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Programs >> Architecture and Interior Design Engineering

Architecture and Interior Design Engineering

Approved Training Programs


What is Architecture?
Architecture is a passion, a vocation, a calling – as well as a science and a business. It has been described as a social art and also an artful science. Architecture must be of the highest quality of design. Architecture provides a sense of place and support of all types of human activity. Architecture helps the man-made fit in harmony with the environment while promoting health and well-being, enriching lives aesthetically and spiritually, providing economic opportunities, and creating a legacy that reflects and symbolizes culture and traditions.

Architecture Career Path
Many graduates will take up a career in private practice or government. Many become specialists in heritage, sustainable design or commercial projects. However, because an Architect’s skills and training are so broad, there are also many opportunities outside mainstream architecture practice.

What is Interior Design?
Interior design is a profession that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and business skills. Interior designers work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, attractive, and meet the needs of the people using the space. Interior designers must know how to plan a space and how to present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client. They must also know about the materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space, and how texture, color, lighting and other factors combine and interact to make the space come together. In addition, interior designers must understand the structural requirements of their plans, the health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects.

Interior Designers Career Path
Here are five interior design career choices to consider:

1. INTERIOR DESIGNER
This is the most obvious route for most designers. As an interior designer, you will be tasked with making the interiors of homes, offices, and other buildings beautiful. Interior designers have to be creative, understand color theory, and keep abreast with emerging interior design trends. The designers may work with residential or commercial clients. Residential interior designers are mostly involved with styling and interior decorating, fabrics and furnishing. Commercial interiors designers may work in retail, offices, restaurants, hotels, and education institutions.

2. FURNITURE DESIGNERS
Furniture design is a more specialized part of interior design. As a furniture designer, your work can be twofold; with the client and with other suppliers. When working with a client, you may be tasked with arranging furniture at houses, showrooms, offices, and other areas to use space optimally, bring out desired themes and so on. You may also work with your client’s suppliers such as carpenters, guiding them on what decorations to incorporate in the furniture to bring out your client’s tastes.

3. EXHIBITION DESIGNERS
Exhibition designers provide working layouts and decide the décor to be used in exhibition halls. The designers need to be knowledgeable on modular stand design, custom build designs, exhibition and museum design, and floor management. Other skills required include CAD and 3D packages like Adobe Suites and AutoCAD/Vectorworks. When working on projects, the designers take into consideration the traffic expected at the exhibition hall, items that will be showcased and the theme of the exhibition.

4. LIGHTING DESIGNERS
Lighting designers ensure adequate lighting for the various projects they are involved in. The designers have to be knowledgeable in basic wiring or work with a qualified electrician to bring out various creative lighting effects depending on the nature of the projects. Lighting designers may also be involved in schematic design and work on decorative products such as light fittings, shades and luminaries for a design consultancy or manufacturer. Knowledge in different types of lighting and their effects is crucial to the success of a lighting designer.

5. KITCHEN DESIGNERS
Kitchen designers are primarily involved with kitchen aesthetics and usefulness to the people who use them. The designers can work hand in hand with constructors to determine the floor plan or can come after the floorwork has been done to help clients with kitchen items. Kitchen designers should balance both design and functionality of the items they recommend in the kitchen. The designers should know the effect of kitchen temperatures on the decors they go for, the maintenance required, and general replacement procedures.