If you have a flair for adding beauty and elegance to homes, interior designing could be your cup of tea. Earlier, architects used to undertake the designing of both exteriors as well as the interiors. This field came of age only quite recently.

Interior designers are much sought after for designing offices and factories since a pleasant and professional ambience gives a good impression to both visitors and employees alike. Very few universities offer professional courses in interior designing. Aspiring designers pursue this career after a degree in architecture or a diploma programme in interiors. It is an excellent career option for those who wish to be self-employed or want a part-time job.

More often than not, interior designing is confused with interior decoration. The difference is this. Designers usually have formal training in designing and their job includes planning the space, developing it, executing the site and designing the furniture. The work includes making the layout of the space, the room for circulation and privacy.

On the other hand, interior decoration may or may not involve all of the above and does not follow a plan. A decorator usually selects furniture or gets them made and places it in the available space.

Work

The work involves designing houses, offices, trading places, galleries etc. According to the given budget and space, designers enhance the look and feel of a place. The designer has to create an atmosphere as per the client's wish. So it is essential that he/she is able to understand, visualise and work in a way that can satisfy the client's requirement and look aesthetically pleasing and within the budget.

This is a job that combines style with creativity. More than professional qualifications, one needs to have an innate creative talent.

Eligibility

A diploma in Interior design can help gain entry into the profession. The duration of the course may vary from one to three years. The best study option would be a course at top schools such as the School of Interior Design, Ahmedabad, IIT, JJ School of Arts, Mumbai or taking up architecture at the degree level and following it up with specialisation in Interior Design. A course in computer graphics, Computer Aided Design (CAD), or multimedia could also add weight to your resume. The National Institute of Design also offers a diploma in Furniture Design.

Polytechnics and vocational colleges also offer courses in interior designing. The course syllabus includes subjects like Art & Basic Design, Furniture Design, Furnishings & Fittings, Design, Construction & Materials, History of Interior Design, Services, Estimating & Budgeting, Display, CAD, lettering, paint technology, exhibition design etc.

Some companies conduct their own specialised courses in interior design. Exteriors Interiors, in collaboration with Jensen and Nicholson, offers a one-year programme in interior design to graduates and 10+2 students in any discipline.

Job opportunities

The best way to start off is taking up work with an Interior Designer. You can have hands-on experience and get a hang of the ropes of the profession. Initially the job allotted to you would be that of draughting plans and gradually you will be asked to create designs, make estimates and handle sites.

After sufficient experience of two to three years, you can start freelancing.

Money

Fresh graduates from the premier institutions employed with design firms get starting salary of around Rs.8,000-12,000 per month.

Design consultants generally charge Rs.10 per square feet for drawings, and around 10 to 15% of the total cost of the project.
A freelance designer can earn at least Rs.10,000 a month.

Educational Institutions

School of Interior Design,
Centre for Environmental Planning Technology,
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus,
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009

J J School of Art, Fort,
Mumbai 400001

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai,
Mumbai 400076

IITC, 102 Richmond Road,
Bangalore 560025

National Institute of Design,
Ahmedabad

School of Interior Design,
6/3, 1st Main Road,
Vasanthnagar,
Bangalore 560052

Exteriors Interiors P Limited,
2nd floor, Dhondusa Complex,
9, Residency Road,
Bangalore 560025

SNDT University for Women
Mumbai

Sophia Polytechnic,
Breach Candy,
Mumbai

Nirmala Niketan
Churchgate,
Mumbai

Raheja Institute
Bandra,
Mumbai