Best Interior Design (Interior Architecture) Degree Programmes Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)

Which are the Best Interior Architecture & Design Degree Courses in Malaysia that’s Accredited by LAM?

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The 3½-year Interior Architecture degree programme at a private university in Malaysia is a pre-professional programme that provides a recognised qualification in Interior Architecture and Design, which is necessary in the journey to become a Registered Interior Designer.  Students wanting to work in Malaysia as professional interior designers or interior architects must have at least a degree in interior design or interior architecture from an accredited university. The degree needs to be recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). Professionally accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), the programme is developed in-line with the guidelines of LAM or Board of Architects Malaysia and appraised under the same rigour as the Architecture programme. In addition, students will experience a thorough education to Interior Architecture and gain valuable industry exposure through lecture series, external design reviews, field trips, and site visits.

You may also be interested to read:

• Malaysia’s Top Private Universities Offering Interior Design Architecture Degree Courses Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia
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• Choose to Study at the Best Colleges & Universities in Malaysia for Interior Design or Interior Architecture Diploma

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Why Should Students Study Interior Architecture (Interior Design) that’s Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)?

Students wanting to work in Malaysia as professional interior designers or interior architects must have at least a degree in interior design or interior architecture from an accredited university. The degree needs to be recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). Study at top private universities whose interior architecture and design degree programmes are accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).

An Interior Design (Interior Architecture) degree programme is a pre-professional programme that provides a recognised qualification in Interior Architecture, which is necessary in the journey to become a Registered Interior Designer in Malaysia.

Graduating with a LAM accredited Interior Architecture and Design degree, students can find work easily as a professional interior designer in Malaysia as well as overseas.

Therefore, students should choose a course that’s professionally accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), where the programme is developed in-line with the guidelines of LAM or Board of Architects Malaysia and appraised under the same rigour as the Architecture programme.

What is the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)?

THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS MALAYSIA IS A STATUTORY AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

The functions of the Board are provided under the Section 4(1) of the aforesaid Act which includes the following :

• Registration of Architects, Graduate Architects, Interior Designers, Graduate Interior Designers, Building Draughtsmen, Inspector of Works and Architectural Technologists;
• Registration of Architectural Consultancy Practices and Interior Design Consultancy Practices;
  Regulation of their conduct and ethics;
• Conducting examinations for admission to the profession;
• Accreditation of architectural programmes;
• Development and Promotion of the profession;
• Representing the architectural profession in any matter at local and international levels.

Choose to Study a Degree that’s Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

When a course is accredited by the MQA, it means that the government of Malaysia and education authorities recognise the validity of the course. Now, what does it actually means to study a valid course? It will affect your plans to further study. When the time comes and you want to study your masters, if your degree is not MQA accredited, you will not be able to do that.

In cases such as Interior Architecture and Design and practical programmes, your potential employer will look at the course accreditation to ensure that you know the operational standards, regulations and basic laws of your field. If you study Interior Architecture and Design and want to become a professional interior designer, the validity of your course is very important. This means that the course falls under the ethical, operational, and legal standards set by the government.

The Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA) is an official body that is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education and is the only body that controls universities’ accreditation status, regulate curriculum and set operational standards for both public and private universities and other higher learning institutions in Malaysia. MQA also accredit individual courses and programmes at each university. MQA’s operation is important because it works to ensure that higher learning in the country is up to global standards and is fit for the future of the nation.

Accreditation is a formal recognition that a certificate, diploma or degree programme has attained the quality standards and criteria set by MQA and is in compliance with the MQF.

Institutions whose programmes have been accredited can use MQA recognition in their advertisements or any other statement. These programmes can be considered for recognition by the government for the purpose of employment in the public sector. Accreditation is a status or achievement as a result of quality assessment by MQA. It is a commitment by MQA to all stakeholders in higher education i.e students, parents, employers that the programme accredited by MQA is quality-assured. It is also a basis for other parties to recognise the programme for a variety of reasons. For example, the Public Service Department (PSD) will use this accreditation status to recognise the qualification for employment in the public service.

How long is the Interior Architecture & Design Degree Course?

The Interior Architecture and Design degree programme at private universities in Malaysia is 3.5 years in duration that includes the internship.

What is Interior Design?

Interior architecture is a combination of the study and practice of interior design with architecture. Interior Architecture explores how the interiors of buildings such as offices, homes, condominiums, hospitals, hotels or restaurants are inhabited, used and experienced by their target audience.

Interior Architects are trained to consider the modification of the interior structure of the building rather than just refinishing and furnishing existing spaces.

Interest in interior architecture in Malaysia has grown rapidly in recent years as we have become more affluent and design conscious. New materials, technologies and techniques are giving interior architects in Malaysia exciting new ways to enclose and use space using, such as architectural glass for floors and ceilings and new environmentally friendly technologies for heating and lighting.

Interior architects plan and detail commercial and residential building interiors for effective use with particular emphasis on space creation, space planning and factors that affect our responses to living and working environments. Good design can enable us to live and work more efficiently, comfortably, profitably, securely and pleasurably in a more aesthetically fulfilling and functional environment.

Interior Architects plan space allocation, traffic flow, building services, furniture, fixtures, furnishings and surface finishes. They consider the purpose, efficiency, comfort, safety and aesthetic of interior spaces to arrive at an optimum design. They custom design or specify furniture, lighting, walls, partitions, flooring, colour, fabrics and graphics to produce an environment tailored to a purpose.

