Though we may not always realize it, design has been a central part of human life for centuries. As Belén Llamas, a member of the Contemporary Association of Arts and Crafts and founder of Atelier-B in Geneva, pointed out at Hay Festival 2024, “Design and craftsmanship are part of our culture. We wouldn’t be here today if someone hadn’t learned and practiced the skill of carving stone. The building we’re standing in wouldn’t exist.” And she’s right. Every space we enter has been thoughtfully designed. Architects shape the buildings we inhabit, garden and landscape designers imagine the parks we stroll through, and interior designers create our most personal environments, ensuring our living spaces feel like home.
According to the EPA, the average person spends around 90% of their time indoors. This highlights just how important the interiors of our homes and workplaces are. Interior design goes far beyond picking furniture or choosing wall colors—it has a direct impact on our mental well-being. So, what about you? Do you dream of becoming an interior designer, using your taste and creativity to help people live more comfortably and enjoy their surroundings to the fullest?
How to become an interior designer
Modern interior designers need to have an understanding of human needs and emotions, while staying on top of new trends and innovations in the field. It’s not just about mastering design concepts; successful designers also need business acumen to thrive in a competitive industry.
The first step is choosing the right degree. At IE University, our Bachelor in Design: Interior Design track goes beyond traditional interior design courses. Through innovative methods and a hands-on approach, we equip students with the holistic skills needed to stand out in their careers. Alongside design expertise, students develop business insight and build a global network of like-minded professionals.
But interior design isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom. At IE University, students have access to an array of additional opportunities. Creative innovation takes center stage at IEU Labs, while our summer course in Milan offers invaluable international experience. Exchange programs with prestigious partner universities and internships further enhance practical learning, ensuring students leave with the best tools.
Look for an up-to-date curriculum
Interior design is a field that never stops evolving. Whether it’s staying in tune with the latest color trends or incorporating sustainable practices, designers must always be up to date.
Over the course of four years, the Bachelor in Design students who choose the Interior Design track will gain an education that prepares them to excel in the world of interior design. Through hands-on, practical projects and real-world studies, they’ll get a taste of what life is really like as a professional interior designer. Our faculty brings a wealth of diverse perspectives and industry expertise, supported by our partnerships with top design firms.
During their first year, students build their skillset across various design disciplines, as well as initial specialized courses such as Principles of Interior Design. This foundation is built upon during the second year, as students dive deeper into interior design. The specialization goes even further in the third year, with more advanced practices and concepts in courses such as Digital Transformation in Interior Design and Sustainable Interior Design Strategies.
During their final year, students consolidate their learning with a final project where they get to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The pillars of the Bachelor in Design: Interior Design track
Our comprehensive curriculum is the first of four pillars in the Bachelor in Design: Interior Design program. The other three pillars reflect the program’s approach and purpose:
- Sustainability and impact: Sustainable design practice is a core element of all programs at the IE School of Architecture & Design, and this new track is no exception. As demand grows for environmentally and socially responsible solutions, students learn how to create designs that contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is one of the cornerstones of IE University’s mission. Bachelor in Design: Interior Design track students will be equipped with the strategic mindset that’s so essential in today’s business world.
- Future-focused design: Interior design is constantly evolving to meet changing market demands. Our program incorporates the latest insights, methodologies, and tech, ensuring students are prepared to be the forward-thinking professionals the industry needs.
How much do interior designers make?
Interior design offers a rewarding career where you can showcase your talent globally, with competitive salaries across many countries. Here’s a list of estimated average interior designer’s salaries by country according to Instarem:
- Luxembourg: EUR 75,593.
- USA: USD 70,057.
- Denmark: EUR 63,736.
- Norway: EUR 56,980.
- Australia: AUD 85,000.
- Canada: CAD 60,450.
- Netherlands: EUR 36,316.
Where passion meets purpose
Career options with a degree in design are wide-ranging. Our young interior designers will be highly sought after. From landing a coveted position in a top design firm to starting a personal entrepreneurial venture, the possibilities are endless.
The pillars of this degree—sustainability, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking design—are not just academic ideals, but the foundation for a career that shapes how people live and interact with the world around them. In essence, this program gives you the chance to do more than just design spaces—you’ll design the future.
If you’d like know more about other tracks offered within our Bachelor in Design, read about the Bachelor in Design: Comprehensive Design and the Bachelor in Design: Videogame Design & Virtual Environments. If you’re interested in an education that combines business acumen with a design mindset, take a look at our Dual Degree in Business Administration & Design.