This course is designed for Interior Design students who want to strengthen their 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills using AutoCAD. Taught by an experienced AutoCAD professional, the course emphasizes essential drafting techniques and dimensioning standards critical to interior design practice. Through guided, hands-on instruction, students learn to navigate the AutoCAD interface, apply core commands with confidence, and produce accurate technical drawings. By the end of the course, students will be able to create fully detailed floor plans, elevations, and precisely dimensioned drawings suitable for professional design presentations. Topics include:
- Core AutoCAD commands and their applications
- Advanced editing operations to increase productivity
- Creating accurate multiview drawings
- Developing and managing drawing libraries
- Plotting, printing, and preparing professional drawing sets
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-338 I Basic Drafting
Total Program Hours: 15 Hours
Required Course Materials: USB, Notebook and Pen
Recommended Textbooks
- AutoCAD Exercises for Beginners (ISBN: 979-8599663805)
- AutoCAD 2024 for Beginners (ISBN: 979-8393389468)
Instructor: Natalia Arciszewski [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
If you are interested in this course, please email Serene Gil at [email protected].
Click here to request one.
This studio-based course offers an immersive introduction to color theory and its practical application in design. Through hands-on projects, including the creation of a personalized color wheel, students will develop the confidence to use color intentionally and effectively in their work. Exploring the psychological and cultural impact of color, the course teaches students how to set the right mood, build cohesive color schemes, and interpret the language of color in residential environments. To bridge classroom learning with industry practice, guided field trips are included during scheduled class times. Topics include:
- Core color concepts, definitions, and terminology
- The three dimensions of color and how to create harmonious, contrasting, and complementary color schemes
- Applying color schemes to interior design portfolios
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Required Course Materials and recommended Textbook: Please read the PDF.
Instructor: Cristina Colacci [email protected]
Classroom: West Hall, Room W-219
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
This course will be available in the Spring 2027 semester. Please check our website after October 15, 2026.
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This dynamic course offers a practical foundation in interior design, exploring the core principles and concepts that drive today’s most compelling spaces. Students will learn how to apply the Elements of Design with a modern, sustainability-focused approach, develop strong space-planning skills, and build confidence in creating cohesive design styles. Through guided work in both residential and commercial environments, learners gain essential industry insight while mastering the selection and application of materials and finishes. This course equips students with the creative and technical skills necessary to confidently enter the evolving world of interior design. Topics include:
- Principles and concepts of interior design
- Elements of design and sustainability
- Space planning and design style
- Fundamentals of residential and commercial design
- materials and finishes
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or equivalent. No Prior Experience Needed
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Recommended Textbook or Course Materials: Interior Design by John Pile (ISBN 0132408902)
Instructor: Judy L. Miller [email protected]
Instructor’s Webex Room: For the online Synchronous course, the WebEx link will be emailed to students three days prior to the course start date.
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
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Serving as the capstone experience of the Interior Design Certificate Program, this course guides you through the development of a fully realized design project—from concept to final presentation. Working independently with instructor feedback, you will create a cohesive project that includes a client profile, historical research, materials and budget planning, drawings, color renderings, and a 3D maquette (model). Topics include:
- Diorama development and portfolio refinement
- Client and brand profiles, scope of work, budget planning, and concept boards
- Floor plans, elevations, and color renderings
- Furniture and finish selections, including window treatment design
- Final preparation for professional presentation, including acquiring materials and samples
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design, CD-349 | Interior, Materials, Finishes, & Sources, CD-338 | Basic Drafting, CD-417 | History of Decorative Arts, CD-330 | Color for Interiors, CD-354 | Interior Lighting, CD-341 | Business Procedures for the Interior Designer
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Required Course Materials and recommended Textbook: Because this course involves detailed drafting, painting and color application, and model assembly, students will be given ample dedicated time to work both on campus and off. This flexible structure ensures convenience and supports the most efficient use of your project time.
Instructor: Joyce Thomas [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
This course will be available in the Spring 2027 semester. Please check our website after October 15, 2026.
