Are you interested in seeing your design ideas through to realisation? This accredited course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to create amazing designs spanning across a range of venue spaces for current and future societies. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on society and our environment through design, then Interior Architecture and Venue Design is the course for you. We endeavour to support your personal approach to design through our studio culture, excellent facilities, and committed staff.
Our course aims to empower the next generation of designers through innovative and creative techniques that open doors for industry-ready graduates:
Develop your spatial, aesthetic, and communication skills for a wide range of audiences, applying this to architectural and interior design practice
Understand the significance of professional practice, collaboratively with diverse teams, leading the design of projects, and how to protect your Intellectual Property
Engage in live project briefs in the region and beyond to celebrate the cutting edge of design thinking and innovation, presenting your work to real-world clients
Showcase your work at our end of year exhibition, and as part of our Student Showcase
Interior Architecture and Venue Design at Derby
We believe that design can have a significant impact on our lives and is a determining factor on how we experience the world around us and interact with each another. On this course, you will have the opportunity to plan and design for a multitude of project briefs from live performance spaces, social and community spaces, exhibitions, galleries, brand retail, outlets, museums, and music venue, to name but a few. This course therefore appeals to those passionate about design and creating positive spaces.
Interior Architecture encompasses all aspects of interior space, material, use, and structure. You will develop a broad range of construction and technical knowledge that will inform your design process and equip you with the skills to communicate effectively with others in industry. Venue Design focuses on the versatility, excitement, and imagination that great venue spaces can create, and is what makes our course truly unique. We are inspired to examine the changing nature of space and the hybridity of its use, particularly those that adapt to the social, economic, cultural, and ecological characteristics that dynamic, contemporary life requires. Our exciting position between the built environment and design means that we investigate the big, global challenges around climate emergency and the health and wellbeing of building users, but also the creative and social uses a space such as art, dance, fashion, film, music, and theatre, to name but a few.
Students on our Interior Architecture and Venue Design course will develop projects that consider both the aesthetic and technical elements of spaces and venues. There will be opportunity to design completely new structures, but also to design within and around existing buildings, considering their adaptive re-use and appropriateness. You will have the opportunity to develop personal design narratives, evaluate your work and the work of your peers, work independently and in groups, and communicate design atmospheres through the development of your portfolio.
Design is a form of communication that must speak to a range of diverse audiences. This course allows you to challenge design concepts and their realisation through experimentation and exploration, celebrating the ideas of diverse, inquisitive, and curious individuals.
To prepare for this course in Interior Architecture and Venue Design, you must be passionate about all aspects of design and have the desire to draw and make. You must be environmentally conscious with the will to design great spaces and venues and have a sympathetic eye for materials, construction, function, and its users.
95%of students agreed they explored ideas and concepts in depthBA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design - National Student Survey 2024
Millie's success has been built on passion and hard work
When Millie Pearson was nominated for the Women in Property Student Awards 2022, it underlined what she already knew: her decision to follow her passion – and do it in Derby – were correct.
This degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD), so you will develop the creativity, knowledge, professionalism, and skills to meet our professional Body’s Creativity, Professionalism, Skills and Knowledge (CPSK™) competencies that underpin all the society’s initiatives.
The CSD is the internationally recognised body for the design profession, providing support and guidance for designers at every stage of their career. As a student on our course, you are automatically eligible to become an Associate Member of the Chartered Society of Designers (Assoc. CSD) which is your first step to becoming a Chartered Designer with specific exemptions from The Pathways to Chartered Designer as operated by The Register of Chartered Designers.
The CSD provide free student membership during your time at on our course. There is also the annual CEP (Course Endorsement Prize), student prize provided by the CSD to a student who has demonstrated exceptional work throughout their course. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be eligible to apply to be an Associate member of the Chartered Society of Designers Member (Assoc.CSD).
Strong employer links and placements
Our course offers students the opportunity to network with a range of employers at local and national levels, enabling students to engage with contemporary, professional debate and enhance their employability skills in the process. The structure of our placements afford any full-time Year Two student to undertake a placement year before commencing their final year of study. We believe this to be a key part of your educational journey, as students learn directly from working in professional contexts and can re-apply these knowledge and skills back into their studies.
