INTERIOR DESIGN

The Interior Design Programs can trace their origin to the beginning of the 20th century, when Domestic Science became the first science program on the EMU campus in 1905. The Programs' philosophy and mission now support their position as an integral component of the School of Engineering Technology in the College of Technology and provide a solid foundation for the Interior Design Programs at the beginning of the 21st century.

IDE Programs' Philosophy Statement

The Interior Design Programs at Eastern Michigan University are committed to providing educational opportunities, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, for a diverse constituency of interested and capable students who are enrolled in the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Programs. Critical thinking and creative problem solving are promoted to enable students to design interior environments within a contextual setting that is in a process of continuous change. In order to enhance the quality of human life, students are encouraged to employ evidence-based design to respond to both functional and aesthetic criteria. Using design research, environmentally responsible strategies, and universal design precepts in the development of their concepts, students design interior spaces that protect global eco-systems and are fully accessible to everyone who lives, works, or plays in the designed environment.

IDE Programs' Mission Statement

The mission of the Interior Design Programs at Eastern Michigan University is academic preparation of students to enable them to creatively solve problems related to the function and quality of interior environments that meet human needs and fulfill human aspirations. The Programs promote design research and critical thinking to generate appropriate design decisions encompassing all interior spaces, components, and elements within the built environment. The curriculum provides opportunities for both design research and experiential education to investigate the interaction of humans and environments, at both the micro and macro level, in preparation for leadership roles in the design profession. Central to this mission is evidence based design that integrates theory, knowledge, and technical skills with:

• A holistic view of people, their environments, and global factors;
• A sensitivity to environmentally responsible design issues;
• Consideration of the needs of all users regardless of age, physical stature, or current capability/disability status.

IDE Programs Coordinator: Dr. Louise Jones: Louise.Jones@emich.edu

IDE Undergraduate Coordinator: Professor Jiang Lu: jlu@emich.edu