Interior Architecture
saic.edu/inarch
Reimagine the concept of interior space and our relationships to it. Our NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree with a track in Interior Architecture gives students the expertise needed for an architectural practice while acquiring specific sensibilities to the growing field of interior architecture.
Project-based curriculum
The program provides hands-on inquiry, experimentation, and exploration, allowing students to cultivate the skills and critical knowledge necessary for advancing new spatial ideas and inventions in interior architecture. The curriculum is centered on a series of project-based studios supported by courses in building structures, building technology, professional practice, and electives in architectural history and theory. In their final year, students complete a rigorous design studio and pursue a self-directed design thesis under faculty supervision.
Interdisciplinary experimentation
Interior Architecture is a growing professional field where architects have an increasing impact. We teach through hands-on inquiry, experimentation, and exploration to develop the skills and critical knowledge necessary for the development of new spatial ideas and invention. Students are encouraged to expand their practice by taking courses in other departments across SAIC.
2- and 3-year tracks
SAIC offers a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) with two tracks: a three-year track designed to provide the skills and sensibilities of contemporary interior architects grounded in theoretical and historical contexts suited to students with a broad range of educational and professional experience; and a two-year track for students with pre-professional bachelor’s degrees in architectural studies, architectural technology, or interior design. Both tracks recognize and underscore the significance of architectural design where form, structure, and enclosure are considered in proximity to materials, objects, human needs, and experience.
Certificate in Historic Preservation
Students also have an opportunity to concurrently pursue an Integrated Historic Preservation Certificate through coursework in SAIC’s Historic Preservation Program. Working alongside faculty members at Chicago’s historic structures, students gain expertise and experience in the practice, theory,
For more information on the program and application requirements, please visit: saic.edu/inarch
STEM field recognition
Our professional, NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree is STEM Designated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This enables international students to qualify for the 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work opportunities.
The Sullivan Fabrication Studio
This dedicated fabrication workshop has a full range of hand tools and industrial wood- and metal-working machines.
• Material sales center with sheet goods, hardwoods, plastics, foam, etc.
• 2 CNC routers (4’× 8’ Highspeed)
• Large bed vacuum thermo-former (2’ × 4’)
• Power tools, including a jointer, planer, mortiser, drill press, lathe, table saws, band saws, and sanders
• Assorted sewing machines
• Mold-making facility with plaster mixing, dust collection, fume extractor, and vacuum chamber
• Large, high-flow paint and finishing hood
• On-site materials library
• Dedicated workspace in large, open-plan communal studios
Curriculum Requirements – Option 2 (2 Year Track)
Students with undergraduate pre-professional bachelor’s degrees in architectural studies, architectural technology, or interior design may be accepted into the two-year, 60-credit accelerated program. Students admitted into the Option 2 program may also be lacking one or two specific topical architectural classes, and if so will be required to take those classes at SAIC.
First Year Fall
› INARCH 6110 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 3 (6)
› AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
› Art History Elective (3)
› Elective (3)
First Year Spring
› INARCH 6120 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 4 (6)
› AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures (3)
› AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
› AIADO 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
Second Year Fall
› ARCH 6210 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 5 (6)
› AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
› AIADO 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
› Elective (3)
Second Year Spring
Faculty
ELLEN GRIMES
CARL RAY MILLER
DOUGLAS PANCOAST
HENNIE REYNDERS
JONATHAN SOLOMON
TRISTAN D’ESTREE STERK
For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/inarch
Application Deadline: January 10
15
15
15
15
› AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 6: Thesis (9)
› AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
› Elective (3)
› Participation in four Graduate Critiques
› Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition
Yiwen Chu
broke
Curriculum Requirements (3 Year Track)
The 3 year, 90-credit option is a carefully choreographed studio sequence, offering students the skills and sensibilities required of the contemporary interior architect, while grounding them in the histories and theories that are specific to the design of interior spaces. Each semester includes a conceptual cluster of classes with a 6-credit design studio, a 3-credit technical support studio, and 3-credit seminars.
First Year Fall 15
› AIADO 5110 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 1 (6)
› AIADO 5113 Arch/Inarch: Construction Systems (3)
› AIADO 5123 Arch/Inarch: Structures 1 (3)
› ARTHI 5102 Global History of Architecture, 1750–1900 (3)
First Year Spring 15
› AIADO 5120 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 2 (6)
› AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures 2 (3)
› ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
› Elective (3)
Second Year Fall 15
› ARCH 6110 Architecture: Grad Studio 3 (6)
› AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
› Art History (3)
› Elective (3)
Second Year Spring 15
› ARCH 6120 Architecture: Grad Studio 4 (6)
› AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
› Art History (3)
› Elective (3)
Third Year Fall 15
› INARC 6210 Interior Arch: Grad Studio 5 (6)
› AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
› AIADO 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
› Elective (3)
Third Year Spring 15
› AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 6 –Thesis (9)
› AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
› Elective (3)
› Participation in four Graduate Critiques— participation in Critique Week is mandatory for the final four semesters of study at SAIC.
› Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition
Total Credit Hours 90
Application Process
Submit:
› Online application
› Official college transcripts
› Statement of purpose
› Letters of recommendation
› ePortfolio
› Résumé
Lina Alsharif
The Advanced Output Center
Students have access to a fully equipped printing and prototyping lab, including:
• 120w laser cutters
• 3D printers, including machines that use PLA, ASA, and acrylic-like resin as building material
• 3D scanners, including Artec Eva, Handyscan, and NextEngine
• Flatbed and large format scanners
Taylor Proctor, Architectural Expressions: The Language of Public Space left to right: Morph (Form); Chutes and Ladders (Access); Nolli (Transparency)
Kate Barbaria
