Software in Interior Design

One of the questions we get most from students just getting started with their studies is what software do I need to learn. The good news is that as students, there’s no need for immediate expertise (nor do you need to immediately download and install all the software in the world!). Any software skills will build up slowly, just like your design skills, over the duration of the course. You’ll be practicing and honing all your skills over a number of projects and exercises throughout your studies.

That said, you might still be wondering what software it is, what it does, etc. So let’s dive into that now.

The role of software in interior design
Before we looked at some specific programs that you might come across as an interior designer, I wanted to first address the role software plays in interior design.

1. Firstly, any program is just a tool—it doesn’t replace you and your decision-making as a designer. It doesn’t do the heavy lifting for you.
2. Secondly, software doesn’t automatically make the work good. For example, an exceptional floor plan drawing can be produced with CAD software, but so can a really mediocre one. Just as an exceptional floor plan can be drawn with analogue tools as can a mediocre one.
3. Thirdly, software doesn’t replace other tools. Sometimes the answer isn’t to turn on your computer. Sometimes the more effective or efficient answer is to quickly sketch out with pencils and paper or make a model from paper and cardboard. Ultimately, as you build up your skillset as a designer, you’ll then be tasked with determining which tool will be best for you and your skillset to use in working through various design challenges.

Now let’s get into some specific programs!

CAD Software

CAD software might be one of the types of programs you think of first when you think of interior design. CAD, an acronym for computer-aided design (sometimes computer-assisted drafting), is essentially software that allows you to draw on the computer. These drawings can be incredibly accurate and presented as scaled technical drawings. Some of the most popular CAD programs within interior design are AutoCAD and Vector works. Both have similar capabilities with slightly different approaches.

Digital Modelling  

Of course, digital modelling is also a common association with interior design these days. Essentially, these programs allow you to create a three-dimensional model of a building, space, or object on the computer. Sketchup is a program commonly used for digital modelling in interiors. Technically, programs like AutoCAD can also be used for three-dimensional work. However, they aren’t always as well-suited to interiors and can be a bit more complex to use for this purpose.

You might also come across the term BIM software, an acronym for Building Information Modeling. This is also digital modeling, but the capabilities of the software are more extensive. BIM software is used by architects, designers, and engineers. Revit is one of the most popular BIM programs, particularly used in more commercial projects.

Related to digital modeling is digital rendering. When you create a digital 3D model of a building, space, or object, these aren’t automatically presented on-screen in a photorealistic way. The more realistic views of these digital models are created when they are rendered. In most cases, this requires another bit of software—usually a plugin for the main 3D modeler. Rendering programs like V-Ray or Enscape are popular, but there are quite a few that you may come across.

Presentation 

Of course, presenting our design ideas is very important too, which is why various presentation software programs are also typically associated with working as an interior designer.

For students just getting started, making presentations or portfolios with programs like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva can be helpful. However, as you build your skills developing competence in programs like Adobe InDesign (or its open source alternative Scribus) will be beneficial. This kind of program gives you more control over the specifics of a presentation which can lead to a more professional standard.

Similarly, using programs like Adobe Photoshop (or its open source alternative GIMP) can also be beneficial for presenting ideas. Being able to edit, polish, and augment photos of physical models, digital models or drawings can help make them more effective. Collages and mood boards, certain diagrammatic studies, etc. can also be done in photo editing software like this. Ultimately, it depends on what you need to communicate. Programs like Photoshop can be very versatile in this way which makes it a good software skill to have in your tool box.

Others 

Of course there are other programs that some designers use every day that aren’t on this list. Digital sketching on tablets using apps like Procreate is becoming more and more popular. Other digital modeling programs like 3DS Max and Rhino might be used. For designers who source a lot of FF&E (finishing’s, fixtures, and Equipment), software like Excel, EstiMAC/PC, or other spreadsheet/database software might be what they use most regularly. Ultimately, if software needs to be used and what software needs to be used will depend on the designer and the design work to be done.

Final Thoughts 

This blog post is intended to provide a broad overview of interior design software, but as said before, keep in mind that any software is just a tool. Becoming an expert on a particular program will not replace the effectiveness of an iterative and thoughtful design process.

If you’re still wondering what programs you specifically might want to learn over the course of your studies, I would recommend looking into any current designers’ work you admire. Do they have any recent job postings? What software proficiencies have been requested? This can give you an idea of what kind of software you might want to learn eventually.

I say eventually because it’s still so important not to distract yourself with becoming proficient with a whole load of software programs before you even have a good grasp of the design process, various spatial and drawing principles, and more. Designers are not software technicians, so there’s a lot more to learn! Keep that in mind and embrace the whole of the learning process. Best of luck!

Wondering how you might get started in your course work?

Be sure to explore the various resources available on OCA Learn to help you as you build skills when it comes to interior design software. This includes a dedicated Interior Design Digital Skills Resources Padlet as well as a number of recordings of group work sessions covering various topics within AutoCAD, Vector works, Sketchup, InDesign, and Photoshop – available.