The Interior Design major offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to create functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable interior environments. The program combines theoretical study with hands-on practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in a variety of design disciplines.
Students begin by gaining a strong foundation in design principles, including an understanding of space planning, form, color, light, and material selection. The curriculum integrates both traditional and cutting-edge design techniques, offering exposure to the latest tools and technologies used in the industry. In addition to core design skills, students explore topics such as design history, cultural influences, and sustainability practices, allowing them to consider the broader impact of their work on the built environment.
Through a mix of lectures, studio-based projects, and real-world case studies, students develop their ability to solve complex design problems, balance aesthetic considerations with functional requirements, and create spaces that promote well-being and enhance quality of life. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and collaborative teamwork, preparing graduates to effectively communicate and execute design concepts within diverse settings.
A strong focus on sustainability and ethical design practices is woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to consider the environmental and social implications of their design choices. Students also engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and design competitions, providing practical insights into the industry and enhancing their professional networks.
By the time they graduate, students are well-prepared to enter the field as creative, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking interior designers, ready to contribute to residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional design projects that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and the improvement of quality of life.
Message from the Department Director
Society and the built environment are shaped by interior designers in both an aesthetic and functional sense. Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of interior design principles across a variety of contexts. The curriculum is carefully designed to provide in-depth knowledge of key elements such as space, form, color, material, and light while integrating sustainability and innovation as core values. Students engage in a multifaceted learning experience that combines design theory, research, and hands-on studio work enhanced by advanced digital tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality, and parametric design. Emphasizing human-centered and inclusive design, the program explores how spaces influence behavior, accessibility, and well-being. A global and cultural perspective encourages students to design environments that are contextually appropriate and socially responsive. Collaboration with disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and art fosters teamwork and communication skills reflective of professional practice. Moreover, ethical awareness, research-based decision-making, and community engagement are integral parts of the learning process, empowering students to use design as a tool for positive social change. With a focus on residential, commercial, and hospitality spatial design, graduates are prepared to create meaningful environments that promote environmental responsibility, cultural relevance, and occupant well-being.
Mission
Graduating professionals equipped with, design thinking, leadership, and research skills, in the field of Interior Design to foster creativity and sustainability.
Goals
- Expose interior design students to the market through a variety of activities.
- Create an environment the foster creativity in the interior design field.
- Prepare professional interior designers who contribute to the dynamic interior design field.
- Create for interior design students a variety of opportunities geared towards entrepreneurship, the community and research.
Why choose this Bachelor Program at Dar Al-Hekma University?
- Acclaimed by national and international evaluators, the program fills the need of the industry with qualified and creative graduates.
- The international faculty members of the program provide it with a rich multicultural and diverse environment.
- The program has studio-based learning blended with theory and the latest trends and issues in interior design to foster students' creativity and critical thinking.
- Research exploration is encouraged through courses and involvement in research forums.
- The program provides its students with practical and field experiences in the industry.
- Students are provided with local and international exposure through departmental exhibitions, internship trainings, industry guest speakers, participation in local and international interior design expositions and competitions, international trips, and a design symposium every two years.
Graduate Attributes
- Acclaimed by national and international evaluators, the program fills the need of the industry with qualified and creative graduates.
- The international faculty members of the program provide it with a rich multicultural and diverse environment.
- The program has studio-based learning blended with theory and the latest trends and issues in interior design to foster students' creativity and critical thinking.
- Research exploration is encouraged through courses and involvement in research forums.
- The program provides its students with practical and field experiences in the industry.
- Students are provided with local and international exposure through departmental exhibitions, internship trainings, industry guest speakers, participation in local and international interior design expositions and competitions, international trips, and a design symposium every two years.
Admission Requirements
Programs
| Linguaskill Score
| Required Certificate Percentage
| Qudurat Test Score
| Othe Admission Requirement
|
|---|
Bachelor of Design in Interior Design
| 162
| 80%
| 65%
| None
|
For further details about admissions, click here
Learing Outcomes
On successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Knowledge
- Identify design within a historical, socio-political, economic, and cultural context with the use of codes and regulations.
- Explain design elements, principles, terminologies, and theories related to Interior Design sustainability and universal practices.
Skills
- Analyze spatial requirements and effectively plan interior spaces to meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.
- Develop solutions that respond creatively to site-specific conditions, environment and historical context, and client preferences by using research methods and multiple design processes.
- Utilize industry-standard software and tools for drafting, modeling, and rendering interior spaces.
- Communicate design ideas clearly through verbal presentations, written reports, and visual representations to variety of audience.
Values
- Recognize the significance of ethical principles, codes and social responsibility when creating Interior Design space.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in diverse experiences in the interior design field.
