Bachelor Interior Architecture & Furniture Design

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Academy of Art

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Furniture Design at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK) is a four-year, English-taught programme for creative students who want to shape the spaces and objects people interact with every day. Combining design, research, and hands-on making, the programme encourages you to create thoughtful, sustainable, and socially relevant interiors and furniture while developing your own unique design approach.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Explore

The first year introduces the fundamentals of interior architecture and furniture design through five learning domains: Studio, Media & Materials, Professional Practice, Context, and Independent Practice. You will experiment with different materials, develop essential making and research skills, and gain an understanding of how design influences the way people experience spaces and everyday life.

Year 2 – Focus & Connect

In the second year, you begin to shape your own interests by choosing electives in either Interior Architecture or Furniture Design. Through Studio projects, Art, Architecture and Design History & Theory, and collaborative assignments, you strengthen your design thinking, technical abilities, and understanding of spatial and material design.

Year 3 – Focus & Connect

The third year encourages you to become a more independent designer by taking on more complex design challenges and interdisciplinary projects. Depending on your chosen pathway, you explore topics such as spatial organisational skills, tectonic exercises on skins and envelopes, or deconstructing and reconstructing objects, while experimenting with innovative materials and production techniques.

Year 4 – Position

The final year centres on your graduation project, where you combine research, experimentation, and practical design to create a project that reflects your personal vision. Alongside preparing your final presentation, you develop the professional skills needed to launch your career or continue with postgraduate studies.

Focus Areas

Interior architecture, Furniture design, Spatial design, Material exploration, Design research, Sustainability, Socially engaged design, Architecture and design theory, Professional practice, Independent creative development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop an independent design practice, apply research-led design methods, create innovative interior and furniture solutions, experiment confidently with materials and production techniques, understand architectural and cultural contexts, collaborate across disciplines, communicate design ideas effectively, integrate sustainable and social perspectives into design, and prepare for professional practice or further study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and is officially registered within the Dutch higher education system (CROHO 39111). Throughout the programme, students work on projects with external partners, helping them build professional experience and prepare for careers or master's study in architecture, interior architecture, furniture design, and related creative fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK) is well known for its practice-based and research-driven approach to art and design education. The programme's emphasis on real-world projects, collaboration with industry partners, and independent creative practice equips graduates with the skills needed for careers in interior architecture, furniture design, spatial design, and the wider creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Royal Academy of Art, the Bachelor in Interior Architecture & Furniture Design program is designed to immerse students in a hands-on learning environment that fosters creativity and practical skills. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enable them to explore their design ideas and bring them to life. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various projects, collaborations, and real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their careers in the design industry.

Here’s how the program enhances your learning experience:

- Workshops and Studios: Students have access to dedicated workshops for woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of materials and techniques.
- Digital Tools: The curriculum includes training in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, equipping students with essential digital design skills.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a key component of the program, encouraging teamwork and the sharing of diverse ideas and perspectives.
- Internships: The program offers opportunities for internships with leading design firms, providing valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to design exhibitions, museums, and architectural sites, enriching their understanding of contemporary design practices.
- Research Laboratories: Access to specialized research labs allows students to experiment with innovative design concepts and materials.
- Library Resources: The Royal Academy’s library is stocked with an extensive collection of design books, journals, and digital resources to support students’ research and projects.
- Collaboration with Institutes: The program collaborates with various design institutes, providing students with exposure to cutting-edge design trends and practices.

By engaging in these experiential learning opportunities, students not only develop their technical skills but also cultivate a strong design sensibility that will serve them well in their future careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor in Interior Architecture & Furniture Design at the Royal Academy of Art are well-prepared to enter a dynamic and creative industry. With a strong foundation in design principles and practical skills, alumni often find themselves in roles such as Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Exhibition Designer, or Design Consultant. The program not only equips students with technical expertise but also fosters critical thinking and innovation, making them highly sought after in the job market.

Here’s how the Royal Academy of Art supports your journey towards a successful career:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career support, including workshops, one-on-one advising, and networking events to connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Statistics: Approximately 85% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around €35,000 to €45,000, depending on the role and location.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The Royal Academy collaborates with leading design firms and organizations, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world projects that enhance their learning experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by recognized industry bodies, ensuring that your degree holds value and credibility in the professional world.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work for prestigious companies and have even launched their own successful design studios, showcasing the versatility and demand for their skills.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor in Interior Architecture & Furniture Design, you have the option to pursue a Master’s degree in related fields such as Interior Architecture, Product Design, or Sustainable Design. This further education can deepen your expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities, research positions, or teaching roles in higher education. The Royal Academy also offers various postgraduate programs that allow you to specialize and refine your skills even further.

Program Key Stats

€11,488
€2,694
Aug Intake : 1st May


18%
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAB - BBB
3.0 - 3.5
NA
70 - 80

NA
NA
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Interior architect
  • furniture designer
  • spatial designer
  • interior designer
  • exhibition designer
  • scenographer
  • set designer
  • installation designer
  • product designer
  • design researcher
  • material designer
  • creative director
  • design consultant
  • spatial strategist
  • freelance designer

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