Further to this, our School Industrial Advisory Board includes representatives from the architectural and design backgrounds to ensure that opportunities to interact with employers are created through design charrettes, external talks, external critics, awards, and prizes at all levels of our course.
Expert teaching
Throughout your course you'll be taught by our research-active academics who have connections to industry and bring their expert knowledge to their teaching sessions. You'll be taught by:
Dr Timo Kapsalis: Timo is a Lecturer in Architectural Design and Technology, with international experience as a practitioner and a research background. He specialises in design technology that is geared towards the application of advanced techniques and tools in enhancing both the efficiency and efficacy of design processes in the built environment.
Dr Boris Ceranic: Boris is an experienced academic, practitioner and researcher. He spent ten years on the construction sites and in his own design and build practice, prior to entering academia. Since then, he has remained research and practice active, publishing on an international level and chairing panels at international conferences, undertaking PhD supervision and examination, and engaging in externally funded research projects and consultancy. He has a wide range of research interests including sustainable architecture and low energy design, healthy buildings, modular design and construction technologies, fire research and feng shui.
Dr Eleni Tracada: Eleni graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Florence, Italy in 1983. Once qualified she worked as a self-employed architect in Florence from 1983 to 1993. After moving to the UK and being awarded a Masters of Arts in Interior Design in 1996, she went into teaching architecture. Her research interests include recovered landscapes, the history and philosophy of architecture, and sustainable buildings and communities.
Scouts keen to build Gary's woodland centre
Gary Dawson, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design student, has had one of his second-year projects selected to design a scout hut/community centre for the 172 Alvaston Derby Scout Group in Hippo Wood, a site operated by the Woodland Trust.
Over the past few years, students have also collaborated with Marketing Derby at the Derby Property Summit events to showcase their final year projects that are based on ideas and designs for an area within the city of Derby.
As a student studying on this course, you will have access to the facilities across the School of Built and Natural Environment including:
The design studio, with integrated modelling space and dry modelling equipment and software equipped PCs
Our 3D printing suite, including FDM, SLA, and SLS machines
Our wood workshop, with laser cutters and large format CNC machine
Our metal workshop, with welding labs, casting area, and large format water-jet cutter
Digital Design Hub, with large format plotters that print across a range of materials
The Media Hub, with loanable access to cameras, measuring equipment, and environmental recording equipment
Project base room, with Virtual Reality and gaming equipment
Makerspace which is a student-led workshop
You also have access to the library at Britannia Mill with a range of Art and Design books and our library at Kedleston Road with an extensive range of architectural and technical books.
Real-world learning
We strongly believe that design must have a positive impact on society for it to be successful. Therefore, we aim to include live project briefs that involve external partners and stakeholders. Exiting previous project briefs have included:
a glassblowing workshop and cafe on the grounds of a Grade II* listed building
E-sports venue spaces in a redundant quarry
a California Hotel in Malibu
a Boeing 747 restaurant conversion
a Swiss ski resort centre
We believe that creative thinking requires collaboration and as such have worked local and with international partners including, Erasmus funded projects, TRADA, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and QUAD, and Derby City Council.
For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.
These project briefs help to boost the quality of your design portfolio - your ticket to the professional context. As a School, we are underpinned by a commitment to ensure that we leave a site in a better condition than when entered, so that Sustainable Development Goals, net positive ecology, and health and wellbeing are at the heart of each of our projects.
Student concepts wow real estate developer for PEAK Gateway
Students studying Architectural Degrees and Masters level programmes have worked with Milligan to create inspiring concepts that explore the future vision for the PEAK Gateway development.
Transport, Smart Cities and Built Environments Research Centre
Our Transport, Smart Cities and Built Environments Research Centre provides exciting opportunities to contribute to urgent global challenges in climate change and sustainable development.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Build, Create, Innovate
Whether it's computing, photography, or engineering, our top-tier facilities — including a new suite of recording studios and a £12 million STEM Centre — provide the perfect setting to excel.
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
Assessment is through 100% coursework. Therefore, you are expected to present your work visually and orally at key stages in the academic year; demonstrating an ability to react to verbal and written feedback from your module tutors. All design work must be submitted as a portfolio, with other modules submitted as report-based or written coursework. In the final year, you can write a comprehensive dissertation on a topic of your choice and deliver a complex design project as part of your portfolio.
