Bachelor of Design in Interior Design major in Commercial Design

South Africa

Students with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) stipulating entrance to a bachelor’s degree. Competent in English at NQF Level 4, Mathematics preferred.

Special Admissions

We offer mature age exemption for Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates programmes as per USAf requirements.

Applications from students who wish to gain access through RPL will be considered. The RPL process is described in the Inscape Admissions Policy and Inscape RPL Application form.

International Students

For admissions to bachelor’s degree:  Universities South Africa (USAf) formerly known as Higher Education South Africa, complete or conditional exemption certificate. A study permit in the name of Inscape Education Group is valid for the duration of the chosen course.

The Bachelor of Design in Interior Design is offered at Cape Town, Durban, Midrand, Pretoria and Stellenbosch campuses.

1st year

The first year aims to develop fundamental design skills to encourage design savvy, critical thinkers by creating an awareness of the integrated nature of design while advancing the unique thinking of our students. Communication, software, circular design, and leadership skills are taught in preparation for second- and third-year studies. An introduction to Design history and context establishes the building blocks for creative problem-solving. Discipline specific design and technical skills that are relevant to Interior and Environmental design are introduced in the first year.

2nd year

In the second-year students will select a major that steers them in a direction aligning with the more traditional and commercial aspects of Interior Design or environmental/sustainable design approaches that address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Circular Economy. Discipline specific knowledge will be further developed through resolving specially developed briefs within the Interior Design context to meet client and sustainability needs.

Design challenges are adapted to cover areas of interior design such as: hospitality design; residential design; corporate design; retail design; furniture design; exhibition design; specialty design and services design with an understanding of how this impacts the environment and people.

Applying theory to practice through further study in technical drawing, conventional and environmentally friendly construction techniques, technical services and how to communicate through drawings and specifications. This study includes knowledge of the theory of materials, including their properties and the manufacturing process of the products and an introduction to national building regulations.

Advancing software skills and technical knowledge through an introduction to Autodesk software such as AutoCAD, 3DsMax and REVIT, and various presentation and rendering software. Developing an understanding of the business of design, the circular economy, project management, built environment lifecycle and feasibility studies. Practical applications of procurement, resource planning, cost management, human resource management as well as a basic introduction to law and contract management will be covered. Students can follow majors that direct their studies to social, environmental, and economic considerations and considering people, planet, and profit in their design solutions.

3rd year

Students continue developing a signature interior design style by expanding on research and concept development skills producing a capstone design project. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, and concept for allocated and competition briefs. Developing advanced knowledge and expert skills in tackling a capstone project by focusing on an identified design problem within the chosen major considering design development, financial feasibility, construction methods and choice, as well as the character and study of sustainable material types and building systems that are related to the project.

Awareness of the latest design technologies, trends, and innovations through practice in software such as 3Ds Max and more advanced rendering techniques as well as further enhancing REVIT skills. Developing an understanding of the guidelines and principles involved in running a design business. Promoting the circular economy, business vision, mission and values gives graduates the confidence and ‘know-how’ to start their own design initiatives based on a foundational knowledge of strategic development, marketing strategies, importance of branding and managing finances.

Articulation Options

Students who have graduated with the Bachelor of Design in Interior Design may apply to register for an Honours in a related field. Institutional minimum requirements will apply.

As part of the Total Annual Fee you will receive:

 Tuition including:

Graduates are prepared to advice clients on solutions in any field pertaining to interior design from retail spaces, hospitality, residential and commercial projects, corporate, exhibition and many specialist industries as well as sustainable solutions.

Apply your knowledge and shape the industry in the following careers:

• Interior Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Visual Merchandiser
• Exhibition Designer
• Inclusive Design Specialist
• Interior Stylist
• Set Designer
• Interior 3D Digital Rendering Specialist
• Sustainable Interior Specialist

Graduates entering the versatile field of Interior Design have an exciting range of opportunities within any specialization touching the built environment. These include working in interior design firms, architectural practices, furniture design and building industry manufacturers, construction companies, environmental management, design consultancies, project management firms, design studios, freelance interior design in the relevant industries, as well as starting their own design business. Graduates are prepared to offer clients solutions in any field pertaining to interior design from retail spaces, hospitality, residential and commercial projects, corporate, exhibition and many specialist industries.

To apply for this course, please use the link below.