Abstract

It is essential that the interior design studio incorporate an extensive exploration of conceptual design in order for students to develop innovative, dynamic projects that push the boundaries of creativity. This paper reviews literature on conceptual thinking, provides the results and analysis of a survey sent to 100 interior design programs, and provides a method for students to use in the process of concept development in design projects. This methodology, which includes research of the project’s context and program, as well as visual (2- and 3-dimensional) and written means, helps to develop a meaningful concept, which becomes the basis for the design of the project. The complexity and importance of the design concept warrants these in-depth studies so that the project will raise new issues in design and incorporate innovative ideas. Case studies based on each method by interior design students from The George Washington University are provided.