Interior Design Course Guide

Among the inflation of many industries, we see in recent times the rising investment in real estate is hard to miss. Consequently, we are also noticing the rising demand for professionals who excel in interior space management, art, and design. Students are now looking for lucrative and creative opportunities in the field of interior designing, hereby rendering interior designing courses very popular among youngsters today.

Interior designing is the study of decorating and managing different spaces using colours, textures, and furnishings. The goal of interior design is to make any given space attractive while increasing its efficiency at the same time. The digital revolution has enhanced its effectiveness as a field, as studying software and 3D visualizations have become a key part of the process. Youngsters are now venturing into this career path as it holds a promise of creativity, sustainable efficiency, and a tryst with technology.

Let’s now have a look at the scope of interior design education and its components.

The study of buildings and structures have been around for quite some time but the attention it’s getting is relatively new. With the design industry in India expanding rapidly, there is an increasing demand for designing professionals across various disciplines. Be it graphic, communication, industrial, or real estate; the scope for growth for designers is undeniably significant.

Interior decoration courses and interior architecture courses train students on the use of space, colours, and structure. Here, students are taught how to make the best use of available space, and the art of furnishing and decorating properties. Interior design courses also keep updated on the newest design trends and interior decoration elements.

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If you are considering a career in architecture and design, you’ll probably be looking up information about interior designing courses. A career in interior design can be pursued at different course levels- like at a Graduate or postgraduate level, or through a Diploma or PG Diploma.

There is a range of popular course options to choose from while considering the interior designing course details. Through these courses, individuals are trained to work with clients and businesses in helping effectively plan and furnish inside spaces. Among the many courses available for interior designing in India, the most popular ones are BA in Interior Design, MA in interior design, Diploma in Interior Design, and BDes in Interior Design to name a few.

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The scope of interior designing in India is tremendous- areas of employment include designing for corporate offices, architectural firms, hotels, freelance practice, furniture companies, and even in the development of furnishing and interior elements and construction firms. The main responsibility of an interior designer is to make any given space attractive while making maximum use of space and utility.

Notably, the field of interior design is expected to take a hit between 2019 and 2029. While the prospects for the self-employed, and those looking to work with existing buildings and other facilities are limited, new constructions and rising demand in real estate are likely to make up for it.

Having said this, there are several career opportunities for those who have done courses in interior designing. A few job profiles include working as furniture designers, exhibition designers, architects, product designers, textile designers, and stylists.

While most courses take care of the technical aspects of the discipline, there are a few prerequisite skills that anyone interested in interior designing is expected to have. Good communication skills, excellent spatial recognition (the ability to visualize space), drawing and sketching, interest in textures and colours, are useful to have if you’re looking for a career in interior design.

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Interior design course requirements come in an inclusive structure. A person can pursue this course either through a Diploma or certificate courses after completing 10th grade or can opt for undergraduate degrees (Bachelor) like BA, BDes, BFA, or BSc. A Master’s degree like MA, MSc. or MBA in Interior design would need one to have completed their UG in relevant subjects.

Most interior design courses accept candidates who have completed 12th Grade from a recognized board. Additionally, the eligibility for the interior designing course requires aspirants to have done a full-time course in Mathematics and Physics or studied it as part of their 12th Grade.

Read in detail about the interior design course eligibility criteria.

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Every interior design course qualification depends upon the nature of the course, as each level has different requirements.

• Diploma in Interior Design- Candidate must’ve passed 10th or 10+2 from any stream with an average of 50%
• PG Diploma in Interior Design- The candidate must be a graduate having secured at least 55% marks in relevant discipline from a recognized university
• Bachelor in Interior Design (BA, BSc, BDes, BArch)- Candidate must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% from any stream
• Master in Interior Design (MA, MSc, MBA)- The candidate must be a graduate of a relevant discipline with at least 55% from a recognized university

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Like most other mainstream courses, interior design courses also use entrance exams as part of the admission process. Another vital part of this process is clearing a design aptitude test and submitting a portfolio. The following is a list of popular interior design entrance exams in India, and their dates for the academic year 2022-23:

