About IDMR
Overview
The Department of Interior Design and Merchandising (IDMR) at ECU is a unique blend of three distinct disciplines: interior design, fashion merchandising, and interiors merchandising. This unique combination allows us to offer an undergraduate degree in Interior Design and Merchandising, along with minor programs of study. Our facilities are equipped with industry-relevant resources such as a textile lab, resource room, and computer-aided design labs, all designed to enhance student learning experiences. We pride ourselves on our hands-on, active learning approaches that prepare our graduates for success in the industry.
Why Choose IDMR?
Academic Excellence
- Unique Program Offerings: Combine your passion for interior design, fashion merchandising, and interiors merchandising into one comprehensive degree.
- Industry Aligned Facilities: Learn in our textile lab, resource room, and CAD labs, equipped with the latest technology.
- Respected Faculty: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of our dedicated and acclaimed faculty members.
Industry Integration
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in real-world projects and industry partnerships that bring classroom lessons to life.
- Professional Internships: Gain valuable experience through internships with leading companies.
- High Job Placement Rates: Join our graduates who successfully transition into the workforce with a high job placement rate.
Community and Support
- Close-Knit Community: Experience a supportive environment with mentorship programs and student organizations.
- Exclusive Resources: Access unique resources like the ECU Professional Purple (Clothing) Closet.
- Showcase Your Talent: Participate in student-driven design and fashion showcases.
Our Vision and Values
- Growth Mindset: We believe in continuous improvement and strive to create meaningful impacts for our students.
- Varied Approaches: We apply diverse teaching methods to prepare students for global, multicultural, and interdisciplinary industry demands.
- Service and Collaboration: We promote service, celebrate collaborations, and set high standards for innovative thinking and ethical behavior.
Our Mission
By 2034, we aim to be the premier educational department for students pursuing knowledge and skills in interior design and retail industries.
Our students: Students in our programs work with industry professionals and develop their skills through a curriculum that includes community service projects, collaborative research with faculty, student organization activities, and professional internships. Our alumni actively engage with current students through internships, classroom presentations, community service projects, and social activities, working in various professional fields such as commercial and residential interior design firms, retail markets, fashion design, and the furnishing industry.
Our faculty: The IDMR faculty approaches the student experience carefully, appreciating the synergies possible when people from diverse industries and experiences galvanize to make a difference. We seek to provide students with varied knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities. We enthusiastically engage our students in and out of the classroom through interactive lectures, research collaboration, community service projects, and other development opportunities. Click here to view the full IDMR faculty listing.
Alumni: IDMR Alumni work in a wide variety of professional fields and actively engage with current students through internships, classroom presentations, community service projects, and social activities. Our alumni work in a range of settings, including commercial and residential Interior Design firms, Retail markets, Fashion Design, and the Furnishing industry, just to name a few.