WHAT IS INTERIOR ARCHITECT ?
How to Become an Interior Architect: Quick Facts
The interior architect’s career is the dream of many graduates. Some quick facts of the profession to look at before discussing further about it in detail.
| Industry | Designing |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4,00,000- INR 8,00,000 |
| Job Opportunity | Architectural Firms, Designing Consultancies, Corporate Businesses, Interior Design Companies, Construction Companies, Event Management Companies etc |
Career as an Interior Architect
Becoming an interior architect is not what every student thinks of pursuing a career in. But when researched about the course one can find many advantages of being an interior architect. Students who wish to become interior architects should have proper knowledge of what are the entrance tests for the course and what are some of the best colleges for pursuing architecture courses.
School Level Preparation
- As there are no set of predefined subjects that should be chosen for being an interior architect but having Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the core subjects can pave the way for clearing the Entrance test.
- They have to qualify an entrance test to get admission into a Bachelor’s degree program in architecture or designing relevant fields.
- Students can prepare for the entrance tests by taking admission in the various coaching institutes.
- Apart from that, they also solve the previous year question papers and the different sample papers or mock tests are released by the examination authorities.
Undergraduate Level Preparation
- At the UG level, candidates aspiring to become an interior architect should first focus on clearing the entrance exams and getting admitted in a bachelor’s degree course.
- It can be any Diploma or Bachelor course. The students can also enroll in the alternative courses such as a BSc or BA etc
- Students along with their undergraduate courses should focus on developing skills related to the field.
- Students opting for the master’s courses should start preparing for the GATE test
Post Graduation Level Preparation
- After the completion of graduation the students can take admission by appearing in the GATE test.
- The students should put in much more effort for the GATE test because every year only 10-20 % of the students are able to clear the entrance test.
- The students must select their specialization according to their strengths and preferences.
- Several colleges tie up with various corporate organizations and conduct internships, assignments through which candidates can achieve real-time experience
- After completion of the graduation course and before opting for any job or higher studies, it would be beneficial if you gain a professional certification along with an internship to secure yourself for a better salary package.
Steps to Follow to Become an Interior Architect
There are a number of necessary steps which will be followed to grasp a way to become an interior architect, here we tend to justify those steps in detail:
Decision Making
- Before you begin following your career in architecture, you need to know that you simply understand what are the areas of your interests, what subject combos one has to be compelled to absorb in your 10+2, and what courses you’re eligible for so as to become an interior architect.
- A career as an interior architect is usually hard-to-please and trying occasionally, you need to have the zeal and interest to design effectively even in stressed conditions.
Subject Choices
- Although, there is no such requirement of subject combination for becoming an interior architect.
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and so on are the relevant subjects that schools should offer at the higher secondary level to students who wish to become an interior architect in the future.
- The most preferred and usual degree is B.Arch which is held by 15% of the interior architects found today in every sector.
Entrance Exam Preparation
- After showing for 10+2 one will appear for the NATA, JEE Mains entrance exam and solely when qualifying these entrances one would be able to begin with their Architecture Courses from an honest school.
- When qualifying for the examination tests, each student would attend a selected institute through guidance wherever they will pursue college in architecture.
Selecting Correct Colleges
- The interior architect course is also provided online by many platforms by providing certification or diploma courses in it. A student according to its requirement can also opt for it.
- Generally, private colleges provide ample platforms for aspiring interior architect students, hence there are many privately owned institutions that offer certificate, diploma and UG courses in designing.
- The popular colleges where you can find good architectural courses are
Pursue Internships
Start your career working as a freelancer or part time in the respective sectors of interior architecture of yours. Most professionals with at least 3-5 year of relevant experience are offered a decent job profile as well as salary.
Types of Interior Architects
Interior architects design building interiors, which regularly requires considering both the usefulness and presence of a space. They have some expertise in designing and building interiors or security, usefulness and feel. It is significant that interior architects not just comprehend the durability and strength of building materials, yet in addition be skilled in the use of light, shading and surfaces in a space.
Some of the major classifications among the interior architects are listed below.