Who will teach you
The Architecture team comprise an eclectic mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We each have our personal research interests and are keen to explore the possibility of design with you, as you progress through the Interior Architecture and Venue Design course.
Student Showcase 2022
We're showcasing the work of some of our talented Architectural Technologies and Interior Architecture students to celebrate their achievements over the 2021-22 academic year.
At the University of Derby, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from the very start of their degree journey. This dedicated tutor becomes a key figure in your academic life, offering guidance, support, and insight to help you make the most of your university experience. Whether it's through one-to-one meetings or more informal catch-ups, your PAT will work with you to explore your strengths, address any challenges, and help you achieve your full potential. This relationship is designed to ensure you're not just succeeding academically, but also growing as an individual, developing the skills and confidence you'll need for your future career.
Your PAT will provide tailored advice to support your academic journey, whether that's by discussing your work, helping you set goals, or exploring career options. These regular meetings give you the space to reflect on your progress, understand where improvements can be made, and build on your strengths. At Derby, we want you to feel both challenged and supported. Your PAT will encourage you to push your boundaries, think critically about your work, and develop a proactive approach to your studies.
But it's not just about coursework. Your PAT will also help you identify extra-curricular opportunities, whether that's joining clubs, gaining work experience, or developing new skills outside of your course. These experiences not only enhance your CV but also give you the confidence to tackle future challenges. In short, your Personal Academic Tutor will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you leave university with more than just a degree — but with a wealth of experiences, skills, and the knowledge that you're ready for the next chapter of your life.
Who will teach you
Dr Timo Kapsalis
Programme Leader
Dr Timo Kapsalis
Timo is a Lecturer in Architectural Design and Technology and the Director of the Interior Architecture and Venue Design programme of studies.
As a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design graduate, you are ideally prepared for the wide variety of employment opportunities available to you, covering everything from generic architecture, or interior design, to venue project management and technical consultancy, depending upon where you wish to focus your career.
Some of the more popular choices are:
Hospitality: hotels, bars and restaurants
Leisure: cinemas, theatre, museums, spas and health centres, sports arenas and tourist attractions
Retail: shops, corporate branding and stores
Corporate: offices and production facilities
In all of these areas, you could be involved in new build, refurbishment, change of use or conversions.
Graduates in the past have also secured employment in the areas of:
Theatre and Stage Design
Computer Game Environment Design
Design of Executive Yacht Interiors
Your degree and professional qualification will also give you the opportunity to work overseas. Some past students have been employed in Santa Monica, USA and Japan, as well as many other countries.
Graduation from the course also gives you a sound basis for the opportunity of progression onto other professional qualifications, with some graduates having progressed on to RIBA courses and eventually qualifying as Chartered Architects, either whilst working (part-time) or (full-time) at other Educational Institutions.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story.
We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
Top 5 for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.
Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.
Our promise
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.
What is a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.
We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.
What is the criteria?
Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:
Students who are care experienced
Students who are estranged from their families
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces
*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.
We're committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Studio facilities - glue guns, hotwire cutters, laser cutters in workshops, 3D printers in the workshop
Safety shoes
Starter pack including A3 wallet, sketchbook, measuring tape, scale ruler, eraser, 3 x technical pencils
Free membership of accredited bodies - license paid by college
Year 1 Compulsory Field trip within England, 4 day residential: coach, bed and breakfast
Day trips to free entry venues or construction sites
AutoCAD student version downloadable in personal computer
Adobe suite, Endscape and Sketch-up Pro available on university computers in the MS and BM campuses
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Year 1 Field trip main meals approx. £20 per day
Materials for model making (card, vinyl, acrylic), presentation materials (marker pens, inks, etc.), production of prototype and final models, 3D printing material and laser cutting materials. Approx. costs - Year 1: £100, Year 2: £200, Year 3: £300 (Costs approximated by students)
Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, etc.) approx. costs - Year 1: £50, Year 2: £50, Year 3: £300
Optional costs not included in your fees
Course books - approx. £30 per book depending on source
Year 2 - Optional 5 day trip abroad with a student contribution of approx. £250 which covers flights and hotel. University contribution: coach travel, entry to museums and iconic buildings, metro card, guided tour and booklet
Any travel for paid placements
High fidelity graphics card
Computer and programmes if not using university computers
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
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