73 courses with the subject IAR, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
IAR 105Environment and Behavior3
Intended for interior architecture majors or potential majors, this course introduces students to significant theories concerning the interaction of people and interior CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 331
This course is intended only for majors or potential majors and cultivates the ability to use formal architectural ordering to develop creative abstract designs that translate into three-dimensional compositions of space and form. Architectural theories and manifestos are explored through process tools and applied utilizing design exercises and projects. Additional Fee(s): Course fee
This course develops graphic literacy as a language and philosophy for observation, analysis, expression, and presentation of interior architecture. Students will develop an understanding of design thinking and visualization and the skills needed to generate design drawings communicating interior environments. One-point, two- point, isometric, and axonometric drawing methods will be covered.
This course covers 2D and 3D foundational principles necessary to understand form to space relationships, organizational typologies and multi-view drawing. Graphic literacy as a language and philosophy for analysis, expression, and presentation of interior architecture is introduced and an understanding of design visualization is developed.
Students learn the basic computer drafting and drawing skills associated with AutoCAD software. Projects include creating work from scratch and working from existing files. An understanding of drawing layers, detailing, layout, and printing will be presented. Adobe Creative Suite and other rending software are covered.
This studio introduces students to holistic design analysis, space planning, understanding user experience, and design drawing by examining small to medium scale residential projects. Emphasis is placed on human factors, space planning, spatial understanding, scale, design iteration, materials, furniture, and color with respect to user needs. CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 332
Students learn and apply relevant building codes as they relate to the health and life safety of the occupant. This course addresses energy laws, the principles of universal design and accessible code compliance.
An introduction to interior planning which covers general principles of interior place and its components while working through phases of design from ideation and the basics of space planning to the development and completion of design. Students explore the design process through a series of residential and non-residential exercises.
This studio addresses problem identification and problem solving in the context of small to medium scale projects of modest scope. Emphasis is placed on human factors, space planning, spatial experience, scale, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and color with respect to user needs.
This studio addresses problem identification and problem solving in the context of small scale projects of modest scope. Emphasis is placed on human factors, space planning, spatial experience, scale, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and color with respect to user needs.
This course is intended only for interior architecture majors or potential majors and addresses architectural materials and finishes. Students learn to select, specify and apply architectural finishes. They create specifications, execute take-offs, and produce cost estimates for interior construction. Manufacturing processes, installation methods, maintenance requirements, code regulations, and testing standards are covered.
Students will broaden their understanding of the philosophies, principles, perspectives, values, and foundations of sustainability, exploring the environmental, cultural, social, economic, and political aspects in order to build a context in which sustainability can be effectively applied to a wide variety of built environment design projects at various scales.
The first part of this residential studio examines theories of color in relation to light and space. In the second part, key topics include the selection, specification and application of textiles based on their properties and performance criteria, sustainability, installation methods, maintenance requirements, and regulations and standards.
As a studio residency at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, students develop and apply design thinking and visualization through the exploration and application of sustainable strategies, architectural theories, manifestos, and phenomenology. CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 333
IAR 261WHistory of Interior Architecture: Pre-20th Century3
This survey course examines world architecture from prehistoric times through the 19th century, including the built environment of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Emphasis is placed on the role of interior spaces, furnishings, and art within architecture.
This course is designed to relate the impact of architecture on both public and private spaces throughout the twentieth century and provide a view towards the future of architecture in the twenty-first century. The course will guide you through the major styles of architecture of the twentieth century and investigate the socio-historic context of the works and determinants of that architecture. Emphasis will also be placed on the interior spaces, furnishings and the arts and artists of the day.
This advanced course focuses on Building Information Modeling (BIM) that integrates and synchronizes three-dimensional building modeling for use in all phases of the design process. Students are introduced to Revit and Sketch-up. Graphic rendering skills are also developed to help students communicate interior spaces.
Construction techniques are studied through the production of a set of construction documents. Issues addressed include the selection and assembly of materials, construction methods, detailing of interior finish systems and cabinetry, building codes, and accessibility. Additional Fee(s): Course fee.
