How to be an Interior Designer in Bangladesh?
To become an interior designer in Bangladesh, you’ll need three things: education, skills, and experience. With more apartments, offices, and shops being built every year in cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, the demand for creative interior designers is higher than ever.
So, if you love decorating, designing, or paying attention to details in a room—this could be the perfect career for you.
Educational Pathways for Interior Designers in Bangladesh
Bachelor's & Master's Programs
Starting with a degree is a great idea. These universities offer strong programs:
- Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT) – Offers a full Interior Design Bachelor’s degree.
- BRAC University – School of Architecture – While focused on architecture, it builds a strong foundation in design thinking.
If you want to go even deeper, Master’s programs in design or architecture help you specialize further.
Diploma & Certificate Courses
If you want to enter the profession faster or focus on specific skills:
- National Institute of Design (NID)
- Design Academy Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Institute of Fashion & Design Technology (BIFDT)
These offer short-term diplomas and certificates that can be completed quicker and are often more affordable.
Online & Flexible Learning
Can’t attend in person? No worries. You can learn interior design online through:
- Creative IT Institute (Bangladesh-based courses)
- Coursera, Udemy, or Domestika – International platforms that offer certified and practical interior design programs.
Essential Skills You Need as an Interior Designer
To succeed as an interior designer, you need to learn both technical and creative skills.
Technical Skills
- Design software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max
- Rendering: Photoshop and Illustrator for color and mood boards
- Understand materials, lighting, and furniture layout
Creative & Soft Skills
- Thinking creatively to design functional yet beautiful spaces
- Good communication to work with clients and suppliers
- Time and budget management
- A strong eye for detail – Small mistakes can ruin a design!
Gaining Experience & Building a Portfolio
Experience matters a lot in this industry. Here’s how to start:
Internships
You can apply to top design firms like:
- Zero Inch Interiors
- Nakshabid Architects
Portfolio Tips
Start building your design story with:
- Hand drawings and mood boards
- CAD layouts and 3D renders
- Photos of any work you’ve done (even if it’s your own room!)
Share your portfolio on:
- Behance
- Or create a free website or blog
Pro tip: Start as a junior designer or assistant to learn how real projects work.
Career Opportunities in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s design industry is growing. You can work in many places depending on your interest.
Employment Options
- Interior design firms
- Architecture studios
- Furniture or lighting companies
- Corporate office design teams
Freelance or Start Your Own Studio
Once you're confident:
- Start your own brand
- Offer design services per project or per square foot
- Use social media to grow your presence
Residential vs. Commercial Projects
- Residential: Flats, duplex houses, apartments
- Commercial: Restaurants, showrooms, offices, retail stores
Interior Designer Salary in Bangladesh
Your income grows with your experience and skill.
- Entry-level: BDT 20,000 – 30,000/month
- Mid-level: BDT 40,000 – 60,000/month
- Freelance/Studio Work: BDT 50 – 500 per sq. ft.
Challenges & Success Tips
Yes, it’s competitive—but very rewarding too. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Network with contractors, showroom owners, vendors
- Stay updated on new materials, colors, and space-saving ideas
- Be flexible and listen to client needs
- Always be learning – trends change fast in design!
Conclusion
To become a successful interior designer in Bangladesh:
- Choose your education path – degree or diploma.
- Build technical and creative skills.
- Gain real experience through internships or small projects.
- Make a top-notch portfolio.
- Find your place – a job or run your own design studio.
With patience, passion, and practice—you’ll get there.
Need Help? Let’s Talk!
Here at Archiconnect, we do more than just design. We bring great ideas to life.
Whether you’re exploring interior design as a career or want someone to design your dream home or office, our team is here to help. We mix creativity, technology, and local expertise to turn your vision into a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best interior design course in Bangladesh?
A: SMUCT and BRAC University offer top degree-level courses. For quicker programs, NID and Design Academy Bangladesh are great.
Q: How much does an interior designer earn in Bangladesh?
A: Most beginners start at BDT 20–30k/month. Experienced designers and freelancers can earn over BDT 1,00,000/month depending on project size.
Q: Can I study interior design online in Bangladesh?
A: Yes! Local institutes like Creative IT, and international platforms like Coursera or Udemy, offer quality online courses.
Q: Which university offers interior design in Dhaka?
A: Shanto-Mariam University is one of the most popular choices in Dhaka for interior design education.
Q: How to become an interior designer in Bangladesh?
A: Study a design course, learn design software, build your portfolio, do internships, and grow your career step by step.
Q: What qualifications do you need to be an interior designer?
A: You need at least a diploma or degree in design, along with CAD skills, creativity, and practical knowledge of materials and space planning.
Q: What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
A: It’s a design trick: Grouping decor items in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) is more visually pleasing. It helps create balance and rhythm in your design.
