This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Roberto Ventura
Associate professor and chair
The Department of Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The mission of the department is to provide an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience grounded in the issues of interior architecture. The department develops in its students an enduring passion and curiosity for their work, a determination to continually seek quality in their endeavors, an ability to reflect constructively upon their actions as individuals and a responsibility for their lifelong education. The department focuses students’ professional activities while encouraging connections between these activities and the larger forum of ideas that enrich their culture and environment. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program prepares students for careers in interior design or entry into programs of advanced study.
The department also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Design with a concentration in interior environments with a professional entry-level option and a post-professional option. These tracks seek to produce competent creative designers whose design solutions are based on human response in the contemporary environment. Mastery of design skills, development of productive habits, knowledge of resources and an awareness of interrelated disciplines equip the student with the tools and expertise necessary to pursue creative design positions.
The department relates with the professional interior design community through a variety of activities. The faculty invites featured speakers to share experiences, participate in the annual ASID EXPO, facilitate mentorships with professional designers and support student internships. An active student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers provides additional enriching opportunities for student involvement.
The department offers limited accelerated undergraduate preparation for those individuals who lack full preparation. Assessment of the individual candidate’s needs will determine the scope of the preparatory course work. This is an opportunity to gain the skills and design experiences required to qualify for admission to the graduate degree program.
The department has a very comprehensive website with extensive information about the program, interior design in general, faculty, student work and the department newsletter. In advance of scheduling a meeting for department advising or for application to the program, students should review the department website.