- Interior Designer: An interior designer attempts to make indoor space beautiful and safe. They increase the tasteful appeal of the space by choosing essentials and decorative items.
- Spatial Designer: They are liable for designing and renovating spaces and inner regions. From lighting, shading, decorations to fitting and primary modification, they are engaged with every process.
- Visual Merchandiser: The duty of a visual merchandiser is to detail intriguing and inventive plans for the retail outlet’s visual presentation. They attract the clients towards the shop by making the visuals appealing.
- Exhibition Designer: A designer of this profile works on show and enormous tasks on a business premise. They make fixtures, layout and shows to convey the message of the client.
- Set Designer and Scenography Designer: A set designer or a scenography designer targets making dramatic, film or television scenery. They get ready spaces with the end goal that they supplement the storyline or theme of the project
How to Become an Interior Architect in India?
The path to become an interior architect is not a hazy one, just need to be clear and concise of why he wants to be an interior architect. Post completion of 10+2 a candidate can choose any of the fields to thrive in an architecture or designing field.
Courses to Become an Interior Architect
There are many courses which an individual can pursue in order to be an interior architect. Given below are the list of Designing/ interior architect related courses for the same:
B.Arch Interior Design
- BArch Interior Design or Bachelor of Architecture in Interior Design, is a 5-years undergraduate course in Fashion and Interior Designing.
- BArch Interior design imparts practical and practical information on the most proficient method to transform an interior space into an effective setting.
- Admission to the BArch Interior Design course is normally entrance based in some colleges and colleges or merit based.
- Appearing students should have qualified 10+2 or equivalent exams. They must have passed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects with at least 45%-50% marks
- The marks obtained in the qualifying examinations are considered to offer admission to the students and the entrance test will be followed by the counselling round.
B.Arch Interior Design: Entrance Exams
| Entrance Exams | Date of Application | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | July 11, 2022 to July 12, 2022 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): July 25, 2022 to July 29, 2022 (Ongoing) Paper 2 (B.Arch/ B.Planning): July 30, 2022 |
| NATA | April 8, 2022 – July 27, 2022 | August 7, 2022 |
| BITSAT | March 14, 2022 – June 12, 2022 | July 2 – July 9, 2022 |
BA Interior Design
- Bachelor of Arts Interior Design is an advanced stream of Architectural course outline and includes the development, designing and maintenance of housing and space management abilities.
- This degree is exclusively founded on the specialty of designing interiors and spaces and making them more agreeable and secure by using world class techniques and latest trends.
- Candidates seeking admission in this program can apply directly into the institute without any prior special requirement.
- No entrance tests are conducted at the national level while some universities may conduct a test for admission.
- Students willing to take admission in BA Interior Design must have completed their intermediate from science from a recognised board. They must have at least 45% marks.
M.Arch in Interior Design
- M.Arch in Interior Design is a two-year long degree programme. The course provides basics to advanced study on all aspects of designs and construction of buildings.
- Admissions are done through entrance tests and Group Discussion/ Personal Interview like GATE, TANCET, TS PGECET etc.
- Students must have a B.Arch degree in any relevant subject and minimum aggregate marks of 50%. Final year students are also eligible
- The top colleges that offer this programme are Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Jamia Millia Islamia etc.
M.Arch in Interior Design: Entrance Exam
| Entrance Exams | Date of Application | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| GATE | September 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022 | February 4, 5, 11 and 12, 2023 |
| TANCET | March 30, 2022 – April 23, 2022 | May 14, 2022 (MBA and MCA) May 15, 2022 (ME/MArch/MTech) |
| TS PGECET | April 12, 2022 – July 17, 2022 | July 29 – August 1, 2022 |
| Karnataka PGCET | May 2022 | July 2022 |
Certificate Courses
There are different online platforms that give various courses on specific topics for a minimal cost that is affordable for the users. It assists with understanding the critical components for making designs for the interior architect to encourage the customers.
