Strengths

Teaching that develops a “strong exploratory and iterative process and emphasizes making and critique of the interior environment.”

Overview

Based in Brooklyn, Pratt’s School of Design sees New York City as an ideal lab for interior design students to develop both local and global perspectives and ultimately “connect the practice of interior design to larger issues of habitation, cities and society.” The BFA looks at design via “philosophical explorations, social and environmental responsibility, aesthetic expressions and practical applications” and promotes the pursuit of better “function, health, safety and quality of the human environment.” In the MFA program, students develop “critical thinking, exemplary expression, professional aptitude and responsible action in enhancing and transforming the human environment” while also working toward mastering emerging technologies, construction methods, colour experimentation, material research and sustainability ideas. A formidable thesis project is the culminating effort for both degrees; students must select a theme that “decidedly contributes to the field of interior design,” challenges ingrained ideas and results in solutions that are creative and ethical.

Notable alumni

Joe D’Urso, Lou Switzer, Richard Carlson, Laura Bohn, Naomi Leff, Arnold Friedmann