Interior Design Course - Careers, Salary, Jobs, Scope
Why this course?
Interior Design deals with the art of decoration and designing of rooms, buildings, offices etc. It focuses on both exterior and interior aspects of the construction. Creativity in design and architecture together forms the base of Interior design. Shaping the home/property in an elegant and exquisite manner according to the wish of the client is the basic requirement of this job.
Specialization in this field varies from residential, workplace, commercial to hospitality, healthcare. Major recruiters of this field include architecture firms, government departments, residential Builders, commercial Builders and independent clients.
Professionals need to have a clear understanding of appropriate color combination, materials, lighting, and furniture. If you have an eye for latest trends in living spaces and enjoy fuse and bend with various material and colors, then this might be the right choice for you.
Usually, Interior Designers job is not restricted just to indoor work. They may need to travel. Adaptability to client’s schedule is a must. But it also comes with great financial and non-financial benefits.
Courses
- Degree Courses
One can go for undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs in this field.
UG courses
Eligible candidates can pursue undergraduate courses straight after class 12th irrespective of the stream (Science, commerce, arts). Minimum 45% from a recognized board is the basic criterion for admission. Some reputed colleges admit students on the basis of entrance exams like NATA, CEED, NID etc, few of them conduct their own screening process.
These undergraduate courses are usually 3-4 years long. Though B.Arch Interior Design is a 5-year long course.
Below is a list of few popular UG Degree courses in Interior Design.
| Course | Duration(Years) |
| BA Interior Design | 3 |
| BA Interior and Architecture Design | 3 |
| B.Sc Interior Design | 3 |
| B.Des Interior Design | 4 |
| Bachelor of Architecture Interior Design | 5 |
PG Courses
Graduates of this field who wish to study further can opt for PG degree courses. Master programs are usually 2-3 years long, depending on the institute. Popular specialization courses offered in Interior design are building design, landscape design, product design, sustainable design, and technology. The basic eligibility criterion for admission into a PG program is graduation in relevant field.
Following are a few PG degree courses-
| Course | Duration(Years) |
| MA in Interior Design | 2 |
| Msc in Interior Design | 2 |
| Master of Design | 2.5 |
| Master of Architecture | 2 |
- Diploma Courses
These courses are designed specifically keeping the latest development and trends of the industry. They are suitable for those willing to pursue a career in Interior Design right after Class 12th. Passing class 12th (any stream) is the basic eligibility criteria for these programs. Usually, institutes require the candidate to score at least 45% in his/her HSC examination.
The duration of these programs varies from 1-2 years.
One can also go for post graduate diploma courses right after graduation. This enhances the skills and provides expert knowledge in this field.
Below is a list of few well-known Diploma courses-
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration
- Diploma in Interior Design and Display
- Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture
- PG Diploma in Interior Design
- PG Diploma in Interior and Furniture Design
- PG Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration
- Certificate Courses
This is another choice for students willing to make a career in Interior Designing. These are short duration courses, usually 6months to 1 year long. Most institutes follow a direct admission process on the merit basis.
The basic qualification required is passing Higher Secondary Examination i.e Class 12th (any stream). Though some institutes also accept class 10th passed students.
Working professionals in this field also go for these courses to hone their existing knowledge and skills.
Following are few certificate and short-term courses-
- Certificate Course in Interior Design
- Certificate Course in Interior Design and Decoration
- Short-term Course in Furniture Design
- Short-term Course in Home Styling
- Short-term Course in Vaastu Residential & Commercial
Job and Career Options
Interior Design
Interior Design is undoubtedly the first and ideal choice for students of this field. Their job includes planning interior spaces, preparing layouts, proper fitting and functioning of electrical circuits, drainage, air-cooling, and ventilation etc. They are required to have basic technical knowledge about the building and its structure.
It is a hard but equally lucrative job with additional commission and bonus involved. Basic salary offered is around 20,000-40,000 per month. Experienced and reputed professionals earn a whopping Rs 25-30lac per annum.
They can work with architecture firms or independently as freelancers.
Interior Decorators
Decorators are different from interior designers. Their major job involves choosing furnishing, paints and fabric, lights and similar material. They are hired to put together the decoration as per the requirement.
They are usually hired by homeowners, developers, and even corporates. They are brought on board in middle or after the construction is completed.
Communication skills, interpersonal skills and understanding the needs are a few traits this profession demands.
The average annual pay is around 5Lacs. But experienced professionals work on a per-project basis.
TV/Theatre/Film Set Designer
A set designer is responsible for creating and designing sets used in a TV, Theatre or Film. The job involves communicating and understanding the needs of directors, producers and other members of the staff.
Producing model sets, managing budgets, meeting construction companies, preparing estimates are the typical responsibilities.
Theatres, Music Production Companies, Film Production Companies, Ad agencies are a major source of employment.