Plan of Study
Download POS AY 2024-2025
Download POS AY 2025-2026
Plan of Study AY 2025-2026
Year One |
Semester – Fall | Semester – Spring |
Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours | Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours |
ISLS XXXX | Islamic Studies | 3 | COMM 1302 | Communication Skills II | 3 |
ARAB
XXXX | Arabic
Studies | 3 | BSID
1330 | Introduction
to History of Architecture and Design | 3 |
COMM 1301 | Communication Skills I | 3 | BARC 1301 | Technical Drawing | 3 |
BGDM
1310 | Introduction
to Digital Design and Layout | 3 | BGDM
1320 | Free
Hand Drawing | 3 |
MATH 2302 | Geometry | 3 | BARC 1400 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
Total Credit Hours | 15 | Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Year Two |
Semester – Fall | Semester – Spring |
Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours | Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours |
GELE 3301 | Leadership and Emotional Intelligence | 3 | GEAI 2301 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
BARC
2311 | Computer
Aided Design 1: Architecture Drafting | 3 | BSID
2310 | 3D
Modeling and Rendering | 3 |
BARC 2331 | Materials and Methods of Building
Construction I | 3 | BARC 2321 | Environmental Design 1 | 3 |
BSID
2331 | Interior
Design Principles | 3 | BSID
2233 | History
of Interior Design | 2 |
BSID 2232 | Environmental Psychology and Behavior | 2 | BSID 2320 | Material and Finishes | 3 |
BSID
2300 | Studio
I: System and Design Thinking | 3 | BSID
2301 | Studio
II: Housing Design | 3 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
Total Credit Hours | 17 | Total Credit Hours | 17 |
Year Three |
Semester – Fall | Semester – Spring |
Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours | Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours |
XXXX XXXX | Free Elective | 3 | GERM 3301 | Research Methods | 3 |
BARC
4313 | Computer
Aided Design III: Advanced Computational Modeling | 3 | BSID
3322 | Furniture
Design | 3 |
BSID 3321 | Lighting for the Interior | 3 | BSID 3334 | Professional Practices and Ethics | 3 |
BSID
3402 | Studio
III: Entertainment and Event Design | 4 | BSID
3403 | Studio
IV: Work-Place Design | 4 |
BSID XXXX | Program Elective | 3 | BSID 3340 | Internship | 3 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
Total Credit Hours | 16 | Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Year Four |
Semester – Fall | Semester – Spring |
Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours | Course
Code | Course
Title | Credit
Hours |
ENTR 3301 | Entrepreneurship & Design Thinking | 3 | ARAB XXXX | Arabic Studies | 3 |
ISLS
XXXX | Islamic
Studies | 3 | BSID
4451 | Capstone
II: Interior Design Project | 4 |
BSID 4350 | Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis | 3 | BSID 4323 | Heritage Conservation | 3 |
BSID
4404 | Studio
V: Mixed Occupancy Design | 4 | BSID
4335 | Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design | 3 |
BSID XXXX | Program Elective | 3 | BBBF 1101 | Basic Body and Brain Fitness | 1 |
| | 0 | BSID
XXXX | Program
Elective | 3 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
| | 0 | | | 0 |
Total Credit Hours | 16 | Total Credit Hours | 17 |
Elective
Courses |
CODE | Course Name |
BSID 3360 | Building Codes and
Universal Design |
BSID 3361 | Multidisciplinary Design |
BSID 3362 | Design Emerging
Topics |
BSID 3363 | Design for Special Populations |
BSID 4364 | Advanced Digital
Rendering Techniques |
BSID 4365 | Digital Sketching Techniques |
BSID 4366 | Health Care Design |
BARC 4311 | Landscape Architecture |
BARC
5326 | Construction
Management |
BGDM 2322 | Introduction to Digital Photography |
BGDM 3326 | Printmaking |
Courses
Requirements & Credits |
Requirements | Credits |
Free Electives | 3 |
University Requirement | 19 |
Ministry
Requirement | 12 |
Program Elective Requirements | 9 |
Design Common
Requirements | 19 |
Major Core Requirements | 68 |
Total Credit Hours
for Graduation | 130 |
Career Prospects
The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market including, but not limited to:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Design for Real Estate Branding
- Sustainability Consultant
- Design Project Manager
- Furniture and Product Designer
- Architectural and Design Consultant
- 3D Visualization Specialist
- Retail Design Specialist
- Real Estate Investment Consultant
- Hospitality Design Specialist
- Interior design academicians
- Residential design
- Commercial design
- Exhibition design
- Hospitality and entertainment design
- Medical and educational design
- Office design
- Lighting design
- Color consultant
- Furniture design
Interior Design Course Description
University Requirements
Course Code: COMM 1301
Course Name: Communication Skills I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Code: COMM 1302
Course Name: Communication Skills II
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: COMM 1301
Course Code: GELE 3301
Course Name: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Credit Hours: 2 (2,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Code: GEAI 2301
Course Name: Artificial Intelligence
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Code: BBF 1101
Course Name: Brain and Body Fitness
Credit Hours: 1 (1,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Code: ENTR 3301
Course Name: Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Program Requirements
Course Code : BGDM 1310
Course Name: Introduction to Digital Design and layout
Credit Hours: 3 (1,3)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on essential technical skills and digital graphics as a medium required to develop and communicate design ideas to others in the design profession. It covers many discrete modules that provide the foundation of the necessary skills for designers. Students are introduced to raster and vector graphics and mix between them in publishing packages.
