Interior design
Interior design is a fascinating field of architecture that encompasses the art of interior design in all its facets. It combines creativity and design with technical expertise to optimally combine a space's function, aesthetics and atmospheric design.
After the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns, many people have reconsidered the importance of "living and working in their own four walls" and have recognised the benefits of comfortable, functional yet stylish interior spaces and atmospheric designs. Gone are the days when rooms and buildings were simply intended to fulfil their purpose. Today, public buildings, rooms, shops and other spaces, especially private interiors and homes, are expected to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Properly designing, planning and constructing interior spaces in buildings can be quite complicated and overwhelming for an average person. Therefore, more and more people are opting for the professional interior design skills of a qualified interior designer.
The creative elements and challenging projects combined with an attractive salary are sparking interest in a career in interior design and working in this exciting field of interior and building design. In addition, the protected professional title, membership in a chamber of architects and the associated prestige attract many people to this profession.
What exactly does the work and study programme involve? Where and how can you study interior design?What exactly does the work and study programme involve? Where and how can you study interior design?
After the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns, many people have reconsidered the importance of "living and working in their own four walls" and have recognised the benefits of comfortable, functional yet stylish interior spaces and atmospheric designs. Gone are the days when rooms and buildings were simply intended to fulfil their purpose. Today, public buildings, rooms, shops and other spaces, especially private interiors and homes, are expected to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Properly designing, planning and constructing interior spaces in buildings can be quite complicated and overwhelming for an average person. Therefore, more and more people are opting for the professional interior design skills of a qualified interior designer.
The creative elements and challenging projects combined with an attractive salary are sparking interest in a career in interior design and working in this exciting field of interior and building design. In addition, the protected professional title, membership in a chamber of architects and the associated prestige attract many people to this profession.
What exactly does the work and study programme involve? Where and how can you study interior design?What exactly does the work and study programme involve? Where and how can you study interior design?
What is interior design?
Interior design, as a branch of architecture, is the art and science of planning the artistic design of interior spaces, such as private rooms, public areas or buildings. The aim is to design interior spaces and other areas within buildings to be functional, stylish and appealing for human use. In this profession, various elements are used to create a harmonious atmosphere in the rooms by integrating different colours, materials, furniture designs, lighting or decorations into the interiors.
What does an interior designer do?
The professional field of interior designers who have completed a degree in interior design, completed practical semesters and gained professional experience is extremely diverse. They are people with creativity and a keen ability to plan and design atmospheric interior spaces. They create designs with a unique aesthetic, select the right furniture for the rooms and use distinctive atmospheric elements. Interior designers combine creativity, specific skills and design with in-depth knowledge of colours, furniture and construction to create harmonious interior spaces. In their profession, interior designers consider both the functional principles and design of rooms as well as their client’s individual style and creativity. They work closely with clients and specialists from the construction industry to develop holistic projects for the spaces.
What should an interior designer be able to do?
Young people and students wonder how they can successfully pursue a career in interior design, what qualifications they need to acquire in certain degree programmes or what competencies and skills they must possess in order to be successful in this industry. A professional interior designer must have various competencies in many areas of interior design besides professional experience, possible recognition by an architectural association and a university degree. These include creativity, a solid understanding of colours, interior design, interior lighting planning and communication skills during a project. The degree programme, the recognition procedure by the respective chambers of architects, the aptitude test and the practical semesters during the interior design course should, therefore, not be taken lightly.
Basics and competencies of an interior designer:
- Spatial imagination
- Knowledge of the history of interior design, styles, materials, colours, furniture design, building regulations, etc.
- Freehand drawing: fundamental for training, for quick sketches, for more demanding projects to create spatial representations
- Manual technical drawing: working to scale
- CAD programmes: for technical designs, customer presentations, interior visualisation (e.g. ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit)
- Management: the ability to build relationships with clients, collaborate with professionals, work in a team
- Planning: coordinating construction work with material deliveries, planning work within the rooms.
How do I become an interior designer in Switzerland?
