In addition to being fully online, these interior design certificate programs are delivered in a part-time format to meet the needs of working adults. All courses are held in real-time, which allows you to receive immediate feedback and learn from other students.
Further your understanding of design fundamentals and develop in-demand technical abilities, such as drafting architectural drawings and delivering persuasive presentations. You will have the opportunity to create a portfolio filled with quality real-world work samples relevant to the design industry.
Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in topics such as residential interiors and sustainable design. Many are also contributors to some of the most respected publications in the industry. You’ll benefit from their firsthand insights and guidance throughout your master’s in interior design.
Our certificates were intentionally crafted to build directly into a master of arts in interior design to allow students to build off what they’ve learned. You can transition to the master’s program without repeating any coursework.
Gain the qualifications needed to specialize in residential spaces.
Learn complex concepts and potentially qualify to take on commercial projects from a design perspective.
ASID Membership Preparation: Completing this certificate prepares you to become a member of Allied Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
The Interior Design certificate programs are open to students with bachelor’s degrees in any discipline. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is preferred but not required. This degree program is designed for those who have an interest and passion in design but do not possess a formal education in it.
No GMAT/GRE required.
Fairfield’s Interior Design courses are synchronous and small in size, each student receives detailed feedback on their projects in real time. See how student work in the classroom extends into the field.
Stacy Griffing, a certified Interior Designer, brings a wealth of experience in various sectors, including Hospitality, Commercial, Retail, Residential, and Industrial design. A graduate of Marywood University with a Master's in Interior Architecture and Design, she also has a keen interest in furniture design, including custom cabinetry, kitchen design, and bath design.
As a certified interior designer, Rob Hardy has specialized in residential design, construction and renovation. He teaches core courses and serves as mentor and advisor for all students in the program.
Hollie Sutherland has been teaching interior design at Fairfield University for eight years, and she also runs an interior design business. IN her practice, she focuses on residential design and sustainable design, utilizing her LEED AP.
Dr. Victor Dueupi is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Miami School of Architecture. HIs research focuses on the Early Modern Spanish and Ibero-American world, mid-20th-century Cuba, and contemporary architecture and design. Author of several books, Dr Deupi was also the President of the CINTAS Foundation dedicated to promoting Cuban art and culture from 2016-2018 and is current the President of the DOCOMOMO US Florida Chapter.
Credits – 3
This course is an introduction to drafting techniques for the preparation of architectural interior drawings emphasizing drafting and detailing room plans, elevations and sections. Course covers drafting for architectural purposes, drawing for client presentation, techniques of presentation, and board mounting. A final project with finished floor plans, elevations, and sample boards is required. Previously IN 0405.
Credits – 3
This course examines the major styles of furniture from Egyptian through the Renaissance and Baroque (15th-17th centuries) to the Rococo and Neoclassic periods (early 19th century). Examples will be drawn mainly from Italy, France, England, and Germany, with emphasis on mastering the specific features of each style and on understanding the ideas that influenced the furnishings in each era. Previously IN 0413.
Credits – 3
This course examines American furniture from 1650-1830 and its relationship to English prototypes. The course covers Victorian furniture styles through contemporary trends in both the United States and in Europe. Emphasis is placed on learning the characteristics of each period as well as a discussion of the materials culture of the time. Previously IN 0414.
Credits – 1
This course consists of a series of six sessions, each conducted by a different practicing interior designer. The guest instructors will share their experiences in developing a business and dealing with the many practical issues related to the interior design profession. Previously IN 0521.
Credits – 3
Students develop the judgment and skill needed to conceive and execute a successful residential interior design project. Through weekly design problems, students integrate aesthetics and function. Students experience the issues and difficulties a professional must face, learning the appropriate steps from client interview to presenting accurate scale drawings in plan and elevation. Previously IN 0410.
Credits – 3
Students develop proficiency in discerning basic color differences and visualizing color application. Students learn color mixing and identification, color scheme planning, pattern and scale. Previously IN 0407.
