Print this page Diploma Architectural Interior Design

The one-year Diploma course in Architectural Interior Design is an intensive training programme enabling students to develop the professional skills of interior design at speed and in depth.

You will be introduced to design method through residential and commercial interior design projects, which you undertake in studio with tutorial support from professional designers. You will learn how to approach problem solving professionally using the rigour of the survey, analysis, design methodology. Interior design projects start simply, gaining in complexity as the course progresses.

Studio work is supplemented with lectures covering the full range of architectural, aesthetic and practical implementation subjects in architectural interior design. You develop core skills and knowledge in modules covering design, construction, decoration, graphics and job administration.

You will develop both manual and computer-based visualisation skills throughout the course so that by the end you will have a comprehensive design portfolio and a clear understanding of practical and professional issues associated with interior design practice.

The Inchbald School of Design provides careers advice, and since 1960 Inchbald students have been finding work opportunities with well-known designers worldwide.

Diploma Architectural Interior Design – course aims

• To evaluate site and functional constraints and evolve design solutions.
• To develop an understanding of design as it relates to the domestic and commercial interior together with the capability to present design ideas visually.
• To develop spatial awareness, the capability to organise space with a knowledge and understanding of ergonomics and an ability to handle interior decorative elements.

Diploma Architectural Interior Design – course contents

Throughout the course you will develop skills in the following modules:

Design

This is at the heart of the Diploma in Architectural Interior Design Course. It addresses the fundamental elements of design in interiors, covering survey spatial manipulation and planning, design concepts and form, use of light and colour and use of texture and materials.

Through project work supported by lectures you learn to approach the process of design as a problem-solving exercise, involving successful interpretation of the client brief and incorporating psychological and emotional considerations.

Design analysis

Analysis encourages spatial appreciation and the investigation of a site in terms of its current and proposed uses and its relationship in the wider context. It also encourages design development – methodically exploring alternative solutions before moving to the design stage with the use of diagrammatic assessments of tasks and the space needed to carry them out in conjunction with analysis of survey, circulation and ergonomics.

Graphics

Visual communication and presentation skills are essential for the dissemination of design information. You will develop two- and three-dimensional drawing skills and learn to use various rendering and colouring techniques in your design projects, alongside the creation of sample and illustration boards. You will also explore Vectorworks, an industry standard computer-aided design (CAD) software package, as a means of drawing up designs.

Construction

The understanding of constructional issues informs and exposes what is possible in interior design terms and it is crucial to comprehend the constraints and regulations with regards to the alteration of the built environment. You will examine structural principles and the fabric and services of both domestic and commercial buildings. The aim is to promote professional realistic thinking within your design proposals and to incorporate sound practice with imaginative and appropriate design solutions. You will also examine the technical application of hard and soft finishes, the detailed installation of services, staircase design and the design of built-in fitments.

Job administration

In this module of the course you will explore business issues relevant to the practice of interior design: types of business, accounts, tax, professional indemnity, personnel management, equipment, budgeting, tendering and placing orders, site supervision and the fee structure.

Diploma Architectural Interior Design – teaching methods and entry requirements

The Diploma in Architectural Interior Design course is taught through practical projects carried out in studio and lectures, and also includes visits. Course places are strictly limited to ensure that you gain close working relationships with teaching staff. You will be supported in studio at a ratio of 8/9:1.

You must demonstrate a commitment to deal with a heavy workload as the Diploma course is an intensive professional programme. Although no previous experience is required we strongly advise students with no drawing skills to enrol on the two week Interior Design Drawing course as precursor to the Diploma course.

If you are interested in the Diploma in Architectural Interior Design course, please contact the Course Administrator to arrange an interview with the Course Director.

You may also like to consider the Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Architectural Interior Design. To develop further computer-aided drawing and design skills see the CAD courses.