Interior Architecture & Design Course

1. What is Interior Design?

Interior design is the professional practice of optimising the functionality and aesthetic appeal of interior spaces through research, planning and design. It involves creating solutions that align with the architecture of a space, emphasising well-being, safety, and health. Informed decisions about style and aesthetics are integral to this process.

2. What is Interior Architecture & Design?

As a discipline, interior architecture combines the principles of both interior design and architecture through an inside-out perspective. An interior architect addresses the spatial interaction, considering elements such as door and window placement, accessibility, ergonomics, and other structural aspects. Also, it caters to aesthetical requirements of a space through materiality. Additionally, this discipline also offers the scope of adaptive reuse, which entails reimagining existing spaces.

3. What is the difference between Interior Design, Interior Architecture and Design and Architecture?

Parameter	Interior Design	Interior Architecture and Design	Architecture
Area of Focus	Aesthetics, spatial arrangement.	Structure, functionality and materials along with aesthetics.	Building design, and structure, along with aesthetics.
Key Elements	Furniture, colour palettes, decor.	Along with furniture and decor, window and door placements, furnishing, ventilation, heating and plumbing.	Building form, and functionality. Arrangement of interior spaces.
General Scope	Interior Spaces	Interior spaces and adaptive reuse.	Entire buildings and structures.
Scope of Adaptive Reuse	Limited emphasis on adaptive reuse.	Significant focus on adaptive reuse.	Generally considered in early stages of planning and design processes—on scope.
Historical Consideration	Minimal emphasis.	Focus on preserving historical value.	Architectural history and context as per the project.
Human-Centric Approach	Limited consideration	Integral focus on human psychology and user-experience	Consideration towards user experience and design from a building perspective
Degree of Structural Detail	Lesser emphasis on structure	In-depth consideration of structure.	Comprehensive understanding of structure.
Environmental Design	Limited focus	Consideration of environmental impact	Consideration of sustainable design
Project Scale	Room or interior spaces.	Interior spaces and potential building repurposing	Ranges from building to urban planning levels.




4. What is the role of an interior designer?

An interior designer performs the following responsibilities:

• Collaborates with clients to understand the aesthetic requirements of each space.
• Works with architects, engineers, builders, and others to design the interior spaces for a particular aesthetic vision.
• Developing sketches, renders and mood boards to pitch a concept.
• Helps clients choose materials, furniture, and decor.
• Manages the installation of materials, and furniture.

5. What is the role of an interior architect?

An interior architect integrates interior design and architecture principles. Here’s a comprehensive list of general roles and responsibilities:

• Collaborates with clients to understand the user experience requirements of each space.
• Works with architects, engineers, builders, and other stakeholders to design the spatial space for effective user experience and functionality.
• Applies a human-centric approach, drawing insights from psychology to tailor interior spaces to the needs and experiences of occupants.
• Focus on both aesthetics and structural elements.
• Addresses intricate structural functions such as window and door placements, ventilation, heating and plumbing.
• Strives to create spaces that are visually appealing, but also functionally efficient.
• Contributes to sustainable design solutions and the thoughtful repurposing or adaptive reuse of existing structures.




6. What are the different types of interior design/ interior architecture design courses?

Degree	Program Name	Duration	Scope
Undergraduate	Bachelor of Design (B. Des) / BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design	4 years	Diverse opportunities include collaboration with interior and architecture design firms, art direction in cinema and advertising, event design, and partnerships with realtors and property developers. Also roles such as architecture draughtsman, architect & interior designer, design engineer, interior designer, interior design lecturer, manager, project manager, quantity surveyor, and academic positions, providing a wide range of avenues in the dynamic field of design.
Postgraduate	M.Arch in Interior Architecture / M.Sc. in Interior Architecture	2 Years	Graduates can explore various opportunities in retail design, interior design firms, product supply industry, and architecture firms, with potential for advancement to higher positions. The field offers diverse career paths, including roles as an interior and spatial designer, exhibition designer, production designer for theatre/TV/film, visual merchandiser, furniture designer, interior styling and experience designer, as well as set designer and scenography designer, providing a wide range of possibilities for professionals in the industry.
Diploma/ Certifications	Online/offline	1 year	Career options after a one-year diploma include roles like interior and spatial designer, assistant exhibition designer, visual merchandiser, and more.

