Interior Design

We update our computer requirements each summer. However, we strongly recommend that you wait until the beginning of your second year before purchasing your laptop computer. Buying a computer at the beginning of your second year gives it a better chance of continuing to meet your needs through your fourth year in the program.  Students in the interior design program are expected to have a personal laptop that meets the requirements outlined below.  VR goggles are permitted in the classroom, but they cannot be used in place of a laptop computer.
 
You will not need any advanced computer software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) until your second year of study in our program. During your first year in the interior design program, you should be able to use a low-cost or older laptop. You can use the computers available in various locations on campus, with a portable external hard drive or a few USB thumb drives to manage your files. 
 
Please note that, according to the computer requirements, software programs that will be required for use in all upper-division courses are only available for Microsoft Windows, therefore computers with Microsoft Windows are required. Apple Computers are not recommended.  However, if you purchase an Apple Computer, be aware that Windows must be installed on the laptop. Students are responsible for obtaining, installing, and maintaining operating systems on their computers.

Minimum Laptop Computer Requirements

The laptop should meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Processor | Intel i7 2.1gHz or greater or AMD equivalent
• Memory | 16GB RAM (or higher)
• Storage | 512GB or more (NMVe or SSD)
• Display | 15 inch or larger, 1920x1080 or higher resolution
• Networking | Wireless dual-band or 5Ghz 
• Graphics | Quadro M1200, Geforce GTX 900 or higher, AMD Radeon RX 400 series or higher, AMD Radeon Pro 555X

Refer to the system requirements of these products which are used in our program:

• Photoshop system requirements (adobe.com)
• Revit 2022 system requirements | Autodesk
• Enscape system requirements

Other Recommendations:

• Connectivity | HDMI connection (built-in or via adapter)
• Warranty | 3 years or greater
• Backup | external disk or cloud storage

Apple Computers

At this time some of the required software used in the interior design program is not fully compatible with Apple computers. It is possible to run this software under Windows using Parallels for an additional cost, however this often does not operate well and can create many challenges. The licensing and configuration of this software is the responsibility of the student, and no support is provided by the College of Health & Human Sciences.

Financial Aid Application for purchasing a laptop
In Microsoft Word format
In Adobe Acrobat format

Discounted laptops for TTU Students

Apple Education Store with discounts for students

Dell University Program for the Texas Tech Students

Creation Engine academic software discounts for students.

Software available to students for free or low cost

AutoDesk software (e.g. Revit and AutoCAD) used in the program is free for educational use.

Visit the AutoDesk Educational Community to create a new account using your TTU email address and to verify your educational status. Once verified you can download most AutoDesk products and receive a license to use the software for the next year.

The Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan is available to students at an initial cost of $239.99 per year (billed monthly or annually). The Creative Suite includes Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign which are used to create and print student work. Use your personal email address instead of your TTU email address to create an account with Adobe when purchasing the subscription.

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is free for student use and can be used in a web browser or installed on your computer. Sign in to Office programs or Office.com using your TTU email address and password.

Assistance with computer problems
For computer support contact the COHS IT staff (806-742-4185; hs.techservices@ttu.edu), visit the TTU IT help website, or call 806-742-4357.