| Provider | Courses | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy | Color Psychology in Interior Design and Architecture | 27 minutes | INR 2,240 |
| New Skills Academy | Interior Design | 15 hours | INR 21,000 |
| Udemy | Mastering Colour; Architectural Design & Interior Decoration | 2 hours | INR 3,200 |
| Coursera | Making Architecture | 14 hours | Free |
| Coursera | The Language of Design: Form and Meaning | 8 hours | Free |
| Coursera | Autodesk Certified Professional Auto-CAD for Design and Drafting | 17 hours | Free |
| Coursemarks | Architecture Fundamentals & Interior Design | 4 hours | INR 1,150 |
| Udemy | Revit Architecture| Interior Modeling and Rendering | 3 hours | INR 1,600 |
| Udemy | Interior Design & Architectural Visualization | 9 hours | INR 1,280 |
| Alison | Phases of Modern Architecture | 4-5 hours | Free |
How to Become an Interior Architect Abroad
Pursuing architecture courses abroad to become an interior architect is one of the most sought after professions, one does not have to worry much about his/her future if they become an interior architect. The difficulty level of the program is almost similar to what it is in india.
How to Become an Interior Architect in USA?
In the USA, international students can earn a full-time undergraduate and masters degree in architecture or Designing.
- International students should be fluent in English language and may submit an English proficiency test score.
- The duration of a Bachelor’s Program is about 4 years while masters are of 2 years.
- The course fee is between INR 10 Lakhs to INR 28 Lakhs
- Undergraduate programs applications can be submitted through the Common application portal. Masters course candidates can use the university website for the same
- Register on the website and log in to start application
- Fill up your application form. Submit English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.
- Submit the recommendation letter and statement of purpose. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which relevant documents are required
Submit your application after paying the application fee.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Course Offered | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | MA in Interior Architecture | INR 13,05,651 |
| Virginia Tech | M.S in Architecture Interior Design | INR 10,28,879 |
| University of Illinois At Chicago | B.A in Architectural Studies | INR 24,87,038 |
| Michigan State University | B.A in Experience Architecture | INR 29,92,933 |
| San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley | Associate in Science Architecture | INR 5,04,012 |
| University of Cincinnati | Bachelor of Science in Architecture | INR 20,98,022 |
| Washington State University | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | INR 19,14,376 |
| Boston Architectural College | Bachelor of Interior Architecture | INR |
| University of Missouri | Architectural Studies Interior design BS | INR 17,12,337 |
| University of South Florida | Graduate Pathway in Architecture | INR 22,78,916 |
How to Become an Interior Architect in UK?
The United Kingdom has a number of architectural courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
- Top specialisations are interior architecture design, etc.
- The duration of most of the programs ranges from 1-3 year.
- Applications are to be submitted on the website
- The average course fee is between INR 5 to INR 25 lakhs
- Admission in Undergraduate programs are to be done through the UCAS portal while master’s are done through the university website
- Create a profile and start your application process.
- Fill up your application form along with all the mandatory documents
- Submit the language proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE etc.
- Also upload recommendation letters and work experience, if present. Pay the application fee and submit.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Course Offered | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Leeds Beckett University | MArch Architecture | INR 14,38,979 |
| University of Derby | Sustainable Architecture MSc | INR 15,10,928 |
| Lancaster University | Architecture MArch | INR 20,48,489 |
| University of Nottingham | Architecture BArch (Hons) | INR 25,69,605 |
| University of Plymouth | Architecture BA (Hons) | INR 14,59,536 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | Advanced Architectural Design MSc | INR 21,99,582 |
| Teesside University | Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons) | INR 13,36,195 |
| University of Westminster | Architecture MA | INR 13,36,195 |
How to Become an Interior Architect in Canada?
- In Canada, universities have certificate courses in architecture or Designing.
- The duration of most courses is from 6 month to 2 years for the full-time degree programme.
- Admission is done on the university websites.
- International students must be fluent in either French or English
- Canadian universities accept applications form from their official websites
- Before starting the semester program, register on the website to start applying.
- Fill up your application form and upload the required documents.
- Submit the language test scores of any one IELTS, TOEFL , PTE etc.