This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium- and large-scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, universal design, user needs, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language and composition, materials and assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, and building codes and life safety.
This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium- and large-scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 334
This 6-credit advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium-to-large scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language and composition, materials, assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, and building codes and life safety.
This course provides an overview of architecture building systems including exterior and interior construction methods and terminology. This course provides an overview of environmental control systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, power distribution, security, and data/voice telecommunication. Emphasis is placed on energy consumption, conservation, human comfort, and health and safety.
This course is an introduction to lighting and acoustics. Emphasis is placed on the psychology of lighting, visual comfort criteria, measurement and calculations, available technologies in lighting design, the selection of fixtures, and the application of computer-aided lighting simulation tools. Principles of acoustics, acoustic properties of materials and building systems in relation to building structures, sound transmission between rooms, and design methods in room and building acoustics are also addressed.
IAR 441Environmental/Sustainable Community Service1
Encouraging environmental stewardship, students are required to participate in an environmental community service project under the supervision of a field leader or faculty member.
Encouraging engagement with the surrounding community, students are required to participate in a community service project under the supervision of a field leader or faculty member.
In this course, students are introduced to the specialized services provided by the professional interior designer. Emphasis is placed on office operations and personnel issues, marketing strategies, project management, contract documents, ethics, and the legal and financial aspects of professional practice.
This writing based course introduces research methods and tools as the foundations of evidence based design. This course is a review and analysis of published research in the disciplines of interior design and architecture. Students are introduced to various methods of gathering information and conducting research with emphasis placed on the selection and utilization of data collection strategies and tools, culminating in the development of a research paper. CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 335
The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.
This course cultivates the ability to use formal architectural ordering to develop creative abstract designs that translate into three-dimensional compositions of space and form. Architectural theories and manifestos are explored through process tools and applied utilizing design exercises including concept development, abstract ideation, physical embodiment, architectural composition and analytical review.
The designed environment influences and is influenced by human activity patterns and behavior. This course is an introduction to significant theories concerning the interaction of people and interior architecture. Emphasis is placed on shared human needs and differences based on age, culture, gender, and occupation.
Intended for interior architecture majors or potential majors, this course develops graphic literacy as a language and philosophy for observation, analysis, expression, and presentation of interior architecture. An understanding of design thinking and visualization is developed. One-point, two-point, isometric, and axonometric drawing methods will be covered. Additional fee(s): applied art fee.
This course explores design principles related to color theory, typography, branding, web design, print design and layout relative to portfolio design, interior design presentation, communication and development. This course also explores basic human centered design and product design principles as a basis for portfolio and visual design. This course is designed to aid and mentor students in assembling a design portfolio of their academic and professional work. Students will learn graphic design techniques for both print and web, including basic tools in the Adobe Creative Suite.
Students learn the basic computer drafting and drawing skills associated with AutoCAD software. Projects include creating new work and working from existing files. An understanding of drawing layers, detailing, layout, and printing will be CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 336
This studio introduces students to holistic design analysis, space planning, understanding user experience, and design drawing by examining small to medium scale residential projects. Emphasis is placed on human factors, space planning, spatial understanding, scale, design iteration, materials, furniture, and color with respect to user needs.
Students learn and apply relevant building codes as they relate to the health, safety, and life safety of the occupant. This course addresses energy laws, the principles of Universal design, and accessible code compliance.
This course develops graphic literacy as a language and philosophy for observation, analysis, expression, and presentation of interior architecture. An understanding is developed of architectural scale, plans, elevations, and sections. Students will explore three-dimensional model making techniques.
This studio addresses problem identification and problem solving in the context of medium to large-scale projects of modest scope. Emphasis is placed on human factors, space planning, spatial experience, scale, basic elements of 2-D and 3-D design, concept development, space planning, scale, textiles, and color with respect to user needs.
The studio addresses problem identification and solutions in the context of medium to-large scale projects of complex scope. Emphasis is placed on programming human factors, universal design principles, space planning, spatial experience, scale, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and color with respect to user needs. Additional Fee: Course fee.
