BA (HONS) INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Our established prize-winning course maintains its reputation and creative vision at the forefront of professional interior design practice. In the studio-based art school tradition your individual creativity will be nurtured by experienced tutors and practising professionals. Through studio projects you will sculpt, manipulate, remodel and re-purpose interior space in response to contemporary issues, live briefs and external clients. As a highly sought after graduate you will be ready to enter the profession as an innovative and talented designer.

A short spatial design project which provides the vehicle to explore a range of skills including two and three dimensional drawing techniques, concept model making, scale and the digital manipulation of images. You will carry out a personal skills audit. In this module you will develop the critical understanding of historical and theoretical frameworks within which to locate their practice and a range of resources and research skills to pursue that activity. You will be introduced to concepts in design and architectural history and theory within an international context. This module builds on the experience of Cultural & Contextual Studies 1 allowing you to develop further knowledge and understanding of design issues and apply a range of theoretical concepts for critical discussion. You will produce a written, illustrated analysis of material which informs the critical analysis of the report in the studio design project. You will develop a sketch scheme for a small interior refurbishment project within an existing building. In this project You will explore basic research and analysis techniques with emphasis on `The User'. The module introduces design report writing and developing a design brief. This module is the major design project of the first year consolidating all skills acquired through previous design modules. You will establish a personal brief within established parameters, and develop an interior design scheme which addresses basic detailing, building construction and structural principles relating to an existing building. You will develop a design report which is partly informed by the study of `Critical and Contextual Studies'. In this module you will explore how conceptual interpretation, creative and appropriate use of materials can be responsive to human requirements and activities. Normally students study an alternative discipline with a link to interior design, such as landscape, product, furniture, exhibition, theatre and set design. This opportunity will demonstrate to you that, regardless of the subject matter, design skills can be transferable and that interior design has interdependence with other design disciplines. This module is the culmination of design work in the level and involves a complex interior design project with comprehensive scope. In particular it looks at approaches to an existing building, its fabric and context. The module will include the development of a full design report which critically analyses precedent and supports the personal interpretation and development of the design project from inception to finished presentation. This module focuses on the detailed study of design precedent, including survey work and production of detailed drawings. The presentation of information significantly features computer aided design drawing and visualisation.

This delivers a portfolio of technology focused studies which support the studio design modules. You will be required to produce case studies which apply knowledge and understanding of building technology, materials, structure and construction delivered in lectures. The case studies will directly inform design thinking of 'Design and Communication for Construction'. This module builds on the communication and technology skills encountered in Related Design Discipline. It involves the design of specific interior design element e.g. stair design. You will develop the design from concept to detail and present a finished model and drawing package to communicate the proposal.

This module involves a spatial design opportunity which deals with narrative. You will be required to manipulate multiple levels of space and given components such as exhibits. It promotes experimentation, innovation, creativity through inspiration beyond the immediate physical environment. This module gives you the opportunity to refine, collate and develop your individual portfolio. and increase your awareness of employability and career options and continuing professional development. It also focuses upon planning for self-determined assignments and projects at Level 3 in response to personal development and career aspirations.

This module provides the opportunity to work on joint/collaborative projects with experts from other design disciplines. You will develop a deeper understanding of the relationship interior design has with related disciplines and transfer their creative skills to a different focus. The elective provides an opportunity for individual students to use a personal learning plan to negotiate study of a different subject e.g. foreign language or participation in an external activity such as negotiated work experience or volunteering. This module offers students the opportunity to work to `outside' briefs and externally determined deadlines and parameters. You may be given the opportunity to enter a national design competition or work to a brief set by an external client. Typical live or competition briefs will have a community focus. Students demonstrate the creative culmination of learning across all aspects and levels of the course through the completion of this individually determined interior design project, as instigated in Personal Planning and researched in the Feasibility report module. You will manage this project from inception to completion, through the production of a design proposal using appropriate 2D and 3D media, supported by the Research and Feasibility Study.

This is a substantial enquiry and research-based module, in which you will develop specific knowledge and understanding, and prepare arguments, evidence and analysis which inform the individually determined Major Design Project. You will source and critically analyse precedent material, case studies and concept inspiration as a foundation to your creative thinking. The module is studied across semester five and six to provide a foundation for you to continue to develop in support of the Major Design Project.

You will be taught by experienced practitioners whose backgrounds are in top architecture and design industry consultancies and practices. Live projects will give you the opportunity to engage with real clients, user groups, experts, practising designers and architects. Overseas study visits are offered each year and there are opportunities for exchanges to overseas universities and colleges in countries including Australia and Italy. You will have the opportunity to showcase your work at our Arts Festival and the London graduate exhibitions at the end of your final year.

Graduates work as Interior Architecture and Design Specialists in architecture and design practice, many gaining employment in new build, conversion and refurbishment projects. Our course provides a strong foundation for careers in design management, museum and exhibition design, retail and set design. Our graduates do exceptionally well in career progression and are sought after not just for their design skills but for their critical thinking and project management potential. Successful graduates may also consider further study on our postgraduate courses.

Applicants to this course are expected to attend an interview as part of the selection process.