In your work as an interior architect in Malaysia, you’ll prepare drawings of interior spaces, and you might even design the furniture that will be used in those spaces. You might work for an architectural firm or another company that designs hospitals, offices, homes or schools; you could also go into business for yourself.

What are the Learning Outcomes for Studying the Interior Architecture & Design Degree in Malaysia?

• Understand the role of design and the designer within a professional context.
• Have a theoretical and critical perspective of design within its cultural, social,
  political and economic context.
• Are able to align the design and development of interior spaces with the architectural
  context and building envelope.
• Understand structural, technical and material considerations at an appropriate level.
• Design interior spaces in a rational, sensitive and articulate manner that contributes
  to the creation of a physical framework for a fair, equitable and sustainable society.

What you will study in Interior Design or Interior Architecture Degree in Malaysia?

Below are a sample of the subjects that you would study in a Degree in Interior Design (Interior Architecture) at top universities or colleges in Malaysia.

• Building Materials
• Design Communication
• Introduction to Design
• Building Construction
• Design Communication
• Design Theory
• Interior Behavioural Studies
• Computer-aided Design
• Interior Design Studio
• Architecture History
• Interior Materials & Finishes
• Temporary Structure Design
• Introduction to Visual Culture
• Building Studies
• Furniture Design
• Design Communication
• Concept Design
• Digital Architecture
• Set & Exhibit Design
• Furniture Design & Workshop
• Interior Architecture Contract & Law

What is the Education Pathway into an Accredited Interior Architecture & Design Degree in Malaysia?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in interior architecture can consider going for the 2.5-year Diploma in Interior Architecture or Interior Design with 3 credits. Upon completion of the diploma, students can enter into Year 2 of the Interior Architecture degree for another 2 years.

If you are still unsure of what to study, then you can go for the 1-year Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Design with 5 credits and then enter into the 3.5-year Interior Architecture degree at top private universities in Malaysia. To be successful in your career in Interior Architecture or Interior Design, students must choose a top university in Malaysia so that they can gain the necessary design skills and specific knowledge.

What are the Entry Requirements into an Interior Architecture & Design Degree?

• Foundation in Arts/ Science/Natural & Built Environment/ Equivalent
  Minimum CGPA 2.0
• STPM (Arts/Science stream)
  Minimum CGPA of 2.0 for 2 subjects
• ​A-Level
  Minimum Grade ‘D’ in 2 subjects
• ​UEC (Commerce/Science stream)
  Minimum 5 Credits (Grade B)
• ​SAM/SACEi
  Minimum average of 60% in 5 subjects
• Canadian Pre-U (CPU)
  Minimum average of 65% in 6 subjects
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
  Minimum 26/42 points from 6 subjects
• Local Matriculation
  Minimum CGPA 2.0
• Diploma/ Advance Diploma/ Degree/ equivalent
  • Minimum CGPA 2.0
  • Subject to School discretion and credit transfer after reviewing transcript, syllabus description & portfolio.
  • Max. 30% credit transfer
• Other qualification deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by MQA
  Students will be considered on a case by case basis.

Is the PTPTN Loan Available for the Interior Architecture and Design Degree Courses?

Students nowadays have the opportunity to complete a diploma or degree programme at a private college or university with the support of the PTPTN Loan which covers some of the tuition costs at a very low interest rate of 1%.

Interior Architecture and Design degree Courses that are accredited by the MQA can only be eligible for the PTPTN Loan. Certain exceptions are made for courses that are under Provisional Accreditation.

Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester.Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.

PTPTN Loan Amount

PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS	JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT*
	MAKSIMUM(RM)	75%(RM)	50%(RM)
Foundation	–	–	–
Diploma	6,800	5,100	3,400
Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Sastera)	13,600	10,520	6,800

As of 1 November 2014, PTPTN will reduce the total loan amount for their new applicants. For private higher education institution, a total of 15 % from the previous total loan amount will be deducted. PTPTN will also use the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) data to determine the amount eligible to the applicants. However, total loan amount for the program of Doctor of Medicine will remain the same. There are three levels of loan amount designed by PTPTN to determine the amount eligible to the applicants. The details of the loan level are as below:

No	Level	Description of Eligibility
1	Maximum	Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recepient of BR1M
2	75% from maximum loan amount	Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M)
3	50% from maximum loan amount	Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M)

How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for the Interior Architecture and Design Degree Course?

Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation

Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.

What are the Career Opportunities for Interior Architecture and Design Graduates in Malaysia?

Graduates will be able to gain professional working experience in:

• Interior Design & Architectural Firm
• Developer Firm
• Film and Television Organisation
• Construction Firm

Graduates may also venture into other fields of expertise, such as:

• Interior Architect/Designer/Consultant
• Project Manager
• Environmental & Theme Park Design
• Residential Design
• Hospitality & Healthcare Design
• Technical Assistant / Draftsperson
• Site Supervisor
• Lighting & Furniture Design
• Retail & Commercial Design
• Stage, Set & Exhibit Design

Opportunities also exist in support areas including:

• Building Product Marketing & Promotion
• Building Industry Resource-Supplier
• Facilities Management & Development
• 3-D Visualiser