Considering a career in interior architecture and design? Read on to learn why IIAD proves to be the perfect fit for you.

4. Which factors should I consider when choosing between an interior architecture and interior design course?

When deciding between an interior design and interior architecture & design course, you must consider your preferences for just creative expression or both creative expression and problem-solving. If you enjoy focusing on the aesthetic orientation of an interior space, interior design may be the right fit.

On the other hand, if you are interested in working on developing the overall user experience of a space or oriented towards reimagining existing spaces, interior architecture will align better with your aspirations. In the end, it’s all about choosing a course that resonates with your personal interests and long-term career objectives.

5. Can you provide a brief overview of the interior architecture and design course at IIAD?

At IIAD, your course in interior architecture and design spans four years. It starts with a foundational year, paving the way for three subsequent years of immersive coursework and exposure to the intricacies of the interior design, architecture and construction industries. This course is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and exposure to become a competent interior architect.

6. What is unique about the interior architecture and design course at IIAD?

• Global Education Standards
  IIAD’s interior architecture and design course aligns with global standards, integrating a UK-inspired quality assurance system following UGC guidelines. This unique programme, not widely available in India, sets IIAD apart. Explore more on our international progressions page or chat with our admission counsellors for details.

• Exploring international opportunities with Interior Architecture and design courses at IIAD.
  IIAD’s unique interior architecture and design course opens avenues for global advancement through seamless transfers to renowned universities in the UK, US, Australia, or Canada. With options like the 2+2 or 3+1 models, you hone your design skills in your initial 2 or 3 years at IIAD, leading to a smooth transition to your chosen international university.




7. In what ways does IIAD’s interior architecture and design curriculum stand out?

The courses are made to match what the industries need, providing you with a relevant and practical learning experience relevant to the job market.

• Live Projects:
  Students collaborate with reputed interior design and architectural studios, simulating work scenarios. This aspect provides a unique learning experience where students apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on projects, managing everything from conceptualisation to budget oversight under the guidance of industry expert mentors. Through field trips and site visits, they gain practical insights.
  
  An example is “Pink Toilets,” a collaboration between Interior Architecture and Design students, PVRNest, and C4Y (Centre for Youth). This initiative was a significant public-private partnership between PVR NEST and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, aiming to improve women’s physical and economic mobility by establishing secure and gender-friendly public spaces.

• Learn On-Site Internships:
  Students are encouraged to undertake at least an 8-week internship during their second year, followed by a compulsory 16-week internship in their third year. Past placements include renowned interior design and architecture organisations like Design Plus Architects, Studio Lotus, Office Banao, Morphogenesis, Mangrove Collective, The Concreate Story, Yuj Design, Asobi Studio, Mangalam Décor, Aaquib Wani, Viya Home, Navya and A Quarter, Map My House PLUGD, and Ambience Décor. Many of these workplaces recruit from IIAD recurrently.

• Industry Exposure:
  IIAD’s Interior Architecture and Design curriculum ensures substantial industry exposure through masterclasses, workshops and mentorship by industry experts and organisations both online and offline. This comprehensive approach enriches students with real-world insights and skill enhancement. Notable contributors include Flop2Hit (a vernacular media platform for MSMEs and startups), Bidisha Sinha (Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects), Abhishek Bij (Founder, Design Plus Architect), Aditi Anuj (National Institute of Design), and Aishwarya Tipnis (Founder, ATA). This holistic approach enriches students with real-world insights and practical skills.

• Focus on innovative reimagining of spaces and interiors:
  IIAD’s interior architecture and design course emphasises a forward-thinking approach, blending sustainability and consideration towards repurposing existing spaces.
  
  The Reimagining Heritage Project at Sunder Nursery, a collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, exemplifies this methodology. Led by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Madhu Pandit, and Mani Sharma, students showcased innovative designs that enhance historical sites without altering existing structures. This initiative, featured in Architectural Digest , showcased the students’ ability to preserve heritage while introducing creative ways to promote lesser-known historical structures.

