5 Best Interior Design Courses For Beginners in 2024

With rapid technological interventions, AR-VR, and Artificial Intelligence, the design realm has undergone a massive change. The ever-evolving market trends and dynamic updates require designers to take a multi-disciplinary approach and learn how to constantly upskill themselves, keeping up with the trends and the fast-paced industry. 

If you have a creative drive and want to pursue an Interior Design Course, the best way to go forward is to research different colleges and courses they offer and decide what suits your interests and skills the best.

Course Details and Curriculum Overview

Interior Design Colleges in India offer a variety of Degree and Diploma courses. You need to complete your 10+2 from any stream to qualify for the Undergraduate programs. For those who want to pursue a master’s degree or PG diploma, the required educational qualification is graduation (10+2+3 OR 10+2+4) in any discipline. 

You can appear in the national level entrance tests – CUET (for UG and PG), CEED (for PG applicants), and the like to study Interior Design. Institutes also conduct independent aptitude tests and PI to shortlist students. 

Bachelor of Design 

B.Des (Interior Design) is a 4-year degree course that provides a thorough knowledge of the discipline and introduces students condo renovation package advanced skills. Starting with Elements and Principles of Design, understanding of different aesthetics, and the importance of size and proportions, the course moves on to more specific subjects. It takes the learners through the history and evolution of architecture, encouraging them to explore different materials.

An understanding of Vaastu, legal frameworks in commercial and residential space designs, and market study, enables students to grasp the fundamentals of interior design.  It also introduces students to CAD, 3D Drafting, and relevant software and helps them build a strong portfolio.

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design 

The 3-year B.Sc in Interior Design introduces students to the basics of hand sketching, technicalities and use of different tools in design drawing, and fundamentals of design. It takes them through the history and evolution of Indian and Western architecture and familiarizes them with different materials and textiles. The curriculum aims to provide a holistic understanding of state laws surrounding commercial/residential space design, market analysis, culture and region-specific variations, and an introduction to Vastu Shastra. 

Students learn to work within a budget, the importance of green and sustainable design, and acquaint themselves with CAD, 3D printing, and other relevant software that would help them glide through the industry. They are encouraged to build a cohesive portfolio showcasing their skills and talent to land extraordinary jobs with major companies and expert designers.

M.Sc / M.Des in Interior Design 

The 2-year Master’s degree programs provide an advanced knowledge of materials and textiles, construction, ergonomics, and space design parameters, and an understanding of Vaastu Shastra. It acquaints students with scientific ways to design different types of furniture, work with budgets, the basics of designing a functional space, and sustainable and inclusive space design. 

Students work with plotting and variations in CAD, learn 3D drafting, and familiarize themselves with Autodesk 3ds Max and other relevant software. The goal of a Master’s degree in Interior design is to empower students with all the necessary knowledge and skills required to build an impactful portfolio that would help them navigate the industry.

Undergraduate Diploma in Interior Design

Throughout the 1-year course, students learn the basics of elements and principles of design, play with different shapes and forms, explore a range of architectural styles and their evolution, and understand various aesthetics. They learn about the materials, and functionalities of products and spaces, and get introduced to cultural and regional-specific variations, including an idea of Vaastu. 

The syllabus is designed to help students keep up with the latest innovations in the industry through CAD, 3D drafting, Autodesk 3ds Max, and other relevant software. By the end of the Interior Design course, they can build a strong and effective portfolio that would allow them to work in a niche of their preference.

Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design

A PG diploma in Interior Design is a brief and comprehensive course that takes students through the history and evolution of furniture and furnishing and acquaints them with elements of design, aesthetics, and functional space design. It emphasizes ergonomics, material exploration, analyzing and working within budgets, design parameters, and introduction to the various components of residential and commercial space design. 

The students are trained in CAD, 3D printing, and relevant software for space and product design and are encouraged to build a strong portfolio for transitioning into the professional realm.

Conclusion

With constantly changing trends and a shift towards both tech-oriented and eco-conscious spaces, the demand for professionals in Interior design is increasing. If you are keen on getting a formal degree, check out the AAFT website for well-designed and expert-facilitated degree and diploma courses that would provide you with the right skills and opportunities to start your journey as a professional.