Enter OTP
A rigorous, CIDA-accredited program combining design innovation with environmental and human-centered thinking. Ideal for students looking to enter professional interior architecture practice with NCIDQ eligibility.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students complete foundational coursework such as CADS 1000: Orientation to Interior Design and liberal arts electives. A portfolio review determines entry into the upper division.
Year 2: Focus shifts to spatial problem-solving and studio work in residential and commercial interiors. Students take courses like Interior Materials and Components and develop strong design fundamentals.
Year 3: Intermediate and advanced studios deepen technical knowledge. Students explore lighting, codes, construction systems, and digital modeling through professional-level design projects.
Year 4: The final year features hospitality and healthcare-focused studios, alongside business practices and a required internship. Students produce a professional portfolio for licensure readiness.
Focus areas: Hospitality Design, Healthcare Environments, Sustainability
Learning outcomes: Spatial fluency, material understanding, professional communication
Professional alignment (accreditation): CIDA-accredited, NCIDQ exam eligible
Reputation: Recognized across the Southeast for quality instruction and strong career outcomes
Students dive deep into hands-on learning with rigorous studio work and immersive field experiences:
Weekly labor-intensive design studios, requiring 6–8 hours in class plus additional hours of independent study—mirroring professional workflows.
Mandatory professional internship (minimum 10 weeks, typically in junior summer) with leading firms like Perkins+Will, Gensler, HKS, Urban Grace, and Champalimaud.
Field studies and summer thesis trips exploring adaptive reuse and iconic spaces—past trips have taken students to Detroit, Columbus, New York, and Chicago.
Access to CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking and drafting labs through Auburn’s architecture and design facilities.
Internships featuring skill-building in Revit, Bluebeam, Photoshop, and hands-on site visits.
Program is CIDA-accredited, meeting standards for NCIDQ exam preparation.
Most students graduate with full-time job offers in design-related positions.
Auburn’s CIDA-accredited Interior Architecture program prepares students to integrate spatial design, sustainability, and architectural theory. Alumni often work as interior architects, exhibit designers, lighting specialists, or retail environment strategists.
Here’s how Auburn supports your career journey:
CADC Career Services: Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction offers exclusive career fairs, résumé support, and internship placement assistance with firms across the Southeast.
Strong placement rates: Over 93% of students secure jobs or pursue grad school within 6 months of graduation. Average starting salaries land between $55,000–$70,000.
Professional studio exposure: The program integrates with ARCHITOUR, a firm-visit program, and Rural Studio, giving students real-world, socially impactful design experience.
Accreditation: CIDA accreditation ensures eligibility for licensure and adds long-term professional credibility.
Hands-on outcomes: Students graduate with a professional portfolio and practical experience that translates directly to design, architectural, and spatial consulting roles.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can move directly into Auburn’s own Master of Integrated Design & Construction, or pursue professional M.Arch degrees or specialized master’s programs in Sustainable Design, Lighting Design, or Spatial Experience Design.
First-year students are admitted to the CADC pre-major program. A portfolio is not required for incoming freshmen but is required for transfer students.Recommendation Letters: Not requiredInterior Space Planner – Develop efficient layouts for commercial or residential projectsHealthcare Designer – Design healing environments that support patient wellbeingHospitality Designer – Craft immersive spaces for hotels resorts and restaurantsDesign Project Manager – Oversee interior architecture projects from planning to completionConstruction Documentation Specialist – Prepare technical drawings for implementation
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