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.

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 100 Introduction to Architecture and Design 2  
ARCH 20 Architectural Graphics I 3  
ARCH 29A Freehand Drawing I  

Total Units: 6 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 29B Freehand Drawing II 1  
ARCH 22A Delineation and Rendering 3  

Total Units: 6 

Semester 2: Choose one of the following course

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ART 126 Color 3  
DSGN 150 Color in Design 3  
VMD 118 Color in Design 3  

Total Units: 3 

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
INTD 100 Introduction to Residential Interior Design 3  
ARCH 101 Architecture Design Studio I 3  
INTD 124 Interior Building Materials & Systems 3

 

OR      
ARCH 120 Fundamentals of Building Construction 3  

Total Units: 9

Semester 3: Choose one of the following course

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 214 AutoCAD I 3  
BIM 120 Revit Architecture I 3  

Total Units: 3 

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
INTD 138 Global History of Interior Design 3  
INTD 102 Interior Design Studio I 3  
ARCH 160 Professional Practice 3  

Total Units: 9

View Requirements in College Catalog

Required

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 20  Architectural Graphics I 3  
ARCH 120 Fundamentals of Building Construction 3  
INTD 100 Introduction to Residential Interior Design 3  
INTD 102  Interior Design Studio I 3  

Total Units: 12 

Choose 3 units from the following graphic courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 214 AutoCAD I 3  
ARCH 218

Fundamentals of Rhino 3D

3  
BIM 120 Revit Architecture I 3  

Total Units: 3 

Choose 3 units from the following business skills courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ARCH 160 Professional Practice 3  
MRKT 122

Professional Selling

3  

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.