Introduction
Gone are the days when people used to stick with traditional jobs. Now, people have started exploring different career options and turning their passion into employment.
Interior Design course is one of them. This course helps you to understand fundamental principles such as colour schemes, furniture selection, lighting techniques, and space planning to effectively plan and design various interior spaces as per client’s needs.
So, if you have an interest and are keen on creating aesthetically pleasing living space, the Interior Design course is a perfect fit to kickstart your career.
Who is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer specialises in planning, designing, and creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces.
They plan and design the inside look and layout of spaces like homes, offices, restaurants, and other buildings. They think about what colours to use, what furniture and lights to pick, and how to arrange everything pleasingly. The goal is to make spaces attractive, functional, and as per the client’s needs.
Career Scope as Interior Designer
Interior Designers have a vast career scope due to urbanisation and evolving lifestyles. Nowadays, more and more people are inclined towards theme-based interiors to make their homes look beautiful and stand out from others.
Moreover, the market for Interior Designers is expected to grow at an alarming rate in the coming decade. The future of Interior Design is changing due to advancements in technology. Now, advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) play a key role in designing the living space.
Role & Responsibilities of Interior Designer
The role of an Interior Designer is not limited to just designing the space. It’s much more than that. Professionals in interior design careers handle projects from conception to completion. They need to work with various professionals to complete the project.
The primary roles and responsibilities of an Interior Designer include:
Space planning: Interior designers analyse the client’s needs and requirements, and then plan the layout and flow of the interior space, ensuring optimal functionality and efficient use of space.
Design concept development: They create design concepts and themes that reflect the client’s preferences and style, taking into account factors such as the intended use of the space, architectural features, and budget constraints.
Material selection: Interior designers select appropriate materials, furniture, lighting, and accessories that complement the design concept and meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of the space.
Drafting and visualisation: They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and other tools to create detailed drawings, 3D renderings, and visualisations to communicate their design ideas to clients and contractors.
Project management: Interior designers coordinate and oversee the implementation of their designs, working closely with contractors, architects, and other professionals to ensure that the project is executed according to plan and within budget.
Code and regulation compliance: They ensure that their designs comply with relevant building codes, accessibility guidelines, and safety regulations.
Employment Scope Career Options for Interior Designer
Due to rising property prices and increased demand for smaller homes, there is a growing need for professionals who can create comfortable and pleasing living spaces. This is where the role of an Interior Designer comes into play.
Interior Designers are in high demand in architectural firms, business houses, educational institutes, residential homes, event management companies, and hospitality. Many companies hire professional Interior Designers to design their workplace.
The top companies that recruit Interior Designers are:
- Livspace
- Spacewood
- Home Lane
- Space Matrix
- Shobha Interiors
- Maps of India
- Dream Space India
- The Grid
- De Panache
- Acme Interiors, etc
Interior designers may work for design firms, architectural firms, or as freelancers or consultants. They combine their creative vision with technical knowledge and project management skills to create functional, attractive, and inspiring interior spaces that meet the needs of their clients.
Salary Range
The salary of Interior Designers depends upon their work experience, location, and the company they work for.
In India, the average salary for an Interior Designer is 3 to 6 lacs per annum. Experienced designers can earn up to 15 lacs per annum, depending upon the projects they are associated with. Additionally, Interior designers who own their businesses have the potential to earn higher incomes depending on their success and reputation.
Types of Interior Designers
Interior Designers are not limited to designing only residential complexes. Instead, they also design commercial buildings, such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
Below listed are the types of Interior Designs
- Residential Interior Design
- Commercial Interior Design
- Hospitality Interior Design
- Healthcare Interior Design
- Retail Interior Design
- Exhibition and Museum Design Interior Design
- Sustainable Interior Design
Interior Designers can also specialise in specific design styles, such as contemporary, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic, catering to the preferences of their clients.
Steps to Become an Interior Designer
Interior Design course is all about creativity. So, you need to possess certain skills such as innovativeness and aesthetic sense to be successful in this field.
- The basic requirement for enrolling in an Interior Design course is to complete 10+2 from a recognised university. The stream can be of your choice. Candidates can also pursue a diploma or short-term certification courses in Interior Design.
- The next step is to appear for the All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED). Some institutes select candidates based on the marks obtained in the AIEED exam.
- After clearing the entrance exam, candidates can take admission in the institutes that offer Interior Design courses. There are many institutes in India and abroad that offer such courses.
