DESIGN EDUCATION FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS: ARE WE ON THE RIGHT TRACK?

This paper outlines and discusses the approach of teaching interior design education in one of the highest learning institution in Malaysia. There are more than 30 institutions that offer interior design programme locally. As a pioneer in educating young interior designers for more than 30 years, University of Technology Mara has produced at least 2000 graduates in interior design/interior architecture. Nevertheless, are the young designers ready to face the real challenge in the industry? The main goal of this report is to identify and define the implementation of design education for the students in the new millennium. The change of population, social structure, values and economics give an impact to the future profession and education as interior designer. To respond to the professional changes, it is significant role and responsibility of design educators to prepare the students to experience the new challenge in the industry. The relationship between education and the profession needs a revision in the process of change. However, all of this effort will take energy and creativity to develop and execute during the next decade.