Intensive 1-Year Course in Interior Design
Milan, Italy
Course
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,350 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU citizens / fees for non - EU citizens: €19,350
Key Summary
The Interior Design Intensive Course at Accademia del Lusso prepares students for careers in interior architecture, retail environments, exhibition spaces, and contemporary living design. Located in Milan, an international centre for design and innovation, this one-year programme combines creativity, technical expertise, and practical project development to equip students with industry-relevant skills.
Students learn how to design functional and aesthetically compelling spaces while developing a strong understanding of composition, materials, lighting, spatial organisation, and construction techniques. The programme integrates traditional design methodologies with digital technologies, enabling students to communicate their ideas effectively through technical drawings, 3D modelling, rendering, and professional presentations.
Through design laboratories, Work Weeks, workshops, and project-based learning, students develop complete interior design projects while building a professional portfolio aligned with current industry expectations.
Key Information
- Duration: 1 academic year (550 hours)
- Study mode: Full-time, in person
- Location: Milan
- Language: English
- Professional portfolio development
- AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering techniques
- Retail and exhibition design
- Interior design project laboratories
- Materials and trend analysis
- Digital modelling techniques
- Industry-focused learning experiences
- Work Week projects
This programme is ideal for individuals who want to pursue a career in interior design and spatial planning within the design and luxury sectors.
It is particularly suited to:
- Aspiring Interior Designers
- Future Retail Designers
- Exhibition and Event Space Designers
- Professionals seeking a career change into interior design
- Creative individuals interested in residential and commercial spaces
- Students wishing to build practical design skills quickly
- Individuals interested in combining aesthetics with technical expertise
The course is designed for those who want an intensive, industry-oriented pathway into the world of interior and spatial design.
***Scholarships Are Available
Scholarships are available at Accademia del Lusso and are awarded on an individual basis throughout the year. We look for talent, passion, and ability in our scholarship candidates. Please contact us for more information.
The curriculum combines creative development, technical training, digital technologies, and practical design projects to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary interior design.
Students develop skills in:
- Interior space planning
- Design methodology and concept development
- Technical drawing
- AutoCAD and SketchUp
- 3D modelling and rendering
- Lighting design
- Material selection and specification
- Retail design
- Exhibition design
- Garden design
- Portfolio creation and project presentation
- Personal branding and professional communication
Core Study Areas
Interior Design
The programme provides a solid foundation in interior design principles and project development.
Students explore:
- Design methodology and composition
- Contemporary living concepts
- Interior architecture principles
- Historical and social influences on design
- Space planning
- Lighting design
- Materials and finishes
- Technical drawing
- Design laboratories
- SketchUp applications
Students progressively develop complete interior projects, from concept generation through to final presentation.
CAD & Rendering Techniques
Students gain practical experience using industry-standard software to communicate design proposals professionally.
Topics include:
- AutoCAD fundamentals
- Two-dimensional technical drafting
- SketchUp for 3D modelling
- Transition from 2D to 3D workflows
- Photorealistic rendering techniques
- Texture and lighting management
- Post-production techniques
- Professional project layouts
These technical skills enable students to create professional visual presentations suitable for clients and employers.
Project Communication
The programme emphasises the importance of effectively presenting design concepts and building a professional profile.
Students learn:
- Portfolio development
- Presentation techniques
- Visual communication principles
- Personal branding strategies
- LinkedIn profile development
- Graphic layout techniques
- Design storytelling
- Use of graphic software
This area helps students prepare for professional opportunities within the design sector.
Materials & Trends
Students explore the latest developments in materials and finishes used in contemporary interior design.
Topics include:
- Innovative wall and floor coverings
- Ceramic materials
- Resin and microcement applications
- Decorative paints
- Furnishing fabrics
- Furniture finishes
- Wallpaper applications
- Emerging interior trends
Students develop the ability to select appropriate materials that balance functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.
Retail Design
The programme introduces students to the design of commercial spaces and customer experiences.
Students study:
- Retail design principles
- Brand communication through space
- Consumer experience design
- Retail marketing fundamentals
- Store concept development
- Shop layout planning
- Mood board and concept board creation
- Luxury retail case studies
- Lighting strategies for retail environments
Students learn how spatial design influences consumer behaviour and brand perception.
Exhibit Design
Students develop expertise in designing temporary and permanent exhibition spaces.
Topics include:
- Exhibition design principles
- Museum and event spaces
- Brand briefing analysis
- Material and finish selection
- Audiovisual integration
- Visitor experience design
- Exhibition communication strategies
- Collaboration between stakeholders
This module provides insight into the growing field of experiential and exhibition design.
Garden Design
Students explore outdoor spaces and landscape concepts through topics including:
- Garden design history
- Landscape typologies
- Outdoor spatial planning
- Decorative elements and accessories
- Pool and ancillary space design
- Plant selection and garden composition
- Residential landscape concepts
The module broadens students' understanding of how interior and exterior environments interact.
Digital Modelling Techniques
Students acquire advanced digital representation skills through:
- 3D digital modelling
- Virtual space creation
- Exhibition space visualisation
- Spatial simulations
- Design communication techniques
Digital modelling supports the development and presentation of increasingly sophisticated design proposals.
By the end of the programme, students will be able to independently develop and communicate professional interior design projects across residential, retail, exhibition, and hospitality contexts.
Graduates develop:
- Interior design and spatial planning skills
- Technical drawing competencies
- AutoCAD and SketchUp proficiency
- Rendering and visualisation expertise
- Knowledge of contemporary materials and finishes
- Retail and exhibition design capabilities
- Professional presentation and communication skills
- Portfolio development experience
- Creative problem-solving abilities
Students graduate with both the creative vision and technical expertise required to enter the interior design industry.
Graduates may pursue careers within interior design, architecture, retail, and exhibition sectors in roles such as:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Decorator
- Retail Designer
- Exhibition Space Designer
- Hospitality Interior Designer
- AutoCAD Designer
- Visual Merchandising Space Designer
- Furniture and Interior Consultant
- Residential Space Planner
- Design Studio Assistant
Graduates may work for:
- Interior design studios
- Architecture firms
- Retail and luxury brands
- Furniture companies
- Exhibition and event agencies
- Hospitality design firms
- Property development companies
- Independent design consultancies
Career opportunities highlighted by the programme include Interior Designer, Interior Decorator, AutoCAD Designer, Exhibition Space Designer, and Designer of retail and hospitality environments.
Accademia del Lusso combines practical design education with direct industry relevance, preparing students for contemporary careers in interior and spatial design.
Reasons to study at Accademia del Lusso include:
- Study in Milan, one of the world's leading design capitals
- Learn from professionals actively working in the industry
- Develop practical skills through project-based learning
- Gain proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering techniques
- Explore retail, exhibition, and garden design specialisations
- Build a professional portfolio throughout the programme
- Participate in Work Weeks and industry-oriented activities
- Develop both creative and technical competencies
- Benefit from small class sizes and personalised support
The school's interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to respond creatively and strategically to the evolving demands of the design industry.
Program Delivery
The programme is delivered through a combination of:
- Classroom lessons
- Design laboratories
- Practical workshops
- CAD and digital modelling sessions
- Portfolio development activities
- Work Weeks
- Industry seminars
- Visits to museums, showrooms, and design-related locations
- Project-based assignments
- Final design presentations
Teaching combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application, ensuring students develop the technical expertise, creative confidence, and professional skills required for careers in interior design and spatial planning.


