FdA Interior Architecture and Design

THE COURSE
Interior Architects play a vital and ever-increasing role in the design, refurbishment, renovation, conservation, adaptation and enjoyment of enclosed spaces. Their skills, imagination and creativity deliver attractive and successful solutions to contemporary planning and construction. This exciting and challenging course offers the opportunity to develop a creative and dynamic understanding of the potential of three-dimensional interior space. The course focuses on observing and understanding the needs of people within spaces and environments and explores alternative solutions to contemporary design problems. Working in a lively and realistic studio environment, you will explore the creative use of space and develop practical skills to progress from project concept to project presentation; you may also work on ‘live’ projects during the course, working closely with industry and specialist professionals.

 

From day one you will be regarded as a member of a design team and will be briefed accordingly, with clear objectives and deadlines. Tuition is offered in visual communication skills including technical and free drawing, modelmaking and digital skills using a range of software. You will develop your ability in the use of materials and finishes, texture and colour, and gain an understanding of construction techniques and building regulations as well as health and safety issues. As you progress through the course you will gradually assume the role of a professional designer to define your direction and specialism in this increasingly diverse profession. Emphasis is also placed on presentation skills, client relationships and professional development. By collaborating with other courses across the University College, you will also be able to explore alternative ways to develop your skills. Design projects will encourage you to expand your critical thinking and problemsolving skills. ‘Live’ projects with external clients and consultants bring an invaluable insight to the realities of interior design and enable students to link with the creative industries on a professional level.

 

RESOURCES
Students work from a dedicated design studio, complete with computer suite and team workspace. Learning is through group seminar work, specialist tutor sessions, one-to-one tutorials, technical lectures, computer facilities and workshops including state-of-the-art digital manufacturing suites.

 

The course teaching team spans a wide range of skills, expertise and experience embracing both technical and more conceptual approaches to design. Visiting lecturers bring experience of specific skill areas and design disciplines. Practitioners from architecture, interior architecture, multidisciplinary design consultancy, illustration and other creative areas will encourage you to develop your own individual style.

 

YEAR 1
Year 1 aims to develop your creativity and give you the practical skills required to execute successful interior architecture schemes. During this year you will share the delivery of technology units alongside first year BA (Hons) Architecture students. Assessed work placements for a four week period are also an obligatory part of the course; these placements offer an opportunity to refine your skills in a relevant industry environment, to gain practical experience and to make useful contacts.

 

YEAR 2
Year 2 builds upon your skills and technical ability, enabling you to fully realise your potential and develop your flair and creativity as a professional designer. Your final major project will bring these skills together, encouraging more specialised study within your particular areas of interest and building upon your awareness of design within the wider community. Students who successfully complete this Foundation Degree will have a guaranteed route of progression to the third year of BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design.

 

BA (HONS) DEGREE (TOP UP)
This additional year provides an opportunity for you to develop and refine the practice and specialist knowledge that you have gained during previous study and to push the boundaries of contemporary design of enclosed spaces. The course supports advanced development of practical, theoretical and intellectual abilities as well as professional standards that will be demonstrated in extensive design projects driven by you. You will develop autonomy and graduate as an expert in your field prepared for the demands of an ever more competitive creative industry.

 

This BA (Hons) award is not offered as a three year course and is only available to those articulating from a Foundation Degree. Students may also apply to the third year of other Honours Degree courses, where their suitability will be considered by the relevant course team. Students who are not currently studying at the University College may also apply to the third year of this BA (Hons) course if they hold the relevant subject qualification. Applicants to the final year of a BA (Hons) qualification may be required to undertake Bridging Studies to prepare them for studies on the Honours degree course.

 

For further information, please go to the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design Top-Up course page.

 

INTERVIEWS AND PORTFOLIOS
Interviews are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment and self-motivation, and to discuss aspects of your chosen course. Your portfolio should demonstrate a clear interest in design and should show as wide a variety of your creative work as possible. This might include project work (2D and 3D), sketchbooks, drawing (observation and imagination), making (photographs of models or large work are acceptable), research and analysis, and written work.

 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR
You will be expected to display a good standard of traditional design skills and it will be an advantage to demonstrate additional digital skills. Evidence of your creativity is important and a passion for designand evidence of motivation is crucial.

 

SKILLS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Assessed work placements for a four week period are an obligatory part of the course in Year 1. During the course, a number of key projects will be ‘live’, involving external clients and consultants. These will require interaction with professionals and may involve travel and/or site visits. Live projects have included work in the areas of film production design, fashion shows, community arts projects, historic building refurbishments, museums and libraries, and retail and leisure. Graduates may progress in various directions within interior architecture and design including architectural practice, interior design, film production design, theatre set design or the television industry. Others may specialise in areas such as heritage and conservation, the leisure industry, exhibition design, museums, residential, retail or marine interior design.

 

COURSE DETAILS

Mode of Study: Full-time

Course Duration: 2 years

Institution Code: A66

UCAS CODE

W250

COURSE LEADER

Russell Gagg

CONTACT

Admissions

Tel: 01202 363228/363225

Email: admissions@aucb.ac.uk