Credits – 3
Existing design projects are turned into three-dimensional interior perspectives, which are invaluable in communicating ideas to the client. Completed drawings will become part of the student portfolio. Previously IN 0520.
Credits – 3
An introduction to various types of lighting equipment and their characteristics. Students learn how to accurately interpret professional lighting catalogs, to calculate appropriate light levels, and to apply this knowledge to a professional lighting plan. Previously IN 0515.
Credits – 3
Building on the design fundamentals of Interior Design I, students continue to practice space planning, and learn to prepare and deliver persuasive presentations. Class covers tools designers have to work with, including color, special finishes, building materials, furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, floor coverings, and accessories, with special emphasis on kitchen and bath design. Creativity is fostered through a series of residential design problems reinforcing the logical nature of the design process. Previously IN 0511.
Credits – 3
Students document, by blueprint and/or photos, an existing residential space, including complete floor plans, furniture detailing prospective drawing of one space, lighting plans, and detailed presentation boards, showing all fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, and rugs obtained solely from New York showrooms. Previously IN 0512.
Credits – 3
A survey of textile manufacture from fiber to finished fabric with emphasis on the textile’s attributes for determining quality and usage. The student is introduced to construction methods, dyeing, printing, and finishing processed with discussion of various applications. Previously IN 0411.
Credits – 3
A rendered drawing relies on tone as the basis for the perception of form. Using the media of pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, markers, watercolor, and their various combinations, students learn to achieve a higher degree of professionalism in interior design presentations and perspective drawings. Previously IN 0422.
Credits – 3
An introduction to computer aided drafting and design concepts, methods, and skills used in Interior Design. Students learn to use the basic commands of AutoCAD software to produce architectural and interior drawings including floor-plans, elevations, sections, and details. Students should note that this course will be taught using Microsoft Windows. Students should bring their own laptop with AutoCAD LT software installed to each class. Previously IN 0409.
Credits – 3
Through a series of lectures, hands-on developmental planning, and individual guidance, students deal with different topics including: major residential/small commercial space planning and remodeling, kitchen and bath design with plumbing and HVAC, architectural and furniture design with detailing and construction drawings, estimating, and application of design materials including flooring, wall-covering, window treatments, and upholstery. This knowledge will be applied to the renovation of an existing New York City brownstone. Previously IN 0513.
Credits – 3
A survey of architecture and interiors from antiquity to the present and the cultural factors affecting them. Among the civilizations, periods, and styles to be included are Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Modern. Previously IN 0417.
Credits – 2
This course aims to simplify the complex world of sustainable design and how it relates to global environmental issues, climate change, and health. Course topics include an overview of the big picture of sustainability, case studies, the LEED rating system, best practice systems and the integrative design team, the impact of design and construction practices and specification of non-toxic materials on the health of occupants and the environment, guest speakers, and field trips for green resources. Previously IN 0421.
Credits – 3
This specialty course addresses the specific principals of kitchen and bath design with emphasis on function, style, and health and safety. Attention will be paid to the industry guidelines as established by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. There will be segments on products and materials, lighting, and plumbing. Design and drafting principals will be a major emphasis of this overview course and will touch on universal design. There will be an opportunity to design an actual case study of a kitchen/bathroom. This course will expose students to the knowledge and professionalism required to be a successful kitchen and bath designer. Previously IN 0516.
Credits – 3
Continuing with skills learned in Basic CAD, this course is an introduction to the application of 3-D Computer Aided Design concepts, methods, and skills used specifically in interior design projects. Autodesk REVIT software applications will be used to produce fully rendered 3-D architectural computer aided designs for portfolio. Previously IN 0509.
Credits – 3
Students learn the importance of the surrounding environment in a working situation and professional techniques for planning and executing business interiors. Readings, lectures, project organization, and studio assignments stress the principles of good design and the practical skills needed to function professionally. Previously IN 0514.
Visionary by nature.
Jesuit Catholic by origin.
The driving force of Fairfield is our mission — to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. And it’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.
