The three disciplines that comprise the department of Environmental Design - Architecture, Fashion Design, and Industrial Design - share a broad professional and interdisciplinary philosophy with a common commitment creating for people. That means a focus on fine materials, proper function, beauty, and ease of maintenance. The faculty seek to prepare students to tackle complex design problems that arise every day in our lives.

In keeping with their common goals, students in each program study the process of design by observation and learn to draw intensely with a multi-course sequence - in addition to using computer resources to facilitate their creativity. In their sophomore year, students take a number of skill building courses intended to enhance their design expertise and understanding of specific techniques of fabrication. Computer labs give students instant access to the latest in design software in parallel with their studio work, to encourage product research, discovery of innovation in industry and online sourcing.

Each program mirrors the collaborative nature of design that is found in professional environments. Students work together in shared design studios where resources, classrooms, and support facilities are located. This encourages an easy shift between different modes of working, incorporating both traditional and technological tools. The students progress in their junior and senior years toward more specialized courses in their chosen field and complete more complex design projects that arise across disciplines.

Regardless of which major they choose, all students in the Environmental Design Department benefit from small class sizes and extensive one-on-one mentoring from faculty. Classes are conducted as a combination of lecture and critique. Visiting designers are often invited to meet with students, discuss their work, and engage them in their own real-world projects.