About

Akdeniz University – Department of Interior Architecture

Our department, one of only two state universities in the Mediterranean region offering Interior Architecture education, was established in the 2000–2001 academic year.

As the Department of Interior Architecture at Akdeniz University, we provide a dynamic academic and research environment built on a commitment to excellence and an innovative design vision.

The department runs an active thesis-based master's program within the Interior Architecture Graduate Division. We aim to advance our postgraduate ambitions further with a doctoral program currently in the planning stage. Ongoing efforts are also underway to enrich our undergraduate curriculum through sub-disciplines such as restoration and furniture design.

With approximately 343 undergraduate students and a qualified academic staff of 7, we maintain an intimate and interactive learning atmosphere. This approach is reflected in our 90% student satisfaction rate and an 85% graduation success rate at the undergraduate level. As of the Fall 2025 semester, the department is also home to 6 international students.

Research and development are central to our departmental culture. Between 2022 and 2026, we have published 18 scientific articles indexed in WOS databases. Two BAP projects and two TÜBİTAK research projects have been completed. We are taking concrete steps to strengthen university–industry collaboration: one faculty member company operates within Teknokent, and 2 TÜBİTAK 2209-B and 5 TÜBİTAK 2209-A undergraduate research projects are currently underway. The department also holds 1 pending National Utility Model application and 8 registered Utility Models.

Our educational philosophy is equally shaped by a sense of social responsibility. A total of 16 social responsibility projects have been completed by our students within the scope of the TDB 304 Social Sensitivity and Contribution course. We maintain strong ties with external stakeholders and valued alumni, organizing at least three alumni events and career-focused seminars each semester. Among our most important forward-looking goals is completing the work required for program accreditation, thereby formally certifying our quality at the national level.

The Department of Interior Architecture at Akdeniz University Faculty of Architecture began accepting students in 2000 under the name "Interior Design and Environmental Design" within the Faculty of Fine Arts, through a talent-based entrance examination. Between 2012 and 2015, admissions were based on the TM-1 score type. In 2016, the department was renamed the Department of Interior Architecture and transferred to the Faculty of Architecture. Today, the department continues to admit students under the MF-4 score type.

Graduates are awarded the title of Interior Architect. As four-year university graduates, they may find employment in the private sector or as public personnel, or they may establish their own offices and practice independently.

Students who successfully complete courses totaling 240 credits over 8 semesters and whose professional competency is approved by the Internship Commission are deemed eligible to qualify as Interior Architects and to graduate.

Graduates of the Interior Architecture Department receive the title of Interior Architect. The foundation of the profession is to develop an artistic design language that integrates form and function based on the principles of visual communication, to create spatial and environmental arrangements, to systematize these arrangements, and to develop standard modules for them.

The field of practice is broad. Interior Architects are engaged in: forming functional and design concepts based on the holistic purpose of interior spaces; preparing projects in line with the developed concept; producing two- and three-dimensional presentation and implementation drawings; developing display and promotional modules in industrial and commercial settings; designing and assembling furniture, stands, pavilions, lighting, and similar units (decoration and fitting-out); packaging design for designed products; visual communication roles in cultural institutions such as museums and galleries; and providing services in public urban spaces, including space and unit fit-out and urban furniture solutions in the fields of social and educational services.

Graduates who achieve sufficient scores in the ALES and YDS examinations are eligible to pursue postgraduate education in Interior Architecture programs.

The working area is quite large. In the field of interior architecture, creation of function and design concepts according to the holistic functions of interior spaces. Preparation of projects in the light of the concept created, preparation of two/three dimensional clear pictures/drawings for presentation and application. In industrial and economic areas: Developing modules related to exhibition and promotion and furniture, stands, pavilions, lighting etc. to be used in these areas. They take part in services such as designing/combining the units (decoration and equipment) and solving the problems as Interior Architects. Also: making designs related to the packaging of the designed products; in cultural fields: Carrying out the task of visual communication in museums, galleries and similar private institutions and public institutions; in the fields of social and educational services: They also provide services in the public areas of the city such as space and unit equipment, urban furniture solutions.