Visual Concepts
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In this hands-on studio course, you’ll learn to use professional hand-drafting tools, survey and document an existing space, and develop your own interior design project from initial concept through final presentation. The course follows an intuitive, step-by-step sequence designed to build your confidence with drafting techniques while guiding you toward a fully realized, portfolio-ready project. Throughout the process, you’ll deepen your understanding of manual drafting methods, drawing principles, and key graphic design concepts. Topics include:
- Hand-Drafting Tools & Techniques
- Manual Drafting Fundamentals
- Plan, Section & Elevation Creation
- Portfolio & Presentation Preparation
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Required Course Materials and Recommended Textbook: Read the PDF.
Instructor: Natalia Arciszewski [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Basic Drafting for the Interior Designer
Course: Basic Drafting for the Interior Designer
| Start Date | End Date | Fee | |||||||||||||||||||
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| October 5th, 2026 | December 14th, 2026 | $508 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Learn what it takes to launch and run a successful design firm. This course introduces the fundamentals of business operations in the design industry from setting your fees and creating a compelling company brand to navigating common challenges faced by design professionals. You’ll also explore effective marketing strategies to help you connect with prospective clients and grow your business. Topics include:
- Understanding industry formulas for product markups and purchasing vendor products
- Developing client fee structures and creating contractual agreements
- Building effective branding and marketing strategies
- Establishing and maintaining strong client relationships
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Instructor: Joyce Thomas [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Business Procedures
Course: Business Procedures for the Interior Designer
| Start Date | End Date | Fee | |||||||||||||||||||
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| September 23rd, 2026 | December 2nd, 2026 | $499 | |||||||||||||||||||
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This course offers an in-depth exploration of the materials and sources employed in residential interior design, with an emphasis on their characteristics, performance standards, fabrication processes, and installation methods. Students will learn how to make informed material selections that balance function, aesthetics, and durability. Topics include:
- Flooring, wall treatments, countertops, ceilings, and millwork
- Doors, windows, moldings, and cabinetry
- Cabinet construction fundamentals
- Kitchen and bathroom planning
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Recommended Textbook: Materials and Components of Interior Architecture by J. Rosemary Riggs(ISBN: 0132769158)
Instructor: Joyce Thomas [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
This course will be available in the Spring 2027 semester. Please check our website after October 15, 2026.
Interior Materials, Finishes & Sources
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This course introduces students to the core principles and practical applications of lighting design in interior environments. You’ll learn how light behaves, how to select appropriate fixtures, and how to use layered lighting to enhance both function and aesthetics. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to develop comprehensive, professional-quality lighting plans. Topics include:
- Understanding fundamental lighting design concepts
- Identifying and selecting appropriate light sources and fixtures
- Developing effective layered lighting plans
- Integrating natural and artificial lighting strategies
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Required Course Materials: Read the PDF.
Instructor: Natalia Arciszewski [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Interior Lighting
Course: Interior Lighting
| Start Date | End Date | Fee | |||||||||||||||||||
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| October 8th, 2026 | December 17th, 2026 | $499 | |||||||||||||||||||
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This course explores the history of decorative arts from antiquity to the present, tracing how objects of daily life—furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, and ornament—have reflected cultural values, technological innovations, and artistic movements across civilizations. Students will gain a global perspective, examining traditions from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, the class combines lectures, visual analysis, and interactive discussions to foster an appreciation of the decorative arts as both functional and expressive cultural artifacts. Topics include:
- The evolution of decorative arts across major historical periods and cultures.
- Key materials, techniques, and stylistic features of decorative arts.
- The relationship between decorative arts, architecture, and cultural identity.
- A comparative perspective on global traditions in decorative arts.
- Skills to interpret decorative objects in historical and contemporary contexts.
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: CD-331 | Principles of Interior Design
Total Program Hours: 30 Hours
Required Course Materials and Recommended Textbook: Read the PDF.
Instructor: Surajeet Kumar Das [email protected]
Classroom: Technology Building, Room TEC-201
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
This course will be available in Fall 2026. Please check our website after April 2026.
History of Decorative Arts
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