Best Interior Design Courses After Graduation: 2025 Career Roadmap
Interior Design
If you’ve just completed your degree, maybe in arts, commerce, architecture, or something entirely different—and now you're thinking, “What’s next for me?” If you’ve got a keen eye for design, love decorating spaces, and thrive on visual creativity, interior design could be more than just a hobby. It could be your career calling.
Interior designing is more than just furniture or colours, it's about creating an environment that a person can call home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore interior design courses after graduation, career options, the value of a degree or diploma in interior design, and the best diploma in interior design and architecture programs to help you launch a successful interior design career after your graduation.
Why Choose Interior Design After Graduation?
There are endless career opportunities after completing your graduation, so why choose interior design? Why enroll in an interior designing course and why start your career as an interior designer in India. With the construction and real estate sectors booming, there’s a growing demand for skilled interior designers who can blend aesthetics with functionality.
With the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi, highlighting the decade of India’s infrastructure growth and how India is becoming the hub for new-age construction designs. The construction industry is expected to grow even more as the experts foresee a projected CAGR growth rate of more than 11 per cent annually.
With India’s journey to become the 3rd largest construction market in the World, the opportunities in interior design are endless. So, if you’re someone who likes designing spaces for people and brands, then this field is tailor-made for you.
Step-by-Step Roadmap: Building Your Interior Design Career After Degree
Before investing in courses or certifications, ask yourself these questions:
Do I enjoy space planning and aesthetics?
Am I detail-oriented with a flair for design?
Can I visualise and communicate ideas effectively?
Do I enjoy working with clients and solving real-world problems?
If you answered yes, you’re likely a great fit for this career path.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Identify Goals: Determine if you want to pursue a career in residential, commercial, or specialised design (e.g., sustainable or healthcare).
Duration: 3–4 years programs for everyone, including graduates
Curriculum: Design theory, space planning, sustainable materials, CAD, and 3D modelling.
Top Institutes: Wisdom College for Creativity & Design, National Institute of Design (NID), Royal College of Art.
2. Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture
Duration: 1–2 years.
Focus: Practical skills in drafting, lighting, furniture design, and architectural integration.
Top Institutes: WCCD, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, ARCH Academy of Design.
3. Short-Term Certifications
Duration: 6 months–1 year.
Focus: AutoCAD, SketchUp, or niche areas like kitchen/bath design.
Platforms: WCCD, Coursera, Udemy, or offline schools like INIFD.
Step 3: Apply to Programs
Requirements: Portfolio (essential for most programs in interior design), letters of recommendation, and entrance exams.
Tips: Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and career goals.
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
Internships: Work with design firms or architects.
Freelancing: Take small projects to build your portfolio.
Networking: Attend workshops and industry events.
Step 5: Launch Your Career
Job Roles: Interior designer, space planner, lighting consultant, or furniture designer.
Top Recruiters: Architectural firms, real estate developers, hospitality chains.
Portfolio: Showcase CAD drawings, 3D renders, and real projects to stand out.
Career Opportunities for Graduates After Interior Design Courses
After completing your interior designing course after graduation, there are numerous opportunities for you, such as:
Interior Designer
Interior Architect
3D Visualizer
Design Consultant
Set Designer for Film/TV
Lighting Designer
Project Coordinator
Freelance Design Specialist
Expected Salary (India):
Entry-level: ?3–5 LPA
Mid-level: ?6–10 LPA
Senior roles: ?12+ LPA
Still Thinking? Others Are Already Designing
While you’re waiting, others are learning, building portfolios, and landing jobs. Don’t fall behind—start your creative journey today with Wisdom Design College.
FAQs: Interior Designing Courses After Graduation
How do you become an interior designer after graduation?
To become a successful interior designer after completing your graduation, follow these steps:
Pursue a Relevant Degree or Diploma: After graduation, you can enroll in a postgraduate program such as an M.Sc. in Design Space or a diploma in interior design. These courses provide specialised knowledge, technical skills, and practical training essential for the profession and for beginners looking to master interior design skills.
Develop a Strong Design Portfolio: Build a portfolio showcasing your design projects, concepts, and any freelance or internship work. This is crucial for job applications and client pitches so that you can make a solid first impression.
Gain Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience, seek internships or entry-level positions with established interior designers or design firms and skyrocket your designing career.
Stay Updated and Network: Attend workshops, seminars, and industry events to stay current with trends and build professional connections.
What are the 7 basics of interior design?
The seven fundamental principles of interior design are:
Balance – Achieving visual stability in a space through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements of the space and its furniture.
Unity – Ensuring all elements work together harmoniously and nothing appears out of the box.
Rhythm – Creating movement and guiding the eye through repetition and patterns so that the space appears sorted.
Emphasis – Highlighting a focal point in the room, such as artwork or a fireplace.
Contrast – Using differences in colour, texture, or shape to add visual interest and appeal to customers.
Scale and Proportion – Ensuring objects relate well in size to each other and the space.
Details – Attention to finishing touches and small elements that complete the design and make it whole.
Which course is best after graduation for interior design?
The best course after graduation depends on your background and career goals:
B.Des. in Interior Design: Ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge and leadership roles while maximising the potential of boring spaces.
Diploma in Interior Design: Suitable for graduates from other streams who want to switch careers or get a quick entry into the world of interior designing.
Certification Courses: Specialised certifications in areas like sustainable design, project management, or advanced software (AutoCAD, 3D Max, Photoshop) can enhance your expertise and employability and make your CV look more appealing.
What is the salary of interior designer in India?
The salary of an interior designer in India varies based on experience, location, and employer:
Entry-level: ?2.5 lakh to ?4 lakh per annum.
Mid-level: ?4 lakh to ?8 lakh per annum.
Senior-level/Experienced: ?8 lakh to ?20 lakh+ per annum, especially for those with a strong portfolio or working in urban cities with international brands.
What is the golden rule in interior design?
The "golden rule" in interior design is often referred to as the principle of balance, ensuring that all elements in a space are visually stable and balanced. This can be achieved through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements, and is essential for creating comfortable and aesthetically pleasing interiors for families and brands.
What are 3 things interior designers do?
Interior designers typically:
Plan and Design Functional Spaces: They create layouts that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, considering factors like lighting, furniture placement, and accessibility.
Select Materials and Finishes: They choose colours, fabrics, furniture, and materials that align with the client’s vision and the space’s requirements.
Coordinate with Contractors: They manage projects, liaise with architects, contractors, and vendors, and ensure that the design is executed according to plan and within budget of the client.