To become an interior designer in Switzerland, you must complete a Bachelor's degree programme at a university in the field of interior design or architecture (6 or 8 semesters, possibly with practical semesters). The requirements for admission to a bachelor's degree programme can vary depending on the university and the programme It is therefore essential that you find out about the requirements for the Bachelor's degree programme at your university. In order to be admitted to a Bachelor's degree programme, applicants must pass an aptitude test in addition to a technical, vocational or secondary school leaving certificate or an internationally recognised higher education entrance qualification.1 The aptitude test for the degree programme examines artistic skills, among other things. A portfolio of designs and constructions may also be required for admission to the degree programme. Without relevant professional experience, a relevant internship or practical semester must be completed for the Interior Architecture degree programme.
The Interior Architecture degree programme as a sub-field of architecture can be completed in the areas of interior architecture, interior design, design for architecture or furniture design.
The Interior Architecture degree programme as a sub-field of architecture can be completed in the areas of interior architecture, interior design, design for architecture or furniture design.
In Switzerland, the professional title "interior architect" is not protected, and there is no compulsory membership of a chamber of architects, as is required in Germany to use the professional title. In Switzerland, there are associations that set specific requirements and standards for university education and practical experience for the profession of interior designer. It is advisable to become a member of a chamber of architects or the Swiss Association of Interior Designers.2 This requires a university degree in interior design, for example, a Bachelor's degree in interior design. Interior designers are expected to have several years of professional experience in their specialism. The exact number and requirements may vary depending on the region and association. Interior designers may be required to undertake regular training to keep up with the latest design trends and legal regulations in the field of interior design, for example, through additional practical semesters. As a rule, interior designers are members of a recognised professional association that sets ethical standards for practice and represents the interests of interior designers. If you would like to work as an interior designer in Switzerland, it is advisable to get in touch with the relevant association.
How do I become an interior designer in Austria?
The specific requirements for admission to an interior design degree programme can vary depending on the (technical) university. It is therefore advisable to find out about the conditions for studying interior design at the universities in the respective federal state. In Austria, the general university entrance qualification or equivalent qualification is the basic requirement for admission to a Bachelor's degree course in interior design and must be obtained at a recognised educational institution. If the general university entrance qualification has not been achieved, it is possible to take an aptitude test in order to be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme. This aptitude test assesses the competencies for the Bachelor's degree programme in Interior Architecture and enables enrolment in an Interior Architecture degree programme at a university. These tests may include practical constructions, artistic designs or written examinations to ensure the presence of the design skills required for the degree programme.
Some (specialist) universities also require a portfolio with examples of previous creative work, such as designs, concepts, constructions or other creative work in the field of interior design, for admission to the Bachelor's degree programme.
Some (specialist) universities also require a portfolio with examples of previous creative work, such as designs, concepts, constructions or other creative work in the field of interior design, for admission to the Bachelor's degree programme.
An integral part of the interior design degree programme in the federal states is completing projects, e.g. in the practical semesters. These allow students to apply their knowledge in the working world. From working with architecture firms with real clients to designing and building exhibition stands - the variety of projects helps to develop a broad range of skills in interior design during the degree programme.
Certain legal requirements must be met in order to use the professional title "interior designer" in the federal states of Austria. Interior designers must have completed a university degree in interior design or a comparable degree programme. As a rule, practical professional experience in interior design or architecture is also required. The exact number of semesters of the interior design or architecture degree programme can vary depending on the federal state and examination regulations. Prospective interior designers must also pass a civil engineering examination. After passing the exam, interior designers must submit a declaration of independence. Obtaining information from the relevant Chamber of Architects or the BOeIA – Association of Austrian Interior Designers is advisable.
Certain legal requirements must be met in order to use the professional title "interior designer" in the federal states of Austria. Interior designers must have completed a university degree in interior design or a comparable degree programme. As a rule, practical professional experience in interior design or architecture is also required. The exact number of semesters of the interior design or architecture degree programme can vary depending on the federal state and examination regulations. Prospective interior designers must also pass a civil engineering examination. After passing the exam, interior designers must submit a declaration of independence. Obtaining information from the relevant Chamber of Architects or the BOeIA – Association of Austrian Interior Designers is advisable.
How do I become an interior designer in Germany?
