Fashion and Interior Design Pathway

Grades 10-12 

UC/CSU - G Elective approved course

Dual Enrollment course in partnership with Cañada College

The "Introduction to Interior Design" CTE course offers an engaging (and fun!) exploration into the principles of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Designed for Aragon students in grades 10-12, this course delves into the dynamic relationship between individuals and their interior environments. Students will develop their creativity and expertise by studying fundamental design principles, techniques, and industry best practices. The curriculum includes an examination of historical architecture, furniture, textiles, and fabrics. Through hands-on activities, projects, and assignments, students will enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They will have opportunities to present their designs through floor plans, mood boards, oral presentations, and design critiques, equipping them with the essential skills for a career in interior design.

Advanced Interior Design

Grades 11-12 

UC/CSU - G Elective approved course

Dual Enrollment course in partnership with Cañada College

The Advanced Interior Design CTE course offers a deep dive into the world of materials, finishes, and real-world design application. Designed for Aragon students in grades 10–12 who have completed Introduction to Interior Design, this course builds on foundational knowledge with a professional-level focus on the role materials play in interior environments. Students will explore sustainability, product life cycles, and the environmental impact of design choices while working with industry-standard digital tools and advanced design strategies.

Through hands-on projects and real client collaborations on campus and in the community, students will experience the full design process—from initial consultation and concept development to final presentation. The course mimics a working design firm, giving students the chance to apply their skills in residential and commercial projects while managing budgets, sourcing materials, and solving design problems creatively. Field trips, guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities connect students directly to the interior design industry, helping them grow their portfolios and prepare for college and career pathways in design, architecture, and related fields.

April 2025 - This spring, Aragon’s Intro to Interior Design students had the opportunity to visit the 2025 San Francisco Decorator Showcase House. This experience gave students an up-close look at cutting-edge designs from some of the SF Bay Area’s top interior designers and architects. Each room offered a unique perspective on space planning, material selection, color theory, and custom detailing. Students were able to speak directly with designers from leading firms about their design process, material choices, and conceptual inspirations—an invaluable opportunity for professional insight and networking! Many students used the experience to begin conversations about internships and career paths in the design industry. As a follow-up, students will incorporate design inspiration, materials usage, or spatial concepts from the showcase into their final exam project: designing a boutique hotel lobby that reflects real-world creativity and function.

November 2024 - Aragon High students in Melissa Perino’s Introduction to Interior Design class were up for the challenge the week before Thanksgiving when they were tasked with creating an award-winning table setting based on a central theme with items they sourced on their own. Themes ranged from fairy tale, to whimsical, to rock n’ roll! 

The class, which is a part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Interior Design and Fashion pathway,  offers engaging exploration into the principles of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Designed for Aragon students in grades 10-12, this course delves into the dynamic relationship between individuals and their interior environments. Students in the class develop their creativity and expertise by studying fundamental design principles, techniques, and industry best practices. The curriculum includes an examination of historical architecture, furniture, textiles, and fabrics. Through hands-on activities, projects, and assignments, students enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They have opportunities to present their designs through floor plans, mood boards, oral presentations, and design critiques, equipping them with the essential skills for a career in interior design.

Guest Speakers
In addition to in class learning, students have also had guest speakers, including MaryAnne Sayler of Sayler Design. MaryAnne spoke to students about her large-sale residential property projects, including her work at Woodlake Condominiums. 

Field Trips

Intro to Interior Design students visited the San Francisco Design Center in early December, where their assignment was to source textiles, lighting and furnishings for their Final Exam project: Design Your First Dorm Room.

At the Schumacher showroom, students learned about its extensive textile collection, explored new releases by contemporary textile designers, and participated in a game to match designs with potential clients’ styles. One standout feature was a wallpaper made entirely of peacock feathers! At the Kneedler-Fauchere showroom, students admired designs from Holly Hunt  and GREGORIUS PINEO, gaining insights into custom furnishings while carefully avoiding damage to a $20,000 Gregorius Pineo coffee table!  At the Benjamin Moore showroom, students learned what distinguishes quality paint and played a game called “Is it Hot or Is it Not?” to analyze paint trends using red and blue stirrers. 

Thank you to the following for contributing to the success of this field trip: 

• Michael Moore, Director of Marketing, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., and Publisher, Henry Magazine
• Emmi Lim, Vice President, Community and Growth, San Francisco Design Center / F. Schumacher & Co.
• Staci Bajuniemi, Management Assistant, San Francisco Design Center / Kneedler Fauchère
• Nicole Blaylock, Inside Sales Representative for Kneedler-Fauchere San Francisco
• Brigida Parker, Architectural & Design Representative, Benjamin Moore
• Eloy Castro, Account Executive, F. Schumacher & Co.

This enriching experience provided the students with valuable knowledge and inspiration, which they will apply to their Final Projects.