What makes the interior design program at UTAS stand out from the crowd is its strong integration with the other design disciplines within the School to provide a holistic approach to human centered design within a sustainable framework.
Students graduate with a greater understanding of interiors within the broader context of the built and natural environments in addressing human needs, wants and desires along with the tools necessary for designing enriched interiors for positive well being.
As a new degree, the Interior Design program at the School of Architecture & Design is currently an affiliate member of IDEA (Interior Design Educators Association) and aims to be a full institutional member once eligible. It is also associated with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the International Federation of Interior Designers/Architects (IFI).
We spend between 80-90% of our lives inside, so if you want to make a difference to people’s lives designing innovative interiors that communicate positive and healthy well being, interior design is for you.
Interior designers consider how spaces can best resolve and enhance the needs, wants and desires of people at work, rest and play. You may well find yourself designing the interior spaces, furniture and finishes for the latest night club or restaurant; addressing the future well being of patients in a hospital or the elderly in aged care homes or improving workspaces for employees in office spaces. As an interior designer you will be shaping and enhancing the way we live.
Graduates can be employed as interior designers, both independently and in interior design practices. Work may include commercial, domestic and public interiors, for a range of areas such as retail, workplace, health, entertainment and hospitality. Design practices are increasingly becoming multi-disciplinary with architects, interior, landscape, industrial and graphic designers collaborating on large-scale projects. Graduates may also choose to work within large organisations, both government and public (e.g. museums or corporations) that employ professional interior designers.
Students graduating from both degrees (three-year Bachelor and/or one-year Honours) will be recognised as professional interior designers. However, as the interior design profession in Australia recognises a greater level of design maturity and skills from students graduating from a four-year program, students graduating from the Honours year will have an employability advantage and may be able to further a career in academia.
Both interior design degrees, the three-year Bachelor degree and the one-year Honours degree, can be completed part time, however full time study is highly recommended to gain the greatest benefit through unit integration.
Students complete a common first year with the architecture, furniture and landscape major students. Students also choose elective units from within these fields to attain a richer understanding of interior design amongst other design disciplines in preparation for professional collaborative work.
After first year students concentrate on interior design focused units, developing their skills as a professional interior designer, whilst maintaining a link with the other disciplines through the history and theory units.
Investigates a series of design projects through the model of studio teaching.
Introduces freehand and measured drawing techniques, Computer Aided Design (CAD), two and three dimensional drawing conventions, illustration techniques for design presentation, model making, and written and verbal presentation skills.
Investigates the history and theory of western design, the study of design in society, the development of design in Australia and aspects of Asian architecture. Also examines 20th century and contemporary interior and furniture design internationally. The philosophy behind the work is explored and the design theory and production processes in use are analysed.
Examines internal and external environments, materials and structures, construction and services for domestic and small to medium scale buildings.
Develops the ability to analyse site and context and develop functional and aesthetic concepts through commercial, public and residential design projects. Students are guided through design stages and develop fundamental skills in brief interpretation, space analysis, clarification of design aims and the development of responsive design ideas.
Investigates materials and manufactured components available for use in interior environments. The unit focuses on developing the ability to select materials and components in relation to environmentally sustainable design and other contexts and constraints.
Investigates the production and selection of furniture for interior environments. Furniture function is explored through ergonomics and analysis of the role of furniture in the creation of space. Materials, construction techniques and detailing for furniture production are addressed within a broad understanding of the furniture production industry.
Investigates the creation of healthy interior environments associated with air quality, thermal comfort and anthropometrics. The ethical responsibilities of professional designers are also addressed.
Examines working with light and sound within the context of the dominance of vision in interior design. Includes functional, sustainable and creative uses of daylight and artificial light, as well as acoustic design for sound control.
Opportunities for students to explore other areas of design, including architecture, furniture design and landscape architecture. Students may take up to two electives from another School in the University.
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