Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture is a design discipline that focuses specifically on interior environments and all aspects of their structural, spatial, social and material assembly. Design begins with an existing structure, form or space, which can be virtual, drawn or built. Interior architecture and interior design share a common ground, but they differ in the scale of the intervention in the interior.

Interior architecture works at the scale of architecture, including the manipulation of structural elements, such as walls, floors and staircases, while interior design generally engages at the scale of individual rooms.

As an interior architect/designer you will develop creative solutions that respond to functional and aesthetic problems in the built environment – spaces that may be permanent or temporary, from the scale of rooms to the scale of cities. Internal environments may range from the home, the workplace, retail spaces and restaurants, to museums, galleries and hospitals. Interior architects/designers have the power to influence not only how we live but also how we work, rest, eat, recover and have fun. In fact, the work you do as an interior architect/designer can have far-reaching consequences not only for our environment but also for the wellbeing of those using the spaces you have created.

Of course, we are not just talking about developing the design skills you can use locally. Your opportunities for work and design creativity are much greater because the interior architecture degree at UNSW Built Environment is recognised in many places across the globe.

Why choose Interior Architecture over Interior Design?

It is easy to be confused because these two disciplines share common ground. When it comes to making a choice, ask yourself these simple questions:

Do I want to be able to:

• Design with a greater range of skills and resources?
• Be more involved in a range of built environment design projects, from small to large scale?
• Have more influence on a new design project?
• Communicate on the same level as the project's architect(s)?

If your answer is yes, then consider a BIA at UNSW BE.

What subjects will I be studying? An important aim of the BIA is to provide flexibility to tailor the degree to suit your special interests.

Along with core subjects, you can choose Electives from not only within BE but also from other UNSW faculties to create a more "personalised" degree.

For example, you may wish to undertake business electives to provide practical information to help set up a business as an interior architect/designer.

Key Areas of Study:

• Interior Architecture Design Studio
• History and Theory of Interior Architecture
• Interior Architecture Communication Techniques
• Technology for Interior Architects
• The Practice of Interior Architecture

For information on the structure of the degree and courses taught, please refer to the UNSW Online Handbook.