AAFT University Raipur's Interior Design Program Prepares Students for India's Growing Design Industry
AAFT University Raipur offers Diploma, B.Sc., B.Des., and M.Des. in Interior Design. Admissions for the 2026 batch are now open.
Many first-year interior design students enter their course expecting to spend their time solely on drawing. However, they quickly discover that professional design involves much more than aesthetics; it requires managing budgets, understanding site conditions, selecting materials, and navigating the complexities of client relationships. This real-world approach is the cornerstone of the School of Interior Design at AAFT University Raipur.
Designed to bridge the gap between the drawing board and actual construction sites, the university offers a curriculum that prioritizes practical experience. Students engage with design studios, model-making labs, and digital visualisation suites from their very first semester. Rather than spending most of their time in lecture halls, a significant portion of the degree is dedicated to market surveys, live briefs, and frequent site visits.
Diverse Academic Pathways for Aspiring Designers
The university provides four distinct programs to cater to different educational backgrounds and professional goals. For those looking for an interior design course in Chhattisgarh, these options include:
- Diploma in Interior Design: A skills-focused, shorter route covering space planning, lighting, furniture, materials, and Vastu.
- B.Sc. (Interior Design): An undergraduate degree providing a robust technical and design foundation.
- B.Des. (Honours) (Interior Design): A comprehensive four-year, 160-credit program featuring advanced studio practice, a research track, an internship, and a final dissertation.
- M.Des. in Interior Design: A postgraduate specialization for those aiming for senior design roles or academic careers.
Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open, with the next academic session scheduled to begin in August 2026.
A Curriculum Built on Industry Evolution
Taking the B.Des. (Honours) program as a blueprint, the curriculum evolves in complexity alongside the student's skill set. The journey begins with fundamentals like design history, building materials, and construction, alongside introductory software like AutoCAD. As students progress into their second and third years, the scale of projects increases from single rooms to designing luxury hotel suites, retail showrooms, cafés, and large residential spaces.
Students master essential tools and techniques, including:
- Software Proficiency: AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3ds Max.
- Technical Skills: Furniture design, Vastu, estimation and costing, and design execution drawings.
- Advanced Prototyping: Using 3D printers for digital fabrication.
In the final year, the focus shifts toward the future of the industry. Students explore cutting-edge fields such as biophilic design, energy-efficient and sustainable interiors, interior landscaping, and specialized healthcare environments like multi-speciality hospitals. The program concludes with a focus on project management and a dissertation.
Mentorship from a Padma Shri Awardee
The academic direction of the school is guided by Industry Dean Sunita Kohli, a Padma Shri awardee with a legendary career in restoration and design. Having established her practice in New Delhi in 1971, Ms. Kohli has worked on some of India's most iconic landmarks, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Prime Minister's Office, and Hyderabad House.
As Industry Dean, she brings an unparalleled perspective on heritage and craftsmanship to the campus, mentoring students through masterclasses. The school is led on campus by School Coordinator Devesh Keshwani, ensuring that students graduate with a professional portfolio that reflects real-world readiness.