Interior Design Course Syllabus Overview

Interior Design is a specialized course showcasing the amalgamation of art and science utilized to beautify spaces such that the utility and effectiveness of such spaces can be enhanced synergistically. Such a specialized course would definitely require systematic professional education as well as practical training in the organizational setup. Various institutes and colleges are offering interior designing and decoration courses in India. They follow the intricately designed interior design course syllabus with an India focus, keeping in mind the needs of the industry and suiting the tastes and preferences of customers, especially Indian customers.

Interior Design and Decoration syllabus of various institutes and colleges adopt a holistic approach in preparing the interior design course syllabus such that the students can be prepared both for obtaining a secured position in a professional organization or starting their own consultancy. The interior design syllabus followed across the institutes and colleges varies according to the level of study — for example, the syllabus of a Diploma course in Interior Design would be quite compact and crisp as compared to that of the Graduation or Masters level study courses of Interior Designing.

Diploma Interior Design Course Syllabus

A diploma in Interior Design is a course that can be pursued right after completion of a 10+2 level of study. The syllabus of the Diploma in Interior Designing is designed to prepare the students to start independent consulting apart from being an employee in a professional interior design consulting firm. The short-term Diploma in Interior Design is a compact course with a comprehensive syllabus involving both theoretical knowledge about subjects such as design, construction and landscapes along with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of all these in the real world setup.

Some of the subjects included in the syllabus for the Interior Designing Diploma include:

Program Structure

• Modules: Design fundamentals/drawing, materials/construction, space planning/anthropometry, lighting/finishes/furnishings, graphics/software/projects, internship

Fundamentals of Design & Drawing

• Design elements/principles, color theory/psychology, balance/contrast/rhythm
• Shading, still-life, 1/2-point perspectives, rule of thirds/golden ratio
• Skills: Balanced interiors, mood via color, perspective views, presentations

Materials, Construction & Elements

• Timber/stone/bricks/partitions/panelling/metals/glass/plastics
• Building parts influencing interiors
• Decisions: Durability/maintenance, style/budget, cost/performance/aesthetics

Space Planning, Anthropometry & Concepts

• Anthropometry, flow/zoning, furniture history
• Vaastu basics, landscape/decorative concepts, doors/windows
• Skills: Room/office layouts, movement/zoning, ergonomics, context factors

Lighting, Ceilings, Finishes & Furnishings

• Lighting/false ceilings, colors/textures/fabrics
• Flooring (tiles/wood/stone), walls (paint/textures/wallpapers), upholstery, soft furnishings
• Focus: Mood/comfort, maintenance/cost coordination

Graphics, Projects & Portfolio

• 2 major projects with plans/elevations/perspectives/mood/material boards
• Project 1: Office (layout/zoning/lighting)
• Project 2: Residence (rooms/finishes/furniture/styling)

Software & Visualization

• AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, 3DS Max, render engines
• Outputs: 2D plans, 3D models, renders, walkthroughs, boards

Internship

• 1-month: Studios/architects/contractors; site visits, client meetings, material/vendor work

A strong understanding of why sketching is important for interior designers is built right from the diploma level, making it one of the most foundational skills in the entire curriculum.

Bachelor of Interior Design Course Syllabus

There are a number of colleges and institutions in India providing various graduation level courses in Interior Designing such as Bachelor of Interior Design, B.Des Interior Design, and B.Sc. in Interior Design, among others. As compared to the Diploma in Interior Design courses, the degree courses in Interior Design include a thorough and in-depth professional study and practical applications of various subjects mentioned in the Interior Design Degree syllabus.

Some of the subjects included in the Bachelor of Interior Design syllabus are:

• Theory of Design Visual Arts
• Building Technology
• Interior Design
• Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
• History of Interior Design
• Furniture Design
• Interior Technology and Material
• Interior Services
• Landscape and Environmental Science
• Design Execution Drawing
• Estimating Costing and Professional Practice
• Communication Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Urban Management
• Movement and Isms in Interior
• Issues in Building Construction

B.Sc. Interior Design is a popular course among students. The B.Sc. Interior Design syllabus is prepared professionally so that students are ready to visualize an effective interior space and design it for different purposes. Some of the subjects included in the syllabus for B.Sc. Interior Design include:

• Design Sources and Materials
• Environmental Psychology and Human Factors
• Fundamentals of Interior Graphics
• Interior Architecture Foundation Studio
• History of Art and Architecture
• Computer-Aided Design
• Furniture Design
• Interior Design Studio
• Interior Construction
• Construction of Structures
• Interior Service System
• Management Skills
• Lighting Technology and Applications
• Estimating and Budgeting
• Retail Design
• Landscape Design
• Restaurant and Bar Design
• Entrepreneurship Development

B.Des in Interior Design is another popular degree-level course in India. Some of the subjects included in the B.Des Interior Design syllabus include:

Semester 1-2: Foundation Studies (Year 1)

• Principles of Interior Design (golden mean, proportion, balance, rhythm, scale, unity, harmony)
• Colors in Interiors (color theory, psychology, schemes)
• Construction & Building Systems (structural elements, materials, methods)
• Lighting in Interiors (natural/artificial, design, lamps)
• Graphics & Presentation (plans, elevations, sections, perspectives)
• Language & Communication (professional skills)

Semester 3-4: Technical Skills (Year 2)

• Draftsmanship I & II (technical drawing, drafting, detailing)
• AutoCAD I & II (2D drafting, documentation)
• Art on Textiles (fabrics, upholstery, curtains)
• Applied Art in Interior (decorative elements, wall/ceiling finishes)
• Communication & Life Skills (presentations, etiquette)

