Bachelor of sience in Interior Design

Mission

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. This curriculum is carefully designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of key elements such as space, form, color, material, and light. Additionally, students engage in a multifaceted learning approach that includes design theory, research, and hands-on studio work. Sustainability and improving quality of life are prioritized in these projects, which emphasize collaboration and innovative design solutions. With a focus on residential, commercial, and hospitality spatial design, students are prepared to create environments that promote environmental responsibility and occupant well-being.

Mission

Graduating professionals are equipped with design thinking, leadership, and research skills in interior design, enabling them to foster creativity, sustainability, and enhance the quality of life through thoughtful, innovative design solutions.

Goals

Expose interior design students to the market through a variety of activities, fostering practical experience and industry insight.
Create opportunities geared toward entrepreneurship, community engagement, and research, empowering students to innovate and drive sustainability in the field of interior design.
Provide educational experiences that expand students' understanding of interior design by exploring worldwide cultures and their influences on design, promoting global perspectives and sustainable practices.
Prepare skilled interior design professionals who can successfully contribute to diverse societies while enhancing the quality of life and respecting the unique Saudi Arabian environment.

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

Knowledge and Understanding of Interior Design: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, theoretical perspectives, design principles, and historical trends within the field of interior design.
Research Methods in Interior Design: Understand, apply, and evaluate basic research methods specific to interior design, including design analysis, space planning, material selection, and the effective use of design technologies.
Critical Thinking Skills in Interior Design: Use critical and creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and evidence-based approaches to address design challenges, considering the functionality, aesthetic, and sustainability of spaces.
Values in Interior Design: Value empirical evidence, embrace innovative design solutions, act ethically and professionally, and appreciate the importance of sociocultural and environmental diversity in the creation of inclusive and sustainable interior spaces.
Communication Skills in Interior Design: Communicate design concepts and ideas effectively through visual, verbal, and written formats, collaborating with clients, colleagues, and other professionals in a variety of contexts.
Learning and Application of Interior Design Principles: Understand and apply interior design principles to personal, social, and organizational environments, improving the functionality, aesthetics, and quality of life for individuals and communities.

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

Explain design elements, principles, terminologies and theories related to interior design sustainability and universal practices.
Identify design within a historical, socio-political, economic and cultural context with the use of codes and regulations.

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 xxxx	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	Materials 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 Tree
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 3403	Studio IV: Work-Place Design	4
BSID 3402	Studio III: Entertainment and Event Design	4	BSID 3340	Internship	3
BSID XXXX	Program Elective	3	BSID XXXX	Program Elective	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 4334	Professional Practices and Ethics	3
BSID 4404	Studio V: Mixed Occupancy Design	4	BSID 4335	Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design	3
BSID 4323	Heritage Conservation	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

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

Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: HART 1303 - Introduction to Art History
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (3, 0)

Course Description:
This course offers a historical and visual survey of art from ancient civilizations to modern times. It focuses on art in various cultures, including Islamic art, with emphasis on historical developments that have shaped and defined creative achievements.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: FDSI 1304 - Freehand Drawing
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course introduces basic drawing skills, techniques and media. It explores form and space through observational studies of shapes and textures within the environment. This course also emphasizes the depiction of form in relation to light and shadow as well as scale, proportion, accurate measurements and balanced compositions.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: FDSI 1305 - Fundamentals of Design I
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course introduces the fundamentals of two dimensional and color design. It focuses on elements and principles of design using black /white and color media on various supports. The course addresses research and problem solving skills in the design process as well as presentation and craftsmanship.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: FDSI 1306 - Presentation Skills
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course introduces the language and principles of visual communication. It focuses on effective digital communication skills and compelling presentations. It explores layout composition based on the construction of various grids and creative applications.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: FDSI 1307 - Drafting
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course focuses on developing advanced drawing skills and manual drafting. It covers free-hand drawings, the projection of pictorial drawings, rendering and presentation techniques for interior design. The course also emphasizes the observation and recording of space, complex form and details of interior elements.

Pre-requisites: FDSI 1304 - Freehand Drawing
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: FDSI 1308 - Fundamentals of Design II
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course explores designing meaningful sensory experiences through the investigation of line, form, space, light and composition. It focuses on narratives to communicate spatial experiences concentrating on the third dimension.