1. AIEED- January 5- January 15 2023
2. Pearl Academy Entrance- February 5, 2023
3. GD Goenka DAT- June-July
4. SEED- February 13, 2023
5. CEPT Entrance Exam- Yet to be announced
6. NID Entrance Exam- January 2, 2023
7. UID Aptitude Test- January 30, 2023

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A Diploma in Interior Design is a basic certification course that spans about 1 year. These courses also need clearing an entrance exam to be enrolled. Some of the entrance exams accepted for a Diploma in interior design are SOFT CET, MET, BHU UET to name a few. These courses are a part of many reputed Universities that offer diploma courses for various disciplines, like SAGE University and Mewar University.

A Diploma in Interior Design deals with many important topics that are also common to courses on other levels. Subjects include principles of interior design, analytical drawings interior design, product semantics, research strategies in the design process, and living space planning to mention just a few. Additionally, students are trained in the use of technology in creating attractive and effective designs; Using photography, Auto-CAD, and 3D visualization are included too.

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A PG Diploma in Interior Design is a 2-year program that focuses on hands-on skill development. This program not only covers the basics of design but also provides comprehensive knowledge of the usability of designs and the dynamic nature of the field.

An introduction to interior design, drawing up floor plans, 3D space visualization, estimation and costing, AUTO-CAD and graphic designing, and developing client interactions are a few things you can expect to learn from this course.

The scope of having a >PG Diploma in Interior Design reflects the wide range of choices you can choose from by the end of this course. Whether self-employed or otherwise, these professionals work as design engineers, in real estate companies, textile designers, and in teaching to name just a few.

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A Bachelor’s in Interior design is among the mainstream interior design degree courses available. At an undergraduate level, a Bachelor’s degree can be achieved by completing a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BS (Bachelor of Science), or a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts).

The eligibility criteria to pass a Bachelor’s degree in Interior design is to pass 10+2 with at least 50% marks from any stream. On average, Bachelor's courses in this field can cost somewhere between INR 10,000 to INR 15,000. Admission into these courses can be either based on merit or the performance of an entrance exam. Entrance Exams accepted for admission into a Bachelor's program in Interior Design include CEED, NATA, AIEEED etc.

This typically is a 3-year course that covers basic working knowledge of interior designing, including understanding structure and layout, computer technology, recognizing different décor styles etc. This course also outlines the scope of application in various settings like residential, healthcare, and commercial.

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A Master’s in Interior Design builds upon the knowledge gained in an undergraduate degree course of the same discipline. Additionally, they prepare students to develop subject-specific skills that can be applied in various positions in the design industry. A Master’s in Interior Design can open managerial positions and teaching opportunities for you in the field.

This postgraduate level degree course can be achieved by pursuing a MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Science), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), Master of Interior Design, or an MPS (Master of Professional Studies). Typically, these courses are completed over 2 years.

The eligibility to enrol for a Master’s degree in Interior design is a graduate degree in a relevant discipline, having scored at least 55% marks from a recognized university. The admission process to these courses is based on either merit or performance in an entrance exam.

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All interior design courses deal with the vital aspects of the field through different durations. The interior designing course duration for different course levels is as follows:

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The eligibility for interior design courses varies with different course levels.

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Courses of interior design cover a range of design concepts that come to practice in homes, hotels, commercial establishments etc. Interior design courses’ syllabus includes the following to name a few.

• Fundamentals of design
• Principles of design
• Design and crafting
• Basic photography
• Theory of design
• Entrepreneurship design
• Arts and graphics in interior design
• Freehand drawing and geometric progressions
• Product semantics
• Furniture and furnishing
• Technical drawings and computer applications
• Life space planning
• Estimate costing

Additionally, students are taught research strategies, architecture, Illustration, how to use Auto-CAD, presentation and communication skills, and rendering.

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The BSc interior design syllabus includes different aspects of the discipline, with a focus on the following.