Semester 5-6: Specialization & Practice (Year 3)

• Furniture Designing I & II (custom design, anthropometrics, ergonomics)
• Interior Space Designing (commercial, offices, retail)
• Residential & Kitchen Designing (homes, modular kitchens, bathrooms)
• Interior Services (AC, electrical, sanitary, HVAC)
• Gardening & Landscaping (indoor plants, Vastu)
• Entrepreneurship Development (business planning, client acquisition)

Year 4: Paid Internship

• 12-month placement at design firms/architectural practices
• Real client projects (concept to execution)
• Mentorship, networking, portfolio development

Another popular degree course in Interior Design is B.Voc. in Interior Design. Some of the subjects included in the B.Voc. Interior Design syllabus are:

• Development of Design
• Space Planning
• Material Management
• Construction Management
• Project Management
• Communication Skills
• Computer Application
• Sustainable Designing
• Furniture Designing
• Lighting Planning
• Layout and Planning

Masters Interior Design Course Syllabus

A Master in Interior Designing is a post-graduate level study in the field of interior designing that can be pursued only after graduation level study. The Masters in Interior Design syllabus therefore includes the various subjects of Interior designing but in much greater detail. Some of the post-graduate-level courses in interior designing available to students in India include M.Sc. in Interior Design, MBA in Interior Design, and M.Arch Interior Design. Students interested in fast-tracking into the industry can also explore the PG Diploma in Interior Design as a practical alternative.

Some of the subjects included in M.Sc. Interior Design syllabus:

• Construction Technique
• History of Interiors and Furniture
• Landscape in Interiors
• Design and Drafting
• Estimation of Costing
• History of Art and Architecture
• Indian Institute of Interior Design
• Computer-Aided Design
• Elements of Services

Some of the subjects included in PG Interior Design Program syllabus:

Design Principles & Visualization

• Design elements, color theory/psychology, perspectives, golden ratio/rule of thirds
• Skills: Color application, compositions, client visuals

Materials & Components

• Timber/stone/brick/metals/glass/plastics; doors/windows
• Evaluate: Durability, sustainability, cost/performance

Space Planning & Context

• Anthropometry, layouts (residential/office), Vaastu/landscape
• Skills: Workflows, zoning, comfort, integration

Lighting, Finishes & Furnishings

• Lighting/ceilings, paints/flooring/wallpapers, upholstery/décor
• Focus: Ambience, detailing, proposals

Projects & Portfolio

• Project 1: Office interior (planning/furniture/lighting)
• Project 2: Residential interior (rooms/finishes/styling)

Software & Rendering

• AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, 3DS Max
• Outputs: 2D drawings, 3D models, renders, boards

Internship

• 1-month: Site work, supervision, real-world execution

Some of the subjects included in the MBA in Interior Designing syllabus:

• Introduction to Design and Drawing Practical
• Computer-Aided Interior Design
• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Accounting for Managers
• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Communication
• Human Resource Management
• Business Research Methods
• Financial Management
• Strategic Management
• Business Law
• Marketing Management
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Construction Materials
• Interior Space Planning
• Construction Detailing
• Operation Research
• Customer Relationship Management
• Estimation and Costing in Interior Design
• Total Quality Management
• Interior Services
• Service Marketing
• Professional Practice in Construction Management

Some of the subjects included in the M.Arch Interior Design syllabus:

• Contemporary Processes in Interior Design
• Traditional and Contemporary Landscapes
• Urban Design Studio
• Urban Conservation and Practice
• Layouts and Services in High Rise Buildings
• Research Methodologies in Interior Design
• Sustainable and Green Building Design
• Performance Evaluation of Interiors
• Web Design and Portfolio Production
• Urban Landscapes and Design
• Emerging Practices in Housing Design
• Building Information Designing
• Building Management and Control Systems
• Appropriate Technologies and Sustainable Designing
• Material Conservation
• GIS Modeling in Interior Planning

FAQs

Is Mathematics compulsory for Interior Designing?
While Mathematics is not mandatory for pursuing a course in Interior Designing, students should have the basic skills of arithmetical operations. As an Interior designer, a basic idea about area, measurement, costing, and other such basic skills would be required. Therefore, though not mandatory, knowledge of mathematics comes in handy for Interior Designing Professionals.

Which degree is best for interior design?
It is not wise to mention one particular degree which is best for pursuing a career in Interior Design. All the courses are best in the way they suit the needs and eligibility of the students. In case a student aspires to pursue a management-level career, MBA in Interior Designing is a great fit. In case you are more inclined towards designing, M.Sc. or M.Arch in Interior Designing would be better. Explore our guide on top interior designing colleges in Bangalore to compare programs and find the best fit.

Does interior design require drawing?
Interior Design is a subject where students require drawing layouts, preparing landscapes, and having to draw rough sketches quite often. Interior Design professionals are also supposed to have the basic concept of colours, textures, materials, lighting and its effect. Therefore, yes, students of interior design require a fair understanding of drawing.

How many subjects are there in interior design?
Depending upon the level of study, the number of subjects involved in the study of Interior Design is decided. For example, a Diploma in Interior Designing course of 1 year might require 6–10 subjects, while a degree course might involve somewhere around 16–20 subjects.

What subjects should I take in class 11 to become an interior designer?
Pursuing a career in Interior Designing does not require any specific field or subject in Class 11. You can pursue a course in Interior Designing after completing 10+2 in any stream — Arts, Commerce, or Science. Read our full guide on interior design courses after 12th to understand which path suits you best.