Licenciatura em Design de Interiores e Equipamento

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco

Program Overview

The Bachelor's in Interior and Equipment Design at IADE is a dynamic, practice-focused program that blends creative design thinking with technical expertise to prepare you for a thriving career in interior design and spatial planning. Whether you're passionate about transforming spaces, designing functional furniture, or creating immersive environments for commercial or residential settings, this program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections you need to make an impact from day one.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations in Design Thinking and Technical Skills

Your first year establishes the creative and technical foundations essential for interior design practice. You'll engage with core modules including Design Fundamentals, where you'll explore principles of composition, color theory, and spatial relationships, alongside Drawing and Representation Techniques to develop both traditional and digital visualization skills. These courses ensure you can conceptualize ideas clearly and communicate designs effectively to clients and collaborators.

Year 2: Specialization in Interior Spaces and Materials

In your second year, your learning deepens into specialized interior design applications. You'll take Interior Design Studio courses where you work on real-world project briefs, alongside Materials and Finishes modules that teach you sustainable material selection and specification. Additionally, Digital Design Tools introduces you to industry-standard software like CAD, SketchUp, and visualization platforms, ensuring you're equipped with the technical competencies that employers expect.

Year 3: Professional Practice and Independent Project Work

Your final year emphasizes professional readiness and creative autonomy. You'll complete a major capstone project in Advanced Interior Design Studio, developing a comprehensive portfolio piece that demonstrates your design vision. Professional Practice and Project Management prepares you for the business side of design work, covering client relations, project budgeting, and industry standards, while your electives allow you to specialize in areas like sustainable design, commercial interiors, or furniture design.

Focus Areas

Spatial design and user experience • Sustainable materials and circular design • Digital visualization and CAD proficiency • Commercial and residential interior solutions • Furniture and equipment design • Professional project management

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, you'll be able to conceptualize and develop interior design solutions that balance aesthetic, functional, and sustainability requirements; use industry-standard design tools and software confidently; manage design projects from brief to completion; and communicate your designs through professional drawings, presentations, and digital models.

Professional Alignment

This program is designed to meet professional standards within European interior design practice and aligns with industry-recognized design competencies. Graduates are well-positioned for membership with professional bodies in the interior design and architecture sectors.

Employability & Reputation

IADE is recognized for producing design graduates with strong employability outcomes. Our alumni work across leading design studios, architectural firms, hospitality groups, and as independent practitioners throughout Europe and beyond.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At IADE, our Bachelor's Degree in Interior and Equipment Design puts you right in the heart of real-world projects from day one, building hands-on skills in everything from conceptual sketching to full-scale prototyping. You'll work with state-of-the-art tools and facilities tailored for design innovation, including dedicated workshops equipped for furniture fabrication, material experimentation, and digital modeling. This isn't just theory—it's where you turn ideas into tangible designs using professional-grade software and collaborative spaces that mimic industry environments.

Here's how our experiential learning comes to life through specific program features:
- Professional software training: Hands-on access to industry-standard tools like AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and V-Ray for rendering, integrated into coursework for 2D/3D modeling and visualization.
- Group projects and collaborations: Team-based studios where you design functional interiors and equipment, such as modular furniture systems or adaptive spaces, often partnering with peers from architecture and product design programs.
- Internships and industry placements: Mandatory internships in the final year with top Lisbon firms like studios specializing in hospitality design or furniture manufacturing, plus connections to partners like the Portuguese Furniture Association.
- Field trips and site visits: Regular excursions to design factories, showrooms (e.g., Portuguese design districts), and international fairs like Maison&Objet, giving you direct exposure to global trends.
- Dedicated labs and workshops: The IADE Design Lab with CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking facilities for prototyping equipment and interiors; plus a Materials Library for testing textures and sustainability.
- Digital fabrication tools: FabLab-equipped spaces with rapid prototyping tech, including vinyl cutters and milling machines, for creating physical models from digital designs.
- Library and research resources: IADE's specialized Design Library with over 20,000 volumes on interior design, plus online databases like Art & Architecture Source, supporting research projects on ergonomic equipment or sustainable interiors.

This practical edge sets IADE graduates up for success—our alumni land roles at leading firms right after graduation. Ready to apply? Head to our [IADE Facilities page](https://www.iade.pt/en/facilities/) for the full rundown, and let's chat about your next steps!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At IADE, our Bachelor's Degree in Interior and Equipment Design is all about turning your ideas into real-world creations through hands-on, experiential learning. From day one, you'll dive into practical projects using state-of-the-art workshops equipped with professional tools like woodworking machinery, metalworking stations, and upholstery labs tailored for furniture and interior prototyping. You'll work with industry-standard digital tools and software right in our dedicated design studios, building skills that employers crave.

Here's what makes our program stand out in giving you that edge::
- Specialized Software and Digital Tools: Master tools like AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and V-Ray for rendering—integrated into coursework for 3D modeling, visualization, and prototyping of interiors and equipment.
- Group Projects: Collaborate on team-based challenges, such as designing functional furniture systems or retail interiors, mimicking real agency workflows to build your portfolio.
- Internships: Mandatory 6-month internships in your final year with top firms like Bosch, Sonae, or design studios, plus optional earlier placements for resume-boosting experience.
- Field Trips and Industry Visits: Regular excursions to design fairs (like Lisbon's 100% Design), factories, and showrooms, including partnerships with Portuguese design institutes for on-site inspiration.
- Dedicated Labs and Workshops: Access to the IADE Wood and Metal Workshop, Model Workshop, and Digital Fabrication Lab with CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters specifically for interior and equipment prototyping.
- Libraries and Resources: The IADE Library with 20,000+ volumes on design, plus online databases like Art & Architecture Source; tied to the larger Universidade Europeia network for broader research support.

This is your chance to design spaces that shape lives—apply now and let's get you started! Check out the full facilities list here: [IADE Facilities](https://www.iade.pt/en/facilities/).