Prof. Katrin Brünjes about BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design
Our head of program, Prof. Katrin Brünjes, is talking about studying BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design at Berlin International and answering the most frequently asked questions about our program. Check out the interview below.
About the BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program at BI
Our program equips students with the skills and knowledge to develop and apply creative and sustainable solutions in the field of interior architecture and interior design. It is also:
- Taught exclusively in English.
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and The Standing Conference (Kultusministerkonferenz or KMZ).
- Registered with the Federal Chamber of German Architects (Bundesarchitektenkammer e.V.) in order to be entitled to use the title “Interior Architect” (protected profession).
BI provides the only "Interior Architecture/Interior Design" program taught in English in Germany that is compatible with the requirements of the Chamber of Architects*. It is the only private university whose curriculum is eligible for future registration in the Chamber of Architects.
*Interior Architecture is a protected profession in Germany. In order to be entitled to use the title “Interior Architect” professional practice and registration with the Chamber of Architects is obligatory.
Interview with Prof. Katrin Brünjes, Head of Program
“I’m Katrin Brünjes, a professor of interior architecture and design and I am currently the head of program. Berlin International is a university based in Berlin where both the professors and the students have an international background. This implies that professors and lecturers not only come from different parts of the world but also have an international academic background and have experience in teaching, as well as practice, in different countries. All of this contributes to the international mix and makes Berlin International unique. In addition, our university is anchored in the German education system with English as the language of instruction.
What distinguishes Berlin International from other universities is, on the one hand, the internationality among professors and students and, on the other hand, the strong connection between practice and teaching. As a university of applied sciences, we place a strong focus on the active implementation of teaching and the application of knowledge. The link between theory and practice, learning from the past, analyzing it and applying it to today. The focus is on the dialogue between learned knowledge and the application to a current issue. And therefore, to contribute to innovation and development in society.
With a program that is 100% in English and state recognition, Berlin International offers a globally recognized degree. The teaching takes place in different formats - as one-on-one discussions, practical work in the workshops and practice of digital tools, both as single or group work. Presentation skills are practised continuously to prepare for professional life in the future. Berlin International offers an international discourse between practising professors and students in the form for international students to engage and exchange ideas with one another. And as such, enhances cultural exchanges.
Studying interior architecture and design at Berlin International means enjoying a sound education that is anchored in the German education system within the diversity of the international teaching environment. The interior designer creates living and working environments for people and enables and hinders certain activities, connections and living habits. Given the responsibility involved, the practice is an extraordinary joy when change is applied for the better. Our goal is to impart knowledge and skills to students that enable profound changes for better living conditions.
Designing interiors is a very practical activity. Shaping the life that takes place in the interior means creating spatial connections, thinking, communication, enabling activities, and developing an atmosphere. During the studies scenarios are played out and applied. This serves to try out and explore the spectrum of possibilities. Students create a repertoire for a wide range of future applications. After graduation, students have developed an analytical fact-driven set of tools that enables them to face future challenges with a critical mind and well-founded standpoint. With that in one’s luggage, one is well-equipped to answer questions related to future living and working spaces.
The network of companies is growing steadily. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation with project partners in order to enable different aspects and perspectives. Giving insights into the profession and practising design thinking on the basis of current topics is the focus.
Like other metropolises, Berlin is a city with many facets which need to be discovered. The chosen location will certainly have an impact on the development of the studies and is therefore far-reaching in this decision. When it comes to studying interior design, Berlin is definitely a good starting point that offers a variety of perspectives, in addition to the studies. It is a vibrant city and a growing metropolis that is constantly changing and renewing itself. There is certainly a lot to learn from within the city.
Berlin International is vibrant and open. The interior architecture and interior design program is practical, exploratory and skill-oriented. And Berlin is a city that is multi-layered, fascinating and constantly changing.”
Thank you for taking the time to read our article about studying at Berlin International, from our professor Katrin Brünjes. If you are interested in pursuing your studies in Berlin, take a look at our BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program.
Feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team at any time via application@berlin-international.de.
Study BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design at BI
The learning environment fostered at Berlin International is student-centered and hands-on. Our teaching concept focuses on project-based learning; students work individually and in groups in order to promote professional and personal growth and the development of team skills. All BA programs at Berlin International are taught in English. In combination with our diverse student and teaching body and our global network this enables us to offer a truly international academic experience.
In a practice-driven and supportive learning atmosphere, an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors encourages students to explore their individual talents and forge their own professional paths.