Course Code: MATH 2320
Course Name: Geometry
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course introduces the essential elements of geometry, with a focus on Euclidean Geometry. It also explores the properties of different shapes in two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry. It emphasizes the implementation of geometry in different disciplines.
Course Code: BSID 1330
Course Name: Introduction to the History of Architecture and Design.
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of architecture and design from prehistory to the present. It examines key works of architecture and design from a variety of perspectives, including historical, cultural, and aesthetic. Issues addressed include the role of patronage, the changing role of the architect and designer, the function and symbolic meaning of architecture and design as well as influential architectural and design techniques and processes and distinguishing principles and characteristic formal elements associated with significant architectural and design movements. In conjunction with analyses of individual works, comparisons of architecture and design across time and culture will highlight meaningful similarities and differences between civilizations and cultures, thereby providing insights into their beliefs and values.
Course Code: BARC 1301
Course Name: Technical Drawing
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course aims at developing drafting skills required for design and related courses. It focuses on measuring and documenting architectural spaces. The course covers the representation of buildings into two and three-dimensional architectural drawings.
Course Code: BGDM 1320
Course Name: Freehand Drawing
Credit Hours: 3 (1,3)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course is an introduction to freehand drawing and sketching. It develops graphic communication skills using various mediums. This course focuses on the practical development of drawing abilities using different freehand techniques. It enhances freehand drawing competences required in the fields of art and architecture conceptualization and presentation.
Course Code: BARC 1400
Course Name: Fundamentals of Design
Credit Hours: 4 (2,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of two and three- dimensional design. It focuses on the development of visual design-thinking tools and skills, and the design process to develop essential design skills needed for solving art and architecture problems. It cultivates a variety of communication skills other than the traditional drawing and sketching methods.
Major Core Requirements
Course Code: BARC 2311
Course Name: Computer Aided design 1: Architecture Drafting
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: BARC 1301
Course Description:
This course introduces Computer Aided Design (CAD) for digital drafting of 2D drawings required in the architectural field. The course enables students to use tools and techniques of the CAD software to translate hand drafted drawings into digitally drafted drawings from basic geometries to fully technical architectural drawings.
Course Code: BARC 2331
Course Name: Materials and Methods of Building Construction I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on different type of materials used in construction and different constructional systems. It stresses the relationships between architectural concepts and building technology and covers common construction methods and construction details. The course also focuses on technical drawing skills that are required in the construction field.
Course Code: BSID 2331
Course Name: Interior Design Principles
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing the interior design profession and its relationship to other allied fields. It focuses on contemporary developments and philosophical approaches, including processes relevant to interior design as well as basic principles and concepts of aesthetics.
Course Code: BSID 2232
Course Name: Environmental Psychology and Behaviour
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
Adopts a cognitive-behavioral perspective on the intersection of people and both built and natural environments. Examines how environments may be designed to meet human cognitive, physical, and social needs across the lifespan. Applies theory to practice through environmental analysis. Fulfills core Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement.
Course Code: BSID 2300
Course Name: Studio I: System and Design Thinking
Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Prerequisite: BARC 1400
Course Description:
This course introduces spatial experiences through small-scale conceptual projects within various contexts and narratives that engage and inform users. It emphasizes the fundamentals of interior design processes, creative principles, and applications. The course also focuses on aesthetic awareness, design abilities, and creativity.
Course Code: BSID 2310
Course Name: 3D Modeling and Rendering
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: BARC 2311
Course Description:
This course introduces three-dimensional computer-aided modeling and rendering techniques required for visual presentations of interior design projects. It explores the different lighting techniques and materials in enhancing the presentation of three-dimensional interiors.
Course Code: BARC 2321
Course Name: Environmental Design I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course explores the number of strategies designers use to understand, evaluate and create both built and virtual environments. It addresses conceptual principles of lighting, acoustics and ventilation and focus on context and contextual issues. The course generates design solutions that are both conceptually innovative and commercially viable.
