Bachelor of Design in Interior Design

The Bachelor of Design in Interior Design programme equips students with an expansive knowledge base and a robust skill set, preparing them for diverse career paths within the industry or further academic pursuits. The programme is designed to develop problem-solving skills applicable across various contexts, laying a solid foundation in interior design principles and practices.  

The Interior Design programme offers three distinct majors, each tailored to address unique aspects and sectors within the field. These specialised majors enable students to pursue a focused curriculum that aligns with their career aspirations and interests, reinforcing their expertise in these areas of design. 

 

Majors: 

• Social Design delves into the role of interior design in addressing social justice issues. It emphasises empathetic and human-centred design (HCD) principles within the broader context of social responsibility. Students explore how design can influence and improve community spaces, promoting inclusivity and enhancing the well-being of individuals and groups. The coursework integrates the concepts of the Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that graduates can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also socially impactful. Various themes such as heritage, community centre design, rehabilitation, co-living, and design for access, emphasising the need for designs that are cognisant of their social and environmental context are covered under this major. 
• Environmental Design is focused on the creation of sustainable and ecologically responsible interior spaces. Students investigate environmentally sensitive materials and building systems to design future-fit spaces that align with the imperatives of environmental sustainability. Instilling in students the principles of green design, including the application of the latest technologies and materials, and familiarises them with sustainable construction accreditations and environmental awareness practices. The curriculum encompasses themes like eco-conscious design, sustainable interior design, design for disassembly, and intelligent materials, focusing on creating interiors that minimise environmental impact and contribute to the welfare of the planet. 
• Commercial Design focuses on interior design within the commercial sector, addressing spaces where business activities are conducted. Emphasising the creation of functional and profitable spaces that align with a company's brand and business model while incorporating the principles of the Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students are trained to understand the complex interplay between ergonomics, brand identity, and spatial design. Themes such as materials, colour theory, furnishings, branding of interiors, and space planning are explored, equipping graduates with the ability to design innovative and responsive commercial environments that enhance the customer and employee experience. 

Each of these majors is designed to provide a deep dive into specific aspects of interior design, ensuring that graduates are not only well-versed in the foundational knowledge and skills of the field but also possess specialised competencies that align with contemporary industry needs and global sustainability goals. Through these focused majors, the programme aims to develop interior designers who are capable of conceptualising and delivering design solutions that are functional, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious. 

Building on this, the programme tailors its curriculum to equip students with the critical skills necessary to excel in the evolving demands of a digital technological era, emphasising adaptability, technological proficiency, and innovative design thinking. 

 

The Inscape Way 

Comprehensive Knowledge Base: 

The programme immerses students in the broad spectrum of interior design. This includes an in-depth study of design history, theories, and contemporary practices. Students engage with various aspects of interior design, from fundamental principles to advanced concepts, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the field. 

 

Skill Development: 

Students are trained in practical skills essential for the modern interior designer. This encompasses technical skills like drafting, 3D modelling (BIM), and use of industry-standard software, as well as soft skills such as client communication, project management, and creative thinking. The curriculum is designed to foster both creativity and technical proficiency. 

 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: 

A core focus of the programme is to develop students’ ability to approach design challenges with innovative problem-solving skills. Students learn to analyse and respond to complex design scenarios, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience. This critical thinking ability is cultivated through project-based learning, case studies, and real-world simulations. 

 

Application Across Various Contexts: 

Recognising the diverse applications of interior design, the programme prepares students to work in various contexts, such as residential, commercial, hospitality, and exhibition design. The curriculum equips students with the versatility to adapt their skills to unique design settings and client needs. 

 

Foundation in Principles and Practices: 

Students gain a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of interior design. This foundation includes understanding space, form, colour theory, materials, lighting, and acoustics. Alongside, they are exposed to best practices in the industry, including ethical considerations, sustainability, and the impact of design on well-being and the environment. 

 

Readiness for Further Academic Pursuits (Articulation): 

The programme lays a solid foundation for those inclined towards academic research or higher education. It prepares students for immediate entry into professional practice and equips them with the academic rigour required for postgraduate studies, such as an Honours degree. 

The Bachelor of Design in Interior Design at Inscape is a holistic programme that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the ever-evolving world of interior design.