To be admitted to a Bachelor's degree programme in interior design or architecture in Germany, you generally need a general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification. Depending on the university and degree programme, specific admission requirements for the Bachelor's degree programme can vary. These often include compulsory internships, practical semesters or a design aptitude test. Most interior design degree programmes in Germany require students to submit a comprehensive portfolio in which various designs, constructions and creations (e.g. furniture) as well as their own work, are presented. This is intended to demonstrate the student's skills and potential for the interior design degree programme.
In Germany, the requirements for the professional "interior designer" title are regulated by law. In order to use this professional title and work in the field of interior design, certain requirements must be met. These generally include a degree in interior design from a state-recognised university or comparable educational institution. In some federal states, a certain number of years of professional experience after completing a degree in interior design or architecture is also required before you are allowed to use the professional title. In addition, the interior design course and degree must be recognised by the Chamber of Architects, and the interior designer must be included on the list of architects of the relevant Chamber of Architects in the federal state. The requirements may vary depending on the federal state, as the chambers of architects in Germany are organised at the state level. In many federal states, there is an obligation to undergo further training in order to use the professional title "interior designer"." As the requirements may vary from state to state, obtaining information from the relevant Chamber of Architects is advisable.
For people who are enthusiastic about design trends, want to continuously develop their skills, gain experience in various projects and face the challenges of interior design, a career in interior design could be the right choice.
Is it worth hiring interior designers?
Interior designers can help realise the full potential of interiors by providing professional and atmospheric solutions for the design and construction of spaces or buildings, ultimately delivering bespoke results. Hiring interior designers who have completed a degree in interior design at a university saves time and effort, as interior designers also oversee the entire planning process. Involving an interior designer in the early stages of construction is crucial to transforming spaces. The interior designer plays an important role in planning and designing the entire interior space, optimising the available space and creating a harmonious atmosphere, and working with architects to implement individual designs for the interior layout.
The expertise and creativity of an interior designer can, therefore, prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long term.
The following points should be considered when hiring an interior designer:
- Competence: the interior designer should have relevant degrees and certificates from a university and demonstrate skills acquired through training and experience in design, furniture, atmospheric lighting, colour schemes and space planning. An interior designer's portfolio showing realised designs, projects and furniture and colour concepts is essential.
- Individuality: The interior designer creates customised designs that match the client's style. They create 3D visualisations of the project.
- Planning: They look at the space from various perspectives and design it efficiently, maximising the potential of the available space and creating functional solutions for the premises.
- Teamwork: The interior designer works with other professionals to find solutions for the space's design, furniture, colours and construction.
- Trends/Technologies: Interior designers follow design trends and use the latest technologies to create innovative spaces.
- Well-being: Spaces created with atmospheric furniture and designs positively influence the creativity of the people who use these spaces.
In the beginning, the annual salary in the field of interior design in Switzerland is around CHF 50,000, while it can reach up to CHF 97,500 per year with experience in interior design. According to jobs.ch, the average annual salary, including the 13th monthly salary and bonus payments in the field of interior design, is CHF 74,625
Here you can find some interesting job offers for interior designers:
- LinkedIn: https://ch.linkedin.com
- Jobs.ch: https://www.jobs.ch/de/
- Indeed: https://ch.indeed.com/
- Swiss architects: https://www.swiss-architects.com/de
References:
1 Berfusberatung.ch: https://www.berufsberatung.ch/dyn/show/23361
2+5 Vereinigung Schweizer Innenarchitekten/Architektinnen: https://vsi-asai.ch/de/
3 Jobs.ch: https://www.jobs.ch/de/lohn/?canton=ch&term=innenarchitekt
4 Bernhard Duzhmani: https://bernardduzhmani.ch/blog/was-macht-ein-innenarchitekt/
2+5 Vereinigung Schweizer Innenarchitekten/Architektinnen: https://vsi-asai.ch/de/
3 Jobs.ch: https://www.jobs.ch/de/lohn/?canton=ch&term=innenarchitekt
4 Bernhard Duzhmani: https://bernardduzhmani.ch/blog/was-macht-ein-innenarchitekt/
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)
Der geistige Vater der minimalistischen und brutalistischen Architektur. Sein bekanntes Motto "Weniger ist mehr" ist bis heute populär, nicht nur in der Architektur. Er war ein Verfechter der Stahl- und Glaskonstruktionen und entwarf unter anderem das Barcelona Pavilion. Sein Name steht für den renommierten Mies-van-der-Rohe-Preis in der Architektur.
