Interior Design program Semester Program

Program Overview

The semester program is a concentrated, intensive experience of our three-year Interior Design Program, which prepares aspiring designers by providing them with a firm foundation in the critical skills and techniques needed to enter the professional design world.

Students undertake both a theoretical and practical course of study in the domains of materials, textures, light, color, and atmospheres, as well as in computer-aided design and presentation techniques. Through a series of workshops and conferences with specialists, students will learn how to design, construct, communicate, present, and sell their own projects.

In addition to undertaking an intensive study in all aspects of the design process and representation techniques, students are introduced to the full spectrum of the professional design world through a comprehensive series of visits by professionals working on all sides of the industry, from pop-up stores to architectural firms. Students will perform mock interviews for internships and study quote preparation in anticipation of entry into the professional design world, and they will have the opportunity to present their work to invited guests at jury presentations.

Unit Detail

Year 1

ID201 Construction and Theory II

This course will further develop students’ understanding of construction details, techniques, and materials used in construction. Students will enhance their facility with these different techniques and materials through lectures, demonstrations, class exercises, and various visits to many design centers throughout Paris.

ID203 Product Design

Students will deepen their understanding of the aesthetic aspects of objects, as well as their technical and production possibilities. The aim of this course is to develop the “philosophy” of product design as it relates to interior design, and to allow students the opportunity to create objects that could be produced and eventually sold on the market.

ID204 Perspective II

This course is designed to further the student’s knowledge of perspective and rendering techniques. The goal of the semester is to attain fluency in the language of spatial representation, with increasingly complex representation demanded in the proposed drawing exercises. Students will progress beyond 2-point perspective and learn to project forms and shadows requiring 3 or 4 vanishing points. Students will also explore the representation of light by analyzing its behavior in different spatial situations.

ID205 Computer Aided Design

This course builds upon students’ experience with SketchUp and offers the student the opportunity to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in AutoCAD. Students will learn the basics of CAD geometry creation and manipulation using a variety of computer command inputs, including keyboard shortcuts, toolbox icons, and mouse menu selection. Students will learn the basics of both SketchUp and AutoCAD through lectures, demonstrations, and class exercises.

ID207 Presentation Techniques

This course is designed to explore presentations of one’s work in various visual forms, as well as the verbal presentation of the student’s work. The goal of the course is to create more powerful and expressive presentations through specifying the student’s ideas and enhancing the precision of a student’s visual and verbal communication. Depending on individual capacities, digital techniques such as Photoshop or Illustrator may be employed.

ID208 History of Interior Design

This course covers the history of interior design and the evolution of construction and materials from the 17th through the late 19th century. Students will be taught through lectures and on-site visits to different museums and monuments such as the Château de Versailles, the Cité de l’Architecture, and temporary exhibitions according to cultural and artistic events.

GE208 Art History

This course traces the major developments in architecture, sculptures, painting, and fashion design from the 17th century through to the 19th century. This course considers historical events as well as stylistic changes and different movements in art. Students will be taught in depth the study of the major arts of this period through both lectures and off-site visits to various museums such as Musée du Louvre, Musée Cluny, Château de Versailles, etc.

FMD203 Luxury Industry

This course, taught to both interior design students and fashion students in the merchandising track, will allow students the opportunity to design and develop a fashion boutique. Students will analyze the relationship between a company’s aesthetic and the layout of their space, including organization, materials, and color schemes.

FR French Language

This program is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each level uses a program based on 24 lessons, with one lesson covered each week that delves into grammar, thematic vocabulary, and practical application on both an oral and written level. Oral skills are emphasized, since the principal objective of these courses is to encourage communication in correct French.

Structure

Tuition

Spring Term 2023 (1 term only)

Program Dates: January 10, 2024 – May 10, 2024

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,450€

Please note that the tuition fees do not include housing, supplies or meals.

Fall Term 2024 (1 term only)

Program Dates: September 2, 2024 – December 20, 2024

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,875€

Please note that supplies are not included.

Richard Roy Scholarship

Applicants who have been accepted to study at the Paris American Academy may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from 1,000€ to 3,000€ off tuition, and from 300€ to 1300€ off housing.

Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 paragraphs) along with their application. This statement should emphasize the student’s personal and educational background, demonstrating why he / she is in need of financial assistance and how a scholarship might benefit the student’s professional goals.

FAQ

What’s different about the PAA degree program?

