Thesis
Work
Research Thesis
MS Architecture, MA Interior Design, and MS Landscape Architecture students at the Design Institute have the opportunity to complete a research thesis, allowing them to demonstrate proficiency by
- Identifying a subject of scholarly interest that has not been treated fully in the past or applied in a professional setting,
- Demonstrating appropriate use of research methods to solve the problem posed or to apply the research in a professional setting, and
- Presenting research or application of the topic in a format accepted by the graduate school and the department in which they are studying.
Design Projects
Interior Design students completing the BA/MA Articulation Program or the two or three-year non-thesis program will complete a design project with a written research component, rather than a thesis, as the culmination for their degree. Students are required to complete the design project in consultation with their assigned graduate committee.
Students in the Master of Architecture degree program engage in advanced course work in structures, technology, and theory. The culmination of work will be revealed through each student's graduate studio project.
Sample Theses
- Sam Rodell, MS Arch (2008): "The Influence of Robert Venturi on Louis Kahn."
- Sue Schreibe, MA Interior Design (2007): "Enigmatic Light: An Exploration Into the Role of Lighting Characteristics and Path Preference."
- Mike Wilhelm, MS Landscape Architecture (2007): "Analysis of Pedestrian Accessibility as Applied to Spokane City Parks."
- Meaghan Beever, MA Interior Design (2006): "Light as Word: Exploring the Linguistic Roles of Light in Interior Space."
- Hanna Kokurina, MA Interior Design (2006): "Influences of Acculturation on House Form As Reflected in a Russian Immigrant Group."
- Cherie Peacock, MS Architecture (2005): "Dwelling Well: An Application of Christopher Alexander's Theory of Wholeness to Investigate Occupant Affective Responses to Homes Made with Renewable Natural Resources."
- Michael Bishopp, MS Landscape Architecture (2004): "A Model for Prioritizing Chinook Salmon Habitat Remedial Action in a Watershed of King County, WA."
- Devin Fitzpatrick, MA Interior Design (2004): "The Interrelation of Art and Space: An Investigation of Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century European Painting and Interior Space."
- Catherine Fritz, MS Architecture (2003) "The Learning Environment as Place: An Analysis of the United States Department of Education's Six Design Principles for Learning Environments."
Sample Design Projects
- Susan Jane Hall, MA Interior Design (2008): "Enhancing Well-Being: A Multi-Sensory Interior Environmental Experiment."
- Sunshine Christensen, MA Interior Design (2008): "The Physical Attributes of a Welcoming Experience: An Exploration of Ecclesiastical Design." Project Board 1, 2.
- Jane Barry, MA Interior Design (2008): "Design Strategies to Individualize Home Modifications for Older People." Project Board 1, 2.
- Kate Lee, MA Interior Design (2007): "Using Natural Elements to Reduce Stress at Work." Project Board 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Kari Carney, MA Interior Design (2007): "Affordable Housing: A Holistic Design Approach to the Domestic Environment." Project Board 1, 2, 3
- Leylan Fernandes-Richards, MA Interior Design (2006): "Strengthening the Cohesive Structure of Organizational Culture Through Branded Office Environments.
- Master of Architecture Projects
