The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program provides a thorough and analytical foundation of the Interior Architectural Design field that will enable students to practice professionally and serve their community with safe, functional, and sustainable interior spaces. Innovative design, critical analysis, and communication skills are developed in drawing, writing, modeling, and collaboration. Students completing the AS degree may apply for transfer to a University program in Interior Architecture or Environmental Design or obtain an entry level position in the same fields.
Note: in addition to meeting academic requirements for admittance into a university, Interior Architectural Design Programs also require prospective students to submit a portfolio to review for admittance into the program. It is recommended that students make an appointment with counselors at the institution of their choice to inquire about requirements.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the ability to research and analyze critical concepts of design and human interaction within the built environment, understand Interior designer's role in society, develop environmentally responsible designs, and communicate design concepts through drawing, writing, modeling, and collaboration. Students will develop a portfolio of work displaying design and technical skills to apply as an entry level Interior architectural designer or drafter, or to transfer to a university.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Interior Architectural Design: AS with CSU GE for Transfer
75-77 Units
An introduction to studio and design theory through exploration in concepts of space, form, function, materials and creative construction. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and conceptualization as a basis for designing projects through sketching, model making, and other media.
Three dimensional drawing for interior and architectural designers with an emphasis on simplified systems of linear perspective drawing and the fundamentals of quick sketching. Studies include an introduction to perspective and rendering of interior installations using size, scale, and shading to show depth and 3D form.
This course addresses basic color design theory and application. Students utilize tools, materials, and equipment to develop technical skills applicable to interior, architectural and other related fields of design. Students identify cultural heritages, the psychological implications of design and are introduced to Computer Palettes.
CSU GE Area B4 Course 3-5 units
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
A studio course which focuses on the development of context and precedent while designing interior architectural spaces and forms. Simple built environments are developed using design principles in context with spatial relationships, human interaction, and materiality. Emphasis is placed on the design process, human experience, and space planning. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 10
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
This course uses Autodesk AutoCAD to develop the fundamentals of communicating ideas through the integration of computer graphics and traditional drawing. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in 2D drafting and architectural drawings.
This course analyzes, applies, and evaluates construction materials, finishes, furnishings, and resources used in Interior Architectural Design through lectures and field trips. Topics of discussion include methods of detailing, fabrication, product innovation, as well as sustainability issues.
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
CSU GE Area A1 Course 3 units
A survey of the chronological development of World architecture from prehistory to the Romanticism of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. It includes art history and architecture with a worldwide introduction to the history of architecture. The contributions of technology, organizing methodology, intellectual thought, social conditions, and general artistic sensibilities will be addressed. This course will analyze key works to develop an understanding of specific relationships between the organization, configuration, and articulation of buildings and the historical, conceptual, and cultural arguments with which they are associated.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
Develop interior projects with an emphasis on concept development. Explore questions of sustainability, culture, and social responsibility within the context of buildings which are responsive to the environment and people utilizing them. Emphasis is placed on research, analysis, and conceptualization of ideas. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 and
- Skills Advisory: ARC 21
Develop advanced skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital drafting and rendering using Autodesk Revit for Interior and Architectural designers.
Exploration of natural light and lighting technology as an integrated component of design for interiors and architecture. Topics include lighting system basics, lighting and the design process, human factors, sustainability, and regulations.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
A look at the importance of portfolios in the design field, the different types of portfolios, and how to create visually cohesive project pages. Students design and build a digital portfolio which can be used for transfer to a university, to apply for employment, or to showcase professional work.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: IARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31
Through the use of lectures, slides, and field trips, students will study architecture from the mid-19th Century social and industrial conditions to current sensibilities represented by various creative individuals, movements and buildings. Cross references will be made to ideas of other arts, sociopolitical theory, and society in general.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
Further design exploration in commercial and mixed-use spaces with more complex programs. Existing building is analyzed in terms of program, building systems, structure, form, and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on research and analysis of social, cultural, and environmental issues while collaborating with industry partners. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 30 and
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31 and
This course explores the components of interior construction and building systems and examines current building requirements including federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and standards.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: IARC 20
POL SC 1 recommended for transfer options
See the full list: CSU GE Area D Course
ENGL 2 recommended for transfer options
See the full list: CSU GE Area A3 Course
CSU GE Area B3 Course 4 units
CSU GE Area F Course 3 units
US History recommended for CSU
See the full list: CSU GE Area C2 Course
CSU GE Area D Course 3 units
Interior Architectural Design: AS with SMC GE
61-63 Units
An introduction to studio and design theory through exploration in concepts of space, form, function, materials and creative construction. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and conceptualization as a basis for designing projects through sketching, model making, and other media.