Starters usually work as interns and assistant designer. Experienced personnel mostly work as freelancers, Earning Rs 10-30Lacs per project.
Exhibition Designer
The job involves working on large commercial exhibitions, tradeshows, cultural exhibitions, showcase events etc. Art Galleries, Museums, Libraries are the destination of work. They even get to work with corporate giants for display promotions.
The basic requirement of this job is communication of client’s idea/vision to its potential customers. Resulting in endorsement and advertisement of the product.
Other responsibilities include meeting limited budgets, creating models and 3-D visuals, providing graphic design and artwork, managing suppliers, among others.
Experienced professionals are paid anywhere around Rs 5-15Lacs. They get paid, per exhibition or per day basis.
Recruiters
Top Companies
Following is a list of few top recruiting companies in Fashion Design-
- SPASM Design Architects
- Lotus Design Studio
- SammepPadora and associates
- PremNath and associates
- RENESA
- K2India
- MADS Creation
- AnAm Design Services
- Zerogravity Studio
- Define Architects
Top Designers
One can also work with top Interior Designers in India as Interns or junior roles. This may help them to have practical knowledge and exposure from “The best in the business” of the country.
Below is a list of top Interior designers in India-
- Sunita Kohli
- Tanya Gyani
- Anjum Jung
- Cherag and RoozmehrBardolivala
- Aamir Sharma
Freelancing is not the only option in this field. Below is a list of top recruiting sectors for graduates in this profession.
Top Sectors
- Builder Firms
- Architecture Firms
- Hotels and Resorts
- International Interior Design Firms
- Government Projects
Requirements of this specialization
The basic criterion for admission into an Interior Design program is passing Class 12th examination (any stream) or any equivalent State Board/ISC exam. Some institutes also allow class 10th pass students to pursue diploma courses. The selection is usually on the merit basis. It can be followed by an interview round.
For admission into PG programs, one must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The minimum percentage criteria differ from institute to institute.
Various institutes also have entrance exam as a part of the screening process. It is conducted to test the drawing and designing skills of the candidate. It may be followed by a personal interview.
Few popular entrance exams are-
- NID Entrance Exam
- CEED
- UCEED
- AIEED
Syllabus
| Course | Syllabus |
| B.A Interior Architecture and Design | § Theory, and History of Architecture and Design I & II
§ Model Making § CAD and Digital Imaging § Advanced Production § Design Studio I & II § Seminars on aesthetics and Science |
| B.Sc Interior Design | § Design Sources and Materials
§ Fundamentals of Interior Graphics § Environmental Psychology and Human Factors § Computer Basics § Interior Design and studio § Lighting Technology and Application § Concept of structures § Retail Design § Restaurant and Bar Design |
| B. Des in Interior Design | § Theory of Design
§ Material Exposure § Fundamentals of Design § Analytical Drawing § Basic Photography § Interior Materials § Building Services § Advance Computer applications § Cost Estimation |
| M.Sc Interior Design | § Construction Techniques
§ History of Interiors and Furniture § Estimation and Costing § Design and Drafting § CAD § Design and Drafting § Elements of Service § Practical Lab |
| M.Sc Interior Design and Resource Management | § Interior Architectural Styles
§ Furniture Design and Fabrication § Environmental Control System § Building Design and Energy Conservation § Residential Interior Design § Advanced CAD § Ergonomics and Workstation Design |
| Advanced Diploma in Interior Design | § Interior Design
§ Design process § Interior Decoration § CAD § Drafting § Lighting Design, restoration § Sketching and presentation skills § Colour Design, contextual studies |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Designing | § Construction Techniques
§ Landscape in Interiors § Design and Drafting § History of Art and Architecture § Elements of Service § Estimation and Costing § Practical |
| Certificate Course in Interior Designing | § Decorative Design
§ Principles of Design § Basic principles of space planning § Interior Decorating Elements § 3-D Modeling § Rendering and hatching § Building Materials § Project Management |
Popular Colleges Offering Interior Design Course
National Institute of Design, Ahmadabad
Established in 1961, NID is an internationally acclaimed design school in Ahmadabad, Gujarat. It functions as an autonomous body under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is known to help students develop critical, analytical, speculative and problem-solving skills with real-life exposure.
It has consistently maintained the Number 1 Spot in “Best Design school in India” category on various online and offline ranking portals.
Below is the requirement for admission into NID-
| Course | Eligibility Criteria |
| B.Des | § Class 12th pass (CBSE/AISSCE/IB/ISC)
§ For general category- Should not be above 20 years in age § For Non-General- Should not be above 23 years. |
| M.Des | § Completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.
§ For General Category- Should not be above 30 years § For Non- General Category- Should not be above 33 years. |
The fee structure for its B.Des program is Rs 2,10,800 per year and Rs 2,55,800 for its M.Des program.
The institute has its own placement office. It organizes industry interaction every year to provide a meeting ground for students and employers. It has over 90 major recruiters including Adig Studio, Bombay Design House, Connect Creative, DSYN Media.
