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Statement from the Director of the School of Architecture

Walter V. Wendler, Architect

The School of Architecture provides design education and vision from three perspectives, Architecture, Fashion Design and Merchandising, and Interior Design.  Three undergraduate programs and a professional master’s program in Architecture are constituted to provide the framework for study.  While these three disciplines are very closely related, each affects the environment differently, in Fashion - the immediate or clothing environment: in Interior Design - the spaces that we live in and use on a daily basis: and in Architecture - the buildings and places that give breath and substance to our lives and the cultures they create.

Our faculty is committed to challenging students in the diverse aspects of design and fabrication as appropriate to the disciplinary focus of the careers housed in the School.  In addition, we all strive to be responsive to the region of the world we inhabit, the Mississippi River Delta, a unique, powerfully important, culturally distinctive, economically diverse place, in effect, the torso of the nation, with the river as its spine.  We are especially attuned to the needs and desires of the people of our region.  We know, as we address their aspirations through study and important work as faculty and students, we will positively impact other such regions of the nation and world that are similar in context.

This is our commitment, and it is coupled to our promise.

Our promise is that we will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career.

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VISION AND MISSION

The SIUC architecture graduate program invites students to unleash their potential and join in the exploration, development, and creation of architecture in the heartland of America. It is our vision to be an architectural program of excellence built upon the cultural and environmental heritage of the Southern Illinois region that provides a superior education and produces the highest quality architectural scholarship and research to serve our global communities.

Through our cultural heritage, environmental context and the tradition of integrating emerging technology and innovative practice, the mission of the architecture faculty and students is to explore, create, and develop architecture as a synthesis of design excellence, artistic expression, technology and community involvement.

GOALS

• Our graduates are lifelong learners, leading citizens and professionals in communities throughout the world.
• We provide for the development of individual creativity through the expression of human, social and environmental values.
• We serve our communities through problem solving and creative efforts in the addressing of regional issues.
• We seek to fulfill the vision expressed by Ernest Boyer and Lee Mitgang in Building Community to:
  • Produce architecture that enhances the quality of life of our communities, serves the needs of clients, uplifts the human spirit, preserves the environment, provides social justice and expands aesthetic frontiers.
  • Pursue the scholarship of discovery, integration, application and teaching
  • Provide a curriculum that is liberal, flexible and integrated both within the discipline of architecture and in connections with other disciplines in the design-build process.

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VISION STATEMENT

To be an architectural program of excellence built upon the cultural and environmental heritage of the River Delta Region that provides a superior education and produces the highest quality architectural scholarship and research to serve our global communities.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through our cultural heritage, environmental context and the tradition of integrating emerging technology and innovative practice, the architecture faculty and students explore, create and develop architecture as a synthesis of design excellence, artistic expression, technology and community involvement.

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Careers in fashion welcome those whose skills, ambitions, and abilities are backed by a thorough knowledge of the field.  There are many stimulating possibilities in retail and design, whether in private, corporate, or entrepreneurial enterprises.  Careers in Fashion Design & Careers in Fashion Merchandising describe the opportunities available to graduates of the programs.   

The fashion industry employs millions of people, produces millions of products, and absorbs a major portion of consumer spending.  Vital to the economy, the textile complex (apparel, textiles, and fibers) is second only to aerospace in contribution to the United States gross domestic product.

Fashion Design and Merchandising core courses provide a foundation on which to build specialized knowledge.  These classes will help students develop competencies in areas such as textiles, fashion history, fashion motivation, basic principles of clothing design, and textile product testing.

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Program Description

The Degree :   The Interior Design Program at SIUC is continually responsive to the demands and standards of qualification for the profession and its related fields.  The four-year curriculum is accredited by CIDA (the Council for Interior Design Accreditation) as a Professional Level Program and results in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design.  This program is the oldest accredited interior design program in the State of Illinois and has continuously held professional level accreditation status since the inception of national accreditation. 

The Impact :   Interior design impacts the life safety, health, and welfare of people in the built environment and significantly contributes to the quality of their lives.  Fundamental to the principles of interior design are the concepts of universal design – designing environments that are usably accessible places for the lifespan of all people regardless of their abilities – and designing sustainably, so that the built environment contributes to enduring ecological systems and does not deplete them.

The Curriculum :   Students receive a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education in preparation for design and administrative positions in the fields of commercial, corporate and public, hospitality, retail, healthcare, institutional, and residential design.  The approach toward interior design education at SIUC provides technical emphasis as the basis for problem solving.  At the core of the required course work are classes and studios that provide knowledge of design and the design process including programming, schematic design, design development, and construction documents.  Support courses to complement and enhance the core consist of drawing, presentation, furniture, materials, history, lighting, acoustics, mechanical systems, professional practice and topics current to the profession.

The amount of material to be covered, the fast pace of assignments, and pressure of critical reviews combine to produce a highly charged and energetic atmosphere.  Successful students must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrate an ability to manage their time wisely.

The Facilities :   To support students in their educational endeavors, sophomores, juniors and seniors are provided dedicated studio space.  Program facilities include a resource library, model/furniture shops, CNC shop, and a dedicated computer graphics laboratory.  The computer graphics laboratory provides access to input/output devices.
However, each student is required to purchase or lease a laptop computer and software that meets program specifications prior to the start of the second year for those on the four-year plan or prior to the start of the first year for those on the three-year plan.  Laptop and software specifications will be supplied during the registration process.

Interior Design Emphasis floor – Interior design and architectural studies majors may choose to take advantage of a unique residential opportunity that encourages student interaction and provides a living and studying environment focused on similar interests and study habits.  The 10th and 11th floors of Mae Smith Residence Hall (a short distance from the Quigley Building) have been reserved for interior design and architectural studies majors.  Students on these floors have access to common study areas, a limited number of drafting tables, and a small reference library. 

Student Organizations :   The interior design program at SIUC supports two student chapters of nationally recognized professional associations – the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).  The program additionally encourages individual student membership in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the Construction Specification Institute (CSI).  As a large public university, SIUC offers many diverse opportunities for student participation and activity.  Students are encouraged to become active stakeholders in their futures.      

Additional Support Services :   Students are encouraged to take advantage of additional support services and activities which enhance the overall quality of education.  Additional support services include career services and disability support services.  Additional activities include the University Honors Program, travel study programs, workshops, guest lectures, co-op and extern and intern opportunities.

The Costs:   Costs for supplies, individual equipment, and required field trips and workshops necessary to the successful completion of the program are borne by the student.  A reasonable estimate of additional expenses is in the range of $1000 to $2000
Per academic year.    

Title Registration :   This program meets the education requirements and provides the shortest path to title registration in interior design in the State of Illinois as overseen by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  Interior design has been declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and, therefore, requires registration and regulation by the state.   

The Jobs :   Success is dependent on the development of individual talents, motivation, and willingness to locate in areas of growth and renovation.  Typically, interior design employment is more readily available in larger metropolitan areas.  After passing the national qualifying exam (NCIDQ – National Council for Interior Design Qualification) and registering with the state, graduates of the program will be well qualified to practice professionally in a wide range of positions with interior design firms, architecture firms, corporations, government agencies, or as individual practitioners.  Graduates of the program currently hold positions in large, globally based design firms as well as in small independently owned practices throughout the United States and internationally.

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