What is Interior Design about?
Interior designing combines Art and Science to achieve aesthetically pleasing environments. It focuses on enhancing the interior of a building, therefore, this profession includes a lot of research, site inspections, programming, space planning, construction management and executing designs.
An Interior Designer is someone who plans, researches and manages such projects. Typically, they work with clients to create aesthetic spaces. Their work can range from a simple indoor/outdoor home environment to designing spaces for offices and hotels.
Interior Design vs Interior Architecture vs Interior Decoration
These titles may seem confusing because they are quite similar to one another. However, there are a few differences between each of them.
- Interior Architecture – Interior architects focus on the technical and structural aspects of a building. Those in this field would be involved in projects very early on, before the building is constructed.
- Interior Decoration – Decorators focus on furnishing interior spaces with furniture, paintings, and other accessories. They are concerned with the art side of design and less with science.
Despite the different titles, over the years, many Interior designers have become more involved with architectural and technical aspects of Design. Therefore, many Interior design courses have been renamed as Interior Architecture. As a result, these courses now reflect the structural and technical elements of buildings, which has blurred the line between Interior Design and Interior Architecture.
If you are interested to know more about Interior Design, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
What skills do you need to become an Interior Designer?
Becoming an Interior designer is not an easy task. It is time consuming and requires a great level of patience. But most importantly, you should pursue this career if you are someone who is passionate about design, is creative and has the ability to think outside the box. Being an interior designer is challenging and it can get very difficult if you are not open-minded and innovative with styles and other trends. Let’s take a look at a few of the other important skills required in order for you to excel in this field :
- Strong Communication Skills : As a designer you will meet with your clients on a regular basis, therefore, it is essential to communicate effectively and listen attentively. After all, you have to design what they require. In addition, you would have to present your designs, sketches and other material to your clients and communicate with contractors and suppliers to get the material you need.
- Problem Solving Skills : Projects don’t always go as planned. You are likely to have certain problems along the way. It could be unexpected delays or expenses and changes in renovation ideas. On top of all of that, clients may change their vision which would require you to change interior plans and adapt to certain situations along the way.
- Creativity : The most part of being successful in this field is to use your creative skills. Interior design is not like staring into a white wall or a blank canvas, it requires you to see what others don’t see or what the space could turn into. It is also necessary for you to keep up with new trends, styles and techniques and apply them to your daily tasks.
Furthermore, Technology is a part of design, more than it was in the past. As an Interior designer, you would have to master Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD), use software’s and 3D plans to present your plans to your clients.
Entry Requirements for Interior Design
- You are required to successfully complete the SPM examination – Minimum of 3 Credits.
[Some institutions may require you to pass an Art or Mathematics subject]
Upon Successful completion of the SPM examination, you may proceed to undertake a Pre-University Program :
- A-Level : Minimum of CDD
- STPM : Minimum of 2C’s
- Australian Matriculation : Minimum ATAR score of 60
- Foundation Course : Minimum CGPA of 2.00
- Diploma : Minimum CGPA of 2.00
- English Language Requirement : Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0
Take note that Entry Requirements may vary based on the university and it is essential for you to successfully meet the additional requirements.
To know more about which Pre-University program is suitable for you, take a look at : Which Pre-Uni should you choose? Foundation, A-Level, SAM or AUSMAT?
Upon successful completion of Foundation, Diploma or other Pre-University qualifications, you may proceed to pursue a Bachelor Degree.
To know more about entry requirements for Interior Design, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Top Universities to study Interior Design in Australia
The following Undergraduate program recommendations are based on QS World University Rankings by Subject.
As mentioned above, many interior design courses have been renamed as Interior Architecture. Therefore, some institutions award students “Bachelor of Interior Architecture” whereas, some institutions offer “Bachelor of Design” majoring in Interior Design. Nevertheless, whichever program you choose, it will enable you to pursue a career in Interior Design.
Bachelor of Interior Architecture
University | Global Subject Ranking | Australian Subject Ranking | Intake | Annual Indicative Fee (2020) |
23 | 2 | February | AUD$ 38,060 | |
40 | 4 | February | AUD$ 41,000 | |
41 | 5 | February and July | AUD$ 36,100 |
Bachelor of Design - Major in Interior Design
University | Global Subject Ranking | Australian Subject Ranking | Intake | Annual Indicative Fee (2020) |
44 | 7 | February and November | AUD$ 37,440 | |
151 – 200 | 13 | February, July and November | AUD$ 29,500 | |
Not Available | Not Available | February and July | AUD$ 29,950 | |
Not Available | Not Available | February and July | AUD$ 29,950 |
To know more about the university programs and the application process, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
If your interest is to study in Australia, take a look at the following articles :
- Study and Work in Australia for International Students
- Top Universities to study in Regional Australia 2020
- Study at Edith Cowan University Australia 2020
- International Scholarships for A-Level and UEC students in Australia 2020
- Study at Griffith University (2020)
Did you find this helpful? If so Give us some Feedback! We are always finding news ways to improve. If you want to know more or ask us a question, please feel free to contact us any time!
Contact us to find out more
International Student enquiries:
Phone:+60182414802
Email: [email protected]
For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook
Need help with your uni application? Connect with us here
About Post Author
Yellani Rasaputhra
I am a student from Monash University, Malaysia. Currently studying Bachelor of Business and Commerce majoring in International Business and Marketing. I like to spend my time painting and swimming.
