Got ambition to become an interior designer but don’t know what the best way forward is? This guide will list out some of the best options that are at your disposal in Mumbai and can help you on your quest of becoming a professional interior designer.
If you’re considering a career in interior design but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you're testing new waters, casually browsing, seeking to upskill, or a novice starting from scratch, this list of top interior design courses in Mumbai can guide you. Not only will this list provide you with valuable information on what Mumbai has to offer, including course duration, fees, and pros and cons, but will also assist you in making an informed decision.
Before we delve into the list, let's first address a question that is likely on your mind - do you even need to pursue a course in interior design to pursue a career in the field?
Should you pursue a course in Interior Design?
The short answer is, yes. If you aspire to master a technical field like interior design, pursuing a comprehensive course with a structured curriculum and guidance from trained professionals can further enable you to achieve your goal. However, the kind, of course, you should enrol in depends on various factors such as your desired level of proficiency in interior design, your learning style, your career aspirations, and more.
Here are a couple of benefits of enrolling in a course:
Develop an understanding of design principles: Interior design courses can help you learn about the principles of design, colour theory, furniture selection, lighting design, and space planning. Through a course, you'll be able to learn how to create cohesive and functional spaces that are visually appealing.
Enhance creativity: Interior design courses encourage students to think outside the box and explore innovative ideas to create unique spaces. A course also offers a safe space where students can confidently experiment with new design concepts under mentor guidance.
Expand career scope: Completing an interior design course can help you build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills and expertise and this can open up new career opportunities. With a well–made and strong portfolio, you may also be able to work in various areas of the industry, such as residential or commercial design.
Network with industry professionals: Interior design courses often offer opportunities to connect with industry professionals, such as guest speakers, or internships with seasoned professionals. This can help you establish valuable connections and gain insight into the field.
Work on real-world projects: Though the field of interior design is a growing niche, it consists almost entirely of skilled professionals who know the ins and outs of the projects they work on. From ideation to implementation, a professional interior designer is equipped with all the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to actively contribute to the process. A lot of this knowledge is nuanced and requires designers to employ a learn-by-doing method in order to learn efficiently and effectively. A course in interior design tries to emulate the same with real-world projects.
So, now that we have a general understanding of what enrolling in an interior design course can do for you, let's get to the list of courses Mumbai has to offer!
- 1) AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma, & PG Diploma in Interior Design
- 2) NAFDI School of Interior Design: Diploma in Interior Design
- 3) D’CAD Interior Designing Institute: Diploma in Interior Designing
- 4) International School of Design: Diploma in Interior Design and Technology
- 5) Hue N Rig Institute of Art and Design: Interior Design Diploma Course
- 6) Raffles Design International: Diploma in Interior Design
1. AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma, & PG Diploma in Interior Design
AND Academy is a leading design institution offering high-quality interior design courses. Backed by the Indian Institute of Art and Design, Delhi, which collaborates with Kingston School of Art, London, AND Academy specialises in imparting affordable, accessible, and industry-relevant design education. With a team of experienced and highly qualified instructors, the institute provides students with a comprehensive understanding of interior design through three distinct courses:
6-month Certificate course in Interior Design: This part-time course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of interior design principles and practices. This course is ideal for those who want to gain basic knowledge of the interior design space or are looking to launch a career in the field. The course is time efficient and has a balanced curriculum, allowing students to quickly understand the fundamentals of interior design and test it out with a residential interior project under mentor guidance.
1-year Diploma course in Interior Design: The part-time course is designed for individuals who want to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of interior design. This course is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in interior design or are looking to enhance their existing knowledge and skills. In addition to the residential design project, students will also undertake a commercial interior design project.
Pros
- AND Academy offers its courses online and uses advanced software to virtually recreate a classroom-like scenario, making it an enriching educational experience for the students
- Well-regarded in the design industry, AND Academy has a rich network of industry professionals and organisations that its students can benefit from to launch or advance their career
- AND’s courses can be attended in the evening and on the weekends making it a viable option for working professionals looking to upskill
- Each course comes with a set of real-world project work that culminates into an industry-ready portfolio
- The Certificate course is stackable ie, and students enrolled in the certificate course can choose to extend their learning for another 16 weeks and receive a Diploma instead
- None of the courses make use of recorded sessions and all classes are in the form of live sessions
Cons
- To fully participate in the instructor-led sessions, it's necessary to attend at specific times since they're not pre-recorded.