• History of Interior Design
• Basic design principles
• Drawing techniques
• Arts and graphics
• Interior designing styling
• Materials and construction techniques
• Fire safety and security system
• Introduction to communication skills
• Environmental studies

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A Bachelor of Design (BDes) in interior design deals with teaching sustainable and ecologically responsive designs for homes and offices. The syllabus entails technical tools like the use of AutoCAD, hand drawings, model making, and verbal presentations. Among others, a BDes in interior design includes.

• Theory of design
• Fundamentals of design
• Fundamentals of structure
• Introduction to computers
• Analytical drawing
• Anthropometry and Ergonomics
• History of crafts and interior design
• Research strategy and design process
• Building services

Read in detail about the interior design courses syllabus

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Given that interior design has become increasingly popular among students these days, there are many sources through which you can pursue this field. In addition to conventional college degrees, educational platforms also provide online coaching options. Online interior design courses with certificates in India, are just as beneficial and authentic and come in both paid and free versions. Here are some online paid options and length of course:

• Design is in the Details: How to accessorize like a Pro -6 hours
• The Complete Sketchup and Vray Course for Interior Design -11 hours
• How to design a room in 10 Easy Steps -2 hours
• How to work with Interior design styles like a Pro- 6 hours)-
• How to use colour like a Pro- 2 hours

Among free interior design courses, here’s what we think is worth mentioning.

Interior Design basics on Howcast

Free Home Decor Class on Decorating Studio

Diploma in Interior Design from Alison

Principles of design on MIT OpenCourseWare

Design a contemporary bedroom in Vray, Sketchup and Photoshop on Udemy

Online interior designing courses are short-term courses that may or may not provide certificates depending on the course. They generally aim at understanding the basics of interior designing, species, sketching, and decorating interiors. While some courses may last for a few hours, others might take a couple of weeks or even months.

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Anyone interested in a career in interior design is expected to have a combination of creativity and applied thinking that helps give shape to ideas and goals. On the technical side, knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Auto-CAD, and 3D rendering is needed as it plays a very important part in design planning and development.

Typically, interior designing has got plenty to do with drawing layouts and structures, so one must need good drawing and sketching skills that can depict an idea. Along with working with schematic designs, communication skills and teamwork management are vital. Interior designers work in close collaboration with other teams, so they need to be able to communicate their ideas and clarify queries.

In addition to the conventional skill set that comes with this field, flourishing as an interior designer is about getting the working attitude right. While design abilities and knowledge are a given, you should be able to work meticulously, paying a lot of attention to detail. Creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and clear communication are also vital to this role. An interior designer will need to express his/her ideas articulately, clarifying any queries as they come. So openness to feedback, a proactive attitude, and flexibility of thought are vital. As most designers work against deadlines, stress and time management are a bonus, helping you prioritize tasks efficiently.

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IDeA World Design College, Bangalore offers one of the best fashion and interior designing courses in the country. IDeA offers a world-class diploma course in interior design that is a comprehensive blend of theory and practical application. This course aims at building knowledge of contemporary designs and design technology, and the skills and technical know-how in designing residential and commercial spaces.

Why choose IDeA?
The faculty at IDeA is a team of industry experts who are dedicated to providing best-in-class information through a standardized, and brilliantly balanced program in interior designing. They help specialize in the exact technical skills required to sustain in this field through exposure to multiple work settings. Be it a commercial, residential or industrial setup, skill-driven information helps students do well-rounded and wholesome work.

Working with different teams of graphic designers, architects, engineers, entrepreneurs, and business owners through these courses enables the development of essential skills like goal setting, research and development, conceptualization, time management, contract administration, documentation and so much more.

Among other topics covered in the program, IDeA’s interior design diploma focuses on- Landscaping, Vastu shastra, different kinds of building materials and their uses, principles involved in designing residential and commercial interiors, furniture design, Ergonomics, Costing and estimation, Auto-CAD and Photoshop, understanding balance and proportion, and much more.

