Interior Design is essential to our everyday lives without even realising it. The way we organise our homes, offices and events all require the interior of any building to be aesthictically pleasing. In this month’s post, we will provide you with techincal routes you can pursue in Interior Design.
Skip to Sections
Academic Routes Technical RouteAcademic Routes
Before you start an academic course, there are a few things that you should consider:
- Entry requirements
- Subjects you need for the career(s) you have in mind
Be sure to speak to us at Brain Food TCI, or any other career advisor you may have access to, if you need assistance where entry requirements are concerned.
Secondary and Post-secondary towards Higher Education
Most, if not all, high schools require you to do CXCs, GCSEs, or any other equivalent to be able to excel to Higher Education (college/university). For institutions in the Caribbean, such as the University of the West Indies, you are required to have 5 CXC (CSEC & CAPE) OR IGCSE & GCE subjects, including Mathematics and English.
If an institution does not have any of these examination bodies listed when searching what is required, search for equivalencies through their admissions page or contact them directly for more information. Also, some courses may require you to have certain subjects other than Mathematics and English that are compulsory for entering the course. Be sure to check the entry requirements to know exactly what is required.
Higher Education
As mentioned earlier, CXCs and/or other equivalents are required to proceed to this level. In higher education, you can obtain:
Undergraduate
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
Postgraduate
- Master’s Degree
- Ph. D.
Depending on your journey and your career choice, you can decide how far you need to go in terms of further education. You do not need to pursue a Master’s degree or Ph. D. unless it is required based on your career choice.
Interior Design Related Courses
Vocational School
CTS College Trinidad (Vocational)
The Mastering Interior Decorating course helps you to develop/excercise your interior decor skills and “has been designed to provide you with the professional skills required to succeed as an interior designer.” The institute’s 4-week (online) programme is designed for persons “desirous of learning a new skill” and are also entrepeneurs or business owners interested in interior design.
The course content includes focal points such as:
- Understanding design elements and how these elements come together to create a final outcome
- Introduction to the principles of design as it relates to Contrast, Balance, Scale, Proportion, Unity, Variety and Emphasis; exploring independently and as a contributory element to an overall result
- Importance of wall coverings and interior lighting
- How to effectively and strategically use artwork, fixtures and furniture
- Use of furniture to build the desired aesthetic
For more programme information, click here. For entry requirements, click here.
To see more posts like these, subscribe for monthly updates:
Event Management Course
In event management, interior design is one of the main and most important factors. The way the event looks and feels will make or break it. This course is an introductory course in the field of Event Management, designed to help students develop skills such as creative thinking, conflict management and resource management.
From the course’s structure, students should be able to:
- Create floor plans.
- Apply the principles of planning, organizing, and managing events according to industry standards.
- Design food and beverage menus to suit the needs of the market.
- Perform calculations related to event pricing, cost control and profitability.
The course has a variation of teaching techniques that includes “lectures, guest lectures by those with special competencies in sub-fields, class discussions, group work assignments, oral presentations, role playing, evaluations of actual real life events, and projects“.
For more programme information, click here. For entry requirements, click here.
Technical Routes
Internships, Volunteering & Work Experience
Participate in local volunteering/internship opportunities and Interior Design-related programmes.
It is encouraged that you take local opportunities in Interior Design; experience is the best teacher. Even if it’s volunteering or seeking internships with departments that contribute to the cause or a family member building a house, take the small opportunities right in front of you. In the Interior Design field, there are careers such as Interior Decorator, Stage Production Engineer, and Event Coordinator just to name a few. If these types of jobs interest you, read on to find out how you can get started.
Here are potential places to seek volunteering/internship opportunities:
- Local Construction Companies
- Architect Firms
- Interior Design Companies (Finishing Touch)
The technical routes in this field are quite similar but 100% practical. With the options above, you can obtain skills and experience that can lead you to a successful progression in the field and make it easier to get your foot in the door.
From the information provided, you can start right here in your region and at home. Feel free to embark on those opportunities. Always remember to embrace all opportunities near or far.
Resources
Below is a list of YouTube videos and Netflix series that will bring some insight to Interior Design and its functionality.
YouTube Links
- Day in the Life of an Interior Designer
- How to create a floor plan (for interior designers)
- What does an Interior Designer actually do
Brain Food TCI 