- Due to the significant practical component of the courses, students must commit time regularly throughout the program
Duration
- Certificate in Interior Design - 6 months (part-time)
- Diploma in Interior Design - 1 year (part-time)
Price
- Certificate in Interior Design - INR 60,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 6,600 per month)
- Diploma in Interior Design - INR 1,20,000 + GST (EMI starting at INR 7,170 per month)
Link: AND Academy: Certificate, Diploma, & PG Diploma in Interior Design
2. NAFDI School of Interior Design: Diploma in Interior Design
The Diploma in Interior Design course offered by NAFDI Interior Design School is a full-time, year-long course that is exclusively available in an offline format. The course emphasises design culture and utilises studio-based learning to teach a variety of creative and innovative process methodologies. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including design theory, space planning, furniture design, colour theory, and lighting, and all of this is supported by a series of practical assignments and real-world projects, enabling students to apply their knowledge and develop their skills throughout the course. The school also offers placement assistance to students, guiding them towards suitable employment opportunities after completion of the course.
Pros
- The course provides students with practical training and hands-on experience in interior design.
- Students are provided access to modern facilities and equipment, including computer labs and design software, on the campus.
- The course includes a range of modules covering important topics such as drawing, design, and material selection.
- NAFDI has a strong network of industry connections, which could potentially help students to find internships or job opportunities.
- The physical location of the institute in Mumbai could provide students with exposure to a range of design styles and cultures.
Cons
- Not much information is openly available with regard to the qualifications or experience of the instructors teaching the course
- The course requires students to attend classes six days a week which might not make the course doable for working professionals looking to upskill
- Each class is about five hours long and would require a student to commit a fair amount of time to the course
Duration
The program spans a period of one year.
Price
We recommend getting in touch with the institute to retrieve this information.
Link: NAFDI School of Interior Design: Diploma in Interior Design
3. D’CAD Interior Designing Institute: Diploma in Interior Designing
The Diploma in Interior Designing course by DCAD Institute is a comprehensive 12-month program that provides a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of interior design. The course is offered offline, with classes scheduled thrice a week.
During the course, students learn about the different types of layouts, space planning, colour theory, furniture design, lighting, and other essential aspects of interior design. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components, with real-world design projects to develop student's skills and help them gain hands-on experience. The course also features guest lectures and workshops by industry experts, providing insights into the latest trends and developments in the field.
Pros
- A comprehensive program providing a strong foundation in interior design principles and techniques
- Real-world design projects enable students to develop hands-on experience
- Guest lectures and workshops by industry experts might help students gain insight into the latest trends and developments in the field
Cons
- No specific information is provided on the course page about the job placement rate or success of former students in the field
- The curriculum lays strong emphasis on teaching software
- Only available in an offline format, hence limiting its accessibility
- The course is unideal for working professionals since classes are scheduled throughout the weekdays
Duration
The program runs for one year.
Price
The course costs INR 70,000.
Link: D’CAD Interior Designing Institute: Diploma in Interior Designing
4. International School of Design: Diploma in Interior Design and Technology
International School of Design’s Diploma in Interior Design and Technology is a comprehensive programme that covers the principles and techniques of interior design. The course lasts one year and is appropriate for both beginners as well as professionals who want to improve their knowledge and skills in interior design. The curriculum divided over two semesters teaches drafting, principles and application of colour, and architecture among other things. The course includes both theoretical and practical components and provides the scope for students to work on real-world design projects to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience. The course also includes industry visits and guest lectures from industry experts, giving students an understanding of the most recent trends and developments in the field.
Pros
- The course covers a wide range of topics, including sketching, drafting, 2D and 3D design, and project management.
- Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a design studio, computer labs, and a library.
