Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Interior Architecture and Venue Design

The accredited Interior Architecture and Venue Design course at Derby equips students with the knowledge and skills to create innovative designs across a wide range of venue spaces for contemporary and future societies. The programme is designed for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on society and the environment through design. The course fosters a supportive studio culture, excellent facilities, and committed staff to guide students in developing a personal approach to design.

The course aims to empower the next generation of designers through innovative and creative techniques that prepare graduates for industry. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers, enhancing professional credibility. Students develop spatial, aesthetic, and communication skills applicable to architectural and interior design practice, and gain an understanding of professional practice, collaboration in diverse teams, project leadership, and intellectual property protection. Opportunities to engage in live project briefs regionally and internationally allow students to present work to real-world clients and explore cutting-edge design thinking and innovation.

Interior Architecture and Venue Design at Derby emphasizes the significant impact of design on everyday life and human interaction. The course provides opportunities to plan and design for a variety of project briefs, including live performance spaces, social and community areas, exhibitions, galleries, brand retail outlets, museums, and music venues. Interior Architecture covers all aspects of interior space, materials, use, and structure, helping students develop a broad range of construction and technical knowledge to support effective communication within industry. Venue Design focuses on the versatility, excitement, and imagination that great venue spaces can create, addressing the changing nature of space and its adaptability to social, economic, cultural, and ecological factors. The programme investigates global challenges such as the climate emergency and the health and wellbeing of building users, alongside creative and social uses of space in art, dance, fashion, film, music, and theatre.

Students develop projects that balance aesthetic and technical elements, including the design of new structures and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. The course encourages the development of personal design narratives, critical evaluation of work, independent and collaborative practice, and communication of design atmospheres through portfolio development. Design is approached as a form of communication for diverse audiences, with a focus on experimentation, exploration, and the celebration of diverse and inquisitive ideas.

The course is suited to individuals passionate about all aspects of design, with a strong interest in drawing, making, and environmentally conscious design. Students are encouraged to develop spaces and venues with a keen awareness of materials, construction, function, and user experience.