About Interior Design

The curriculum in Architectural Interiors has a strong emphasis on both architecture and art.

The course of study includes instruction in the following: Orthographic projection, descriptive geometry, perspective, and shades and shadows; two-dimensional basic design; delineation and rendering; materials of construction; freehand drawing; professional practice/interior design; legal aspects of contracting; architectural technology (drafting); art history; basic design; basic drawing; material specification.

Students may satisfy the requirements for graduation from the College. Students who satisfy these requirements and complete the curriculum with an average final grade of C (2.00 grade-point average) or higher receive the degree of Associate in Science and the Award of Achievement in Architectural Interiors.    Additionally, the program offers a short,  entry-level, 15 units, Certificate of Accomplishment, Assistant Interior Designer, Core Skills. 
 

Explore Potential Careers

Studying Interior Design can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!

  • Interior Designer
  • Assistant Interior Designer
  • Drafter
  • Staging Designer
  • Furniture Designer
  • Showroom Manager
  • Lighting Designer
  • Kitchen and Bath Designer
  • Exhibit Designer

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Course maps may not be up-to-date. Please consult with a counselor/department coordinator for further information.

Semester 1 

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 100Introduction to Architecture and Design2 
ARCH 20Architectural Graphics I3 
ARCH 29AFreehand Drawing I 

Total Units: 6 

Semester 2

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 29BFreehand Drawing II1 
ARCH 22ADelineation and Rendering3 

Total Units: 6 

Semester 2: Choose one of the following course

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ART 126Color3 
DSGN 150Color in Design3 
VMD 118Color in Design3 

Total Units: 3 

Semester 3

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
INTD 100Introduction to Residential Interior Design3 
ARCH 101Architecture Design Studio I3 
INTD 124Interior Building Materials & Systems3 
OR   
ARCH 120Fundamentals of Building Construction3 

Total Units: 9

Semester 3: Choose one of the following course

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 214AutoCAD I3 
BIM 120Revit Architecture I3 

Total Units: 3 

Semester 4

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
INTD 138Global History of Interior Design3 
INTD 102Interior Design Studio I3 
ARCH 160Professional Practice3 

Total Units: 9

Required

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 20 Architectural Graphics I3 
ARCH 120Fundamentals of Building Construction3 
INTD 100Introduction to Residential Interior Design3 
INTD 102 Interior Design Studio I3 

Total Units: 12 

Choose 3 units from the following graphic courses

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 214AutoCAD I3 
ARCH 218Fundamentals of Rhino 3D3 
BIM 120Revit Architecture I3 

Total Units: 3 

Choose 3 units from the following business skills courses

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
ARCH 160Professional Practice3 
MRKT 122Professional Selling3 

Total Units: 3

Overall Total Units: 18 

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Interior Design programs at the following institutions: 

  • San Jose State University
  • San Francisco State University
  • California College of the Arts 

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.