BACK
| Interior Design came of age only in the last few
years. Earlier architects would do all the design work, both exteriors
and interiors. Of late people have become more conscious of the design,
layout and execution of their interiors, for offices, factories as well
as residences. This has opened the door for a large number of professional
designers. Unfortunately very few universities offer rigorous professional
courses in Interior Design, and many who wish to take it up as a vocation
either start with basic architectural degrees or with part time diploma
programs in interiors. Interior design offers excellent opportunities
for those who wish to be self employed, or work part time. It is
one of the few professions where one can operate from home with a minimal
investment.
COURSES: The best options for someone intending to become an interior designer would be to aim for the School of Interior Design at Ahmedabad, IIT, JJ School of Arts, Mumbai etc., or take up an architecture course and then specialize in Interior Design. Some universities including IIT Mumbai offer separate courses in Industrial Design. A short cut, though not as lucrative as the earlier option, is to enroll for one of the many part time one year diploma course being run in every city, which require very minimal qualification, but give good practical insights into the field. It will be very useful if the candidate simultaneously enrolls for a course in computer graphics, Computer Aided Design (CAD), or multimedia. ENTRY: While entry to the first group mentioned above is through competitive exams (and they are really competitive !) , the private schools take in students with a basic SSLC qualification, almost without any selection. Architecture colleges generally follow the state's Common Entrance Test for Engineering, with a special aptitude test added. APTITUDE: Unlike many other careers, design inevitably requires both a strong aptitude as well as a creative talent in the field. Hence it is important that a person checks out his aptitude before entering into this area. For a person to be a good interior designer, he or she should basically be a right brained person (comfortable with three dimensions, spatial flow) have a curious mind, creative thinking, a flair for drawing (including computers, since most design work in future will be done on computers). Concentration is also an essential requirement. Those intending to do execution along with design, should additionally have the ability to handle labour and finances. Every candidate should get his drawing and creative skills evaluated by a practicing designer who will give an unbiased opinion. THE FUTURE: For those graduating
from the premier institutions, immediate employment with reputed design
firms is assured, on starting salaries around Rs.8,000-12,000. Further
progress would depend entirely on creative ability. Those who opted
to go for an architecture degree would have to spend time gaining more
knowledge in interiors, or by doing a diploma course in additiondates who
have done a private diploma will have to take up apprenticeship in smaller
design firms, unless they have the confidence to launch off on their own.
Self employed persons will find a better scope only if they are willing
to execute the work they have designed. Those designing and executing
interior works are paid a percentage of the total cost of the project,
ranging from 7 to 15 %, but one should remember that there is a financial
risk involved, and handling labour is a tough job. Growth prospects depend
entirely on the abilities and seniority does not play any role at all,
but creating something in your mind and watching it take concrete shape
can be a very satisfying experience. A fast upcoming couple who work
as a team, operating from their house, find their daily routine going
totally haywire, and they happily say "we slog away sixteen hours a day
till we complete a project, and then just drive away for a
SOME ADDRESSES: School of Interior Design, Centre for Environmental Planning Technology,
J J School of Art, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai, Mumbai 400076 IITC, 102 Richmond Road, Bangalore 560025 School of Interior Design , 6/3, 1st Main Road, Vasanthnagar,Bangalore 560052 Exteriors Interiors P Limited, 2nd floor, Dhondusa Complex, 9, Residency Rd, Bangalore 560025 |