- Submit financial proof for availing scholarships.
- Submit the application form.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Course Offered | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Conestoga College | Bachelor of Applied Technology in Architecture | INR 8,27,481 |
| Georgian College | Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology | INR 10,27,815 |
| Centennial College | Diploma in Architectural Technician | INR 9,91,298 |
| St. Clair College | Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology | INR 8,17,947 |
| Carleton University | Bachelor of Architectural Studies | INR 24,81,844 |
| Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) | Diploma in Architectural Technologies | INR 10,62,594 |
| University of Northern British Columbia | Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design | INR 9,17,605 |
| Mohawk College | Diploma in Architectural Technician | INR 9,97,714 |
How to Become an Interior Architect in Australia?
Australia offers full-time Certificate to Postgraduate level degree programmes in architecture, Designing etc.
- International students must submit one English proficiency test score. Accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, OET etc.
- Some programmes require students to have prior work experience in a related field. In such a case, required documents must be submitted with the application.
- The average course fee ranges between INR 10 to INR 28 lakhs.
- Undergraduate programs applications can be submitted through the application portal. Masters course candidates can use the university website for the same
- Register on the website and log in to start application
- Fill up your application form. Submit at least one English proficiency test score such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.
- Submit the recommendation letter and statement of purpose. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which relevant documents are required
- Submit your application after paying the application fee.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Course Offered | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Bond University | Master of Architecture (Professional) | INR 26,82,732 |
| Charles Darwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design | INR 14,16,828 |
| Curtin University | Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) | INR 18,29,212 |
| Deakin University | Bachelor of Design (Architecture) | INR 18,79,557 |
| Griffith University | Master of Architecture | INR 19,01,933 |
Benefits of Career as an Interior Architect
An interior architect job is viewed as quite possibly the most worthwhile profession in the world. Compared with other average jobs growth, the interior architect jobs are developing at a much-higher rate. The justification for this quick development is its enormous interest from each area of the sector, be it Architectural Firms, Designing Consultancies, Corporate Businesses, Interior Design Companies, Construction Companies, Event Management Companies etc
Therefore, more individuals seek to become interior architects. It has its own advantages.
Salary
The average salary of interior architects in India is INR 4,00,000. Interior architects freshers at the starting of their career earn INR 3,50,000 per annum. interior architects with more than 10 years of experience can earn over INR 8,00,000 per annum
Job Security
Interior architect opportunities are open in Government companies too which offer high job security to the candidates. Also, mid and senior level employees in private organisations also enjoy the benefit of job security through many perks that the company made available for them.
Positive Impact
The job of an interior architect is quite challenging in itself. It requires a lot of smart work and innovative ideas. This in turn, enables a student to work positively in their career. The job profile demands regular interactions with clients or consumers, hence improving the overall friendliness and work environment of the interior architect aspiring student.
Higher Studies
An interior architect need not go for higher education, yet they can always access the related certification courses available by many top colleges for adding value to their professions.
How to Become an Interior Architect: Skills Required
To become an interior architect you must hold some useful skills required in this career. The following are some skills based on what top recruiters look for to pursue a career as an interior architect.
| Artistic ability | Interpersonal skills |
| Creativity | Problem-solving skills |
| Detail oriented | Visualization |
Salary of an Interior Architect
The starting salary of an interior architect in India varies from INR 3,00,000 to INR 6,00,000. The salary value may depend on the sectors and how much experience a person has.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organisation | Starting Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government | INR 3-4 LPA |
| Private | INR 2-4 LPA |
Specializations Wise Salary
| Specialisations | Average Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| Interior Designer | INR 2 LPA |
| Spatial Designer | INR 2.5 LPA |
| Visual Merchandiser | INR 3 LPA |
| Exhibition Designer | INR 2 LPA |
| Set Designer and Scenography Designer | INR 3 LPA |
Gender Wise Salary
| Gender | Starting Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Female | INR 4 LPA |
| Male | INR 3-5 LPA |
Experience Wise Salary
| Experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 2-4 LPA |
| Experienced | INR 4-8 LPA |
