‘Essential ingredient for interior designing is technical knowledge’

If you know the brand value a particular institute or college enjoys, it makes it easy for the student to apply for a course there. Meet Arshad Khan, alumnus of Apeejay Stya University (ASU) who has done a course in BDesign in Interior Design.

“I live near Mehrauli and had heard about Apeejay Institute of Design (AID). Since I was always interested in working in a field where I could use my creative skills, I applied here to pursue interior designing in 2018. It was a four-year programme where the first two years (Foundation) were spent at AID and the next two at ASU,” Arshad said.

In a candid interview, he talks about his campus days and how AID helped him hone his skills.

Tell us about your campus days.

As I mentioned, the first two years were spent at AID. Those were amazing days. We had a lot of fun and learnt several aspects of design. Then, we had to join the campus at ASU. Unfortunately, everything including classes shifted online. I never got the opportunity to study at the campus per se.

How difficult was it to study online?

To begin with, there were a few hiccups but in no time everything was on track. The faculty was extremely helpful. They gave us as much practical knowledge that they could amid constraints. Most of the work was in the form of designing for a space. So learning became easy. We had to make PowerPoint Presentations as well. At AID, we were taught how to design furniture, a small space, an office space and even a double storey apartment. The good part was that it was all real-time – either on paper or on software.

How was the faculty?

At ASU, Jayashree Murali ma’am was brilliant. She was the design mentor and she honed my practical skills. I learnt a lot from her. At AID, there were a few faculty members like Jayant Gajera sir, HoD of Foundation Department and Ramin Dogra sir, HoD, Interior Design. Both were good and knew the market trends. That made learning all the more interesting.

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During online classes, the faculty was extremely helpful.  They gave us as much practical knowledge that they could amid constraints. Most of the work was in the form of designing for a space. So learning became easy

–Arshad Khan, Alumnus of Apeejay Institute of Design

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Where are you working?

I am at present working for a firm called Apartment 9 in Delhi. And while I am still in the learning stage, I don’t get to do a lot of projects on my own; I assist others. It feels great if an idea that I have suggested has been accepted. To see that come to life is truly a brilliant feeling and makes me happy. For now, I help the furniture and interior design teams.

How did it feel to get your first salary?

It felt great. But it is not just about the first salary. Every month that I get the salary, I feel validated that my hard work is being recognised and paying off.

The role that environment plays in design.

It is very important for a person to have practical as well as technical knowledge. You must know what the trends are. A designer must also understand the elements that surround the space that you are going to design. You must know the sun’s direction and how much light comes into the space. On the basis of this information only you design the space.

Would you recommend ASU?

Yes, definitely. It is a great place to study. The faculty is good; they have industry knowledge that helps you home your skills according to what the industry needs. As a graduate of ASU, you don’t need to be spoon-fed once you start working.