Is Interior Design or Interior Architecture a Good Career for you to Choose for your Studies?
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards.
The interior design course has been gaining popularity in Malaysia in the past few years as Malaysians have become more affluent as well as being aware of the importance of aesthetics to our well being in our living environment or branding in our business environment. An interior designer can undertake projects that include arranging the basic layout of spaces within a building as well as projects that require an understanding of technical issues such as acoustics, lighting, temperature, etc.
Interior design is a professional job and requires registration with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). You will need at least a degree that is recognised by LAM. There are about 15 universities whose Interior Design degree programmes are accredited by LAM. So, you need to check and make sure before embarking on any course.
There are currently 1,182 job openings for Interior Designers in Malaysia with 775 companies hiring. The mean salary for an interior designer is RM 4,014 while the median salary is RM 3,600 (Source: Q4 2023, Job Market Insights, ILMIA)
You may also be interested to read:
- Malaysia’s Top Private Universities Offering Interior Design Architecture Degree Courses Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia
- Top 4 Universities in Malaysia for Interior Architecture Design Courses
- Study at a Top University in Malaysia for Interior Design (Interior Architecture)
- Choose to Study at the Best Colleges & Universities in Malaysia for Interior Design or Interior Architecture Diploma
Job Demand for Interior Designers in Malaysia
Kenneth, Interior Design at Taylor’s University
The overall job outlook for Interior Designer careers in Malaysia has been positive.The demand for interior designers can fluctuate based on economic conditions, construction trends, and consumer preferences. During economic downturns, there may be fewer new construction projects or renovations, leading to reduced demand for interior designers. However, as the economy has picked up after the COVID pandemic, demand has increased.
The interior design sector is busy and hiring managers are in pursuit of the best professionals in the market to help achieve their business goals. Urban areas in the larger cities with a high population density and robust construction activity may offer more job opportunities. Many interior designers are self-employed or do contract work on top of their jobs at design firms. In addition, graduates have the opportunity to work overseas.
Interior design is a diverse field with many specializations, such as residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare design. Job opportunities may be limited in certain specializations, depending on market demand.
Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College
In Malaysia, in order to practice as an Interior Designer, one must be registered with the Lembage Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).
Subject to the Architect Act 1967, any person who is a corporate member of the ‘Institut Perekabentuk Dalaman Malaysia’ or the Malaysian Institute of Interior Design (MIID) or has obtained a qualification which the Board considers to be equivalent, thereto shall be entitled on application to be registered as an Interior Designer.
Any person who is registered under subsection 10(2) as an Architect shall be entitled to practise or carry on business as an Interior Designer.
According to the LAM website, the latest list of registered Interior Designers in Malaysia in 2024 is 639. There are 191 registered Graduate Interior Designers.
What do Interior Designers do?
Zi En, Interior Design at First City University College
Although an interior designer may create the layout of a space, they may not build the space without having their designs stamped for approval by an architect, which is why many interior designers also complete school to become architects as well. An interior designer may wish to specialize in a particular type of interior design in order to develop technical knowledge specific to that area.
Types of interior design include residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, universal design, exhibition design, spatial branding, etc. The interior designer is responsible for the interior design, decoration, and functionality of a client’s space, whether the space is commercial, industrial, or residential.
Many people do not know that interior design does not deal purely with design factors but that interior designers need to possess good organizational skills. The Interior designer is like a project manager as he or she will work closely with architects and clients to determine the structure of a space, the needs of the occupants, and the style that best suits both. There is an emphasis on planning, functional design, and effective use of space.
An interior designer can undertake projects that include arranging the basic layout of spaces within a building as well as projects that require an understanding of technical issues such as acoustics, lighting, temperature, etc.
Although an interior designer may create the layout of a space, they may not build the space without having their designs stamped for approval by an architect, which is why many interior designers also complete school to become architects as well.
An interior designer may wish to specialize in a particular type of interior design in order to develop technical knowledge specific to that area. Types of interior design include residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, universal design, exhibition design, spatial branding, etc.
The position is a combination of engineer and artist, and it takes a unique type of mind to handle both of those concepts well. Interior designers have to be good with more than color, fabric, and furniture; interior designers should have a strong knowledge of the different types of materials and their functionality, possess budgeting skills, able to communicate well, and coordinate the ordering, installation, and maintenance of all objects that define a space.
Interior designers need to gain a broad knowledge such as electrical capacity, safety, and construction. This broader range of required knowledge is what makes them different from interior decorators. Interior designers have to be able to work with contractors and clients alike, planning and implementing all aesthetic and functional decisions, from faucet handles to miles of carpeting —and all this usually must be done within a fixed budget. Interior designers are hired for their expertise in a variety of styles and approaches, not merely their design concepts.
Therefore, they have to be able to balance their own tastes and their clients’ tastes—and be willing to put their clients’ tastes first. This requirement can be frustrating at first for many who enter the profession.
Interior designers are often asked to begin their planning before construction of a space is finished; this means that they must be good at scheduling and comfortable reading blueprints.
This element of the job comes as a surprise to many new interior designers, who expect to have less of an administrative and technical role and more of a role in influencing the overall feel and appearance of a space.
Those who thrive in the industry say this ability to balance the practical with the aesthetic is crucial to being a successful interior designer. Interior design is hard work, but those who do it well find the work very satisfying. Interior designers may find jobs in industries like property, restaurants, shops, kitchens, hotels, malls, and more.
Interior designers typically do the following:
- Search for and bid on new projects
- Determine the clients goals and requirements for the project
- Consider how the space will be used and how people will move through the space
- Sketch preliminary design plans, including electrical and partition layouts
- Specify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures
- Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs
- Place orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elements
- Oversee construction and coordinate with general building contractors to implement the plans and specifications for the project
- Visit the site after the project is complete, to ensure that the client is satisfied
- Interior designers work closely with architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and construction contractors to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished.
- Interior designers read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
What can you work as with an Interior Design degree?
- Interior Decorators
- Interior Designer
- Event Planner
- Production Designer
- Product Designer
- Colour Consultant
- Retail Interior Designer
- Sustainable Interior Designer
- Furniture Designer
- Lighting Consultant
- Art Director
- Interior Photographer
- Corporate designers
- Furniture arrangers
- Healthcare designers
- Home lighting advisers
- Kitchen and bath designers
- Kitchen designers
/
One thought on “What is the job demand for Interior Designers or Interior Architects in Malaysia 2025?”