Interior Design: How Apeejay Stya University’s curriculum can make you industry-ready

Interior design is emerging as a sought-after career by many young professionals with a creative bent of mind. According to a Financial Express report, the interior design market in India is estimated to grow to USD 38.2 billion by 2027, thanks to increasing income levels and urbanisation.

A career in the field can be quite lucrative. And to educate and empower students, Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate course in Interior Design. Apart from learning the fundamentals, the course exposes students to the latest advancements in the field and equips them with the required professional skills.

Ar Purnoor Khan, visiting faculty, and Ar Vikas Sharma, assistant professor, School of Design and Visual Arts (SDVA), ASU, tells us in detail about the Interior Design curriculum, placement opportunities, career options, and more.

What kind of career opportunities can students expect if they study Interior Design?

Students who study Interior Design can expect a range of career opportunities in industries such as architecture, construction, real estate, hospitality, and retail. Some specific job titles may include interior designer, interior architect, design consultant, set designer, visual merchandiser, and furniture designer.

Interior Designer: Interior designers plan layouts, select materials and finishes, and oversee the installation of furnishings and decor. They create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for a variety of settings including residential, commercial, and public spaces. Interior designers may work for design firms or be self-employed.

Residential Designer: Residential designers specialise in designing homes and apartments. They work with clients to understand their needs and preferences and create designs accordingly. They may also select and purchase furniture, accessories, and artwork to complement the overall design.

Also Read: Want to study Fashion Design? Here’s why you should opt for Apeejay Stya University  

Commercial Designer: Commercial designers work on larger projects such as offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces. They design functional and visually appealing spaces that meet the needs of businesses and their clients.

Design Educator: Interior design graduates can also choose to become educators and teach Interior Design courses at colleges and universities.

Set Designer: Set designers create the look and feel of theatrical, film, and television productions. They work closely with directors and production teams to create sets that convey the mood and atmosphere of the production.

Architectural Drafter: Architectural drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for buildings and structures. They work closely with architects and other design professionals to ensure that designs are accurate and meet the requirements of building codes and regulations.

Lighting Designer: Lighting designers specialise in designing lighting schemes for interior spaces, including homes, offices, and public spaces.

Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers create displays for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other events.

Visual Merchandiser: Visual merchandisers design displays and layouts for retail stores to showcase products in an attractive and enticing way.

Furniture Designer: Furniture designers create furniture and other decorative items for homes and businesses.

Stylist: Stylists work with clients to create a cohesive look and feel for their homes, businesses, or events.

Can you tell us in detail about ASU’s Interior Design curriculum?

ASU offers two courses, BDes (Bachelor of Design) and MDes (Master of Design) in the field of Interior Design. 

The curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of interior design, space planning, and design management. The curriculum is designed to help students develop their creativity and design skills, as well as their technical expertise.

The undergraduate programme is divided into eight semesters, each of which covers various aspects of interior design. The first semester is focused on introducing students to the fundamentals of design, including design principles, elements, and colour theory. The second semester covers the basics of drafting, sketching, and rendering. In the third and fourth semesters, students learn about space planning, materials and finishes, lighting, and furniture design. Modules include Basics of Interior Design, Design Studio, Construction Workshop, Design History, etc. They also study building codes and regulations, as well as sustainability and environmental design.

The fifth and sixth semesters focus on advanced design skills such as 3D modelling and digital visualisation. Students also learn about design research, design ethics, exhibition design, and display. Students are given insights into exhibitions, trade fairs, world fairs, and art galleries, to name a few.

The seventh semester is focused on an independent design project, design management, and entrepreneurship. Students learn about research writing, project management, marketing, and business strategies. They can also develop their own business plans and pitches.

In the final semester, students participate in a design internship, where they gain practical experience working in the industry. They also have the opportunity to develop their own design projects, working with clients and stakeholders. From here only they get hired by the companies.

The curriculum is designed to develop manual and technical skills, encourage creativity, and provide real-world experience and opportunities for collaboration: In addition to a strong foundation in visual communication skills through coordination between brain and hand, design principles, designers need to have technical skills in software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Courses or workshops focused on specific design tools are being offered to help students develop the skills.

Encouraging budding designers to think outside the box and experiment with different ideas can help them develop a unique design style and approach.

Overall, the curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in interior design, combining both technical and creative skills. Students learn from experienced faculty members and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including design studios and computer labs.

How experienced is the faculty?

The faculty at ASU’s Interior Design program is highly experienced, with many of the instructors having years of professional experience in the industry. They bring their real-world experience into the classroom, providing students with practical insights and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in the industry.

SDVA’s professors have PhD and Master’s degrees in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field, along with extensive experience working in the industry. Some faculty members also have additional qualifications, such as certifications or licenses in specific areas of Interior Design and Architecture.

Additionally, some of our faculty members are actively involved in the industry, working on a variety of projects, and participating in corporate organisations. This allows them to bring real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom, which can be invaluable for students.

Will students get the opportunity to work on projects?

Students are offered opportunities to work on live projects as part of their academic curriculum. The university places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and provides various platforms for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. They can participate in design competitions, work on collaborative projects with other students, and complete internships with design firms or other industry partners.

SDVA offers different programmes that involve project-based learning to enhance students’ skills and competencies. The school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, which includes project-based learning, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities through workshops and seminars.

How do you give industry exposure to students?

There are several ways to give industry exposure to students including:

Internships: Internships are a great way for students to get hands-on experience in their field of interest. They can work with professionals in the industry and gain valuable insights into how things are done in the real world.

Industry or site visits: Organising visits to industries or different live sites can give students a first-hand experience of how things work. They can see the various processes and the machinery used, and get to interact with professionals in the industry.

Guest lectures: Inviting industry professionals to deliver guest lectures can help students understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. Students can also get a chance to interact with the experts and ask questions.

Competitions: Organising competitions and events can give students a chance to showcase their skills and creativity while solving real-world problems. These events can also attract industry sponsors and judges, providing an opportunity for students to network and gain exposure.

Industry projects: Assigning industry-related projects to students can help them apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. They can also gain practical skills and experience that will be valuable when they enter the industry.

Educational tours: These can benefit students in several ways. First, they provide an opportunity for students to learn in a new environment that stimulates their curiosity and encourages exploration. Second, educational tours allow students to see and experience the concepts they are learning about first-hand, making the information more memorable and relevant.

Third, these tours help students develop important life skills, such as independence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These tours can take many forms, such as visits to museums, historical sites, scientific research facilities, interior design studios, interior exterior expo, exhibitions, and cultural events. The purpose of educational tours is to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their in-classroom education.

What about placement? How much salary can freshers expect?

ASU’s Interior Design programme has a strong track record of placing graduates in design-related positions. The university’s corporate resource centre gets student placement done in various esteemed industry professional organizations. Freshers from ASU typically earn Rs 4-5 lakhs per annum after completing their undergraduate degrees in interior design, and an average salary of Rs 6 lakhs per annum after completing their master’s degree. For senior interior designers, the salary, including bonuses and commission is approximately Rs 8-30 lakhs per annum. However, as designers gain experience and build their portfolio, their earning potential can increase significantly.

Since our students are hired while completing internships, SDVA has a reputation for 100 per cent placement. As a student gains more experience and skills in the field, they can expect their salary to increase over time. It is worth noting that the interior design industry in India is growing rapidly, and there are several opportunities available for talented professionals in this field.