Interior Design Fundamentals Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What term describes the piece commonly referred to as a couch?
• Which material is NOT typically considered masonry?
• What is the difference between first cost and life cycle cost in material decisions?
• In a large open plan space, which option is an absorptive material used to improve acoustics?
• What do designers mean by color value?
• Which sequence lists the six steps in correct order?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a function of decorative lighting?
• Which term describes a projecting window that extends from the wall and is supported externally by a bracket?
• Which window is a circular wheel-like opening often divided by mullions into segments?
• Name a widely used sustainability rating system for interior design projects.
• Which of the following is a design principle?
• Which term refers to the underside of a roof overhang?
• What is universal design in interior environments?
• Coffee tables should be taller than the height of the seat cushions.
• In decorative design, the structure can be separated from its ornamentation.
• First step of the six-step design process?
• What is the function of a sill plate in framing?
• It is acceptable for a space to be functional but not aesthetic.
• Biophilic design aims to improve well-being by incorporating which elements?
• Which is NOT a step in the six-step design process?
• What is the ultimate goal of interior design?
• What is a key ethical consideration in client-designer relationships?
• In interior design, which term describes the size of an object in relation to human dimensions or the space itself?
• An opening without a door in a wall is called a
• Masonry materials are joined together with what substance?
• In wood framing, which element spans a door or window opening and transfers loads to a supporting stud; in masonry construction, the same purpose is served by a lintel.
• Which product certification is specifically relevant to wood products in interior design?
• Which statement best describes LEED's purpose in interior design projects?
• Which ceiling type is characterized by a raised center portion creating a second level within the ceiling?
• Which tool helps designers evaluate spatial relationships between functions in a project?
• Which term describes the total luminous flux emitted by a light source?
• What is the typical comfortable seat height range for most chairs in residential interiors?
• Which substance is commonly used to join masonry units?
• The final consumer of the designed space is the _______.
• Which quantity measures the amount of light emitted by a light source?
• An indoor air quality issue often addressed by selecting low-VOC finishes is what?
• Which term literally means the underside of a roof overhang?
• Which statement best describes a performance specification?
• Name the three classic lighting layers used in interior lighting design.
• Which construction stage involves doors and windows installation?
• Which furniture accessory should be aligned with the arm height of the sofa to create visual balance in a living room?
• Why are line weights and projection conventions important on drawings?
• Which term describes designing to accommodate all people?
• What is the difference between a performance specification and a prescriptive specification?
• Which ceiling type is usually described as the Flat Ceiling / Flat-Beamed Ceiling?
• Name a common daylighting strategy used to control glare and heat gain.
• Which term describes the relative size of parts within a whole and the relationships between objects?
• Which principle focuses on incorporating nature into interior spaces to improve well-being?
• Which sofa style is described as a sofa with a short, squared, overstuffed back and arms lower than the back?
• Which documents are used together to communicate design intent in a project?
• What does CMU stand for?
• The design process is more formally referred to as the __________.
• What defines a complementary color scheme?
• What is the weight of the structure itself called?
• What is the difference between shape and form in interior design?
• All designs (furniture, accessories, interiors) can be broken down into these two basic classifications.
• Order the five steps of the building process from start to finish.
• Which lighting fixture is mounted onto the surface of a ceiling or wall?
• Which impairments must interior designers consider when designing a space?
• A doorway width of 32 inches is commonly specified for accessibility in commercial interiors.
• Which term is the formal name for the sequence of steps used by interior designers?
• Structural design relates to the ornamentation of a basic structure with various elements.
• Which term refers to a projecting window that is supported from the exterior by brackets?
• Which lighting type is described as a fixture basically?
• Which of the following is a design principle?
• Which act is cited as regulating the interior design profession?
• Grout is the material used to fill in the space between individual masonry pieces.
• What is the difference between lumens and lux in lighting design?
• Which term denotes the section of the roof that overhangs the walls?
• Which color scheme is defined by using colors opposite each other on the color wheel to create high contrast?
• What term refers to a window placed high on a wall to admit daylight without a primary view?
• What term describes light fixtures hidden in the ceiling, such as can lights or eyeball lights?
• An analogous color scheme is defined by which of the following?
• For finishes in high-traffic commercial interiors, which characteristic is most important?
• Universal design asks spaces to be usable by people of all ages and abilities without what?
• Which term describes the area below the eaves on a building?
