Study the Best Interior Design (Interior Architecture) Course in Malaysia

Study at Top Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for Interior Design or Interior Architecture

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The right college or university will inculcate the best skills and expertise in students to be successful in their challenging interior design or interior architecture careers. Therefore, it is important for students to carefully choose the best university in Malaysia for their interior architecture design studies. Some of the award-winning colleges and universities in Malaysia for interior design (interior architecture) are Taylor’s University, First City University College and Saito University College

When choosing a college or university to study interior design in Malaysia, it is important to look at their reputation, awards won, lecturers’ experience, facilities and accreditation. Looking at these criteria will help you to choose the best college or university in Malaysia that suits you.

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
• What Type of Malaysian Students Should Study Interior Design/Interior Architecture?

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Study Interior Design (Interior Architecture) in Malaysia

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.

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.

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

Below are a sample of the subjects that you would study in a Diploma or 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

Internships for Interior Design Students 

Internship is compulsory for interior design (interior architecture) courses in Malaysia. It is the pre-arranged programme of student attachment with companies within the industry for a 3-6 month period. Students will be awarded credits for the internship. Students benefit greatly from these internship attachments as they have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge into real life projects with the help of working professionals.

Education Pathway to Becoming a Professional Interior Designer or Interior Architect in Malaysia

Students after SPM or O-Levels will need at least 5 credits to enter the Foundation in Design or Foundation in Natural and Built Environment programme before continuing on to the degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture.

Alternatively, students with at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels may enter the Diploma in Interior Design or Interior Architecture. You may check the Entry Requirements for the Diploma by clicking on this link. Upon completion of the Diploma, students will enter into Year 2 of the Interior Design or Interior Architecture degree.

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.

What is Interior Design?

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 in Malaysia 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 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.

The Work of An Interior Designer in Malaysia

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.

In addition, the 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 in Malaysia 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.

Furthermore, 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 in Malaysia. 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.

Accreditation of Interior Designers & Interior Architects in Malaysia

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).

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. 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.