Course Code: BSID 2233
Course Name: History of Interior Design
Credit Hours: 2 (2,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on the influence of art and design movements on the development of contemporary interior design and architectural styles. It explores the progression and evolution of furniture styles, decoration, and interior environment design from the nineteenth century until the present, in addition to the work of key interior designers and architects.
Course Code: BSID 2320
Course Name: Materials and Finishes
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on the materials and components of interior architecture and design. It explores the use of materials, finishes, and textiles and their methods of selection, application, specification, cost estimation, and maintenance. It provides the knowledge and skills to construct effective materials and sample boards.
Course Code: BSID 2301
Course Name: Studio II: Housing Design
Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Prerequisite: BSID 2300
Course Description:
This studio course focuses on the local domestics needs through research, programming, analysis, conceptualization, and interior environment design. Projects include exercises in spatial organization and human factors, emphasizing the people quality of life and well-being.
Course Code: BARC 4313
Course Name: Computer Aided Design III: Advanced Computational Modeling
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: BSID 2310
Course Description:
This course provides the student with an advanced understanding of 3D graphic creation and modeling. Students will learn advanced techniques of rendering, texturing, and lighting, mapping, and modeling realistic environments and complete 3D scenes. Students will also engage with the latest practices of the wider 3D entertainment industry to develop specific skills for 3D modeling. They will be introduced to the latest software, plugins and augmented reality programs to develop and produce photo-realistic presentations as well as virtual walk throughs.
Course Code: BSID 3321
Course Name: Lighting for the Interior
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on acoustics and lighting design and application for interior spaces. It provides an in-depth analysis of the psychological, functional and sustainable aspects of light pertaining to task, function and effectiveness. The course also emphasizes the communication of lighting designs and concepts through RCPs and related specifications.
Course Code: BSID 3402
Course Name: Studio III: Entertainment and Event Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 2301
Course Description:
This course emphasizes space utilization for an optimal user experience. It also focuses on using critical thinking skills in solving various design problems and spatial scenarios for a successful design. It introduces the skills required to design a functional experience while analyzing specific visual and spatial problems for the users.
Course Code: BSID 3322
Course Name: Furniture Design
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course covers the basic skills of concept development, three-dimensional fabrication, and presentation techniques appropriate to furniture design and object-making for application in the interior environment.
Course Code: BSID 4323
Course Name: Heritage Conservation
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course covers architecture, interior design, and decorative arts within the cultural, technological, and social contexts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from ancient times through the 19th century. It raises awareness about Saudi heritage conservation and contemporary adaptations to ensure the preservation of the local cultural identity.
Course Code: BSID 3403
Course Name: Studio IV: Work-Place Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 3402
Course Description:
This course explores the elements, factors, and design solutions of an office interior, focusing on workplace innovation. It emphasizes space planning approaches that support flexible, sustainable, and interdisciplinary corporate design solutions supported by smart office systems.
Course Code: BSID 3340
Course Name: Internship
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: Complete a minimum of 60 credits and manual approval.
Course Description:
This course focuses on practical work experience in an interior design firm under the direct supervision of firm personnel. This practical experience provides an opportunity to explore the business processes and activities that facilitate the transition from education to professional practice.
Course Code: BSID 4350
Course Name: Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: Complete a minimum of 60 credits and manual approval.
Course Description:
This course emphasizes evidence-based design solutions through research. It focuses on choosing, proposing, and researching a capstone project while addressing the needs of the community and reflecting innovation, sustainability, as well as ethical and cultural sensitivity. The course emphasizes the selection of an appropriate research methodology and the generation of a suitable program aligning with regulatory guidelines.
Course Code: BSID 4404
Course Name: Studio V: Mixed Occupancy Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 3403
Course Description:
Advanced design of an interior environment of complex scope and scale to meet the needs of specific clients and prepare students for the practice of the profession. Addresses current issues of design and integrates all aspects of the curriculum.
Course Code: BSID 4451
Course Name: Capstone II: Interior Design Project
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 4340
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the complex design exercise building on the research conducted in the Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis course. It focuses on designing a large-scale project to serve the community and generating a professional and feasible design proposal. The course emphasizes the effective presentation and defense of the capstone project to a wide audience, including professionals from the industry.
Course Code: BSID 4334
Course Name: Professional Practices and Ethics
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course introduces concepts related to setting up and managing a productive design firm. It focuses on legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues and concerns encountered by practicing designers.
Course Code: BSID 4335
Course Name: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course will expand students' awareness of the relationship between ecology and the built environment. It exposes the student to sustainable design utilizing skills and knowledge obtained in all previous BID courses.
