School of Human Ecology
Housing and Design
The Housing and Design concentration focuses on residential design and light-frame
construction, as well as aspects of light commercial design and construction. This
program explores the interior environment and its relation to psychosocial needs,
physical needs, and mental well-being of individuals and families.
It also helps students understand and implement: schematic and iterative design, space planning, codes and standards, furniture arrangement, finish selection, lighting layouts, construction assemblies, anthropometrics, zoning, site analysis, environmental and sustainable design strategies, historical design context, and vernacular design.
Have questions about Housing and Design?
Contact Mr. Gunnels at agunnels@tntech.edu to learn more!
The curriculum, and coursework, are designed to give students competency and knowledge for skills – especially computer and hand drafting – needed by professionals in the field.
Housing and Design is focused on human-centric design and the enrichment of the built environment and the human experience through project-based assignments and explorations.
Graduates pursue careers in: residential design, interior decorating, architecture,
contracting, real estate development, renovation/remodeling, kitchen and bath design,
closet design, computer aided drafting, rendering and media production, furniture/fixture/lighting
design, historic housing and finishing preservation, facility management, and product
representatives.
Studying Housing and Design
There are two ways that students at Tennessee Tech can study Housing and Design: choosing Housing and Design as your Bachelor's in Human Ecology concentration, or by minoring in Housing and Design.
› Major in Human Ecology
The primary method of studying Housing and Design is by selecting a major in Human Ecology, within the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology, which earns students a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, Once enrolled in Human Ecology, students can then choose their focus concentration to be in Housing and Design.
› Minor in Housing and Design
The secondary method is to select a minor in Housing and Design which is an approved 15-credit hour minor program of study. Once enrolled as a Housing and Design minor, students will work with Mr. Gunnels to select courses that provide them with an overview of the Housing and Design field.
- Program Benefits
In the Housing and Design concentration, students will take courses such as Concepts of Design, where you will learn about design elements and principles, while developing your own aesthetic. Students will also take classes in Architectural Graphics and Presentation Techniques, Residential Design, Commercial Design, and Computer Aided Design. The comprehensive knowledge base will give students the ability to focus their skills and talents in a particular area.
Classes in Housing and Design are taught by professors and instructors who have years of work and knowledge in the industry. Each instructor in Housing and Design is focused on providing students with an education tailored to their specific interests, creating a curriculum that emphasizes capacity-building through hands-on exploration and experiential learning opportunities. The average class-size in Housing and Design is 20 students, so that instructors are able to tailor projects and guidance to each individual student, while also focusing on community building.
Many of our students also seek to minor in areas such as: Merchandising and Design, Art, Business, or Environmental Studies.
Housing and Design Association
The Housing and Design Association is our own student organization open to any student
at Tennessee Tech interested in residential design, architecture, and interior design.
The organization offers 
students a fantastic extracurricular opportunity by providing you with hands-on experience
in the industry, experiencing the built environment through field trips, and the chance
to form connections with experts in the field!
Some experiences you have the opportunity to engage with are:
- Traveling to experience the built environment
- Hearing guest lectures on career responsibilities and opportunities
- Community service and hands-on experience through Habitat for Humanity
- Meeting local professionals and networking
- Meeting and networking with other students within the organization
- Developing your leadership potential through officer positions
Want to learn more? Follow us on Instagram @tntechhousing_and_design!
Featured Work
More Information
Below you'll find additional information on the Housing and Design program at Tennessee Tech! If you have any questions or would like to learn more, we'd love to hear from you!
Have questions about Housing and Design? Contact Mr. Gunnels at agunnels@tntech.edu to learn more!