• What is the minimum clear width required for accessible door openings under many accessibility standards?
• How do proportion and scale differ in interior design?
• Which design principle describes arranging objects of different shapes, sizes, and colors so the composition feels balanced?
• Which term refers to an enlarged drawing showing how a component is constructed?
• Which ceiling type expands vertical space and emphasizes length with beams?
• Foundation walls are built on top of footings. Where might this be described as?
• Footings and foundations: what are their functions?
• Which design element is most associated with influencing mood and energy in a space?
• What is the weight of movable objects such as people, furnishings, machines, vehicles, and goods in or on a building called?
• All designs (furniture, accessories, interiors) can be broken down into two basic classifications.
• Which type of wastewater is relatively clean and comes from baths, sinks, and washing machines?
• What is the CSI MasterFormat used for in interior design documentation?
• Which design principle uses identical elements arranged evenly on opposite sides of an axis to create balance?
• What is the primary role of mortar in masonry?
• Which architectural window arrangement features a central arched window flanked by two rectangular windows?
• Concrete is a mixture of which ingredients?
• Which ceiling type meets the wall with a curve instead of a right angle, so the ceiling and wall flow into each other?
• Which activity is a site preparation step?
• What is the common desk/table height range for ergonomic work surfaces?
• Which term describes openings such as windows and doors in walls?
• Name a daylighting approach used to control glare and heat gain.
• Which design principle uses identical objects mirrored on both sides of an imaginary axis?
• Which is a large horizontal framing element that transfers building loads to columns?
• What is the vertical structural member typically found at corners and carries loads from above?
• Which term describes enlarged drawings indicating how components are to be constructed?
• What color temperature range is typically described as "warm white" and appropriate for residential spaces?
• Which project delivery method is commonly used in interiors?
• What is the difference between lumens and lux in lighting design?
• How do warm and cool colors affect perceived space?
• Which building step deals with the installation of finish materials and furniture?
• Which ceiling type blends into the wall through a curved edge rather than a sharp angle?
• Which phase finalizes all interior details, furniture, and space plans?
• Which statement describes decking and its relation to roof?
• Which window layout is described by a central arched window with two flanking rectangular windows?
• Which is NOT a way rhythm is created in interior design?
• What clearance should be provided around a seated dining or lounge area to allow comfortable passage?
• Interior design generally falls under two sectors, residential and _____________
• Which ceiling type consists of a sunken panel providing ornamental depth?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the seven elements of design?
• Which ceiling type uses an arched shape and is considered an extension of a curved connection?
• Which term refers to flooring comprised of wood pieces laid in decorative geometric patterns?
• What is the standard door height used in many interior applications?
• Maintenance is a critical factor in finish selection because it affects what?
• CMU stands for concrete masonry unit.
• What is the term for the element or area in a room that attracts immediate attention and serves as the design's focal point?
• How do design principles differ from design elements?
• Which of the following is a step in the six steps of the design process (critical path)?
• Grey water is the relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances.
• Which flooring type is defined by pieces of wood laid in geometric patterns to create decorative surfaces?
• What are VOCs and why are they relevant to interior finishes?
• What does CRI stand for and why is it important?
• Which sofa style has arms the same height as its back?
• It is acceptable for a space to be aesthetic but not functional.
• What does embodied energy refer to in material selection?
• Which statement about end tables and sofa arm height is supported by design guidelines?
• Which unit measures illuminance on a surface?
• End tables should match the height of the arm of the sofa as closely as possible.
• Which window term is a projecting window that is supported from the exterior by brackets?
• Circulation paths should be as long as possible to encourage exercise.
• Why must door swings be considered in space planning?
• Which term best describes the outer finishing materials applied to the exterior of a building?
• Universal design can best be described as design that accommodates all people.
• What are positive space and negative space in interior design?
• Which term describes wastewater that contains human waste?
• Which activity marks the designer's commitment to the project?
• Which ceiling type is typically finished with plaster, paint, or wood strips, or shows exposed beams?
• Which principle features identical elements radiating out from a central point?
• What is the commonly recommended minimum clear width for main circulation paths in interiors?
• Embodied energy is measured by which of the following?
• A double action door can swing in only one direction.
• Black water is water containing human waste.
• Visual literacy describes the way that designers think and communicate their ideas to other designers and clients.
• Which classical column order is the simplest in design?