This 1-year diploma course covers a range of topics related to design, and what’s more- you are required to complete a 1-month internship, thereby securing an opportunity to put the skills learned to test. IdeA gives you a choice to complete this program online as well.

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Many interior design courses can be pursued after completion of 10th Grade. These courses are usually Diploma and certification courses. Let’s have a look at some interior design courses after the 10th and their duration.

• Diploma in Interior Design -1-2 years
• Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture-1 year
• Certificate courses in Architecture- 6months-1 year
• Certificate course in interior design- 6 months

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Pursuing interior design after your 12th grade opens opportunities to pursue courses on the Diploma, UG Diploma, and Undergraduate level. Certificate courses are an option too. Let's look at a few interior design courses after the 12th.

• BA Interior Design- 3 years
• BSc Interior Design- 3 years
• BArch Interior Design- 3 years
• BDes Interior Design- 3 years
• Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture- 1 year
• Certificate courses in interior design- 6 months
• Certificate in computer-aided interior design- 6 months

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Graduated college and are looking to enter the field of architecture and design? Here are some interior design courses after graduation to watch out for.

• MA Interior Design
• MSc Interior Design
• MBA Interior Design

All the 3 courses work at a post-graduate level and focus on building the technical knowledge and skill-base needed to create sustainable, relevant designs. They give you substantial information on the principles of design, working with accessories, and current trends.

These courses offer a specialization, and chances to practice the skills in an organized framework- like through projects, working with an industry expert, or internship.

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So what if I’ve completed my engineering, but am more inclined towards designing interiors/ Many of us wonder if an abrupt shift between disciplines is possible. Or even recommended. The answer is, yes. It's not very vastly different too.

There are a few parallels that run between the fields of civil engineering and interior design. Both disciplines deal with buildings structurally and functionally, and both use similar concepts like layout planning, ergonomics etc. If you’re a civil engineering graduate and are considering a major in interior design, there are many ways you can achieve this.

Most engineering graduates are eligible to pursue a Diploma or certification courses in interior design. These courses deal with relevant topics that can be an entry point into the field. If you’re interested in a more detailed approach to the subject, you can complete a Bachelor’s course in interior design. While that make take an extra 3 years, it will help you re-centre on the basics of the field.

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With the need for interior designers on the rise, the field is booming. Most interior designers find lucrative prospects in many industries- be it self-employed, commercial, residential, architectural firms, government etc. Each prospect comes with its advantages, but we’ve seen maximum growth among designers working with architectural firms.

For those with a creative mindset, this profession is perfect; Considering the freedom to choose projects, or to decide whether you want to be associated with someone or want to operate as a freelancer. Some job profiles in this field include working as a Design Journalist, Certified Kitchen Designer, Home lighting adviser, Interior Decorator, Furniture arranger etc.

As these companies deal mainly with designers and related vendors, there is a lot of exposure you can expect in these settings. From applying skills to dealing with teams and understanding the tricks of the trade- everything you need to have for an interior design career in India is here. Having gathered experience working with these firms, you can eventually start up on your own too. Some popular architectural firms that employ interior designers include The Karigars, Design In India, Maps In India, The Grid, and Synergy Corporate Interiors.

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Having completed your studies in interior design, here are the top recruiters for interior design graduates in the country.

• Urban Ladder
• DesignQube
• Savio and Rupa Interior Concepts
• Gauri Khan Designs
• Pinakin Design
• Carafina
• De Panache
• Morphe Design Co
• La Sorogeeka

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The salary offered to an interior designer will ultimately depend upon experience, job profile, company budget, performance etc. According to a survey by Glassdoor, the average yearly pay for an interior designer is INR 3,00,000.

While freshers in this field are known to start with around INR 2,30,000 per annum, charges increase with experience; someone who has over 20 years of experience can make about INR 10,00,000 per annum. On completing an interior design course, the salary is likely to be higher as qualifications and expertise play a big role too.

Here are some numbers we’ve put together to give you a sense of how much interior designers are paid per annum based on their job profile.

Salary For Interior Designer- Based on Job Profile