Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

This unique double degree at UTS combines interior architecture with creative intelligence and innovation, giving you both strong design expertise and the ability to think across disciplines and solve complex real-world problems. It’s ideal for students who are creative, curious, and want to go beyond traditional design — blending spatial design skills with innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-focused thinking.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in interior architecture through subjects like Design Studio: Foundations in Interior Architecture, Communication and Construction: Representation, and History and Theory 1. At the same time, you’ll begin your creative intelligence journey with subjects such as Problems to Possibilities, where you explore how to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.

Year 2:
In your second year, your learning becomes more exploratory and applied. You’ll work on projects in Design Studio: Inhabitations and Communication and Construction: Generative Methods, while also developing your innovation mindset through subjects like Creative Practice and Methods and Past, Present, Future of Innovation. This is where you begin connecting design thinking with real-world problem solving.

Year 3:
This year focuses on advanced design and technical development. You’ll engage with subjects such as Communication and Construction: Technologies, Material Futures, and Interior Technologies, alongside studio experiences like Design Studio: Scenographic Spaces. Your creative intelligence studies continue with topics like Creativity and Complexity and Leading Innovation, helping you tackle more complex, interdisciplinary challenges.

Year 4:
In your final year, you bring everything together through major, high-level projects. You’ll complete the Design Studio: Interior Architecture Major Project and advanced subjects like Communication and Construction: Synthesis. At the same time, you’ll focus fully on innovation through experiences like the Industry Innovation Project and Creative Intelligence Capstone, with opportunities for internships that connect your work to real industry contexts.

Focus areas (in a string):
Interior architecture design, spatial design and inhabitation, communication and construction technologies, material innovation, transdisciplinary collaboration, creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and innovation

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Develop advanced spatial and design thinking skills, gain the ability to solve complex real-world problems, build strong collaboration and communication abilities, integrate creativity with technology and innovation, and create entrepreneurial, future-focused design solutions

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited and recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), and Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA)

Reputation (employability rankings):
UTS is widely recognised for its strong industry connections and practice-oriented learning approach, with design and built environment programs known for high graduate employability and real-world readiness

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UTS, this double degree is designed so you’re constantly learning through real experience, not just theory. From the beginning, you’ll spend a lot of time in studio environments where you explore ideas, build models, test materials, and present your work — very similar to how interior architects actually work in practice. You’ll have access to purpose-built facilities like fabrication workshops, photomedia studios, and flexible design spaces, where you can bring your concepts to life using both physical and digital tools. What really sets this course apart is the Creative Intelligence and Innovation component, where you work across disciplines, collaborate with other students, and take on complex, real-world challenges that go beyond traditional design learning:

Studio-based learning: Most of your subjects are taught through design studios, where you work on real briefs, develop spatial ideas, and present your work in a collaborative setting.
Industry-linked projects: Through subjects like the Industry Innovation Project, you’ll work on real-world challenges, often in teams with students from different disciplines, just like in professional environments.
Hands-on workshops and making spaces: You’ll use fabrication labs equipped for model-making and prototyping, helping you understand materials and construction in a practical way.
Photomedia and presentation studios: Access professional photography studios and digital labs to document your work and build a strong, industry-ready portfolio.
Digital and design tools: You’ll develop skills in both physical and digital design methods, preparing you to work confidently with the tools used in the industry.
Collaborative group work: Many projects involve teamwork, helping you build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that employers really value.
Global learning opportunities: You may have the chance to take part in international studios and study tours, giving you exposure to design practices in different cultural contexts.
Creative innovation experiences: The Creative Intelligence stream challenges you to think beyond design, combining creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to solve complex problems.
Access to UTS Library and research spaces: You’ll be supported by extensive resources for research, design theory, and project development throughout your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this UTS double degree puts you in a really strong position to step into creative, future-focused careers. Many students go on to work as interior architects, spatial designers, exhibition designers, or even move into roles like innovation consultant — where they use both design skills and creative problem-solving to tackle real challenges. What makes UTS graduates stand out is that they don’t just design spaces, they know how to think across disciplines and adapt to different industries:

Career support that’s actually useful: UTS Careers and Employability helps you build a strong portfolio, refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers — especially important in design where how you present your work really matters.
Real industry exposure: Through industry-linked projects and collaborations, you’ll already have experience working on real briefs and engaging with professionals before you graduate.
Strong graduate outcomes: Because the course is so hands-on and industry-focused, graduates are well prepared to move into roles across interior design, spatial design, and the wider creative industries.
Good earning potential: Interior architecture and design graduates in Australia are in steady demand, with competitive starting salaries and strong growth as you gain experience.
Recognised and respected qualification: The degree is aligned with professional bodies like the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), which adds long-term value to your qualification.
Flexible career paths: With the Creative Intelligence and Innovation component, you’re not limited to one path — you could work in design, move into innovation strategy, or explore creative roles in different industries.

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide you want to keep studying, you’ll have some great options. Many graduates go on to postgraduate programs like a Master of Architecture or Master of Design to deepen their skills and move into more advanced roles. You could also choose an Honours year or even a PhD if you’re interested in research, teaching, or specialising further in design and innovation.