Interior design is often seen as just about making spaces look good, but it’s actually much more than that. Interior architecture is the real deal, focusing on how spaces work and feel. It’s about creating environments that are not only stylish but also functional and safe. Surprisingly, while there are clear rules and scope of work assigned by the Council of Architecture (India’s official body for regulating the architecture professions) the path to becoming an interior architect isn’t as defined. With the augmenting essentiality of holistic design and healthy spaces, interior architecture and design are becoming some of the most sought-after careers, the scope is still unknown to many.
As a part of its curriculum, interior architecture allows professionals to explore creativity within the confines of four walls. Besides, they contribute to creating spaces that can make a difference from a larger perspective, making the profession all the more intriguing. These promising aspects of interior architecture and design have led to a significant boom in its overall growth.
Fun fact: The interior design market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3%, reaching INR 30.5 billion by 2027. If you want to become a part of this thriving and creative sector, here are all the insights you need before taking the giant leap.
Is Interior Designing a Good Career Option in India?
Imagine having the opportunity to design and curate spaces that etch themselves as an important part of someone’s everyday life. Whether it’s putting together a comforting home or a sleek and functional office design, interior designers engage with multiple space typologies.
Five reasons why interior architecture and design is a promising career:
A specialisation in Interior architecture and design makes way for a balanced fusion of creativity and functionality.
A course in interior architecture and design provides a lot of other specialisations to pick from besides traditional interior design.
It offers diverse opportunities to learn and grow continuously.
It helps explore innovative concepts beyond design technology, such as sustainability, adaptable design, and the integration of digital tools for virtual makeovers/renovation. This expansion into interior architecture and design opens up new possibilities for redefining spaces through digital projections and immersive experiences.
What Is the Job Scope of an Interior Architect in India?
As an interior architect, you can explore a wide range of specialisations beyond traditional interior design roles, encompassing both interior architecture and interior design. Here are some of the most coveted job options that you can pick from.
1. Residential Interior Design
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If you are into creating homes over mere houses, residential interior design is the specialisation you should opt for. Residences must be thoughtfully designed so the occupants can thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally. Being a residential interior designer, you can leverage your skills to bring someone’s dream home to life.
The Evert House by VPA Architects has a beautiful, raw interior design that follows the vernacular style of design.
2. Commercial Interior Design
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Commercial interior design explores various space typologies, including offices, retail stores, restaurants and more. Such spatial expressions need to be a perfect coming-together of aesthetics and functionality.
Here are some aspects you should be mindful of as a commercial interior designer.
The optimal layout or flow of a space.
The furnishings incorporated should be ergonomically aligned.
The thoughtful selection of colour and material palette.
Based in Goa, Urban Alchemy is the perfect example of office interior design that establishes a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality.
3. Healthcare Interior Design
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Healthcare interior design goes beyond the look and feel of a space. A space should also be healthy to ensure the well-being of the occupants. Healthcare facilities are designed and built around this notion since they prioritise patient care the most.
Healthcare architecture primarily focuses on the design of hospitals, cancer care centres, and clinics. Here are some tips that you can utilise as a healthcare interior designer.
Keep the private zones noise-free.
Heal with nature and bring the outdoors inside.
Focus on holistic waiting area design.
The Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata is a hospital and research centre designed to improve the patient experience for those suffering from cancer. Besides minimal and comforting interiors, the hospital leverages the healing power of nature to put its patients at ease, alleviating their pain through design.
4. Educational Interior Design
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Educational spaces like schools, colleges, and libraries foster a sense of learning and creativity within students. Therefore, educational interior design should align with the following considerations to maximise learning and growth.
The environment should make way for active learning.
Free-flowing spaces to be inculcated for ease of movement.
The Rajkmari Ratnavati Girls School in Jaisalmer embroiders distinct feminine sensibilities into its design narrative. It is a wonderful example of how local art elements can be leveraged to create a bespoke, new-age spatial expression.
Eco-Friendly Interior Design Practices
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With the threat of climatic change looming, sustainability and eco-conscious interior design are more important than ever, especially for urban parcels.