Pre-requisites: FDSI 1305-Fundamentals of Design I
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2301 - Introduction to Interior Design and Architecture
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (3, 0)

Course Description:
This course introduces the interior design and architecture 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.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Year Two, 1st Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: HART 2303 - History of Interior Design and Architecture I
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (3, 0)

Course Description:
This course provides a concise and comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of interiors, architecture and furniture from Antiquity until the eighteenth century. It emphasizes the built environment within a historical, social, political, economic and cultural context. The course also explores the chronological movements, styles and traditions in Europe and the
Islamic world.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2201 - Environmental Behaviour
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 2 (2, 0)

Course Description:
This course provides a concise and comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of interiors, architecture and furniture from Antiquity until the eighteenth century. It emphasizes the built environment within a historical, social, political, economic and cultural context. The course also explores the chronological movements, styles and traditions in Europe and the
Islamic world.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2313 - Studio I - Spatial Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course introduces spatial experiences through small scale projects within various contexts and narratives that engage and inform users. It emphasizes fundamentals of interior design processes, creative principles and applications. The course also focuses on aesthetic awareness, design abilities and sense of creativity.

Course Pre-requisites: FDSI 1307-Drafting
FDSI 1308-Fundamentals of Design II
Co-requisites: None

Year Two, 2nd Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: HART 2304 - History of Interior Design and Architecture II
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 3 (3, 0)

Course Description:
This course focuses on the influence that art and design movements have on the development of contemporary interior design and architectural styles. It explores the progression and evolution of furniture styles, decoration, and the design of the interior environments throughout the nineteenth century until present in addition to the work of key interior designers and architects.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2317 - Materials and Textiles
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 3 (2, 2)

Course Description:
This course focuses on materials and components of interior architecture and design. It explores the use of materials and textiles and their methods of selection, application, specification, cost estimation and maintenance. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to construct effective materials and sample boards.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2202 - Building Construction
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 2 (2, 0)

Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the basics of structural design and building construction. It emphasizes on the understanding of the variety of building materials, their behavior as structural elements in relationship to function, aesthetic, safety and appropriate applications in construction.

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2203 - Digital Visualization I
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 2 (1, 2)

Course Description:
This course explores digital design tools to draft and visually present interior design projects and related technical drawings. It introduces AutoCAD to build on design and drafting standards. The course also enhances 2D technical drawings through integrated rendering software.

Course Pre-requisites: FDSI 1307 - Drafting
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2316 - Studio II - Residential Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course focuses on solving interior design spatial problems and offering functional and aesthetic solutions to residential contexts. It emphasizes special populations of various needs, gender and age groups. It follows a systematic design process from research and programming to concept generation and design integration.

Course Pre-requisites: FDSI 1307 - Drafting
Co-requisites: None

Year Three, 1st Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3310 - Studio III - Retail Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing the functional and aesthetic problem solving skills of commercial interior environments with international design attributes. It emphasizes space utilization and products display for an optimal user experience. It also focuses on using critical thinking skills in solving various design problems and spatial scenarios for the successful design of store and boutique settings.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 2313-Studio I-Spatial Design
IDSG 2203-Digital Visualization I
IDSG 2316-Studio II-Residential Design
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3311- Lighting for Interior Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (2, 2)
Course Description:
This course focuses on 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 Pre-requisites: FDSI 1307-Drafting
IDSG 2203-Digital Visualization I
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3316 - Working Drawings
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Course Description:
This course focuses on technical aspects of interior design with an emphasis on construction techniques, building systems and finishes. The course includes the development of architectural working and technical detailed drawings. Students apply technical detailing of custom designed systems and interior components.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 2203 - Digital Visualization I
IDSG 2202 - Building Construction
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3312 - Digital Visualization II
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: (1, 4)
Course Description:
This course introduces three-dimensional computer aided modelling 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 Pre-requisites: IDGS 2203-Digital Visualization I
Co-requisites: None

Year Three, 2nd Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3203 - Introduction to Research Methodology
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 2 (2, 0)

Course Description:
This course introduces the basic principles of research methodology. It focuses on the quantitative and qualitative research approaches as well as on research terminology, ethical principles and mixed research methods designs. The course emphasizes data collection and interpretation, precedent studies, literature review as well as findings, respective contextual analysis and discussion.

