Interior Design
17 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
INTE 101 Introduction to Interior Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- CBTE 180 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the profession of interior design. Emphasis is placed on design fundamentals and the profession of interior design. Topics include space planning, construction systems, furniture, and finishes. This course is designed for interior design majors and all students interested in the field.
INTE 105 Residential Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 112B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 115 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces interior design students to the planning of residential interiors. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of interior elements, principles, space planning, and conceptual problem solving in three-dimensional space. This course is designed for interior design majors.
INTE 110 Materials and Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 115 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the technical specification of finishes, furnishings, and equipment needed to complete a variety of interior environments. Emphasis is placed on sustainability. Product knowledge, available resources, industry procedures, and terminology are incorporated. Liabilities and regulations as they pertain to the professional interior designer are covered. Finishes, furnishings, and equipment are estimated and specified, and are graphically designated on drafted plans and elevations. This course is designed for students majoring in interior design.
INTE 112A Visual Communication I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is an introduction to interior design drawing and drafting. Emphasis is placed on architectural floor plans, building sections, interior elevations and detailing, lettering, and dimensioning for residential and commercial projects. This course is intended for interior design majors.
INTE 112B Visual Communication II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- CBTE 180 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of drawing techniques for interiors using both manual and computer aided design. Emphasis is placed on three dimensional (3D) modeling and perspectives, floor plans, and visual presentation drawings using industry standard software, such as Sketch-Up Pro, Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. Quick sketching is also incorporated. This course is intended for Interior Design majors.
INTE 115 Elements and Principles of Interior Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- CBTE 180 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to the elements and principles of interior design. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of interior environments two and three dimensionally. This course includes the creation of two and three dimensional (2D and 3D) design projects illustrating the elements and principles of interior design such as scale and proportion, balance, color and light. This course is intended for interior design majors and students interested in interior design
INTE 120 Revit for Interiors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a practical study of computer aided interior design using Revit. Emphasis is placed on the creation of two- and three-dimensional drawings and renderings to industry standards. This course is intended for interior design majors and for practicing professionals.
INTE 125 History of Furniture and Interiors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CBTE 180 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the principle styles of furniture, interiors, and related decorative arts from antiquity to the present. This course is designed for interior design majors and any student interested in the history of interiors.
INTE 130 Interior Design Professional Practice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- INTE 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the business and management of a professional interior design practice. Emphasis is placed on client/designer communication, phases of design, project management, legal issues, business practices, marketing, and project presentation for residential and commercial design. This course is intended for Interior Design majors.
INTE 135 AutoCAD for Interiors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CBTE 180 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a practical study of computer-aided drafting for interior design application using AutoCAD. Emphasis is placed on the creation of 2D drawings per industry standards. This course is intended for Interior Design majors and practicing designers to maintain industry currency.
INTE 145 Interior Building Systems and Codes
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- INTE 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an overview of systems used in construction as it relates to the planning of interior environments. The course covers current building components such as floors, ceilings, and doors, as well as systems developed for providing health, safety, and comfort (plumbing; heating, ventilation and cooling; lighting; and acoustics). Codes, regulations, standards (California and federal) and sustainable principles that impact residential and commercial interior environments are emphasized. This course is designed for students majoring in interior design.
INTE 200 Kitchen and Bath Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 110 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of kitchen and bath design. Emphasis is placed on the application of National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Planning Guidelines and NKBA Access Planning Guidelines to universal design projects. Topics include identifying project needs, materials selection, space planning, and contract documents. This course is designed for students majoring in Interior Design,
INTE 205 Non-Residential Space Planning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 110 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 120 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or INTE 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a design studio that introduces non-residential interior space planning and design. Emphasis is placed on the design process, building codes, and furniture placement as they relate to space planning and construction drawing preparation. This course is intended for students majoring in Interior Design.
INTE 210 Presentation and Color Rendering
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- INTE 112A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 115 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a hands-on study of color rendering techniques, presentation methods and portfolio development. Students use quick sketching methods and color to communicate design solutions. Students render floor plans, perspectives, and interior furnishings. This course is intended for students majoring in Interior Design.
INTE 215 Environmental Lighting Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- INTE 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 112B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and INTE 115 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of lighting for interiors. Emphasis is placed on developing and creating environmentally effective and aesthetically pleasing lighting design solutions for both commercial and residential applications. This course is intended for students majoring in Interior Design.
INTE 270 Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
- Prerequisite
- INTE 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
A course provides on-the-job learning experiences for students employed in a job related to interior design. Students develop workplace competencies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities through the creation and achievement of job-related behavioral learning objectives. One unit of credit may be earned for each 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is intended for students majoring or interested in interior design.
INTE 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of interior design. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and working on special projects.