This opens up space for more eco-friendly interior design practices. Such an approach combines environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing spaces that strive to keep both the occupants and nature at ease.
Some factors that play an integral role in curating sustainable interior design projects are:
Indoor air quality
Recycled materials
Waste reduction
Energy-efficient lighting
Sustainable furnishings
What is the role of an Interior Architect in India?
As an interior architect, you get the opportunity to blend your creativity with functionality to come up with thoughtful spaces. On a basic level, you are required to collaborate with clients to execute their design visions meticulously.
Some of the major duties vested upon you as an interior architect are as follows.
1. Client Consultation
Work closely with clients to comprehensively understand their requirements, preferences, and aspirations regarding their space.
2. Spatial Planning
Develop comprehensive spatial layouts and floor plans that align with the functional needs of the occupants.
3. Concept Development
Skim through creative concepts and explore design ideas to come up with a concept that forms the crux of the design project. As a part of this step, you can create mood boards, thematic sketches, and 3D models to convey your design ideas.
4. Material Selection and Specification
Pick the appropriate finishes, materials, and furnishings that align with the design requirements and budget constraints. Materials should also be evaluated based on sustainability, aesthetics and durability.
5. Site Supervision
Oversee the construction process, monitor the project progress, and ensure the design is implemented as planned. This involves conducting frequent site visits, inspections, and quality checks to ensure everything complies with the necessary building codes and regulations.
6. Shaping Urban Experience
Professions with a degree in interior architecture and design are instrumental in shaping the character and function of urban environments. Their expertise in creating efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable interior spaces significantly impacts the overall quality of life for city dwellers. By designing public spaces, commercial interiors, and residential complexes that align with urban planning goals, interior architects contribute to the creation of vibrant, livable, and resilient cities.
How Can I Become an Interior Architect After 12th?
If you have completed the 12th standard and are struggling to find out what interior design courses you can pursue now, here is everything you need to know.
Choosing The Right Academic Path
After completing 12th, you can opt for multiple interior design courses to become an established interior designer. Here are some interior design courses that you can take up.
1. Diploma Programme
A Diploma in Interior Design gets you well-versed with the basic skills needed to become an interior designer. This industry-focused design course spans over one or two years.
A two-year postgraduate diploma course in interior design is tailored to elevate your creative, technical, and practical skills through industry-standard tools.
Gaining admission to a top-tier interior architecture and design programme in India can be competitive. Unlike other fields, the number of institutions offering specialised courses in this domain is limited in institutes like Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD).
Why Accreditation Matters for Your Interior Design Course?
In addition to the above-mentioned courses, interior design courses range from hobby programs to master-level programs. However, before you decide on one, make sure it is accredited.
Accredited interior design courses are the ones that are recognised by a professional body. This means that at the end of your course, you will receive a certificate from a nationally recognised body and quality course content. Thus, checking if your chosen interior design course is accredited or not can help you reap benefits in the long run.
Top 8 Skills You Need to Thrive in Interior Architecture and Design
To make your clients understand your vision, build trust, and avoid conflicts during client discussions, you need good communication skills to back you up.
2. A Strong Sense of Organisation
Managing multiple teams and making informed decisions requires an interior designer who can organise their projects well.
3. Deep Understanding of Marketing
You need to be well-versed in marketing tactics to attract potential clients and establish a sense of trust in their minds.
4. Sketching
From concept evolution to client presentation, sketching comes in as a strong medium for conveying design ideas.
5. Technical Knowledge
To develop intriguing 3D designs and the necessary working drawings, you need to have a good knowledge of technical tools like:
AutoCAD
Sketchup
3Ds Max
Enscape
Lumion
6. Attention to Detail
Crafting every little element meticulously and ensuring the cohesiveness of design requires designers to pay attention to the minutest details.
7. Time Management
Tackling multiple projects, juggling timelines, and ensuring timely project delivery is a culmination of holistic time management skills.
8. Trend Analysis
If you want to prepare yourself for clients who are absolutely into following the latest trends, you should be able to analyse them first. Research, research, and research as much as possible so that you are always familiar with what’s gaining popularity in the industry.
