Interior Design
The
interior design program, offered by the art department at Salem, requires
coursework in studio art, art history and interior design.
Your Commitment
It goes without saying that you are creative and have a passion for the arts! You are also likely to be motivated, creative, independent and bring a solid work-ethic to the classroom. You will be encouraged to share your ideas and opinions as well as to seek out inventive ways of learning. You will take part in internships and special projects as well as study abroad in order to broaden your artistic horizons. While at Salem you will complete a required research project. You may also want to join one of two student arts organizations on campus, the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) or April Arts.
Your Experience
In interior design at Salem you will be involved with student projects which run the gamut from field trips and reports on what is being done in the field, to helping at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore project.
Your Faculty
The director of the interior design program is assistant professor of interior design Rosa Otero, along with adjunct professors Emily Becker, Jan Detter and Adriana Granados, as well as associate professors John Hutton, Kim Varnadoe and Penny Griffin in the art department.
Your Results
Thanks to the comprehensive, interdisciplinary nature of the art department as well as special courses in interior design (such as residential, contract, architectural interior details and computer assisted drafting/design), you will graduate with a wide range of professional opportunities, such as graduate school or careers. Recent Salem graduates who majored in art or interior design went on to East Carolina University, University of Miami, Maryland Institute College of Art, Pratt Institute/ School of Art and Design; Rhode Island School of Design and Sothey's Institute of Art, London. Recent art majors are working as a design consultant at Ethan Allen Inc; an historical programs assistant at the Maymont Foundation; an interior designer with the Group 3 firm; curator of education at Columbia Museum of Art; a member of the Peace Corps in Zambia; and interior design teacher with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools at Atkins High School.
Interior Design Major (B.A.)
The major in interior design consists of 18 courses. An exhibit of work is required of each student at the end of her senior year. Interior design majors are strongly advised to take ARTS 020 and ARTS 025 during their first year or as early as possible in their program of study. At least seven course credits toward the major must be taken in the art department at Salem, including ARTI 391 (Senior Seminar, one-half course).
Interior Design Courses (ARTI)
102. Interior Design One course
This course develops the elements and principles of design in interior design as well as the visual and verbal communication skills of the interior designer. Prerequisites: ARTS 020. Fall.
160. TextilesOne course
Study of design, construction, fiber and finishes for fabrics with emphasis on quality and utilization of currently available materials for soft floor coverings, window treatments and upholstery. Estimation of carpet, window treatments and upholstery will be covered. Fall.
180. Architectural Representation and DocumentsOne course
Formal training in graphics representation as it relates to architectural drawings and documents. Students will become familiar with technical terminology and symbols associated with construction documentation. Students will acquire additional drafting, rendering and modeling skills, both mechanically and digitally generated. Fall.
200. Independent Study in Interior DesignOne-quarter to one course
Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Open to students with a 3.0 cumulative average and permission of the chair of the department. Independent study may take the form of readings, research, conference, project and/or field experience. Independent study may be taken for a total of two courses, the maximum in any one term being one course credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
201. Residential Interior DesignOne course
An introduction to space planning and furnishing residential interiors. Kitchen and bath design is covered in detail. Prerequisite: ARTI 102. Spring.
202. Contract Interior DesignOne course
Space planning of commercial, institutional and environmental spaces. The emphasis is on total design concept for client presentation with plans, lighting design, furnishings and material samples, specifications and presentation. Prerequisite: ARTI 201. Fall.
203. Business Practices in Interior DesignOne course
Students will become familiar with business principles and practices of the interior designer and the interactions that take place among the client, designer, trade sources and contractors. Students plan their own business. Prerequisite: ARTI 201. Spring.
204. Architectural Interior DetailsOne course
The study of construction methods and detailing in architectural interiors as utilized by the interior designer. Creative problems in cabinet design and architectural interior detailing will be used for the study of construction methods; materials used in construction are also covered. Prerequisite: ARTI 201. Fall.
205. Computer Assisted Drafting/DesignOne course
An introductory course in Computer-Assisted Drafting/Design (CADD). Students will learn the basic commands and parameters of CADD, as well as how to draw floor plans, elevations and other interior design drawings on-line. Prerequisite: ARTI 102. Spring.
206. Historic PreservationOne course
Students will gain a general understanding of the historic preservation movement’s history as well as preservation theory, law, and practice at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Topics including cultural landscape preservation and the intersection of archaeology and historic preservation will be explored. The student will also become conversant with the significanttypes and styles of American architecture. Fall. Cross-listed with PRSV 230.
