The new online MA Interior Design course provides opportunities for both of these disciplines, providing a broad spectrum of knowledge to take forward into future careers.
Creative interior designers who can think outside the box and rise to the challenges of today’s contemporary living needs are in high demand.
The global market needs interior designers who can create spaces, buildings and environments that aren’t only creative and diverse, but that also effectively address current and future design challenges in areas such as sustainability, accessibility, and wellbeing.
Gaining a masters in interior design is an excellent way to equip yourself with the research knowledge you need to rise to these challenges and excel as an interior or architectural interior designer – now and into the future.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an architectural interior designer?
Essentially, an interior designer plans, researches and manages projects that create the interior spaces you see in buildings. They help clients design their dream spaces and make them a reality, to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space.
An architectural interior designer has the skills of an interior designer with an additional understanding of the structural and material nature of a building. Since they’re project managers, they’re usually multi-skilled and have both the theoretical and technical knowledge to see an interior design project from initial concept right through to finished space.
The MA Interior Design course incorporates specialist research opportunities for both interior and architectural interior designers.
Some of the things interior designers can be responsible for include:
- Obtaining relevant building permits
- Working with architects and building designers
- Completing comprehensive design briefs for clients
- Using computer software to design and document projects
- Devising the best design solutions in areas such as space, colour, materials and finishes to successfully meet client briefs
Interior design projects can cover either residential or commercial buildings (like offices, airports, bars and restaurants) and include minor renovation projects through to large-scale building projects designed completely from scratch.
How can I get into interior design as a career?
To enter into a career as an interior or architectural interior designer, you’ll need to:
1. Be creative and imaginative
It might go without saying, but if you want to enter a career as an interior designer, you’ll need to be especially creative and have the imagination it takes to take empty, dull spaces and transform them into inspiring, vibrant spaces that people can thrive in.
2. Get a qualification
While you need to be creative to be an interior designer, creativity alone won’t necessarily get you into a career as a professional interior designer.
You’ll also need to have the research knowledge to meet the many complex requirements of interior design projects, as well as an in-depth understanding of the multiple processes behind an interior design project and the challenges you’ll need to consider.
A masters in interior design can help you research current and future global challenges and how to effectively address them.
3. Build your portfolio
Your portfolio showcases your skills and creativity for potential clients and employers to see in action. It plays an important part in creating your own personal brand and in ensuring you stand out from the crowd in the global job market.
Create a portfolio you can be proud of that you feel embodies your design values and skills and share it with potential clients and employers.
4. Get some work experience
During the MA Interior Design, you'll hear from industry professionals in pre-recorded lectures. Their insights can help you decide which areas of the industry you're passionate about.
Work experience in the industry will help you explore what you love about interior design, apply your skills and creativity, and boost your employability. It doesn’t have to be professional experience either – it can even be helping friends or family out with home renovation projects. Any bit of experience you can gain – no matter how big or small – counts.
5. Make connections
Just like with most other professions, making connections and building professional networks within the interior design industry can help connect you to exciting career opportunities anywhere in the world.
Throughout the course, you will have the ability to network with the fellow professionals studying alongside you.
You can also attend industry events outside of the course, build your LinkedIn network, and subscribe to industry news so that you can stay in the loop and top of mind to anyone who might be scouting for an interior designer.
How can a masters in interior design help?
During the MA Interior Design, you’ll be challenged to take your creativity to the next level, and you’ll have the expertise to confidently rise to the challenges and changing needs of your clients in innovative and experimental ways.
Importantly, you’ll also delve into areas such as sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity – and learn how to create interior design solutions that effectively meet these needs now and into the future.
If you want to embark on an exciting career in interior design, discover how Arts University Bournemouth’s MA Interior Design will empower you with the research knowledge to become a successful interior design professional:
