Do you frequently take trips to IKEA and continually gaze at the exhibitions in the showroom? Do you wonder how they manage to manipulate colours, textures, lighting and furniture to give you that sense of wonder and happiness?
If your answer is a strong “YES!”, a career in Interior Design might be your calling.
This guide gives an explanation to what you need to know about studying interior design programmes at First City UC. We want to help you make an informed decision that will shape your future.
You may ask what is Interior Design?
Almost every location you visit incorporates some form of interior design. From restaurants and cafes, to offices, hotels and even hospitals, Interior designers use their knowledge and skills to transform utilitarian spaces into indelible places.
Interior Design is the manipulation of space, colours, materials and lights to create memorable experiences. By acknowledging the needs and wants of the users; being sensitive to the site and surroundings; and by understanding the requirements of the building programme, Interior Design is the ultimate marriage between aesthetics and science.
You will learn a lot about the essential skills required for this profession, ranging from understanding construction materials to the usage of software for interior designing.
Having a diploma or degree in Interior Design will provide you with a deep understanding of the principles, space and volume manipulation, design theory and contextual studies. In addition, you will pick up invaluable skills and knowledge in 2D drafting, 3D rendering, construction drawing and colour & material application.
Some modules that you may encounter while studying these programmes include:
Part of the criteria towards the completion of these programmes includes a 6-month industrial training / internship. This gives you a chance to apply what you have learnt in actual design scenarios – and a taste of the design industry. The internship period not only aids your maturity as an interior designer, it also gives you a head start in your career by expanding your network in the built environment industry.