6. Nov-Dec 2010

The J Bar designed by Sonia Gupta, an
Interior Designer from India
Analysis
Conclusion
The interior design institutes should not only be established
with the aim of producing local designers, they should also
meet the standards that would make them as competent as
those practicing in the global context. These institutes require
improvisation in terms of curriculum, academic qualification,
recognition and norms of practice. Interior designing practice is
a lot about what we learn prior to what we see, and thus learning
should definitely be improved. We are not saturated by education
itself, but we do need purify it to know what we are doing.
Three interior design institutes of the Kathmandu Valley were surveyed to analyse their education standard, background of interior
designing in Nepal, and the present context and performance in the market.
Institute
INIFD-The Creation
Kantipur Hotel
Management and Interior
Design College (KI)
LIAD
Location
Lazimpat,
Kathmandu
New Baneswor,
Kathmandu
Kupondole,
Kathmandu
Year of
Establishment
Affiliation
2006 INIFD India
2004
Purbanchal
University
1997 LIAD Kolkata
1) What are the courses offered (Diploma/Degree)and the
duration?
INIFD: Short term Diploma courses ranging from 3 to 5 months
duration. In addition, 1 year or 2 years diploma courses depending
on the choice of the student.
K I: 3 years Bachelor program.
LIAD: 2 years course consisting of three levels. Basic Level
(6 months), Diploma Level (6 months), and Advanced
Level(1 year).
2) What is the number of students in each class and number of
graduates till date?
INIFD: 7-8 students in the 1 year course; 4 students
(presently) in the 2 year. About 50-60 students have
graduated in total since 2006
KI: An average of 20 students in each class. Almost 35-40
graduates till date
LIAD: Presently 25 students.
3) What facilities does the institute offer the students that
attract them the most?
INIFD: The institution has an outstanding reputation with
a very tough curriculum. Students are attracted by the
high international standards the institute offers. After
course completion, there are lots of chances for jobs and
internships. Also, its affordable.
KI: Mainly it’s a bachelors program - 3 years. In terms of the
course, our syllabus is from outside (India). Our teachers are
also professionals and experts in the field (architects).
LIAD: The institute has short semester courses, so a lot of
housewives join to get a diploma in a short amount of time.
People who want to take a different route and try something
new join the institute.
4) What is the history behind the foundation of your institute?
INIFD: The Incentive Group of Companies in Nepal applied
to INIFID in India and got a chance to start the institution
in Nepal. The reason it is called “The Creation” in Nepal
is because the administration realized the difficulties in
government procedures to call it “INIFID”, therefore for
registration sake, a second name - the Creation, was given.
KI: Established in 2004, but proposal was in 2000. Nabin Kumar
Joshi is the syllabus planner.
LIAD: LIAD is a branch from India that started in 1997 here in
Kathmandu.
5) What are the various career options students can choose after
graduating from your institute?
INIFD: This really depends on the students and their intention for
joining the class, along with their work ethics. Some just join the
course for general knowledge about interior design. These types
of students tend to lose interest by the end of the course. There
are some dedicated students who have gone abroad for further
studies, while others get job placements in Nepal as interior
instructors, free-lancers, and such.
KI: Some pursue further studies abroad. Some work here in
furniture factories as interior designers. Some freelance too.
LIAD: Most people work in designing kitchens, bathrooms, and
other interiors. There are a few that go on to work as freelancers.
6) Are students from outside the Kathmandu Valley/country enrolled at your
institute?
INIFD: About half the students are from outside the Valley. There
are students that come from Dharan and Jhapa. However, these
are mostly those who are settled in Kathmandu and don’t come to
Kathmandu soley for the sake of getting an interior degree.
KI: Lots of students from outside the valley.
LIAD: There are people who do come from outside the valley, but it is
very rare.
7) Does your institute have branches at any other place?
INIFD: There are a total of 180 INIFD centers in total.
K I: No
LIAD: There are branches in India and the UK. The Kathmandu
Institute is one of the branches.
8) What age groups of students mostly attending the interior
designing course in your institute?
INIFD: There is no age trend, the minimum requirement is SLC-pass.
KI: Most of the students enrolling in the institute are18-20
years old. Pre-academic qualification is High School (i.e. +2 or
equivalent).
LIAD: No specific range. Most of them are aged between 15 to 35.
9) Does your institute offer any courses besides interior designing?
INIFD: Yes. Fashion Design is offered besides Interior Design.
KI: Hotel Management, BBA, and BHCM.
LIAD: Fashion Design is offered besides interior design.
Contacts:
INFID: info@nifdnepal.com; 01-4435957, KI: khmc@wllink.com.np; 01-4780564
LIAD: liad_ktm@yahoo.com; 015547506
www.spacesnepal.com 82
November-December 2010