Jean Nouvel (geboren 1845)
Eines seiner bekanntesten Bauwerke ist der ungewöhnlich geformte Torre Agbar in Barcelona. Er erhielt den Pritzker-Preis für sein Gesamtwerk. Interessant ist, dass er die Architekturprüfung nicht bestanden hat; erst ein gewonnener Wettbewerb ermöglichte ihm das Studium ohne Aufnahmeprüfung.
Daniel Libeskind (geboren 1946)
Seine Architektur wird dem Dekonstruktivismus zugerechnet. Er ist der Autor des Jüdischen Museums in Berlin und des berühmten Royal Ontario Museum.
Der geistige Vater der minimalistischen und brutalistischen Architektur. Sein bekanntes Motto "Weniger ist mehr" ist bis heute populär, nicht nur in der Architektur. Er war ein Verfechter der Stahl- und Glaskonstruktionen und entwarf unter anderem das Barcelona Pavilion. Sein Name steht für den renommierten Mies-van-der-Rohe-Preis in der Architektur.
Jean Nouvel (geboren 1845)
Eines seiner bekanntesten Bauwerke ist der ungewöhnlich geformte Torre Agbar in Barcelona. Er erhielt den Pritzker-Preis für sein Gesamtwerk. Interessant ist, dass er die Architekturprüfung nicht bestanden hat; erst ein gewonnener Wettbewerb ermöglichte ihm das Studium ohne Aufnahmeprüfung.
Daniel Libeskind (geboren 1946)
Seine Architektur wird dem Dekonstruktivismus zugerechnet. Er ist der Autor des Jüdischen Museums in Berlin und des berühmten Royal Ontario Museum.
Norman Foster (geboren 1935)
Beeinflusst von Le Corbusier und Frank Lloyd Wright begann er ein Architekturstudium. Fast die Hälfte der beeindruckendsten Wolkenkratzer weltweit stammt von ihm. Foster & Partners haben über 300 Preise und Auszeichnungen erhalten und 60 nationale und internationale Wettbewerbe gewonnen. Es wird empfohlen, den faszinierenden Dokumentarfilm über seine Architektur und sein Leben mit dem Titel "How much does your building weight, Mr. Foster?" anzusehen.
Ieoh Ming Pei
Er entwarf im Stil des Modernismus und Postmodernismus und gehört zu den letzten Architekten, die in der Ära des Modernismus tätig waren. Er erhielt 1983 den Pritzker-Preis und ist der Autor der berühmten Glaspyramide im Louvre sowie anderer bedeutender Projekte wie die Bank of China in Hongkong und die Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
Dies sind nur einige der vielen herausragenden Architekten, die einen einzigartigen Beitrag zur Architekturwelt geleistet haben. Jeder von ihnen hat auf seine Weise die Architektur und das Design beeinflusst.
Beeinflusst von Le Corbusier und Frank Lloyd Wright begann er ein Architekturstudium. Fast die Hälfte der beeindruckendsten Wolkenkratzer weltweit stammt von ihm. Foster & Partners haben über 300 Preise und Auszeichnungen erhalten und 60 nationale und internationale Wettbewerbe gewonnen. Es wird empfohlen, den faszinierenden Dokumentarfilm über seine Architektur und sein Leben mit dem Titel "How much does your building weight, Mr. Foster?" anzusehen.
Ieoh Ming Pei
Er entwarf im Stil des Modernismus und Postmodernismus und gehört zu den letzten Architekten, die in der Ära des Modernismus tätig waren. Er erhielt 1983 den Pritzker-Preis und ist der Autor der berühmten Glaspyramide im Louvre sowie anderer bedeutender Projekte wie die Bank of China in Hongkong und die Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
Dies sind nur einige der vielen herausragenden Architekten, die einen einzigartigen Beitrag zur Architekturwelt geleistet haben. Jeder von ihnen hat auf seine Weise die Architektur und das Design beeinflusst.
