Interior Architecture and Spatial Design BA Welcome Pack
Welcome to Interior Architecture and Spatial Design BA – September 2026
Welcome to the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design course at the University of Northampton. We are delighted that you have chosen to begin your creative journey with us and look forward to supporting you as you develop into a confident, innovative and professionally skilled designer. Our course is built around the belief that design has the power to improve lives, transform communities and create meaningful places that respond to the social, cultural and environmental challenges of today.
The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design course offers an exciting and inspiring learning experience where creativity, technical knowledge and critical thinking come together. Throughout your studies, you will explore how people interact with the built environment while developing the skills required to design spaces that are functional, inclusive, sustainable and engaging.
Based within our dedicated studio environment at the University of Northampton, you will work on a diverse range of projects that reflect real-world design challenges. From concept development and spatial planning to digital visualisation, model making and technical detailing, you will gain experience using industry-standard technologies alongside traditional design methods. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with external organisations, engage with live projects, participate in study visits and learn from practising professionals.
Our supportive teaching team is committed to helping you reach your full potential through personalised guidance, constructive feedback and a collaborative studio culture. We encourage curiosity, experimentation and independent thinking, enabling you to develop your own creative identity while building the confidence and professional skills expected within the interior architecture and spatial design industry.
This welcome pack has been designed to help you prepare for your first weeks at university. It contains important information about your course, induction activities, studio facilities, equipment, academic support and what you can expect throughout your first year. We hope it answers many of your initial questions and helps you settle into university life with confidence.
We look forward to welcoming you to our creative community and supporting you throughout your journey towards becoming the next generation of interior architects and spatial designers.
Your Course Leader
Nasir Ahmed
Senior Lecturer
As your Course Leader, I am here to support your academic journey, guide your progress, and help you make the most of your time on the course. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need advice or support.
Additional staff
- Angelique Wisse, Senior Lecturer
- Alex Tinkler, Lecturer
- Jason Duggan, Technician
- Claire Speedie
Preparing for your course
In preparation for your course starting in September, we hold some online sessions beforehand so you can meet your Academic Team and other students studying the same course. These will be held on 31 August & 10 September. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Nasir Ahmed on nasir.ahmed@northampton.ac.uk
Monday 31 August
Session: Meet the Team webinar
- Time: 4pm (BST)
- Link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/fe0d07e3c1b744f793b7235045becd35
Thursday 10 September
Session: Meet the Team webinar
- Time: 4pm (BST)
- Link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/ded63f21b4764e1ca50b458ddb8601b9
Monday 21 September
Session: Welcome & Introductions – meet the course leader, tutors and fellow students. Introduction to the course, it’s structure and studio culture.
- Time: 10am-12.30pm (BST)
- Location: CH101, Creative Hub (first floor), Waterside campus
Session: Library Induction & Essential Equipment
- Time: 1.30 – 4pm (BST)
- Location: meeting in the Library, Learning Hub (second floor), Waterside campus
Tuesday 22 September
Session: Studio Activity
- Time: 10am – 12.30pm (BST)
- Location: CH101, Creative Hub (first floor), Waterside campus
Session: Exploring the Town
- Time: 1.30 – 4pm (BST)
- Location: Creative Hub, IASD Studio, Room CH101 & Library, Waterside campus
Monday 5 October
Trip to London. More information will be available during the welcome week.
Equipment
From week one you will be engaged in design work that will involve drawing and making. You will therefore need to come prepared with some drawing equipment and materials of your own. We therefore recommend that you bring the following:
Essential drawing equipment
- T Square 60mm
- Adjustable Set Square or set of 45/45 and 30/60 Squares
- Scale Ruler with 1:200/100/50/20/10/5 scales
- Mechanical drawing pencil 0.5/0.3
- Recommended: A2 drawing board with parallel motion
Essential drawing materials
- Graphite sketching pencils
- Colour pencils
- Black marker pen
- Layout paper (A2/ A3)
- A sketchbook
- Spray mount adhesive
Essential model making equipment
- Ruler (stainless steel or aluminium) 60mm
- Craft knife
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- A3 or A4 cutting mat
- Masking tape, double-sided tape
- Eraser
- Simple compass
- Scissors
- Scalpel
- A2 Portfolio display book
- Pritt stick
Reading Lists
- Brooker, Graeme. Adaptations. Strategies for Interior Architecture and Design. Bloomsbury Visual Arts. 2016
- Brooker, Graeme and Stone, Sally. Re readings2. Interior architecture and design principles of remodelling existing buildings. RIBA Enterprises. 2018.
- Cramer, Johannes. Architecture in existing fabric: planning, design and building. Birkhäuser. 2007
- Davies, Colin. Thinking about Architecture. An Introduction to architectural Theory. Laurence King. 2011.
- Grimley, Chris and Love, Mimi. The Interior Design Reference and Specification Book. Rockport Publishers Inc. 2018.
- Plunkett, Drew. Drawing for Interior Design. Laurence King. 2009.
- Travis, Stephanie. Sketching for architecture + interior design. Laurence King. 2015.
- Schittich, Christian. Building in existing fabric. Birkhäuser. 2003
- Delaney, Miriam and Gorman, Anne. Studio Craft & Technique for Architects. Second Edition. Laurence King. 2022
