Interior Design Student Resources and Facilities

Computer Recommendations

For the most up to date requirements, view the VCUarts Computer Requirements

Facilities

Our commitment to education extends beyond lectures: we believe that we learn by doing. Our students work in a studio environment with their peers and have secure access to their design studio day and night.

Materials Library

The Materials Library offers students a bright space and starting point for learning about the many materials and finishes required in interior designs. Organized by material type, application and color, the library offers a large selection of tiles, fabrics, floorboards, wall coverings, carpets, ceiling systems and more.

Students can also access various design trade magazines and journals for referencing the use of materials and applications.

Model Shop

We value your safety, view the VCUarts safety Guidelines

The Model Shop contains a wide range of tools to supplement model building, including sanding belts, drill presses, chop saws and a laser cutter.

Hand tools are available for check-out and students are encouraged to collaborate and learn from one another while working in the shop.

For Laser Cutting:Recommended file type: Adobe Illustrator Maximum material size:

  • For vector cutting: 48”x 32”
  • For raster etching: 11”x 17”

Acceptable materials:

  • Chipboard
  • Project Board
  • Mat Board
  • Wood (up to 1⁄4” thick)
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • Natural Stones
  • Natural Fabric

Please note that we are no longer permitted to cut acrylic material on the laser cutter due to insufficient ventilation. Students may use the Cabell Library laser cutter for any acrylic needs.

VCUarts Creative Print Bureau

The VCUarts Creative Print Bureau provides an inclusive computing, scanning, and printing lab for all VCUarts students.

Dimension Student Group

Dimension is a student run community of interior designers at VCU, focused on supporting the individual aspirational goals of each member. Our professionally driven club draws on existing student experience, professional relationships, and personal values to create events and programs catered to supporting each member’s academic and post-academic careers. 

Follow along on Instagram: @dimension.vcu.

Materials and Supplies

This is a comprehensive list of supplies that could be used at some point during the student’s years in the Interior Design program.

For students new to the department, on the first day of your Studio and/or Graphics classes, be prepared to draft, draw and sketch. Come to class with a drafting board, paper, sketch book, pens, pencils, scales and other measuring tools. Your instructors might communicate additional supplies that can be purchased as you progress through the semester.

View the list.

Department Policies

These policies on evaluation, grading, and attendance form the foundation of the academic experience within the Department of Interior Design. Specific to the experience of design students are the explanations of the important concepts of process, realization, and professionalism.

View the policies.

Overrides

Students requiring an override for an Interior Design course must receive instructor approval before any override can be issued. Please discuss your override request with the course’s instructor before completing the Override Request Form below.

Each request is reviewed within 7-10 days of submission. Students will receive a confirmation email and instructions to add the course to their schedule once the override request has been approved.

View the override request form