Discovering Interior Design
A Summer Program for High School Juniors (July 8th - 21st, 2012)
With the historic city of Philadelphia at your doorstep for two exciting weeks, you'll experience college life by living on campus in Drexel University's dorms, and work in the design studios. Our program will introduce you to the all encompassing profession of interior design and experience what it's like to study interior design in college.
Explore

- Travel about the city of Philadelphia discovering magnificent spaces, furniture, furnishings and the rhythms of the city
- Experience the rich and diverse museums taking time to observe and sketch
- Meet and make new friends from around the region and around the country who share the same interests in the arts
- See first-hand the types of projects interior designers work on, how they go about it, and the environment of a professional office
Discover
- Enjoy a strong foundation of sketching and drawing principles along with computer aided design
- Meet distinguished speakers and guest lecturers
- Experience classes taught by Drexel Interior Design faculty members in studios and computer labs used by Drexel students
- Meet professional interior designers while presenting your final project to them at a jury (a discussion of your finished project)
Create
- Create the beginning of your own personal design portfolio that can play an important role in applying to college
- Try your hand at designing the built interior environment in Drexel's design studios
- Utilize three dimensional computer programs that bring your designs to life
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Studio: Design studio is at the heart of the program. Most afternoons will be spent in studio, developing design projects through drawings, models, and furnishings. It is expected that students will spend some evenings at work in the studio as well. The session will culminate in a formal gallery style presentation reception by the students to faculty, invited professionals, and parents.
Technology: Students will be introduced to CAD, computer aided design, and Sketch-Up, a three dimensional modeling tool to help visualize and experience space in three dimensions. Using this latest technology, students will model three-dimensional forms on the computer and see its role in design.
Lectures: Lecturers from Drexel's faculty and visiting professionals will speak about interior design and related topics. There will alsobe informal lectures related to studio work.
Field Trips: We will visit off-campus destinations throughout the two weeks. Students will sketch important interiors, visit museums, designers' offices, and explore the interior environment. An all-day field trip outside of Philadelphia is planned for the weekend.
Cultural Events: Philadelphia in the summer is alive with music and art. We have scheduled supervised trips to concerts, performances, and/or exhibits.
Special Activities: It is July after all! There will be opportunities to cool off in the Drexel pool and play volleyball in the evenings. We'll picnic in the park and enjoy other social events as a group and with students in other programs, including architecture.
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Faculty: Students will be taught by Westphal College faculty members. In the design studio a faculty member and a teaching assistant will work closely with each student.
Housing & Facilities: Students enrolled in the program will reside together in a Drexel residence hall (Separate facilities for males and females). We are located in University City, adjacent to Center City Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and many cultural and historic sites. Around-the-clock staff supervision will be provided. Most meals will be served in Drexel student dining facilities; some meals will be provided during field trips. Students will have access to the Drexel library and use of computer resources.
About Interior Design at Drexel: Drexel, ranked nationally as the #6 best interior design program by Design Intelligence's 2010 report, offers an excellent and innovative program for students who wish to explore and pursue a career in Interior Design. The Four Year BS program includes a six month co-op experience, allowing students to enter the work force early and gain a working knowledge of the interior design industry as well as gain a head start on their professional careers. The interior design program is accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) and NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art & Design). The interior design program is within the Department of Architecture and Interiors in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media. Arts & Design.
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Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age who have completed their junior year by July 2012 are welcome to apply. Enthusiasm and seriousness about work are the only prerequisites.
Tuition: The tuition of $2,800.00 covers everything, including:
- Supervised accommodations in residence halls
- Three meals a day
- Classes, seminars, and lectures/guest speakers
- Supplies and materials
- Academic field trips
- Use of computer resources and library
- Recreational field trips and social events
- Cultural events and planned leisure activities
- The opportunity to interact with professional interior designers and interior design faculty
- The opportunity to meet other high school students across the nation also interested in interior design
Application, Registration, Payment: You may apply by submitting an application online along with a copy of your official high school transcript, a 150-300 word statement describing your interest in the program, and a $300 deposit. Your deposit check will be returned if you are not offered a place in the program. Upon acceptance, your deposit is nonrefundable. Drexel University is an equal opportunity institution. For additional information, please call Alysson Cwyk at 215.895.2409 or e-mail her at ac462@Drexel.edu , Drexel Department of Architecture + Interiors.