• Showcase at the Annual Show:
  Upon completing the course, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work at the annual show. Each year, the show witnesses renowned names from the architecture and interior design industries. A few renowned names who have visited in the past are: Sunita Kohli (President, K2 India), I.M. Chishti (Architect and Educator), Lipika Sud (Interior Designer), Parag Anand (HOD, Industrial Design, SPA, Delhi), Anuj Shrivastava (Architect), Rajen Baraya (Architect and Senior Consultant, DUAC), and Navin Piplani (Director, Intach Heritage Academy).




8. What is the teaching methodology in IIAD’s interior architecture and design course?

IIAD’s interior architecture and design course sets itself apart with a unique teaching approach. Instead of traditional classrooms, it emphasises hands-on, studio-based learning, prioritising practical skills. This methodology integrates principles of anthropometry, ergonomics and aesthetic harmony to enable students to understand the human connection to interior spaces. The course balances conceptual learning with a strong foundation in essential skills such as drawing, model-making, drafting, and rendering. The curriculum also places a special emphasis on material knowledge, enabling students to transform concepts into meaningful spatial interventions.

IIAD thrives through its diverse faculty, mentors, academics, and industry practitioners, namely Snehanshu Mukherjee, Madhu Pandit, Shubhankar Goswami, Rashim Mahajan, Tanya Kumar, Ankit Mathur, and Shreemun Singh. For more details regarding the faculty, please visit the website.

1. What are the various career options I have after pursuing the Interior Architecture and Design programme at IIAD?

On successfully finishing the Interior Architecture and Design programme, you have a diverse range of career options that let you specialise based on what you like and are good at. Presenting a handful of choices to consider from:

• Interior and Spatial Designer: Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. This role can perform diverse specialties or specialise in particular categories such as hospitality, residential, commercial, and others.
• Interior Architect (Entrepreneur): Shape the architectural aspects of interior spaces, combining design and structural considerations via your own design firm.
• Furniture Designer: Design innovative and functional furniture pieces. 
• Interior Styling and Experience Designer: Curate and enhance interior spaces for unique experiences.
• Design Consultant for Corporates: Work as an interior architecture consultant for corporate firms, enhancing office spaces for functionality and aesthetics.
• Real Estate Staging Specialist: Stage properties to enhance their visual appeal and market value.
• Visual Merchandiser: Showcase products attractively in retail environments.
• Exhibition Designer: Design captivating displays for events and exhibitions.
• Production Designer (Theatre/TV/Film): Craft visually compelling sets for productions.
• Set Designer and Scenography Designer: Design sets and scenery for various applications.
• Educator/Trainer: Share expertise by teaching interior architecture and design in educational institutions or through workshops.




2. How does IIAD help you prepare for a career in interior architecture and design?

• Career Service Division Overview
  IIAD’s dedicated Career Services Division (CSD) manages placement and internship opportunities for interior architecture and design students. CSD conducts workshops with industry professionals, aids in professional profile building, and organises industry networking events. The division also secures internships, research opportunities, and live design projects with reputed design firms to provide practical experience.

• Internships and Placements for IIAD Students
  Students have the opportunity to pursue interior architecture careers with distinguished organisations such as Design Plus Architects, Studio Lotus, Office Banao, Morphogenesis, Mangrove Collective, The Concreate Story, Yuj Design, Asobi Studio, Mangalam Décor, Aaquib Wani, Viya Home, Navya and A Quarter, Map My House, PLUGD, and Ambience Décor.
  
  Moreover, graduates often embark on entrepreneurial journeys, establishing successful ventures. Notable examples include Himanshi Dhadhich, founder of The Skilled Mason, and Simran Bhatia, founder of The Good Room, both alumni from the IAD Batch 2015-18.

• Exploring International Educational Opportunities
  At IIAD, you can explore global opportunities for advancement through international transfer and exchange programmes as it collaborates with renowned universities like the University for the Creative Arts, Nottingham Trent University, Coventry University, Kingston University, and Arts University Bournemouth.
  
  In the past, IIAD alumni have pursued master’s degrees at respected institutions worldwide, including Kingston University, UCA Canterbury, UK, the University of South Australia, and more.