The History of Interior Design at Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) Interior Design program has a long history of excellence. With a focus on interdisciplinary design education, the program has been training successful interior designers for more than 100 years. MSU’s Interior Design program offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD degree programs to students who want to pursue a career in the industry.
The program was established in the early 1900s and was one of the first in the country at the time. The faculty members who developed the program were pioneers in the industry and helped to establish interior design as a professional discipline. They taught courses in furniture design, color theory, architectural history, and textile design, which were groundbreaking at the time.
Over the years, the program has gone through many changes to keep up with the evolving industry standards and trends. In the 1950s, the program became part of the School of Human Ecology, which was later renamed the College of Human Ecology. In the 1990s, it became part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where it remained until 2020 when it was moved to the College of Arts and Letters. Today, the program is part of the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.
The Interior Design program at MSU has grown over the years and is now a leader in research and sustainability. The program has developed a strong emphasis on sustainable design, and faculty members are actively involved in research that explores how design can contribute to a more sustainable future. MSU students are engaged in projects that address environmental and social justice concerns, and they are taught to approach design projects holistically.
Another major change that has happened in the program is the focus on interdisciplinary design education. Today, MSU’s Interior Design program is part of the larger Department of Art, Art History, and Design, which means that students have the opportunity to take courses in other design disciplines such as Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Industrial Design. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain a broader understanding of the design process and to apply these skills in a variety of contexts.
The program also has strong ties to the design industry, and faculty members continue to work in the field in addition to their teaching roles. MSU Interior Design graduates are highly sought-after in the industry and work in a variety of fields, including commercial and residential design, hospitality design, healthcare design, and retail design.
In conclusion, the history of the Michigan State University Interior Design program is a story of innovation and excellence. From its early beginnings in the 1900s to its current focus on sustainable and interdisciplinary design education, MSU’s Interior Design program has been at the forefront of the industry for over 100 years. Its graduates continue to make an impact in the field of design, and the program remains committed to educating the next generation of successful interior designers.
Curriculum Overview: What to Expect as an Interior Design Student
As a student pursuing a career in interior design at Michigan State University, you can expect to be immersed in a broad curriculum that equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. The program focuses on both creativity and practicality, and it covers all aspects of the design process from concept development to execution.
The course begins with a strong foundation in the principles of design, color theory, and drawing techniques. You will also be coached in basic computer-aided drafting (CAD) software and architectural drafting. The faculty will challenge and develop your visual arts skills, creativity, and critical thinking abilities, urging you to experiment and think outside the box.
Michigan State’s interior design program emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and creativity by setting up interdisciplinary projects, participating in community-based service learning and competitions both in and out of state. This approach is intended to teach you the methods and principles of design, problem-solving, and renovation, keeping in view the practicality and contextual yet unique designs.
Advanced courses in the curriculum provide the students with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interior design. Adaptive Use, Home Automation, Hospitality, Construction Documentation and Building codes are just some of the tracks you could get into. Conversely, Elective courses in the curriculum include courses in Sustainable Design, Lighting, Renovation & Restoration, and Furnishing. You would also be working on new design projects in every part of the curriculum to enhance what you learn in class.
As a senior, you will be required to complete a Senior Project that will combine and consolidate all the foundational and advanced coursework. This project is required to reflect your design aesthetics, methodology, formalism, and problem-solving ability. Your project will be reviewed and evaluated by your advisors and other faculty members. The interior design faculty members are deeply committed to helping you learn, obtain internships, seminars, and events and to prepare you for a successful career in the industry as entrepreneurs, consultants, fashion designers, and designers for corporations and nonprofits.
Overall, Michigan State University’s Interior Design program will push you to think creatively, approach problems from various angles, and in effect, polish your design skills. It will provide you with all the tools you need to become a successful interior designer, along with the networks you need to launch your career and succeed in the field.
Student Organizations and Internship Opportunities
If you’re studying interior design at Michigan State University, you’ll have access to a wide variety of student organizations and internship opportunities to enhance your education and career prospects. These resources will provide you with valuable industry experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to different aspects of interior design.
Student Organizations
MSU’s interior design program has several student organizations that offer a range of benefits to students enrolled in the program. Whether you’re looking to build your skills, connect with other interior design enthusiasts, or gain valuable leadership experience, there’s a student organization at MSU that can help. These are some of the student organizations in MSU’s interior design program:
- Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO): This student organization is devoted to advancing the profession and practice of interior design by providing members with opportunities for leadership, networking, and academic excellence. IDSO regularly invites guest speakers to campus and organizes field trips to design firms and trade shows.
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): ASID is a national organization that offers members a range of resources, including professional development, networking opportunities, and events. As an MSU student, you can join the ASID student chapter, which is devoted to advancing the interior design profession at a local level.
- International Interior Design Association (IIDA): The IIDA student chapter at MSU is dedicated to promoting the profession and practice of interior design through networking, education, and research. Members have access to a range of resources, including industry events, job postings, and design competitions.
Internship Opportunities
Internships are an essential part of any interior design program, and MSU’s interior design program offers several opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the field. These internships are designed to help students identify and develop their professional goals while providing them with the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting. Some of the internship opportunities available to MSU interior design students include:
- Design Firms: Many interior design firms offer internships to college students to gain experience and develop their skills under the guidance of experienced designers. These opportunities allow students to work with clients, learn how design concepts are developed, and practice technical skills in a professional environment.