- The course also provides students with sessions on grooming and communication
- Students are provided with the opportunity to work on real-world design projects
- INSD Thane has a strong network of industry connections, which can provide students with valuable opportunities for internships and job placements.
Cons
- The course is not available online; might not be ideal for students with geographical constraints
- The curriculum focuses on teaching the breadth rather than the depth of the subject
Duration
The course spans 12 months.
Price
The course costs INR 95,580 (including GST).
Link: International School of Design: Diploma in Interior Design and Technology
5. Hue N Rig Institute of Art and Design: Interior Design Diploma Course
The Interior Design Diploma Course at Hue N Rig Institute of Art and Design is a year-long program that is only available offline. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to interior design, including its design principles, colour theory, lighting, space planning, and furniture design. The course also includes lessons on professional practices, such as client relations and project management. Students will complete a variety of practical assignments and over 10 projects throughout the program, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The students have access to a tutor throughout the course for any feedback and guidance needed.
Pros
- The program covers a wide range of topics related to interior design, including both design principles and professional practices, providing graduates with a well-rounded skill set
- Throughout the course, students will complete practical assignments and projects that allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, which may help to prepare them for entry-level positions in the industry
Cons
- The course is not available online which might not be ideal for learners that wish to learn interior design remotely
- The course has students complete more than ten projects in the span of a year which might not be
Duration
The programme lasts for a full year.
Price
The course approximately costs INR 75,000
Link: Hue N Rig Institute of Art and Design: Interior Design Diploma Course
6. Raffles Design International: Diploma in Interior Design
Raffles Design International’s Diploma in Interior Design is a 6-month foundational course that is aimed at helping students learn the fundamentals of interior design. The curriculum covers fundamental principles and theory, free-hand drawing, architectural drawing, creativity and concept development among several other things. Students are required to attend classes on campus and classes are held from Monday to Friday. Students are provided with regular assignments and projects that culminate into a portfolio. Students can choose to study further by enrolling in the Advanced Diploma in Interior Design after the course completion since the courses are progressive.
Pros
- Raffles is an established institution with a global presence which will help students receive an educational experience in line with global standards
- The courses’ curriculum covers the fundamentals of interior design and offers a practical component to help students learn-by-doing
Cons
- The course is not available online
- The course might not be ideal for students who wish to become industry-ready since the course is offers
- Sessions are held on weekdays, making this course less flexible than others on the market.
- There are evaluation tests that one must clear to enrol which might not be very beginner friendly.
Duration
The course lasts 6 months.
Price
The course costs INR 4,26,000 (including tax).
Link: Raffles Design International: Diploma in Interior Design
What Should You Do Next?
When choosing an interior design course, there are several factors that you may want to consider to ensure the course is right for you. Some of these factors include:
Curriculum: You should check the curriculum of the course to ensure that it covers the aspects of interior design that you are interested in. It is important to ensure that the course covers the basic and advanced concepts of interior design, including design principles, materials, and techniques.
Faculty: You should look into the faculty teaching the course and check their qualifications and experience in the field. Experienced faculty can provide you with insights into the industry and mentor you throughout the course.
Duration: Consider the duration of the course and whether it fits your schedule. Shorter courses may seem convenient, but it is important to ensure that they provide the necessary knowledge and skills.
Course fees: Check the course fees and ensure that they are within your budget. You may also want to consider any scholarships or financial aid options that the institution offers.
Facilities: Look into the facilities available to you, such as the design studio, library, computer labs, and other resources. These facilities can impact your learning experience and help you develop the necessary skills.
Career support: Check if the institution provides career support and opportunities, such as internships and job placements.
Before making your final decision, it may also be helpful to speak with alumni or current students of the course to get their insights into their experiences. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the interior design course that is best suited to your needs and aspirations.
Learn More: What To Look For in a Top Interior Design Course
Additional Resources
In this article, we’ve listed some of the best interior design courses for you to consider if you are looking for one in Mumbai. Furthermore, we have shared all the criteria you need to take into consideration before enrolling in any one of them
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