- After completing the course, it’s crucial to gain work experience. Practical knowledge is more important in creative jobs as you need to meet the client’s requirements. Also, staying updated with the latest technologies and industry trends is paramount.
- Candidates may also benefit from enrolling in specialised courses to improve skills in areas such as computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling, or sustainable design. These courses offer a valuable advantage in the industry.
- Networking is another important thing. Candidates need to network with professionals in the interior design industry, participate in industry events, and engage in relevant online forums. Networking provides information on industry trends, job openings, and potential partnerships.
- Additionally, obtaining certification from a recognised professional organisation can increase credibility and provide more career options, although it is not always required.
- Candidates need to also apply for the license. A license is required to practice as an Interior Designer upon completion of formal education and internship.
Eligibility Criteria
Interior design courses are available as a specialisation across multiple course levels. Candidates should review the eligibility criteria before applying for a course.
Given below are the eligibility criteria:
Course Level | Eligibility |
Undergraduate degree | Candidate must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks from any stream. |
Post Graduate degree | Graduate applicants having a minimum of 55% marks in any stream from a relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
Diploma in Interior Design | Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 50% marks in 10th or 10+2 from any stream. |
Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Designing | Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks. |
Skills Required to Become an Interior Designer
Interior Design is a specialised profession with a flair for creativity and aesthetic sense. Apart from being innovative, certain other skills such as technical knowledge, a knack for apt design, problem-solving skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, listening skills, time management, attention to detail, and good business acumen are equally important.
Types of Interior Designing Courses
Interior Design courses are available at different levels including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certification. Candidates should review eligibility criteria before enrolling in this course.
For example, candidates who have completed class 12 from the Science stream are eligible to pursue a BArch in Interior Design, while BDes in Interior Design and a BSc in Interior Design are open to candidates from all streams.
Below is a list of Interior Design courses offered in India at different levels of study.
Types of Interior Design Courses | |
Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) | M.Arch Interior Design |
BArch Interior Design | MBA Interior Design |
BSc Interior Design | MA Interior Design |
BDes Interior Design | MSc Interior Design |
Diploma in Interior Design | Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design |
Entrance Exam for Interior Designer
There are entrance exams conducted for PG-level Interior Design courses. Candidates can appear for more than one entrance exam at a time.
Notification for entrance exams is available online, and candidates must complete the online application form. The syllabus, question format, and type of questions can differ for each exam.
Following are some of the entrance exams that need to be cleared:
- The National Institute of Design (NID)
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
- The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
- The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)
- World University of Design Aptitude Test (WUDAT)
- Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
- SAT / ACT
- IELTS / TOEFL, etc.
Syllabus
Interior Design doesn’t just contain theoretical knowledge. Practical and skill-based subjects are equally important.
Below listed are the core subjects covered in the Interior Design course
- Design Basics
- Draftsmanship
- Commercial space designing
- Colour and Lighting
- Computer Application and Auto CAD-I
- Floriculture and Landscaping
- Furniture and Furnishings
The subjects can vary a little depending upon the institute.
Top Institutes for Interior Designers
There are numerous institutes available in India and abroad that offer Interior Design course. Candidates can choose the institute based on their location preference and fee structure.
The important thing to consider while choosing an institute is to check the syllabus covered, the placements offered, and the practical work experience gained.
Top Institutes worldwide
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), United States
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), US
- Parsons School of Design, US
- Pratt Institute, US
- New York School of Interior Design, US
- Royal College of Art, UK
- Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD), France
- Florence Design Academy, Italy
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australias
Top Institutes in India
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
- Pearl Academy, Delhi
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- Arch Academy of Design, Jaipur
- School of Interior Design, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
Top Institutes in Mumbai
- Sir J.J. School of Art
- Rachana Sansad School of Interior Design
- SNDT Women’s University
- Raffles Design International
- INIFD (Inter National Institute of Fashion Design)
- S. Raheja School of Architecture
- Pearl Academy
Fees for Interior Designer Course
The fees for the Interior Designer course depend upon the institute and the course duration. Generally, the fee of a full-time degree course from a recognised university is higher than a diploma or a short-term course.
The fees of an Interior Designer course in India vary between 60k to 7 lacs.
Conclusion
Interior Design is a rewarding career for individuals who possess a unique combination of creativity, technical skills, and a passion for enhancing living and working spaces. This profession offers several fulfilling aspects that make it an appealing choice for those with the right aptitudes and interests.