Switch from Arch to Industrial Design?

mom5kids
Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:53:30 +0000

D applied to Syracuse with first choice School of Architecture (SOA) and second choice School of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). VPA houses fine arts, interior and industrial design as well as theater, etc. She has been accepted into VPA, Interior and Environmental Design–according to the acceptance letter, because the faculty was impressed with her portfolio.

Of course, she is still waiting on other schools, but I spent some time looking into what she has been offered and confess to being pretty impressed with the Syracuse Design program, where in 2012 Industrial Design is ranked #3 and Interior Design #10, as well as Architecture #7.

(Many thanks here and now to Rick for his advice to anyone considering any of these fields to purchase the DI Ranking. I agree wholeheartedly that it is money very-well spent.)

According to the Syracuse website, all industrial, interior and environmental design majors take a common first year curriculum. At the end of that year, they declare their majors. Also, according to the website, SOA does take internal transfers who meet their GPA and portfolio criteria.

So, in order to help advise DD, should she consider Syracuse more carefully than she appears to be doing? (She snobbishly detests the thought of interior design.) I think Industrial Design is a fascinating career and if she in unsuccessful with an internal transfer into SOA at the end of freshman year, she can feel proud about graduating from the Syracuse Industrial Design program! Then, if she is still, interested, she can apply for a M.Arch. Sounds like a great combo to me!

Any reflections on this from professionals in either industry?

Many thanks to all!