Many businesses and organizations saw a steady decline after the pandemic. However, the interior design market proved to be an exception, where the homeowners craved better living spaces and the 9 to 5 sector needed better workplace designs. An urgent need was felt due to a paradigm shift in people’s mindset in the way they look at their daily lives. This has turned interior design to be one of the potential career paths that are set to grow exponentially.
What does an Interior Architect do?
An Interior Architect works on creating balanced interior spaces that are a by-product of the external site conditions. They create designs that are habitable with a human-centric approach. They need to be well-versed with the building construction codes, environmental factors, and execution while also having a strong foothold towards elevated design sensibilities.
Role and Responsibilities of an Interior Architect:
- Understanding the client brief and interpreting their design requirements into concrete ideas
- Devising a budget for materials, workers, and other stakeholders.
- Defining the spatial segregation as per the functional requirement
- Identifying and overseeing structural changes, if any.
- Executing the electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and other mechanical and plumbing-based needs.
- Procuring materials, artworks, artifacts, and home decor items that run parallel with the design theme. Assisting the client in getting relevant art that suits their spaces
- Using computer-aided software and tools to create architectural drawings and approving it as per the state and local building regulations and many more….
All this nitty-gritty makes interior design a critical profession that thrives on creativity. A formal study of the same can help you gain a strong foothold in the industry in the long run.
When and Where is an Interior Architect Designer required?
Interior Architects can work on a diverse range of projects like hospitality, residential, retail, commercial, institutional, and much more. This role is extremely niched down and therefore, needs a specialized approach to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise.
Here are a few typologies of projects that Interior Architects design:
- Rethinking and redesigning office spaces
- Residential Interiors
- Designing for restaurants, hotels, spas, etc
- Designing for flagship stores of brands and designer labels
- Exhibition areas and art installation spaces
- Music concerts, fashion shows, stage, and set design.
- Hospitals, clinics, schools, and other institutional facilities
A few examples of brilliantly Designed Spaces by Interior Designers
ITC Grand Bharat’s Kaya Kalp Spa, Gurgaon
Olvvi Luxury Furniture by The Crossboundaries, Gujarat
Bansal Ply Chandigarh by Studio Ardete
Hermes, New Delhi
How can an Interior Design Course help you?
Here are a few reasons how an Interior Design course can help you in establishing a strong presence in the design industry while also staying relevant in the long run.
- It helps in inculcating a multi-disciplinary approach to transforming existing spaces into relevant spaces.
- It can help you understand the scope in different types of projects for refurbishing, retrofitting, renovating, and new sites.
- It can guide you in understanding current industry market trends to improvise your design skills.
- It can train you in various computer-aided software and tools to create a detailed design in no time.
- It can hone your marketing skills of presenting projects with its intensive coursework that delves into seamless interactions.
- It can help you be a self-reliant designer, who can run his/her practice in the future.
- It can train you to face real-world challenges through a guided and intuitive approach.
- It can open new avenues in design like exhibition design, set design, production design, experience design, furniture design, and scenography.
7 Tips to Choosing the Best Interior Design College in India
Now that you’ve gathered a gist of what an interior design degree holds, let us take you through a few tips before you choose the Best Interior Design College in India.
Tip #1
Be well-researched and well-read
This is your first step while choosing an interior designing course in India. Don’t just go over word-of-mouth, do a deep study of the website, brochures, curriculum, and other services.
Tip #2
A real-time experience always helps
Rather than letting digitalization take over, why not visit the college campus in actuality? A one-on-one discussion with the students, facilities and other service providers can help you understand if certain coursework is the ‘one’ for you! This can also give you an idea of your daily commute time and other details that will be a part of your daily life.
Tip #3
Reach out to Students and Alumni through Networking Channels
LinkedIn is one of the best portals to connect with like-minded people. You can start an open-ended conversation with the students and alumni of your shortlisted university. Try to get in touch with such individuals who are closely connected to an institute, rather than believing on a website or a piece of paper — this can be a better way of making a conscious and well-informed decision.
Tip #4
Get in touch with the Instructors
If you’re choosing the best interior design course in India, what could be better than asking the ones who are teaching it? This step is important to know the knowledge and exposure that you will get after a certain course. You can even have a word with delegated counselors who can help you seamlessly understand the entire module. This step can also help you understand your potential and area of probable expertise in the field.
Tip #5
Choose where the learning is…
Placements and salaries are certainly important factors while choosing an interior design course, but learning has a far beyond impact in the long run. Value-based learning can help you stay relevant in an ever-evolving profession like interior design. While overseeing the curriculum, make sure that you’re thoroughly examining the long-term competence of it with the help of industry experts or counseling.
Tip #6
Know the portfolio projects
The industry today requires individuals who have a well-built design portfolio. Therefore, your semester design projects play a pivotal role in determining your professional trajectory. For internships and jobs in reputed firms, companies, or organizations it is necessary to have a well-versed portfolio. Before choosing an interior design course, make sure that you’re gaining an insight into the design projects that are being taught to gain industry-specific competence in the long run.
Tip #7
Make a comparison chart
Every interior designing course has its charm, how do you choose what’s best for you?
After doing all the research and conversations with industry members, if you’re still caught up in making ‘the’ decision, the best way is to simply make a comparison chart. You can even make a pros and cons list, and add pointers on what works and what doesn’t.
FAQ’s on How to Choose Best Interior Design College
1. Which city is best for Interior Designing?
Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru are some of the preferred cities for interior design courses. Delhi being the capital, filled with heritage and architecture, is one of the most favored locations for interior design students.
2. Is Interior Design a good career?
As per IndiaToday, India needs more than 1 lakhs designers now[2] . With a boom in the construction industry, the need is ever-growing.
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