Wenn wir über die bekanntesten zeitgenössischen Architekten weltweit sprechen, dürfen wir die Rolle der schweizerischen Architekten wie Peter Zumthor, Mario Botta, Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Luigi Snozzi und Roger Diener nicht übersehen.
Architekt Basel
Basel, als Hauptsitz des weltweit bekannten Architekturbüros Herzog & de Meuron, ragt in Bezug auf die Anzahl der Architekturbüros in der Schweiz heraus - es gibt hier viele. Dies überrascht nicht, wenn man bedenkt, dass die Stadt für die weltweit größte Messe für zeitgenössische Kunst, die Art Basel, bekannt ist und den Ruf einer Kunststadt hat.
Architekt Zürich
Auch Zürich führt in Bezug auf Architekturbüros, und das liegt daran, dass die Stadt eine der größten Städte in der Schweiz ist. Die Sitze von Büros wie Christian Kerez, EM2N und Enzmann Fischer befinden sich gerade in dieser Stadt.
Architekt Chur
Wenn wir über Architekten in der Schweiz sprechen, dürfen wir eine der bekanntesten Bergstädte nicht übersehen, nämlich die Gegend um Chur, genauer gesagt das kleine Dorf Haldenstein, in dem der Pritzker-Preisträger Peter Zumthor sein Büro hat. Praktisch jeder junge Architekturstudent würde gerne von diesem charismatischen Architekten unterrichtet werden, Praktika in seinem Büro absolvieren und von der von Zumthor entworfenen Architektur umgeben sein.
Basel, als Hauptsitz des weltweit bekannten Architekturbüros Herzog & de Meuron, ragt in Bezug auf die Anzahl der Architekturbüros in der Schweiz heraus - es gibt hier viele. Dies überrascht nicht, wenn man bedenkt, dass die Stadt für die weltweit größte Messe für zeitgenössische Kunst, die Art Basel, bekannt ist und den Ruf einer Kunststadt hat.
Architekt Zürich
Auch Zürich führt in Bezug auf Architekturbüros, und das liegt daran, dass die Stadt eine der größten Städte in der Schweiz ist. Die Sitze von Büros wie Christian Kerez, EM2N und Enzmann Fischer befinden sich gerade in dieser Stadt.
Architekt Chur
Wenn wir über Architekten in der Schweiz sprechen, dürfen wir eine der bekanntesten Bergstädte nicht übersehen, nämlich die Gegend um Chur, genauer gesagt das kleine Dorf Haldenstein, in dem der Pritzker-Preisträger Peter Zumthor sein Büro hat. Praktisch jeder junge Architekturstudent würde gerne von diesem charismatischen Architekten unterrichtet werden, Praktika in seinem Büro absolvieren und von der von Zumthor entworfenen Architektur umgeben sein.
Architekt Bern
Bern, obwohl es auf der Landkarte der Schweiz eine wichtige Regierungsstadt ist, hat nicht so viele bekannte Konkurrenzarchitekturbüros auf seiner Karte. Es gibt jedoch einige kleinere Büros, die mit ihrer Architektur viele Investoren anziehen.
Die Architektur in der Schweiz hat etwas Besonderes an sich, und hier werden einige der führenden Architekten der Welt geboren und erzogen - das ist sicherlich kein Zufall. Deshalb lade ich Sie ein, meinen Blog und mein Instagram-Profil zu verfolgen. Neben Tipps, wie Sie Ihren Raum optimieren können, werde ich sicherlich auch den Schweizer Architekturphänomen genauer betrachten.
Bis bald!
Bern, obwohl es auf der Landkarte der Schweiz eine wichtige Regierungsstadt ist, hat nicht so viele bekannte Konkurrenzarchitekturbüros auf seiner Karte. Es gibt jedoch einige kleinere Büros, die mit ihrer Architektur viele Investoren anziehen.
Die Architektur in der Schweiz hat etwas Besonderes an sich, und hier werden einige der führenden Architekten der Welt geboren und erzogen - das ist sicherlich kein Zufall. Deshalb lade ich Sie ein, meinen Blog und mein Instagram-Profil zu verfolgen. Neben Tipps, wie Sie Ihren Raum optimieren können, werde ich sicherlich auch den Schweizer Architekturphänomen genauer betrachten.
Bis bald!