Three dimensional drawing for interior and architectural designers with an emphasis on simplified systems of linear perspective drawing and the fundamentals of quick sketching. Studies include an introduction to perspective and rendering of interior installations using size, scale, and shading to show depth and 3D form.
This course addresses basic color design theory and application. Students utilize tools, materials, and equipment to develop technical skills applicable to interior, architectural and other related fields of design. Students identify cultural heritages, the psychological implications of design and are introduced to Computer Palettes.
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units
SMC GE Area IV-A Course 3 units
This class is designed for students who are either undecided about their educational or career goals, validating their decisions, or seeking to transition into a new career. Students are guided through a process that focuses on their individual interests, skills, personality and values to aid in the selection of a major, determine a career direction and develop career goals. Students will relate their self-assessment information to possible college major and career choices. Decision-making models and goal setting techniques are examined and will be used to develop short and long term education and career plans.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
A studio course which focuses on the development of context and precedent while designing interior architectural spaces and forms. Simple built environments are developed using design principles in context with spatial relationships, human interaction, and materiality. Emphasis is placed on the design process, human experience, and space planning. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 10
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
This course uses Autodesk AutoCAD to develop the fundamentals of communicating ideas through the integration of computer graphics and traditional drawing. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in 2D drafting and architectural drawings.
This course analyzes, applies, and evaluates construction materials, finishes, furnishings, and resources used in Interior Architectural Design through lectures and field trips. Topics of discussion include methods of detailing, fabrication, product innovation, as well as sustainability issues.
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
A survey of the chronological development of World architecture from prehistory to the Romanticism of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. It includes art history and architecture with a worldwide introduction to the history of architecture. The contributions of technology, organizing methodology, intellectual thought, social conditions, and general artistic sensibilities will be addressed. This course will analyze key works to develop an understanding of specific relationships between the organization, configuration, and articulation of buildings and the historical, conceptual, and cultural arguments with which they are associated.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
Develop interior projects with an emphasis on concept development. Explore questions of sustainability, culture, and social responsibility within the context of buildings which are responsive to the environment and people utilizing them. Emphasis is placed on research, analysis, and conceptualization of ideas. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 and
- Skills Advisory: ARC 21
Develop advanced skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital drafting and rendering using Autodesk Revit for Interior and Architectural designers.
Exploration of natural light and lighting technology as an integrated component of design for interiors and architecture. Topics include lighting system basics, lighting and the design process, human factors, sustainability, and regulations.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
A look at the importance of portfolios in the design field, the different types of portfolios, and how to create visually cohesive project pages. Students design and build a digital portfolio which can be used for transfer to a university, to apply for employment, or to showcase professional work.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: IARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31
Elective Course 1 unit
Through the use of lectures, slides, and field trips, students will study architecture from the mid-19th Century social and industrial conditions to current sensibilities represented by various creative individuals, movements and buildings. Cross references will be made to ideas of other arts, sociopolitical theory, and society in general.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
Further design exploration in commercial and mixed-use spaces with more complex programs. Existing building is analyzed in terms of program, building systems, structure, form, and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on research and analysis of social, cultural, and environmental issues while collaborating with industry partners. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 30 and
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31 and
This course explores the components of interior construction and building systems and examines current building requirements including federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and standards.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: IARC 20