The Paris American Academy’s goal is to prepare students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers. The programs, policies, and teaching methods have been designed to implement this philosophy and are evaluated periodically and changed as necessary, to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing professional industries.

What kind of experience do the professors at PAA have?

At PAA, you’ll learn from professors with real-world experience in the fields that they teach. They’ll share accumulated knowledge and offer relevant, meaningful support as you focus on your future and prepare your post-graduate career.

I am in Paris visiting schools. Can I come tour the Academy?

We would be pleased to welcome you. If you are in the Paris area and would like to set up an appointment to tour the school, please email the Admissions department here: [email protected]

Which language is the curriculum taught in?

All of our programs are taught in English, as we receive students from all over the world. Students at PAA can benefit from French language courses integrated into their programs. We are proud of the bilingual tradition of our school, which often teaches students from more than 20 different nationalities in a single year.

What scholarships does PAA offer?

PAA applicants may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from 1,000€ to 3,000€ off tuition, and from 300€ to 1300€ off housing.

Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 paragraphs) along with their application. This statement should emphasize the student’s personal and educational background, demonstrating why he / she is in need of financial assistance and how a scholarship might benefit the student’s professional goals.

What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

FOR ALL APPLICANTS
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent
• A letter of motivation, outlining your previous experience and your goals in studying at PAA
• A resume of your career to date, including your name, date of birth, and contact information
• Samples of your work (portfolio)
Please note: the July Creative Writing Workshop has its own application form and does not require a separate letter of motivation, resume, or C.V. For more information, please contact [email protected].

FOR BACHELOR AND SEMESTER PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY
• A detailed portfolio
• 2 letters of recommendation from former teachers
• A transcript of your current grades

What should I include in my portfolio?

Your portfolio will ideally show us a range of relevant work, from initial sketches and ideas to finished pieces. It showcases your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques, as well as how you plan and develop your ideas. A typical portfolio includes moodboards, rough sketches done by hand, fashion illustrations and digital and/or technical sketches.

Is my deposit refundable?

The deposit is used to confirm your place on the course and is non-refundable. Tuition fees may or may not be refundable, depending on when the student withdraws. Please contact us for further information.

When are my tuition fees due?

50% of tuition fees are to be paid within a month of reception of your acceptance letter. This allows us to confirm your place. The other 50% is due a month before the start of your program. If are not able to respect these deadlines, please contact us at [email protected].

Do I need to apply for a student visa?

If you are an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, you do not require a visa. Students from countries outside of the EU must obtain a student visa.
We advise that you check the French government travel website below to check whether you require one or not. The website also explains the process of obtaining a visa.
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/welcome-page

Where will I live during my studies?

If you would like to find out more about student accommodation in apartments near to the school and managed by PAA, please contact us at [email protected].
If you would prefer to find your own accommodation, we recommend that you take a look at the housing guide we have compiled.

Can I work during my studies?

This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. There are often restrictions on the amount of paid work you can carry out during your studies. If you don’t require a student visa, you will usually be able to work, as long as this doesn’t affect your studies.
It is important to keep in mind that all PAA students will have classes every weekday, from 9am or 10am to around 4pm (this will vary depending on the program). This would leave time for a weekend job.

When I arrive at the airport in Paris, how will I get to the school?

You can take public transportation from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to PAA. Take the RER B at Charles-de-Gaulle airport and stop at either Port-Royal or Luxembourg. You can also take a taxi or an Uber, or use a shuttle service via www.paris-shuttle.com.

What events, fairs, or professional exhibitions happen each year in Paris that relate to my field of study?

We try to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities to complement their learning. The following is a sample of the events students may attend during their program:
JANUARY: Meuble Paris, Maison et Objet, Couture Shows, Now Design, Menswear Shows, Who’s Next, Pret-a-porter
FEBRUARY: Premier Vision
MARCH: Women’s Ready to Wear Shows, Book Fair
APRIL / MAY: Foire de Paris
JUNE: Menswear Shows
JULY: Haute Couture women’s wear shows, 14th July Bastille Day celebrations, Paris Plage, open-air cinema festival
SEPTEMBER: Meuble Paris, Paris Design Week, Maison et Objet, Premier Vision, Now Design, Jour de la Patrimoine, Pret-a-porter, Who’s Next
OCTOBER: Pret-a-porter, Nuit Blanche, Les Puces du Design, Women’s Ready to Wear Shows
NOVEMBER: Batimat