Beyond the Classroom: Industry-Mentored Experiential Workshops Transform Interior Design Education

Author Information

Jeannine Vail, University of North Texas, United States
Kathleen Branning, DLR Group, United States

Abstract

Bridging traditional design education with real-world engagement aims to foster deeper human understanding for post-graduate success in the interior design field. This study examines a series of experiential design workshops facilitated by industry professionals. Conducted outside the traditional studio environment, the workshops attracted students from all academic levels, fostering vertical integration and peer learning. Students collaborated through interdisciplinary teams, framed by a hybrid pedagogical model combining Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Experiential Learning, to design a secondary school facility in the United States. With professionals serving as facilitators and mentors, their involvement grounded the project in true-to-life practice, exposing students to realistic, interconnected design influences, including empathy for the client's needs and the importance of communication while achieving solutions through the creative process. Cross-disciplinary collaboration was embedded through the participation of education student majors portraying the “client” and providing user perspectives and goals. The structure reinforced inclusivity through multiple voices and ethical design practices of active listening and accountability to the user. Assessments from surveys, reflective feedback, and observational data revealed a significant pedagogical impact, with 71% of participants reporting that the workshops influenced their preferred learning style. Qualitative findings showed enhanced understanding of end-user needs, appreciation for multiple perspectives gained through collaborative teamwork, and boosted confidence in managing complex, real-world projects. The study suggests that integrating PBL with experiential, industry-led workshops offers an effective model for an enhanced educational experience: expanding learning beyond the studio, strengthening professional connections, and preparing interior design students for career demands in complex, client-centered practice.

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• Category: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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