supply list and CAD requirements located on the Interior Design webpage. Interior Design requires many reusable supplies to begin your design inventory. Over the course of five semesters supplies typically are $1,400. You do not need to purchase a computer or CAD. Student software versions are available in the bookstore.

Do I need to be artistic?

Not necessarily. This is a learned skilled, but having mechanical or artistic knowledge is a bonus.

I'm nervous because I have not been in school in years.

It's natural to be nervous, but know that we have a diversified class setting with instructors who are passionate in seeing that you succeed.

The Randolph Community College Foundation has numerous scholarships each year for RCC students. Foundation scholarships require a minimum 2.0 GPA and enrollment in at least 6 credit hours.

Practically all scholarships require financial need as verified through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Many scholarships are unrestricted; in other words they are not restricted to a student in a particular program, from a particular county, etc. However, there are some that are specifically for students in Interior Design. They are as follows:

As a part of the learning environment, students participate in a 20-hour-a-week cooperative learning experience their senior semester. Students gain real world knowledge and experience through industry and design professionals.

Kristi Shackleford

"If I had known then what I know now, I would have just started off at the community college and skipped the university thing. I got more out of (RCC) than I ever got at the university. My education at Randolph Community College has meant everything to my career."

Kristi Shackleford loves her job as a showroom designer and gallery assistant in the Contract and Home Office Division at the sprawling Furnitureland South facility in Jamestown, billed as the world's largest home furnishings showplace. "It changes on a day to day basis," she said. "The furniture is coming in and out, the colors and trends are constantly changing."

Kristi credits her workplace success to her education at Randolph Community College. "It has meant everything to my career. The knowledge that I gained at Randolph Community College gave me the foundation to build on," she said. "It was tough and challenging, but it was fun."

Kristi originally enrolled in college classes at Gardner-Webb University, but wasn't really sure what she wanted to do. She had always been interested in the creative process, colors and art. At the time, her father Bob Shackleford, was the dean of student services at RCC, so she learned about the Interior Design program there.

"If I had known then what I know now, I would have just started off at the community college and skipped the university thing," said Kristi. "I got more out of (RCC) than I ever got at the university. People don't realize what community colleges offer. They pack into two years what you would learn in four years at a university."

Kristi said that while she was a student at RCC, she built a network of friends in Interior Design and RCC's Photographic Technology program, and she now works with many of those people in her job today. "The internship program at RCC is great," said Kristi. "It gives you great opportunities to network. That helped me get my foot in the door (of the industry)." She graduated from the Interior Design program in 2001. While in school she completed an internship at Viewpoint Studios in Greensboro and ended up working there for over three years after she graduated. She has been with Furnitureland South for nearly five years.

Outside of work, Kristi is the mother of 12-year-old Brianna and she is a member of Guilford College United Methodist Church. Her mother, Brenda Shackleford is a principal at an elementary school in Shelby, and her father, Bob, is now president of Randolph Community College.

Upon successful completion of the Interior Design program, the student should be able to:

• Utilize the fundamental principles and elements of design to create a unified environment.
• Design an environment using sound space planning principles.
• Visually communicate design concepts.
• Create harmonious hue schemes.
• Identify and design interiors based on historical periods or design styles.
• Apply ethical business practices.

The Interior Design Program has an excellent reputation within the design community, and we pride ourselves on high standards and professional work. To effectively train Interior Design professionals, the performance of certain functions is incorporated throughout the program. Faculty and students are required to demonstrate proficiency of these functions in the Interior Design program. The essential functions include:

• Critical Thinking: critical thinking ability sufficient to gather relevant information, interpret data, recognize problems, and use a process to make informed, independent decisions that show good judgment. For example, making a good decision about the best financial report to produce based on user needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with co-workers and clients, function and contribute as part of a team, be accountable for self and others, and maintain appropriate hygiene for an office environment. For example, the ability to interact effectively with other members on a team project.
• Communication Skills: speak English, write English, listen and comprehend written and spoken words, and communicate information and ideas so others will understand. For example, the ability to discuss and present ideas and information to a client.
• Mobility: mobility that is appropriate for an office or classroom setting is needed. For example, mobile enough to sit and stand repeatedly in an office setting.
• Motor Skills: be able to sit for extended periods of time and manual dexterity. For example, as needed for computer work/keyboarding.
• Hearing: hearing ability to hear sounds at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). For example, being able to hear and respond to an instructor or other students in a classroom.
• Visual: visual ability to see with normal or corrected vision, tolerate working indoors in artificial light and the glare of computer screens. For example, the ability to look at a computer screen for long periods of time.
• Tactile: ability to perform physical activities that require use of hands and arms. For example, possessing finger and manual dexterity necessary to manipulate computer and other office equipment.
• Weight-Bearing: none.
• Cognitive: cognitive ability to use logic and reason, attention to detail, and short-term and long­ term memory skills. For example, the ability to remember a concept covered in a class in a previous week of a semester.
• Visual Color Discrimination: visual color discrimination ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. For example, the ability to determine color schemes in the development of a design project.

EXAMPLES ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE.
Randolph Community College is an ADA compliant institution. The College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet essential eligibility requirements. The College will provide reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities of individuals who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services and/or activities. Student Services provides a disability counselor to assist students in requesting disability related accommodations. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of the essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose the disability to the disability counselor as soon as possible. Students must certify the ability to meet essential functions of the curriculum by a signed statement when they begin the program.