The first year of the BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program provides students with a broad foundation in basic design skills, material and interior construction fundamentals, visualization skills, and a historical framework. In the second year, students deepen their construction knowledge, tackle interior design projects, learn about building services and lighting, and reflect on the discipline of interior architecture from a theoretical vantage point. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programs on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they complete an internship and hone their research skills. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a bachelor thesis and a bachelor design project with a topic of their own choice.
Learn more about the BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program and Berlin International. Below, you can download the study plan, the Berlin International brochure, and our current academic calendar in PDF format.
Interior architects and designers have a wide variety of job opportunities. Our graduates can work on the creation and alteration of a variety of spaces and in numerous settings. These may range from residential and office spaces as well as hospitality and gastronomy settings to event spaces, theater and film sets, retail environments, and public spaces.
Potential professional environments include:
- Architecture and interior architecture offices
- Interior design studios
- Design agencies
- Cultural institutions
- Production design for film, TV, and theater
- Kitchen and bath showrooms
- Furniture manufacturing and design
- Freelance work
Apply for BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design
To meet our admission requirements for the Bachelor degree programs in Architecture and Design, one needs to hold the German Abitur / Fachabitur or equivalent. Any foreign qualification will need to meet the equivalence criteria to these German certificates, which is set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education.
The requirements for equivalence vary from country to country. We have summarized a few of the most frequently asked about education systems:
To confirm whether you meet the requirements to study in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service provides an English language resource here.
For the original German source, please check the homepage of the Kulturministerkonferenz here.
There are four admission possibilities:
Direct general admission – you are qualified to start undergraduate studies into any subject area.
Direct subject-restricted admission – you are qualified to begin undergraduate studies in the subject area you have previously studied.
Subject restricted admission to a preparatory course/the Feststellungsprüfung (university qualification exam) – you require additional periods of study before you can begin undergraduate studies in Germany, see more information below.
Admission is not possible without additional proof of education – the qualification you hold is not equivalent to a university entrance qualification in Germany. You will need to complete further qualifications to meet the admission requirements.
Preparatory Course / Additional Studies
If you current educational qualficiations do not fully meet the Abitur/ Fachabitur-level in Germany, and you will need a Preparatory Course or additional studies, here are your 2 options:
Option 1: Study time
You can enroll at a university outside of Germany, and complete the first academic year of a bachelor´s degree successfully. In order to meet the admission requirements, the university and program must be fully accredited, you must choose the same or closely related subject you intend to apply for at BI, and you must complete the first academic year with all courses and credits successfully. For some countries, you may need to complete more than 1 academic year.
If you choose this route, you would be welcome to apply as a transfer student into a higher semester. Read more about this in the ‘Transfer students and course acknowledgments’ section.
Option 2: Studienkolleg
A 'Studienkolleg' is a university preparatory course to prepare your for German universities. There are different types of Studienkolleg programs, for architecture and design programs, you would need to choose the 'T' or 'G' course.
German language is required for anyone wanting to study at a Berlin-accredited university after completing the Studienkolleg.Therefore, it is not a typical route for our students.
For more information on Studienkolleg programs, click here.
Please note that Berlin International can only consider applicants who meet the admission requirements for the desired program.
All applicants who meet them will be subject to faculty selection and seat availability per program.
The application process for studying Interior Architecture/ Interior Design at Berlin International is straightforward. You can simply and safely share your personal information through our online application platform. After receiving a confirmation email with a link, a copy of the following documents can be uploaded:
- Passport
- High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- University certificate with transcript (if applicable). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- English language test certificate (CEFR level B2 or above)
- Portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works. See the guidelines here.
We are also offering webinars on the topic of ‘Portfolio Advice’ throughout the year. For information on upcoming dates and how to register, please visit our current dates page.
If you have missed a recent webinar, then simply email us and we will be happy to send you the link to the recording.
For more information, including course acknowledgement and transfer applications, please use the menu item Admission.
Our BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program is taught in English. We will require proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.
If your language skills are at CEFR Level B2 or above, one of the following currently valid language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- TOEFL IBT: 74
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall
- Cambridge FCE: B2
- PTE Academic: 59
- BI internal exam/ BAU 'English Language Proficiency Exam': 60/100
- IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
- German Abitur
The score must be earned within the last two years.
If you have not completed high school in a majority-English speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand) or a bachelor's degree fully in English, an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.
You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted online, participation is free of charge and can be offered once an application to one of our programs has been made and admission requirements have been met.
For the dates of our next language proficiency exam, see the Language Requirements tab on our Admissions Page.
Preparatory School:
If you do not yet have CEFR level B2 English, and are eligible to study on a BA program at BI, you can sign up for our English Preparatory School.
