the south african institute
of the interior design professions
education overview click on a link below

The IID supports the development and expansion of interior design education as this is critical to the future direction and success of the profession. We do not provide training, accredit any interior design courses or offer a career advisory service.  

For a formal education in interior architecture, design or decoration it is best to attend an accredited College or University to ensure that the learner obtains a thorough educational grounding as well as a recognized qualification ensuring the correct credentials to practice in the interior design industry.  

Why do education institutions need to be accredited?

For public protection and to ensure that qualifications are valid and recognized by the Department of Education and Industry. 

The Technikons and Universities have automatic registration and accreditation; however the private colleges have to apply for this. If you are in any doubt, check the status of the private provider of higher education at http://education.pwv.gov.za. 

  
   
 

By law, every provider of higher education must be registered with the Department of Education (DOE) to operate as a private higher / further education and training institution. Look for their registration certificate which should be clearly displayed
   
 

All higher education programs offered by a higher education provider must be accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) for quality assurance, accountability and improvements in program quality

   
 

Every qualification offered by private higher education institutions must be registered by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualification Framework (NQF). Currently the SAQA unit standards, upon which the qualifications for interior architecture, design and decoration are based, are still in the process of being established. Once these standards have been laid down by the Department of Education all courses will have to be re-assessed to meet the requirements.
 
   

Interior Architecture - is an in depth study of the space within a building enabling the learner to create an aesthetically pleasing environment which is both comfortable and efficient. Projects are commercially orientated such as shopping centres, offices, cinemas, airport terminals and restaurants. Domestic projects and refurbishments are also covered. The interior architect is a key contributor to the professional team and has to be able to work with architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, project managers, building contractors and suppliers of products form the start of the project to its completion. Design flair combined with technical expertise is an integral part of the course. Technical drawings, model making, drawing up of contracts and the overall administration of the installation or construction are also included. 

As per South African legislation, the term interior architect may only be used by graduates from the Pretoria University who have obtained a minimum full time five-year degree in interior architecture.

  
   

Interior Design - deals primarily with the manipulation of three dimensional space. 

Layouts, elevations, computer skills and detailed technical knowledge are interior specific. An interior architect will cover the construction of ‘the structure’ in more detail. Interior design courses emphasize colour, historical influences, detailing and specification of furniture and fittings, the needs of the client, window treatments, soft furnishings, lighting, and textiles, Interior designers are trained to facilitate a final design solution for various spaces, including domestic, retail, hospitality, services etc. Students are exposed to manufacturers and suppliers of products to ensure an updated knowledge base of materials and finishes available to the industry.  Entrepreneurship, Project Management and Business Management are included to ensure a holistic understanding of the industry is acquired. Interior design students will be proficient in CAD and modeling programs, enabling them to offer professional presentations and working drawings to clients.  Communication skills are important to build confidence in selling a project and verbal presentation skills may be included in such a course.

 
   

Interior Decoration – Two types of courses are available.

Interior Decorating focusing on soft furnishing with practical applications. This includes planning and making of cushions, lampshades, quilting, appliqué, patchwork and bedding. Planning and making of curtains, blinds pelmets, valances, swags & tails and keeping up with new trends. Upholstery - familiarising the student with the tools required in the industry, stripping, repairing and varnishing wooden furniture, recovering of fully upholstered furniture covering all springing methods, identification of fabrics suitable for upholstery use, measuring and quotation.

Interior Decorating courses of a more technical nature will include, understanding the needs of the client as well as the space. They are primarily concerned with the functional and decorative planning of the interior of a structure. Courses should introduce the student to the theory of interiors i.e. principles and elements of design, textiles, business practice and have a large practical component. Students will learn basic draughting techniques and have an awareness and understanding of the various layouts used in the building industry, plumbing layouts, electrical layouts etc. Interior decoration may include entering into building or supervisory contracts relevant to the responsibility of the decorator.