The studio addresses problem identification and solutions in the context of large scale projects of complex scope. Emphasis is placed on programming, detail drawing, universal design principles, space planning, spatial experience, scale, materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and color with respect to user needs.
This course is intended for majors or potential majors and addresses architectural materials and finishes. Students learn to select, specify, and apply architectural finishes. They create specifications, execute take-offs, and produce cost estimates for interior construction. Manufacturing processes, installation methods, maintenance requirements, code regulations, and testing standards are covered. CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 337
This course is designed to relate the impact of architecture on both public and private spaces throughout the 20th century and provide a view towards the future of architecture in 21st century. The course will guide you through the major styles of architecture of the 20th century and investigate the socio-historic context of the works and determinants of that architecture. Emphasis will also be placed on the interior spaces, furnishings, and the arts and artists of the day.
This advanced course focuses on Building Information Modeling (BIM) that integrates and synchronizes three-dimensional building modeling for us in all phases of the design process. Students are instructed to Revit and Sketch-up. Graphic skills are also developed to help students communicate interior design schemes. Additional fees: Course fee
Construction techniques are studied through the production of a set of construction documents. Issues addressed include the selection and assembly of materials, construction methods, detailing of interior finish systems and cabinetry, building codes, and accessibility.
This course will allow Interior Architecture students to solidify their professional portfolio for prospective internships and employment. Students will produce a physical and digital portfolio.
This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of medium-to-large scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, universal design, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language, composition, materials and assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, building codes, and life safety.
This advanced studio addresses concept development, design development, and detailing of large scale projects. Emphasis is placed on program analysis, user needs, universal design, space planning, three-dimensional spatial development, design language, composition, materials and assemblies, color, lighting, acoustics, environmental systems, building codes, and life safety.
This course provides an overview of architectural building systems, including exterior and interior construction methods and terminology as well as environmental CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 338
Students will broaden their understanding of the philosophies, principles, perspectives, values, and foundations of sustainability, exploring the environmental, cultural, social, economic, and political aspects in order to build a context in which sustainability can be effectively applied to a wide variety of built environment design projects at various scales.
This course is an introduction to lighting and acoustics. Emphasis is placed on the psychology of lighting, visual comfort criteria, measurement and calculations, available technologies in lighting design, the selection of fixtures, and the application of computer aided lighting simulation tools. Principles of acoustics, acoustic properties of materials and building systems in relation to building structures, sound transmission between rooms, and design methods in room and building acoustics are also addressed. Additional Fees: Course Fee
An internship experience provides students with a greater understanding of professional practice. With instructor approval, students work full-time in an office environment under the supervision of a practitioner.
In this course, students are introduced to the specialized services provided by the professional interior designer. Emphasis is placed on office operations and personnel issues, marketing strategies, project management, contract documents, ethics, and the legal and financial aspects of professional practice.
This course stresses evidence-based design. Students create a program for a project influenced by their research in IAR655. The program and research findings serve as a foundation for the investigation of a design detailing.
This graduate seminar is an introduction to the review and analysis of published research in the disciplines of interior design and architecture. Students are introduced to various methods for gathering information and conducting research with emphasis placed on the selection and utilization of data collection strategies and tools.
This graduate seminar is a review and analysis of published research in the disciplines of interior design and architecture. Students are introduced to various methods for gathering information and conducting research with emphasis placed on the selection and utilization of data collection strategies and tools, culminating in the development of a research proposal. CHATHAM UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2026-2027 339
This course will introduce students to architectural theory through specific readings that will enable them to establish basic critical reasoning skills utilizing theoretical works. the course will focus on reading and discussing seminal texts while understanding their historical importance to architecture and interior design.
Students are introduced to current writings and discussion related to sustainability and globalization, which are then analyzed for their relevance to the decisions made by interior architects. An awareness of current issues and how the student may impact them provides a framework as students engage in research for their thesis.
In-depth investigation conducted independently by the student under the supervision of an instructor. This course may be taken to satisfy an elective requirement.
The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with original research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information gathering and written material.
The thesis is independently taken by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. The final project is a written thesis with original research or a creative design project that is supported by in-depth information gathering and written material.