208. Lighting For Interior DesignOne-half course
This course explores lighting designs and techniques, light sources, luminaries (fixtures), controls, color, vision, daylighting, applications to interior space, psychological factors and aging and federal energy policy. Prerequisites: ARTI 201. Spring.
220. Special Topics in Interior DesignOne course
This course provides the student with the opportunity to explore aesthetic and technical issues presented by faculty or visiting instructors. Permission of instructor.
248. History of Interior DesignOne course
Introduction to period styles and motifs in furniture, architecture and the decorative arts of the ancient world to the present, with application to contemporary interiors. No prerequisite. Fall.
270. Internship in Interior DesignOne-half to one course
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills the student has learned. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the major.
290. Honors Independent Study in Interior DesignOne course
Advanced independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Normally open to juniors and seniors with a 3.5 average in art. Subject to the approval of the department chair. Honors work may be taken for a maximum of two courses.
380. Advanced Design Senior StudioOne course
Limited to seniors in the interior design program and taken concurrently with ARTI 390, Senior Seminar. Course members will develop a project based on their individual interests, demonstrating their mastery of the design and technical skills acquired during their academic experience at the college. Expands on subjects already introduced in previous coursework and introduces advanced topics. Projects will be exhibited at the end of the semester during the senior show. Prerequisite: senior standing in major. Spring.
391. Senior Seminar in Interior Design One-half course
Senior thesis work. Required of all interior design majors. Prerequisite: senior standing in major. Spring.
Dr. Rosa Otero
Tell us about your background and global experiences:
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico where my family still resides. I attended undergraduate school in PR and every year I visit with my family to observe major holidays. Several years ago I took a group of students to experience what my country has to offer. I have also traveled to other islands of the Caribbean and to Central America and Europe.What are your research interests?
My passion is design of the 20th century; most especially mid-century architecture. My dissertation focused on Henry Klumb, a German architect and a student of Frank Lloyd Wright who practiced in Puerto Rico from 1944 to the early 1980s. From his work, I developed a system to classify walls according to their permeability. This system looks at the relationship created between interior and exterior space as a means to explain how architects develop solutions that connect their buildings to a specific location. I have presented this research on several occasions, including an appearance on a TV show in Puerto Rico entitled “Prohibido Olvidar.”
How are you involved with Salem students outside the classroom and studio?
I identify internships and match students with the appropriate site. I am the advisor of the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Salem College Student Chapter, and I engage students in community service projects such as Habitat for Humanity. I also assist students with job search and placement.What do you see as the strengths of a women's college?
As a women’s college, Salem empowers women to become citizens of the world.What are the benefits for the students if they choose a major in interior design at Salem?
Students who graduate with a major in Interior Design will be excellent problem solvers as well as efficient time managers, skills that can be applied to a multitude of areas beyond the design field. Also, they will develop a high sense and appreciation for good design, careful craftsmanship and collaborative efforts. More importantly, the goal of our program is to teach our students to become 21st century thinking individuals by means of a vibrant engagement with design.Tell us about your family.
I am married to my husband Todd Shoaf who is from Winston-Salem, and we both have two children: Dania (10) and Loucas (4). We also have a cat, Felito who is 13 years old (as long as our marriage). We live on a cattle farm that has been in my husband’s family for over 80 years in Davidson County. Every year we go to Puerto Rico during Christmas and celebrate with my family in order to preserve some of my traditions and pass them to my children. Epiphany is observed to honor the Three Wise Men’s visit to Jesus. Children in PR and in many countries in Latin America wake up on the 6th of January to a house full of presents. Obviously, my children truly enjoy this tradition.What do you do for fun when you aren't working?
When I am not working, I am a mother to two children and a friend to many. I am busy taking kids back and forth to school and church as well as to soccer, gymnastics, swimming and piano lessons.Students interested in majoring in Studio Art, Art History or Interior Design can apply for the Dr. John Preston Davis Scholarship. The Davis Art Scholarship is worth full tuition and is renewable annually with a 3.0 college GPA. Interested candidates must submit a 300 word essay on "Why I want to study Studio Art, Art History or Interior Design" and two letters of recommendation (if majoring in Studio Art or Interior Design, one of these letters should be from an art teacher). Finalists will be invited to interview at Scholarship Weekend. Studio Art and Interior Design candidates should bring a portfolio at the time of the interview.