• What term refers to the exterior face of a building?
• Which window type projects outward in a curved arc to form a rounded bay?
• How does harmony differ from balance in interior design?
• In decorative design, the structure can be separated from its ornamentation.
• In the sequence of building construction, what step comes after site selection and development?
• Which is a large vertical framing element generally located in a corner?
• During which phase are problems associated with the project defined and information gathered?
• Which of the following is one of the seven elements of design?
• Which term means cut through elevations?
• Which statement best describes site selection tasks?
• What lighting consideration helps prevent visual glare on tasks?
• Which term describes roof sheathing?
• What factor of human factors concerns reach range for accessible design?
• Which term describes the surface feel of a material, such as rough or smooth?
• Which term describes the weight of the structure itself?
• Fenestrations refers to the arrangement, type, and design of openings in a wall or building.
• Which ceiling type features arched structures as exposed to flat planes and can be considered a complete extension of a coved ceiling?
• Differentiate between texture and pattern in interior surfaces.
• In commercial interiors, the minimum doorway opening width required to meet common accessibility guidelines is:
• Which diagram is primarily used to map spaces by function and adjacency relationships without requiring exact dimensions?
• Which ceiling type features a raised portion creating a second, or higher ceiling within a regular ceiling?
• A tuxedo sofa is characterized by
• What is the structural base of a building?
• Which term is the front edge of the roof visible as the trim board?
• What term describes the three-dimensional volume of an object?
• Which term is used for a circular wheel-like window divided into segments by mullions?
• Name three ways rhythm is created in interior design.
• What term describes the process of designers researching past interior projects to learn from them?
• The design process is cyclical.
• In interior design, what is the primary purpose of the programming phase?
• What type of rhythm involves a recurring color, pattern, texture, line, light, or form?
• In residential seating, the typical comfortable seat height range is which of the following?
• Which component is included in life cycle cost but not captured by the initial purchase price?
• How many classic lighting layers are typically used in interior lighting design?
• In framing, what is typically the first item framed?
• This term refers to the 'face' or front of a building.
• Which phase executes the project as specified?
• Which framing element attaches directly to the foundation to prevent moisture from rising through wood?
• A three-way switch operates a luminaire or group of luminaires from a single location.
• What is the primary benefit of using adjacency concepts in planning interior spaces?
• An open floor plan would be considered unarticulated.
• Which statement best characterizes a monochromatic color scheme?
• Why is contrast important in interior design?
• In which phase is the drawing set completed and a contractor selected to construct the building?
• The seven elements of design include space, line, shape and mass, texture, light, color, and pattern.
• Which description matches a Lawson sofa?
• Which term denotes the carpentry of doors, windows, and related trim?
• Which are the three layers of lighting?
• Which window type extends outward to form a bay inside the room?
• Which factor most influences whether colors appear to advance or recede in a space?
• Which sofa style is Victorian with rolled arms that are the same height as the back?
• Which term identifies an internal wall that separates one room from another?
• Which component is the front edge of the roof where gutters are typically attached?
• Which design element has the most impact on the psychological and physiological state of an end user?
• What is the primary purpose of an adjacency diagram in space planning?
• What does FSC stand for and why is it relevant to interior design?
• Which column order is the simplest in design?
• HVAC is an acronym for which phrase?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the seven elements of design?
• Which roofing style has a triangular end formed by two sloping sides meeting at a ridge?
• Which ceiling type is hung or braced below its supporting structure?
• Which of the following is a design element?
• What does NRC measure in interior acoustics?
• Which feature adds a vertical window through the roof?
• Which ceiling type rises diagonally to one side in a single slope?
• Which design principle refers to achieving visual stability by distributing visual weight evenly across a composition?
• What is the most common scale that is referenced when working in interior design?
• Which phase involves presenting initial project ideas to and obtaining client approval?
• Plumbing and electrical connections can be easily added to a concrete slab foundation after it has been poured and cured.
• A Chesterfield sofa is defined as
• Which term refers to drawings of the walls, both interior and exterior?
• In interior design, what is the characteristic that can guide the eye, create direction, and imply movement?
• A ceiling painted black makes the room feel taller.
• In project documentation, what is the primary difference between drawings and specifications?
• Which ceiling type includes a sunken panel, often ornamental, in a vault?
• Which term refers to a high row of windows near the roof that admit light into the interior?