University of New Haven

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme emphasises studio work supported by technical courses, history and theory, and professional practice. Students progress from foundation design and drawing to advanced integrated projects that address real-world briefs.

• Design Studios — sequential studio courses in which students develop conceptual thinking, space planning, scale, and material experimentation through projects ranging from small interiors to larger built environments.
• Representation and Digital Tools — drawing, CAD, 3D modelling, rendering and BIM workflows including industry-standard software used to document and communicate design solutions.
• Construction, Materials and Systems — building methods, detailing, finishes, environmental systems, accessibility and code considerations specific to interior architecture.
• Lighting and Environmental Design — studies of natural and artificial lighting, acoustics and indoor environmental quality as they relate to occupant comfort and performative design.
• History and Theory — surveys of interior and architectural history, critical theory and the cultural context of interior spaces.
• Sustainable and Inclusive Design — strategies for energy efficiency, material selection, lifecycle thinking and designing for diverse populations.
• Professional Practice and Portfolio — project management, contracts, ethics, client communication, and the development of a professional portfolio and capstone project.
• Hands-on Fabrication — model-making, prototyping and workshop practice using the university’s fabrication resources to test details and materials at multiple scales.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate a combination of academic preparedness and creative potential. Typical requirements include a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent, a portfolio showcasing drawing, design work or creative projects, and a statement of purpose. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are considered. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of English language proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements. Additional selection may include an interview or admissions task for shortlisted candidates.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge design and construction. Typical career paths include:

• Interior architect or interior designer in residential, commercial, hospitality or healthcare sectors
• Space planner and workplace designer for corporate clients or institutions
• Lighting designer, furniture or product designer focused on interiors
• Exhibition, retail and set designer
• Technical designer, detailer or BIM coordinator producing construction documents
• Project manager, specification writer or sustainable design consultant
• Further study at the master’s level in architecture, interior architecture or related fields

Why study at University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers a studio-focused curriculum with access to fabrication workshops, digital labs and close faculty mentorship, enabling hands-on development of design and technical skills. The campus’s proximity to regional design markets provides opportunities for internships and industry collaboration, while career services and alumni networks support transition into practice. Small class sizes foster personalised feedback and a collaborative learning environment that prepares students for the professional demands of interior architecture.