The Interior Design program at Central Michigan University (CMU) uses computers extensively. The continuing and rapid advance of technology drives frequent upgrades or replacements of the software and hardware. The specifications below will provide maximum longevity for students entering the program:
Due to the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 crisis, the Interior Design program stresses the importance of student access to computer hardware and software used in courses.
Basic: will meet the minimum specification requirement for interior design software for smaller projects. It may prove inefficient for larger more complex projects.
Recommended: will operate all interior design software quickly and efficiently.
Windows 10 operating system version 1809 or higher (Basic and Advanced)
Intel i7 or i5 Processor or AMD Quad Core processor
Basic: 2.5-2.9 GHz processor
Recommended: 3+ GHz processor
RAM (Memory)
Basic: 8GB
Recommended: 16GB
2 GB or Higher Video Card: NVIDIA or AMD (independent video, not "shared" video)
(NVIDIA or AMD, Intel not compatible with all software)
Basic: 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
Recommended: 4 GB GPU with 106 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
256 GB Solid State hard drive or higher with at least 50 GB of free space (Basic and Advanced)
An external mouse for CAD Drawings (hard to do on a trackpad)
Apple/Macintosh computers do not support the software used in the Interior Design program and profession.
You are strongly recommended to refer to the System Requirements of the Interior Design program software at:
www.autodesk.com
https://www.configura.com/
https://enscape3d.com/
https://www.sketchup.com/
Sketchup offers a link on their support site to assist with updating your video card here.
Sketchup also has a program that you can install to check your computer's compatibility with the software here.
(This specification will be updated annually.)
For questions related to the software taught at CMU Interior Design program and computer specifications, please contact Professor Zuo at zuo1jq@cmich.edu