- Commercial Design: MSU has several partnerships with local businesses, providing students with opportunities to work on real projects and gain valuable experience in commercial design. These projects provide students with hands-on experience in designing for a client and working with project managers, contractors, and vendors.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Many non-profit organizations require interior design services to help create safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces for their clients. MSU students can volunteer or intern with these organizations to learn how to work with limited budgets, develop functional designs, and create engaging spaces.
- Design-Build Firms: Design-build firms allow interior design students to work on projects from conception to completion. Students get hands-on experience in project management, estimating, and installation. These internships can be an excellent opportunity for students who want to learn how to run their own design practice.
Overall, MSU’s interior design program offers students exceptional opportunities to gain practical experience, network with professionals and peers, and build their skills and professional portfolio. By taking advantage of these resources, students can develop their knowledge and skills to become successful and well-rounded interior designers.
Notable MSU Interior Design Alumni
Michigan State University’s Interior Design program has a proud legacy of producing some of the most sought-after professionals in the field. Here is a list of some of the notable MSU Interior Design alumni.
Irene Brzoza Carroll
Irene Brzoza Carroll has a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Michigan State University. She is the founder and principal of Carroll Design, and her areas of expertise include conceptualization, space planning, specifications of finishes and furnishings, and construction documentation. Recipient of numerous industry awards and nominations, Carroll is known for her combination of functionality and style. Her designs have been featured in various publications and media outlets, and she has worked on some of the most prestigious architecture and interior design projects in the United States and abroad.
Paulette Tavormina
Paulette Tavormina graduated with honors from Michigan State University’s Interior Design program. Today, Tavormina is a world-renowned still-life photographer and artist whose work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Her meticulously composed still-life photographs explore the relationship between art, nature, and culture, and her inspirations range from 17th century European painting to contemporary art. Tavormina’s images have been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, and The New York Times.
Mary Cook
Mary Cook earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Michigan State University. She is the founder and CEO of Mary Cook Associates, one of the most successful interior design and architecture firms in the United States. Cook has designed award-winning interiors for some of the largest and most recognizable brands in the hospitality, retail, and real estate industries. Her work has been featured in publications such as Hospitality Design, Interior Design, The New York Times, and Forbes. Cook has served as a guest speaker and juror at numerous industry events, and she is actively involved in various philanthropic and community organizations.
Bradley Waldrop
Bradley Waldrop is a respected interior designer and entrepreneur with a degree in Interior Design from Michigan State University. As the founder and CEO of Brad Ford ID, a New York-based design studio, Waldrop has worked on some of the most prestigious residential and commercial projects in the United States. Waldrop’s designs are known for their attention to detail, organic materials, and combining vintage and contemporary elements. Waldrop has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and The New York Times.
These are just a few of the many alumni of MSU’s Interior Design program who have made significant contributions to the field of interior design. The program’s curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in design theory, technical skills, and sustainability, as well as the integration of technology and social responsibility in the design process. The program’s focus on practical experience and industry partnerships prepares its graduates to become leaders in the field, with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
The Future of Interior Design Education at Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been offering Interior Design courses for more than six decades. With a reputation for excellence and a history of producing some of the finest Interior Design professionals in the industry, it is little wonder that Michigan State University is at the forefront of Interior Design Education as it moves into the future.
As a nationally recognized university, Michigan State intends to lead the way in presenting the most innovative and practical Interior Design Education possible. To achieve this, the university is continually upgrading its Interior Design curriculum to meet the rapidly changing needs of this industry. It must keep pace with advances in technology, materials, and sustainability and shifts in both consumer and professional preferences.
Here we will delve deeper into the five key changes and developments which we can expect to see from Michigan State University’s Interior Design program in the future.
1. Incorporating new technology into the curriculum
The integration of technology into the curriculum has become increasingly important for Interior Design schools, and Michigan State University is no exception. With the rise of digital platforms, new design software, and 3D printing, Interior Designers have a wide range of tools and technologies at their disposal to bring their visions to life. Keeping up with these changes is essential for students, graduates, and professionals in the field. Michigan State will be implementing technology-based coursework to prepare graduates to stand out in the marketplace.
2. Emphasizing sustainability
The focus on sustainable design has been gaining importance in recent years, and Michigan State University is ahead of the curve in incorporating the sustainable practices into their Interior Design program. The school is committed to having a positive impact and fostering environmental and social responsibility. The incorporation of sustainable methods such as the use of recycled materials and reducing environmental waste are now being emphasized through special course work, lectures, and hands-on projects.
3. Promoting diversity and inclusivity
In an ever-changing world, diversity and inclusivity are crucial for successful Interior Designers to connect with a more varied clientele. The Michigan State program promotes awareness and understanding of cultural and social differences through a progressive and inclusive curriculum. The program also encourages diversity in student recruitment efforts.
4. Industry partnerships
Michigan State University understands that industry partnerships are critical in the education of their Interior Design students. These agreements provide opportunities for students to participate in internships, work experience, and co-seminars. These programs allow students to experience first-hand the daily operations of the Interior Design profession and get a realistic idea of the working environment.
5. Enhanced student career development
To ensure that students are adequately prepared for their future Interior Design careers, Michigan State University has enhanced the career development services it provides. The university now has career services offices that provide various services such as resume writing, job search assistance, interview preparation, and other resources. Students are given guidance on various Interior Design careers, including specialties such as kitchen and bath design or commercial interior design space planning.
In conclusion, Michigan State University is upgrading its Interior Design Education to provide students with the skills required to be successful in today’s Interior Design market. The program’s focus on technology, sustainability, diversity, industry partnerships, and student career development shows a commitment to the future of the field while instilling in students the importance of creating socially responsible designs.