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RED Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Environments and Design (RED) focuses on the design, selection, and marketing of residential spaces and products. Graduates are prepared to become certified kitchen and bath designers as well as residential interior designers, to work in the manufacturing and marketing of housing products, such as appliances and home furnishings, and to support residential construction.

Residential Environments and Design graduates can pursue roles across the housing, design, and residential product industries, including:

  • Kitchen and bath designer, residential interior designer, design consultant
  • Showroom designer, showroom manager, product specialist for manufacturers
  • Marketing, sales, and merchandising roles within residential product companies
  • Residential construction coordinator, project manager, homebuilding support roles
  • Emerging opportunities in sustainability, healthy homes, and aging‑in‑place design
  • Employment opportunities with organizations such as kitchen and bath showrooms, residential builders, appliance and plumbing manufacturers, design-build firms, remodeling companies, and home product retailers

Interesting Fact: The program is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), allowing students to prepare for national certification exams.

 

RED offers a flexible curriculum that blends design, housing, product knowledge, universal design and sustainability. Courses typically include:

  • Foundational design & housing knowledge 
  • Materials & wellness 
  • Construction & building methods 
  • Residential systems & technology
  • Design studios for space planning & graphics
  • Advanced kitchen & bath design
  • Portfolio development & competition preparation

 

Advisors and faculty can guide specific elective choices aligned with your career goals.

 

RED students frequently complete internships with design firms, builders, showrooms, and product manufacturers

Use resources like Career & Professional Development – Handshake, CareerShift, GoinGlobal, and career fair

Participate in the Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) or Student Internship & Co‑op Network (SICN) for job postings and employer connections

Engage with NKBA student chapters—these organizations regularly share internship leads

Connect with faculty, who often receive direct requests from industry partners seeking interns

  • Faculty mentoring: Professors connect students with industry partners and support professional development
  • Student-to-professional networks:
  1. Join the NKBA Student Chapter to engage with kitchen and bath professionals
  2. Participate in student events and regional conferences
  3. Attend industry shows such as KBIS, local showroom tours, and builder association events
  • Alumni connections: Use LinkedIn and department events to meet RED graduates working in the field

RED pairs well with several complementary fields, such as:

  • Marketing, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship
  • Property Management, Real Estate, Smart & Sustainable Cities
  • Sustainable Biomaterials, Environmental Science
  • Art or Studio Art, Communications
  • Other AHRM programs, including Consumer Studies and Fashion Merchandising & Design

Your advisor can help you design a double major or minor that aligns with your interests and career goals.

 

  • NKBA Student Chapter: Focused on kitchen and bath design, industry engagement, and competitions 
  • AHRM Student Organizations: Provide community-building, professional development, and service opportunities
  • Explore additional groups through GobblerConnect, with hundreds of organizations across campus

            Plus, explore 800+ student organizations via GobblerConnect. 

 

  • Studio courses using the Center for Real Life Design, where students build and test design concepts
  • Client-based projects with homeowners, community partners, and industry collaborators
  • Internships with design firms, builders, manufacturers, and showrooms
  • Study abroad programs, including design-focused international experiences
  • Industry field trips to showrooms, construction sites, and trade shows
  • Design competitions through NKBA, ASID, and other professional organizations

  • Technical skills: Chief Architect, 20/20, CAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, hand sketching and rendering
  • Industry knowledge: Product trends, materials, sustainability, building systems
  • Professional skills: Client communication, project management, presentation skills
  • Business fundamentals: Marketing, customer service, budgeting, entrepreneurship
  • Networking & career readiness: LinkedIn, resume building, interviewing, attending industry events
  • Leadership & service: Participation in student organizations, volunteer design projects