Course Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3204 - Business Principles and Ethics
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 2 (2, 0)

Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing 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 Pre-requisites: IDSG 3310 - Studio III - Retail Design
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3402 - Studio IV - Hospitality Design
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 4 (1, 6)

Course Description:
This course focuses on exploring interior spaces through diverse creative methods and critical approaches related to hospitality design. It focuses on safety, access, ergonomics as well as other related issues and constraints. It emphasizes creative approaches in the transformation of space within the cultural context of Saudi Arabia.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 3310 - Studio III - Retail Design
Co-requisites: None

Summer Semester: Course Descriptions
Course Code & Title: IDSG 3314 - Internship
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 3 (0, 0, 9) (135 Hrs. Minimum)

Course Description:
This course focuses on the 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 which facilitate the transition from education to professional practice.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 3204 - Business Principles and Ethics
IDSG 3402 - Studio IV - Hospitality Design
Co-requisites: None

Year Four, 1st Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: IDSG 4401 - Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 4 (3, 2)

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 Pre-requisites: IDSG 3203-Introduction to Research Methodology
IDSG 3402-Studio IV-Hospitality Design
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 4402 - Studio V - Office Design
Alternative Course Title: None
Semester Credit Hours: 4 (1, 6)

Course Description:
This course explores the elements, factors and design solutions of an office interior with focus on innovation in the workplace. It emphasizes space planning approaches that support flexible, sustainable and interdisciplinary corporate design solutions supported by smart office systems.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 3402 - Studio IV - Hospitality Design
Co-requisites: None

Year Four, 2nd Semester: Course Descriptions

Course Code & Title: IDSG 4201 - Portfolio
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 2 (1, 2)

Course Description:
This course focuses on refining visual presentation and oral communication skills necessary for effective portfolio presentation to the industry. Students are introduced to different types of portfolio preparation, styles and formats. The course develops students’ professional performance standards with emphasis on individual reflection of a corporate identity necessary for job placement and/or the pursuit of further graduate studies.

Course Pre-requisites: FDSI 1306 - Presentation Skills
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 4403 - Capstone II: Interior Design Project
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 4 (1, 6)

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 Pre-requisites: IDSG 4401 - Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis
IDSG 4402 - Studio V - Office Design
Co-requisites: None

BID Elective Courses

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2311 - Color in Interior Environments
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (2, 2)

Course Description:
This course focuses on the importance and application of color in the built environments and corporate field. It explores the psychological and physical factors of various color schemes. The course also emphasizes the importance of balancing out aesthetic factors and color functions to enhance the design outcome and improve users’ productivity.

Course Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 2309 - Architectural Rendering
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing a range of techniques, materials and processes used in design rendering for effective visual communication. It focuses on rendering media used by interior designers, architects and designers of multiple disciplines.

Course Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3305 - Landscape Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (2, 2)

Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing a general overview of theoretical and historical background on landscape design. It explores the design process relevant to landscaping interiors and exteriors. The course emphasises the synthesis of the environmental factors and social concerns crucial to the shaping of domestic settings in Saudi Arabia as well as global environmental concerns and change.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 2203-Digital Visualization I
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3306 - Saudi Heritage
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (2, 2)

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 Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3307 - Islamic Design and Architecture
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course addresses the different Islamic periods, their design elements and architecture. It focuses on decorative patterns and motifs that distinguish various illustrious periods in the Islamic world. The course also analyses contemporary design applications of traditional Islamic design elements and highlights.

Course Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None

Course Code & Title: IDSG 3308 - Exhibition Design
Alternative Course Title: None Semester Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)

Course Description:
This course focuses on the production of original, creative and viable proposals for exhibition-type spaces based on research. It introduces the skills required to design an exhibition while analysing specific visual and spatial problems for a ‘real’ audience. It provides a realistic experience of design team scenarios through collaboration with designers from other disciplines.

Course Pre-requisites: IDSG 2203 - Digital Visualization I
Co-requisites: None