NID offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It provides B.Des in 8 Disciplines and M.Des in 7 specializations. Below is a list of few programs-
| Course | Duration(Years) |
| B.Des in Exhibition Design | 4 |
| B.Des in Furniture and Interior Design | 4 |
| B.Des in Product Design | 4 |
| M.Des in Industrial Design | 2.5 |
| M.Des in Ceramic Glass and design | 2.5 |
Arch Academy of Design, Jaipur
Set up in the year 2000, the institute is affiliated to Jaipur University. ARCH has trained more than 5000 professionals in the fields of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewel Design, Design Communication, and Craft Product Design among others. Its goal is to provide specialized education in design relevant for domestic and global standards.
Over the years it has received international grants and strengthened linkages with IFFTI, ICSID, and The Hongkong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Perth UHI- Scotland.
The basic eligibility criteria for its UG Diploma in Interior Design course is passing class 12th. The select is on merit basis followed by Interview and portfolio. Competition is tough due to the availability of only 30 seats.
The course fee is around Rs 15.8Lacs.
The frequent recruiters include Interare world, Innovative Architects, Stapthya Jaipur, 3-D Designs, Benzel Design and Communication, Espacio etc.
An average placement package range between 4-10Lacs.
CEPT University, Ahmadabad
Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) was established in 1962, with focus on understanding, designing, planning, constructing and managing human habitats. The campus comprises of 5 faculties.
Faculty of design came into existence in 1991 as the “School of Interior Design”. The institute offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields of architecture and design.
The eligibility for its UG and PG program are as follows-
| Course | Eligibility |
| Bachelor of Interior Design | § Candidate must have passed HSC Examination in any state board with science stream or CBSE/CISCE/NIOS/ISB/IB with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects with minimum 50% aggregate.
§ A relaxation for 45% is provided to SC/ST/SEBC Candidates. |
| Master of Design | § Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Interior architecture design or equivalent pursued for 4 years, OR
§ Bachelor’s degree in Architecture recognized by Council of Architecture, OR § Bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology (5-year), OR § 4 year Diploma in Interior Design i.e 12+4. Provided it is equivalent to 4-year degree program by Equivalence committee of CEPT University. |
The university believes that no students should be denied the right to education because of his/her financial constraints. It provides scholarships to deserving and eligible students.
For the year 2017, the fee is INR 1,23,800per year. A stipend of INR 28,125 per month is allotted for 2years for scholarship students.
The faculty of design offers following 5 courses-
- Bachelor of Interior Design
- Master of Design
- Master if Interior Architecture and design
- International Master if Interior Architecture design
- Master of Design (Furniture Design)
College of Architecture, Nashik
Established in 1914, the college is running under Maratha VidyaPrasarakSamaj. It offers two courses namely Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch). The courses are approved by Council of Architecture (COA) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The eligibility criteria for B.Des states that the candidate should score at least 50% in his/her HSC examination (5% relation to reserved categories). Students who have completed BTE/DTE approved diploma courses can also apply.
Additionally, the candidate should clear Common Entrance Test (CAT) conducted by the institute. The test comprises of General Ability Test, Creative Ability Test, and Studio Test.
Below is a list of courses offered by the Institute-
- B.Arch
- B.Des Interior Design
- B.Des Product Design
- B.Des Set Design
- B.Des Furniture Design
Salary
Knowledge and experience play a key role in determining the pay scale. In corporate jobs, Interior designers usually start as an assistant or intern. The starting salary can be anywhere Rs.15,000-25,000 per month.
There is no upper limit to how much one can earn; it all depends on the clarity of work and additional skills one possesses. Besides salary, one is entitled to various bonuses, commission, and non-monetary benefits.
Below is a list of average salary by interior designers based on their experience
| Experience (No. of years) | Average Salary (per annum in INR) |
| Below 1 year | 1,44,000 to 2,90,000 |
| 1 to 5 years | 3,50,000 to 7,00,000 |
| 5 to 10 years | 7,50,000 to 15,00,000 |
| 10 years and above | 16,00,000 to 30,00,000 |
With accurate skills and proficiency, one can also become a freelancer. Freelancers charge per project basis and even per day basis in some cases.
Scope
There is a huge scarcity of interior designing professionals in the country. The market is expected to grow by 18%till2018. Today, more and more people want to design residence and workplace as per their taste.
The demand for these professionals in on the rise despite the slowdown in the housing sector. With the increasing construction in semi-urban and small towns, their requirement is felt in these areas and not just in metropolitans.
With the increasing trend, Government offices, PWD’s, Municipal corporations and even town planning department are keen on hiring interior designers. They may even be assigned government issued house planning projects.
With right entrepreneur skill and required financial support, one can establish their own interior design firm or consultancy services. They can even set-up interior design studios and sell interior decoration products.
