Interior Architecture - 3255

Interior architecture is a design discipline that focuses specifically on interior environments and all aspects of their structural, spatial and material assembly.

The central premise upon which interior architecture is based is that design begins with an existing structure, form or space, which can be virtual, drawn or built. This premise underpins the Interior Architecture Program at UNSW and determines all of its core components.

The Program is committed to providing students with an educational experience that optimises their capacity to respond creatively and responsibly to the challenges of contemporary practice. Investigation and experimentation are crucial to this experience. Accordingly, within the subjects offered by the Program, emphasis is placed as much on the need to engage in a rigorous process of enquiry, analysis and reflection as on the development of technical skills.

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture is a four-year full-time semester-based program consisting of core and elective courses.

Note: Unlike elsewhere in the world, use of the title Interior Architect in Australia is not permitted under current Australian legislation.

Essentially, the Bachelor of Interior Architecture provides a framework within which students can develop:

A comprehensive understanding of the structural, spatial and material assembly of interior environments.
An informed appreciation of the physical, cultural and historical contexts of interior architecture and design.
Effective communication skills in a variety of forms and media.
Technical skills that are aligned with an understanding of the benefits of expansive and continued learning.
The ability to make informed and balanced judgments based on an awareness of one’s social and environmental responsibilities as an interior architect.
The ability to work strategically and effectively in and across various roles – for example, as designer, project manager, collaborator, consultant or team member – depending on the context and demands of an interior project.

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree may be awarded with honours based upon the quality of performance in the program and in accordance with current program policy. Honours are Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 or Class 2 Division 2.

1. The degree of Bachelor of Interior Architecture is awarded at either Pass or Honours level after the successful completion of a minimum of 192 units of credit.

2. To fulfil these requirements, students must complete:

3. The standard duration of the program is 4 years consisting of 8 semesters of full-time study (24 units of credit per semester).

4. General Education courses may not be taken before a student enters Year 2 of the Program.

Refer to generaleducation

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

The UNSW degree of Bachelor of Interior Architecture is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA - the professional body representing Interior Architecture/Interior Design in Australia) and the International Federation of Interior Architects (IFI). Students enrolled in the program are eligible to apply for Student membership of the DIA and Associate membership upon graduation. Full membership requires two years of approved professional experience after graduation.

The BIA program at UNSW is also a member of IDEA (Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association) representing all 4 year university degree programs in the discipline in the region.