The Academy of Art University

DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL!!! I am an Architecture major who is now happily transferring to Cal Poly, where they actually offer a B.Arch. Their Interior Architecture department in a JOKE! Only one of my three instructors was actually worth anything. My Modelmaking teacher was hands down the most condescending, rude, unhelpful, fake, and unprofessional teacher I have ever had. I feel as though I completely wasted a semseter of my time there. If you have plenty of money, and can teach yourself for the most part (based on very little instruction) than maybe its for you. For me, it was a total dissapointment.

1st Year Female -- Class 2009

Surrounding City: A+, Education Quality: F

The Academy of Art's Interior Design program is not only terrible it's probably one of the worst.
First of all, I've read the administration's OBVIOUS and lengthy posting on this site trying to deflect some of the criticism from MANY students on this site.

Is it easier to complain than to commend? Absolutely not. I will commend the Academy on its ability to run a corporation and to stilfle creativity and to create designer "clones" rather than to encourage a creative and unique vision.

There are always "Favorites" among the teachers and the administration only likes to put the "favorites" work in the SPring Show. My work was in the Spring Show and I was embarassed - not by my work but by the fact that the administration thought my work was worth something - the problem is I have no respect for their opinion and therefore my work being in their "show" is worthless to me.

I have been going to AAU for almost 4 years and I still do not feel like I have been able to express my own creativity. Every class I have had I have been pressured to conform rather than to innovate. Also, they only like one style of design whether it be traditional or contemporary or whatever there's only one style that they "revere".

Overall, this school has been a massive let down. I have learned a lot from my OWN supplemental studying but in terms of learning from the school I would say that it has been a huge waste of money.Go to a REAL design school like Parsons or the New School in New York or even some other great schools in California as well. If you are going to spend 4 years of your life studying and spending all of your money then you might as well get a decent education from it.

4th Year Female -- Class 2007

Surrounding City: A, Faculty Accessibility: F

This school is 98% concerned with earning profit to further its real estate empire, and 2% concerned with the success and well-being of its students.

The building I spend most of my academic time in (2300 Stockton St. Interior Architecture and Design) is DISGUSTING. There is black mold growing on the ceilings and walls of my department's building, and many of the classrooms are above 85 degrees during the day. Everyone in the building is constantly sick, and the administration does nothing. We consider this to be ironic considering we're in the INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT, supposedly learning how to create safe and inspiring environments.

I've had a few good, semi-dedicated instructors, and several who are only teaching because they can't find other work within their industry. Unfortunately the few good ones don't make up for the awful ones.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2006

Surrounding City: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F