Many people, mostly friends and relatives approach me with this question. Its usually questions about the course options and future career prospects of interior designing and architecture. I am also approached by women working in the tech industry who are looking for a career change into interior designing.

First off all, to become a designer, the course is just an academic qualification that will enable you to enhance your capabilities as a designer. It will train you in the skills required to practice in the industry. However, before that, you need to understand what the profession is about and ensure if that is really what you want to do.

Also another important thing, mostly for young students, is that you will be surrounded with friends and family who are eager to know what you are planning to pursue next; and if it is anything apart from Engineering and/or Medicine then you are doomed !

When I told my parents about my decision to pursue architecture, there was a lot of reluctance. I ended up writing all the engineering entrance exams like AIEEE, IIT-JEE, CET (in two states) and other deemed university entrances. The only architecture admission test I attempted was NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture). So after many debates and discussions, I pursued B.Arch and successfully completed it in 2013!

It was only when my work spoke for itself and got covered in a national magazine, is when my parents were ‘a little’ proud of me.

You can pursue any of the courses below based on what suits you best –

• B.Arch, Bachelors in Architecture degree (3 to 5years)
• D.Arch, Diploma in Architecture Assistantship (2 to 3 years)
• Certificate course

Diploma and Bachelors degrees have entrance exams for the admission process. In India, NATA is a nationwide aptitude test for pursuing Bachelors degree apart from AIEEE and other university exams.

Architecture and Interior Designing is a Practical Science.

Visiting companies and firms or taking up short internships to understand the industry is a good start to exploring possibilities. You should interact with people in the field, attend workshops and events that will give you a first hand perspective of the industry. All this research and experience will definitely give you an edge if you decide to pursue the course.

What you see on paper, the sketches digital images, drawings, etc are just one part of this industry. Coordinating colours, textures and introducing decor elements is the last thing to be done while designing. The real deal is how these are translated into reality.

For a different perspective, check out this super informative video by Ananya on her channel Interior Maata

All the best!