Interior Architecture and Design BA
Study of how to shape and design the internal spaces of buildings, focusing on how people live, work and move within them.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy design and creative problem-solving
Are interested in interior spaces and environments
Like combining creativity with technical skills
Want a career in interior or spatial design
Pay attention to detail and aesthetics
Popular Career Fields
Interior Design
Architecture & Built Environment
Property & Real Estate
Retail & Commercial Design
Your Personality Might Be:
Creative problem-solver
Architecture & Built Environment
Client-focused
Aesthetically driven
What is it?
What Is an Interior Architecture and Design Degree?
Interior Architecture & Design combines architecture, interior design and technology. You’ll explore how buildings and rooms are constructed, how people use them and how design, materials and systems come together to create spaces that are safe, functional and beautiful.
Why Study Interior Architecture and Design?
If you enjoy drawing, design, thinking about spaces, colours, furniture and how buildings are used, this degree offers a creative and technical route into designing interiors for homes, workplaces, retail, hospitality and more. It blends art, design and built-environment thinking.
Course Summary
Study of how to shape and design the internal spaces of buildings, focusing on how people live, work and move within them.
What you'll study
Most Interior Architecture and Design degrees cover:
Spatial design, sketching and model-making
History and theory of interiors and architecture
Materials, finishes and construction systems
CAD, visualisation, digital modelling and BIM
Lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort and human-centred design
Professional practice, regulations, building services and project documentation
Later in your course you may specialise in areas like: sustainable interior design, furniture design, exhibition design, retail interiors, hospitality design or inclusive design.
Skills You'll Gain
A Interior Architecture and Design BA builds both technical and professional skills, including:
Spatial Design Skills – creating functional, aesthetic interior spaces through layout and flow planning.
Creative Visualisation – producing sketches, digital renderings, and mood boards to present design concepts.
Material & Lighting Knowledge – understanding textures, finishes, colour, and lighting for interior environments.
Technical Drafting – using software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit to produce precise design drawings.
Project Development – managing design projects from concept to final presentation, including client communication.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Interior Architecture & Spatial Design – designing interior layouts, spatial experiences, and building reconfigurations.
Interior Design – creating functional and aesthetic interiors for residential, commercial, or hospitality spaces.
Exhibition & Retail Design – designing displays, pop-ups, showrooms, and branded environments.
Architectural Visualisation & 3D Modelling – producing digital renderings, CAD drawings, and 3D models for design projects.
Set & Production Design – creating interior environments for film, TV, theatre, or events.
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Industry placements or summer internships in design studios, architecture firms or retail-interior companies
Live briefs, collaborative workshops or links with professional partners
These experiences help you apply your skills, build a portfolio and gain understanding of professional design practice.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent ideally including Art, Design, or a creative subject, with portfolios commonly required.
Personal Statement Tips
Show your passion for interior spaces, design, architecture or how people use buildings
Mention specific visits to spaces, exhibitions or projects you’ve worked on
Reflect on how design, materials and technology combine in interiors
Include your creative work, portfolio, workshops or competitions you have done
What to do Next
Compare courses to check how much they focus on creative design vs technical/construction systems
Attend open days or virtual sessions to view studios and meet tutors
Build a portfolio with sketches, models, digital work showing your design thinking
Explore how lighting, materials, sustainability and technology affect interior spaces
Wider Reading
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton – On how the built environment affects our lives
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick – Great design guidance, useful for interior architecture too
Interior Design Since 1900 by Anne Massey – A comprehensive look at how interior design has evolved
Designing Interiors: A Practical Guide by Rosemary Kilmer & Wheeler – On the practical side of interior design and materials