Binjal
Doshi

What inspired you to study Interior Architecture and Design?

I have always been interested in how spaces can change the way people feel and experience them. I enjoy looking at existing buildings and imagining what they could become, especially when a space that may seem ordinary or overlooked can be transformed into something completely different.

Interior Architecture felt right for me because it is not just about designing a space that looks good. It is about understanding the story of a place and thinking about how people will feel and interact within it.

I already had experience with technical drawing before coming to NTU, but I wanted to explore design in a more creative and conceptual way. I wanted to understand where ideas begin and how a concept can grow into a space.

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

My first thought when I came across the course was that it felt like a blend of both interior design and architecture, and that really interested me. As an interior designer, I was curious about Interior Architecture and wanted to explore what it actually meant and how the two disciplines come together. I was excited to understand spaces from a different perspective and see how Interior Architecture could expand on what I already knew about interior design.

I chose NTU because I wanted to explore this side of design in a more creative and conceptual way. One of the things I have really enjoyed about the course is the way it encourages us to develop ideas from the beginning through sketches and models. I have always enjoyed rough sketching and was never really worried about putting my ideas on paper, but my tutors encouraged me to explore it even more. They gave me confidence in the way I was already working, motivated me to keep going and introduced me to different techniques that helped me develop my ideas further and make the process faster.

What has the experience been like?

My experience at NTU has been enjoyable but also quite challenging in a good way. The course has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and changed the way I think about design. Before starting the course, I was probably more focused on the technical side of a project, but now I have learned to think more about concepts, people and the experience of a space.

One of the biggest highlights has been my current project, where I am transforming an existing multi-storey car park in Nottingham into a community enterprise hub and artist workspace. I have really enjoyed working with the existing concrete structure and thinking about how something that is already there can be given a completely new purpose instead of simply being replaced.

The project has allowed me to explore ideas around community, creativity and reuse. I have also enjoyed developing my ideas through plans, models, collages and other visual methods. It has been a very creative process and has helped me become more confident in my own design approach.

Another highlight has been meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Everyone has their own way of thinking and approaching a project, and I think being in that creative environment has helped me learn a lot.

How have you found being an international student studying in the UK?

I wanted to study in the UK because of the opportunity to experience a different approach to education and design. The UK has a strong and diverse architecture and design culture, and I was interested in experiencing that first-hand. Studying here has also given me the opportunity to meet people from different countries and backgrounds, which has helped broaden my perspective.

My experience as an international student at NTU has been very positive. Moving to a new country and adapting to a different environment was challenging at first, but it has also been a very rewarding experience. The tutors and university environment have been supportive, and over time Nottingham has started to feel familiar and comfortable. Being an international student has helped me become more independent, adaptable and confident.

How has studying Interior Architecture and Design at NTU supported your career goals?

NTU has helped me grow in ways that go beyond developing my design work. One of the biggest things it has given me is confidence in communicating and presenting my ideas. The regular studio sessions, presentations and one-to-one tutorials have played a big part in this. Being able to discuss my work with tutors and explain why I have made certain decisions has helped me become more confident in the way I communicate. It has also taught me how important it is to listen to feedback, respond to questions and develop my ideas through discussion.

I also really value the fact that there is always something new to learn. Every week can introduce you to a new architect, designer, building or way of looking at a space. These experiences have helped broaden my knowledge and made me more curious about different approaches to design.

After finishing at NTU, I would like to start my career in the architecture or interior architecture and design industry and gain more experience working on real projects. My main priority is to find a good job in my field where I can learn, grow and develop my skills. I am really excited to start my professional and office journey, work as part of a team and give it my all.