Alternative Learning Paths for Interior Design Enthusiasts
Besides an accredited course, you can follow these alternative learning paths if you are an interior design enthusiast.
1. Online Courses
Many Indian and international institutes offer both free and paid online courses in interior design.
Even though these are amazing, if you want to explore interior design concepts more deeply, the most holistic way to become an interior designer is to take a full-fledged course from esteemed institutes like IIAD.
What is the Salary of an Interior Architect in India Per Month?
According to Glassdoor, the average monthly salary for an interior architect ranges between INR 24,000 and INR 44,000. On the other hand, the average monthly salary for an interior designer ranges between INR 21,000 and INR 37,000.
However, this salary range can also be influenced based on multiple factors:
Years of Experience
Skill set
Location of Office
Educational Qualifications
Additional Certificates
Specialisations
How Can You Maximise Your Salary as an Interior Architect And Designer?
1. Establish a Strong Online Presence
In this age of social media, a great way to make a mark within the fraternity today is to create a strong online presence. You can leverage platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to get started.
2. Specialise in Lucrative Domains
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Focusing on specific fields in interior design can help enhance your earnings. You can specialise in lucrative domains like kitchen and bath design, commercial design, and luxurious interior design.
3. Build Valuable Connections
You can work with some amazing clients if you use your network correctly. Designers often get the best opportunities through former clients or word-of-mouth marketing.
4. Pick Alternative Income Fields
You can earn more as an interior designer by diversifying your sources of income. For instance, you can start your product line or offer workshops to impart learnings specific to your specialisation. Freelancing and teaching are also wonderful alternative income sources for interior architects.
5. Create a Comprehensive Website
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If you want your clients to trust your skills, ensure that you have a good design portfolio in place. Create a detailed and intriguing website to display this project portfolio and watch wonders happen.
Network Building by Connecting With the Interior Design Industry
Besides fine-tuning the essential skills, another way of climbing up the success ladder in interior design and architecture is network building. Network building is nothing but connecting with like-minded professionals in the fraternity. The more extensive the network, the more work opportunities you are likely to avail yourself of.
Attending events and workshops related to interior architecture and design can help you build a network. Trade shows, conferences, and webinars are also great platforms for growing and interacting.
Some of the most prominent design organisations in India are:
While you engage and interact with professionals from these organisations, you can also connect with former clients, seniors, and faculty to expand your network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Architecture and Interior Design
1. What is interior architecture and design?
Interior architecture and design is a profession that focuses on creating aesthetic and functional interior spaces.
2. What is the difference between interior architecture and interior design?
There’s a very thin line of difference between interior architecture and interior design. Interior architecture involves the structural design of an interior atmosphere, while interior design focuses on crafting an ambiance using finishes, furnishings, colour palettes, and more.
3. What should be included in an interior architecture portfolio?
An interior architecture portfolio can include design concepts, thematic sketches, 3D renders, mood boards and executed design projects.
4. Can I study both interior design and architecture at IIAD?
Yes, you can study both interior design and architecture since the concepts of both careers are closely associated and amalgamated into this unique course which offers insights and industry connections to both.
5. What should I do after 12th to become an interior designer?
After 12th grade, you can pursue either a diploma course or an undergraduate degree in interior design to become an interior designer.
6. Which stream is required for interior architecture?
Students who have completed 12th grade in the science stream can pursue a bachelor's in interior architecture.
- Want to know how to future proof your design education? Prof. Snehanshu Mukherjee, Course Leader of IIAD's Interior Architecture Design programme, shares practical strategies in MGS Architecture Magazine. Discover how IIAD is transforming classrooms into real-world design studios.
About The Author
An Architect turned Writer, Saili has worked as an Architectural Writer, Marketer, & Curator. For the past three years, she has collaborated with multimedia publication houses, firms, studios, organisations, luxury brands and educational inst ...
itutions; both national and international to communicate and market the AEC industry as an Architect in Marketing. She is a commentator on the design industry’s upkeep through her social handles while also being an avid reader and traveller.
