The world of interior designing
Designing has become an integral part of modern construction processes. The purpose of the design department is to create aesthetically pleasing products or service systems before they are introduced to the market. Designers are individuals who combine artistic talent with creativity. They work in a variety of fields, including product design, fashion design, graphic design, project design, and interior design. The latter is a highly sought-after and notable category of design that involves designing not only homes but also large-scale commercial complexes such as shopping malls, hotels, convention centres, airports, and theatres. Interior design has emerged as a specialized field due to the drastic changes in building techniques. Interior designers specialize in a range of subcategories, such as commercial and residential design, landscape design, and bedroom design. Their role is to select furniture, wall decorations, and lighting within a fixed budget, as well as choose the colour of the paint for the walls and the size of the tiles for the floor. Through the use of 3D images, interior designers can provide clients with visual representations of how the room will appear. The homeowner's responsibility is limited to selecting what they require, while interior designers transform the appearance of the home based on their clients' budget.
🔗Must know things for those who want to pursue a career in this field
There are various subcategories within interior design, ranging from commercial and business design to residential, landscape, and bedroom design. Interior designers are responsible for choosing furniture, decorations, and lighting on a fixed budget, as well as selecting paint colours and floor tiles. They use three-dimensional images to demonstrate how a room can be beautified, while keeping their clients' needs and budgets in mind. However, being an interior designer is not just about decorating; it requires technical knowledge, management skills, and effective communication.
A good interior designer should keep up-to-date with the latest developments in construction, construction materials, and pricing. They must also be able to listen carefully to clients' needs and ideas, and provide the best possible interior designs within their budget. Communication skills are crucial, as designers must be able to effectively convince clients that their ideas and strategies are effective. Additionally, interior designing is a computer-based career, and designers should be proficient in design software such as AutoCAD, TurboCAD, ArchiCAD, Infernia, 3DMax, and Sketch Up.
Interior designers not only work on their own, but also manage teams of workers, requiring a certain level of management skills. They must also be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and complete them within a given timeframe. As a result, interior designers may have to work long hours and are not limited to a typical 9-to-5 office job. If you have a passion for interior designing and are willing to put in the effort, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding career.
🔲What do you have to learn to be an Interior Designer?
Interior designing has emerged as a prominent field in India, with private institutions offering a range of courses from one-year diplomas to four-year degree programs. While government institutions and universities do not offer many options, there is a certificate course available for students who have completed their 10th standard. It should be noted that these courses are primarily focused on careers in the private sector, as opposed to government jobs.
The Faculty of Interior Design at the Sept University in Ahmedabad is considered the premier institution for interior design in India. Their five-year degree program in interior design requires an All-India Entrance Test (AIET) for admission, with eligibility for students who have passed their 12th standard with at least 55% in Maths/Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IID), New Delhi also offers a well-known B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design, including an Honours course.
Other options for interior design courses in India include B.Sc. in Interior Design, B.Design in Interior Design, Bachelor of Interior Design, Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Design, Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, and Advanced Diploma in Architectural Visualization. However, as most of these courses are offered by private institutions, they come with a significant price tag.
BSc in Interior Design is offered by four colleges under Mangalore University in Karnataka. Additionally, MG University in Kerala offers a three-year course in BA Visual Arts (Interior Design) at DCSMAT Vagamon, Idukki, St. Joseph College, Changanassery, and Eldho Mor Baselios, Kothamangalam.
Various institutions across all districts in Kerala offer a range of interior designing courses, including some polytechnics. Advertisements for these courses flood the media immediately after the release of Plus Two exam results. However, it's important to research the quality of the courses before blindly enrolling in an institution, as there have been instances of interior design firms closing down after charging high fees without completing the course. Seeking advice from those working in the field and selecting an institute accordingly would be wise.
Regardless of where one studies, practical training is crucial to succeeding in the interior design industry. Hence, it would be highly beneficial to pursue an internship at an interior design institute for several months after completing the course. Many companies even offer permanent positions to the brightest interns.
🔎🔎Are you sure you will get a job after completing your interior designing course?
Take a moment to look around and you'll see construction projects taking place all over - from big houses to shopping malls, even in rural areas. As a result, the demand for interior designers is high. Unfortunately, contractors and engineers in the construction industry agree that there is a shortage of talented and dynamic interior designers. Currently, contractors only build the structures, leaving the rest of the work to interior designers. Job opportunities for interior designers can be found in architecture firms, building contractors, hotels, and resorts. However, it's important to note that high-paying jobs won't come easily, as hard work and low pay in the beginning are typically required. Only after gaining experience can one move up to better-paying positions. Alternatively, some choose to start their own interior design firms, while others prefer to work as freelancers without the need for a physical office.
⌛ If you have a passion for interior design and possess the necessary aptitude and skills, then you have the power to turn your dream into a reality. With a little bit of courage and determination, you can boldly step into this exciting field and make your mark.
An article by Mujeebulla K M
Translated by Deena Hateek
CIGI Career Team