Interior Design Course: All You Need To Know


Have you ever wished to be the person behind that aesthetically pleasing indoor space where someone can live, enjoy, be comfortable and peaceful in it?

An Interior Design course is designed to help students develop aesthetic sensibilities and technical skills necessary to become successful interior designers. It is a great field to be in if you enjoy personalising your environment and making indoor spaces beautiful, functional and comfortable.

What is interior design?

Interior design combines art and science to create a livable, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable indoor environment.

It involves conceptualization, space planning, site inspections, research, interacting with project stakeholders, managing construction, and implementing designs. In addition, interior designers must be able to pick the right colours, essential decorative items, lighting and materials that make an indoor space gorgeous.

Interior design benefits the people who spend lots of time in a particular space, be it a home or a workplace. For example, a properly designed workspace can be functional and conducive, helping employees to focus on work and increasing productivity while ensuring comfort.

How long is an interior design course? 

Interior design courses can take a few months to a few years, depending on your chosen type. This means that there will be courses available for almost everyone, whether you’re working, studying full time or part-time. 

In general, there are three types of courses that are offered:

  • Interior design certification courses usually take from six months to a year to complete 
  • A Diploma in Interior Design will require full-time study for two to two and a half years
  • A Degree in Interior Design will need 3.5 years.

Who should study interior design? 

Interior design requires innovative and creative skills and, as such, may not be suitable for some. However, you should consider taking up an interior design course if you’re: 

Creative individuals

Interior designers are either given an empty or semi-furnished space to start with. Then, they will have to infuse it with space, colour, light, and harmony to create a beautiful yet functional space. Thus, interior designers need sufficient ability, imagination and creativity to transform a room.

Individuals who understand all aspects of design

There is more to home design than aesthetics. For example, a designer must consider ventilation and potential risks to provide a safe and practical design. Ergonomics, environmental psychology, and safety in the built environment are just a few factors to consider when designing an interior space.

Hence, an in-depth understanding of design concepts is needed to be a successful interior designer. While some people are more naturally inclined towards this, don’t worry if you need to be fluent in this area. In-depth understanding can be gained with hard work, dedication and experience. 

Photo by Ryan Ancill on Unsplash

Individuals who draw well

Being able to draw out your ideas well is a plus point if you’re planning on becoming an interior designer. This skill will make it easier for you and your client to visualize how a particular space will look.  

Nowadays, designers can also employ technology by using designing software or apps to sketch out a room. 

You love decorating

If you’re the kind to look at a space and immediately think of what can be done to make it look better, an interior design school might be a good fit. With the basic creativity you have in your mind coupled with skills that you will learn during your studies, you will be able to put your skills to good use.

What skills are needed to be an interior designer?

Among many other skills, here are some that one needs to be an interior designer.

Attention to detail and creative

An interior designer should be able to think of fantastic ideas for clients, meet their wants, and help turn their ideas into reality without compromising functionality and safety.

In addition, attention to clients’ preferences and coming up with original and creative solutions are also needed skills.

Creative problem-solving skills

Budgetary restraints, ambivalent clients, untrustworthy vendors, and pressing deadlines are some of the potential stumbling blocks in the design process. 

As a result, an interior designer needs to think on their feet and present responses that can be implemented whenever challenges emerge.

Excellent communication skills.

Communication is vital in any profession and, more so, in design. This is because an interior designer will have to communicate, bridge the ideas and understand the needs of their clients exceptionally well.

You will need to handle conflicts with clients professionally and present ideas convincingly.

Coordinating with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to complete a project are also part of the job. You’ll need to negotiate, communicate, and provide feedback concerning schedules, payments and workmanship, among other things. 

Upkeeps with the latest trends and styles

When presenting ideas to clients, an interior designer must know the latest trends and styles. If you are outdated, your ideas may not entice the clients and hence, a possibility of losing out.

Time management 

Any job taken up should be completed as promised, and if there are any hiccups along the way, they must be addressed fast enough to avoid further delays. This is also true for the design process. Delays happen often, and you’ll have to find ways to stay on track with the project timeline. 

Additionally, there are times when you will have to handle more than one project. Therefore, you’ll need to plan and manage your days to ensure everything is completed before the set dateline.

What will you study in an interior design course in Malaysia? 

An interior design course will teach you space planning and design, 3D modelling, colour theory, and building materials.

Some of the interior design subjects include:

  • Design Principles and Theories
  • History of Architecture and Design
  • Building Material and Construction
  • Environmental Psychology
  • Architectural Drawing
  • Computer-Aided (CAD) Design
  • Control and Project Management

Most interior design degree courses require students to complete either a six-month internship or practical training. 

This gives students a chance to apply what has been learnt in the real world, and also provides an opportunity to enhance one’s portfolio.

Interior design classroom

Interior design course requirements

The general requirement to enrol in an interior design course at most institutes are as follows::

Diploma

  • SPM / O-Level with a minimum of 3 credits

Degree

  • A-Level – Minimum of 2 passes; 
  • STPM – Minimum of 2Cs with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 
  • Australian Matriculation – Minimum of ATAR 55 
  • Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science –  Minimum CGPA of 2.00 
  • Diploma –  Minimum CGPA of 2.00

Is interior design a high paying job?

Like any other job, the salary depends on experience and can vary widely.

Interior designers can make much more money as their experience and portfolio grow because they have built a clientele base. Never underestimate a job well done, as this gains your clients’ trust, increasing recommendations and, ultimately, your work and pay. 

How much do interior designers make in Malaysia?

The average salary of an interior designer at an entry-level in Malaysia ranges between RM2,800 to RM4,000. However, your salary will increase as you gain more experience and build your portfolio. An interior designer with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn between RM7,000 to RM11,000 a month.

Where can I study interior design in Malaysia?

UOW Malaysia KDU is a world-class university offering a Diploma in Interior Design, starting your career in this industry. 

Students can equip themselves and learn about the design process and techniques. Upon completing this diploma, students can continue their tertiary studies with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture. 

Interior design course fees in Malaysia 

At UOW Malaysia KDU, a Diploma in Interior Design will cost about RM48,720 for Malaysians and RM56,950 for international students. The estimated fees for a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture in UOW Malaysia KDU is RM65,840 for Malaysians and RM75,820 for International students. 

FAQ

Is interior design in demand in Malaysia? 

There are hundreds of residential and commercial projects launched now and then. All these projects require interior design to make the space look good and vibrant and attract potential buyers’ attention. Besides this, homeowners will also look for your services to design and decor their homes. 

Do interior designers need Maths? 

Yes, interior designers need to be proficient in Math. They must understand basic geometry and calculate precisely to create accurate floor plans.

Does interior design require art?

Yes, art is required but of course, one does not need to be a skilful artist to be an interior designer. The ability to sketch out a design on paper is a plus point, as it helps conceptualize ideas. 

However, you can use technology these days to draw out a room and place where each piece of furniture goes. As such, drawing skills are optional, though they can be incredibly helpful.

Diploma in Interior Design

UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan

Key highlights

  • Industry Standard Design Studios.
  • A Robust Curriculum With Emphasis On Multiple Disciplines And Project-based Learning.
  • International Learning Experience.

Conclusion

If you have an eye for detail and have always wanted to change the look of a space to make it look more beautiful, then do pursue your dreams of becoming an interior designer.

Contact us now for further information on enrollment, course structure, fees and more.

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06 December 2022

CATEGORY

Education and Career