Course Summary
Interior Architecture and Design is a profession that explores new ways to create inspiring interior environments within the built environment, promoting sustainability through creative re-use of space. Whether it’s developing an existing space or creating a new one, interior architects design comfortable homes, functional workspaces and inspirational public spaces that consider architectural forms, environmental impacts, and psychological and cognitive components of the space. Our students develop their designs and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced architects and interior designers.
The Interior Architecture and Design degrees at ATU Sligo provide an internationally recognised level of interior education and training aligned with the European Council of Interior Architects standard and best practice across Europe.
YAADA Showcase 2024
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Interior Architecture and Design degree at ATU Sligo places the creative response to culture, community and location at the heart of every project. Interactions with real clients, sites and diverse design projects provide students with real world design challenges, with a focus on developing versatile, industry- ready skills. Students are motivated to be innovative and progressive trendsetters, inspired by up-to-date knowledge of the design world.
The core element of the programme in each year is Design Studio. The dynamic and creative studio environment encourages students to develop their individual design style and skills through diverse selection of projects which include residential, hospitality, cultural, exhibition, community, conservation, restoration, furniture and lighting design, as well as collaborative projects with students from arts and construction-based professions. Students enjoy one-to-one contact time with tutors in dedicated studio spaces.
Our dynamic ‘Studio Culture’ is enriched by;
- Exciting design projects including: residential, hospitality, cultural, exhibition, community design, conservation, restoration, furniture and lighting design.
- Multi-disciplinary, collaborative projects, involving real clients and live sites.
- Annual Field trips to design cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Rome, Stockholm and Venice.
- Student exhibitions and design competitions.
YEAR 1
Students study Visual Literacy, Visual and Material Culture, Construction and Architectural Technology, Studio Skills, Design Studio, Architectural Context and Theory.
YEAR 2
Students join first year students from the Level 8 Interior Architecture and Design programme and build upon the modules introduced in Year 1.
YEAR 3
Emphasis is placed on studio time, supported by modules in Design Fundamentals; Professionalism and Communication; Design Realisation (Materials and Technology), Cultural Studies and Digital Design Representation (including CAD, SketchUp, Photoshop and REVIT).
Click here to view the Interior Architecture and Design Flickr account and image gallery
DEZEEN SCHOOLS SHOW 2023
In 2023, ATU Sligo’s Interior Architecture and Design programme had ten student projects published in the Dezeen Schools Show. Dezeen, regarded as the world’s most influential architecture, interiors and design magazine, has three million readers and over seven million online followers. The invitation from Dezeen to feature in the show was a result of ATU Sligo Interior Architecture and Design students presence in international student competition platforms. Check out ATU Sligo's 10 Design Projects in Dezeen
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 7 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
A portfolio is NOT required for CAO applicants.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work as interior architects, interior designers in interior and architectural practices, or as specialist designers in retail, branding, hospitality design, contract interiors, and point of purchase design. There are also opportunities in exhibition design, TV and film, lighting, visualisation, and 3D modelling.
"The global Interior Design Market is estimated to grow at a significant rate*, driven by changes in social structures and standards of living as well as governmental initiatives, regulations and corporate responsibility policies arising from the recognition of global environmental issues." *ResearchandMarkets.com
Further Study
Students can progress onto the final year of the BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design at ATU Sligo. This can be studied full-time for one year or part-time over two years. Alternatively, Level 7 graduates can apply for advanced progression into national and international Level 8 programmes in Interior Architecture, Interior Design and Spatial Design.
AU926 BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design
Upon completion of the Level 8 programme, graduates may apply to the Level 9 Masters in Interior Architecture through Creative Practice at ATU Sligo. Graduates are also well placed to study a wide variety of national and international postgraduate courses.
Testimonials
"I chose this degree as I find it more challenging in many aspects. From architectural sketches to learning various computer-aided software that allows you to produce your design ideas and precise detail drawings, selecting and proposing furnishing materials, and managing an entire interior design project from A to Z. It is challenging yet allows me to express my creativity!
I also like the opportunity to work with real clients and on community projects, participate in international design competitions and liaise with design professionals throughout the degree. One of the best things about the degree is that you get to help other people to achieve their desired interior spaces whilst creating a beautiful design portfolio for yourself."
Jasmine Lee, BA in Interior Architecture and Design and winner of the Interior Architecture category at the Institute Designers Ireland (IDI) Graduate Awards
“I chose this degree ahead of other similar programmes because it was expressed more as an artistic choice. It is for artists and practical thinkers. It’s a great degree to learn new media from physical art (clay/ paint) to the digital world on computers (Photoshop/CAD). I love how free you are with your work. You get a brief and you are allowed to express that in any way you would like.”
Rachel Walsh, BA in Interior Architecture and Design
“I enjoy the atmosphere of the university and how friendly everyone is. From first year, the degree has really pushed us to immerse ourselves and learn about the area and its history. Through group projects and spending extra time in studio it has really made us bond as a group.”
Jordina Doyle, BA in Interior Architecture and Design
Did you know?
We also offer this programme at Level 8 - AU926 BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design
The Interior Architecture programmes at ATU Sligo are the first in Ireland to be recognised by the ECIA (European Council of Interior Architects). The programmes are also members of the IDI (Institute of Designers in Ireland) and Interior Educators UK.
Final year YAADA students take part in a creative showcase each year. Check out the Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture Yearbook to see their work.
Design studio is the core element of the programme in each year. Students enjoy one-on-one contact time with tutors in dedicated studio spaces.
Annual field trips to design cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Rome, Stockholm and Venice provide first-hand experience of cutting-edge contemporary design.
Students take part in exhibitions and design competitions.
This programme includes multi-disciplinary, collaborative projects, involving real clients and live sites.
In 2023, ATU Sligo’s Interior Architecture and Design programme had ten student projects published in the Dezeen Schools Show. Dezeen, regarded as the world’s most influential architecture, interiors and design magazine, has three million readers and over seven million online followers. The invitation from Dezeen to feature in the show was a result of ATU Sligo Interior Architecture and Design students presence in international student competition platforms. Check out ATU Sligo's 10 Design Projects in Dezeen
Click here to view the Interior Architecture and Design Flickr account and image gallery.
Alumni
“The degree opened my eyes to a new world of creativity and design. I have so many wonderful memories of my time in ATU Sligo, from spending lots of time in the studio with classmates, to our field trips in Sweden, Lisbon and London.
I really love my job; every day I get to work on different projects which keeps things interesting! My current role involves designing residential and commercial projects for the private sector.
This degree really prepared me for the field of work as the industry can be very fast paced. I am extremely grateful for this degree and the steppingstone which helped to pave my career.”
Karen Reilly, BA in Interior Architecture and Design graduate and currently working with Corbwell Design