Project Brief: My Room, My Interior

Are you preparing your Art & Design portfolio for college or university? This creative assignment is perfect for anyone applying to study:

  • Interior Design

  • Interior Architecture

  • Architecture

  • Modelmaking

You’ll be using found objects and recycled materials to build a scale model of your bedroom - a brilliant way to demonstrate your spatial awareness, creativity, and hands-on making skills.

Beige background with a blurred laptop keyboard and bold text that reads “Assignment: Build a Model of Your Bedroom” – student architecture task from Sonia Nicolson’s blog.

Why modelmaking matters

Modelmaking is a powerful skill that helps communicate and develop design ideas. Whether you’re pursuing architecture, interiors, or product design, the ability to physically represent your ideas will set your portfolio apart.

And yes, you can start with cardboard.

What is Modelmaking?

Modelmaking is more than just crafting - it’s a discipline in its own right. Students studying Modelmaking typically complete a 3-year degree learning to produce both physical and digital models.

Modelmakers go on to work in:

  • Architectural and interior design studios

  • Product development and prototyping

  • Museum exhibitions and installations

  • Film and TV (think set design and special effects)

It takes time, patience, and precision, but it’s also a lot of fun. And showcasing this in your portfolio proves you’re serious about spatial design.

What You’ll Need:

Don’t overcomplicate this - reuse materials and keep it simple. Here's your checklist:

  • Time and patience (this is not a rush job!)

  • Craft knife (sharp blade = cleaner edges; always cut safely)

  • Cutting mat (protect your surfaces)

  • Glue (UHU works well; PVA is okay but may warp)

  • Metal ruler (plastic ones split and slip, ouch)

  • Material (ideally cardboard, mountboard, or cereal boxes - stick to one colour if you can. White or neutral looks more professional.)

  • A bedroom (yours, or one you’re familiar with)

Step-by-Step: Build a Model of Your Bedroom

You’re going to build a 3D model of your bedroom in miniature. This is how spatial designers bring ideas to life.

Start with a sketch | Draw your bedroom’s floor plan - this will guide the scale and placement of your walls, windows, and doors.

Build the basic structure | Cut and assemble the walls to match your sketch. Add windows and doors by cutting them out of the wall panels.

Furnish the space | Now build miniature furniture - your bed, wardrobe, desk, shelves, chair, mirror, etc. Use simple shapes and stick to scale.

Add details | This is where your model shines. Fold paper to mimic bedding, curl it for curtains, create tiny books, electronics, rugs, or even a dressing gown on a hook. Be imaginative.

Include a scale figure | Cut out a small person (you) to stand in the room. Use the door height to guide the proportions.

Pro Tip: Use only white or one colour of material and mount your model on a larger base. It gives a clean, architectural look even if it’s made from cereal boxes.

How to Present Your Model in a Portfolio

Since the model might not survive your travels, document it clearly:

  • Take photos from multiple angles:

    Top-down (plan)

    Front (elevation)

    Side-on (perspective)

  • Include an object for scale reference (like a pencil or ruler)

  • Consider making a step-by-step collage or progress page

  • Add a short write-up or labels explaining key elements

Save everything into an A3 layout or digital PDF to include in your portfolio.


Architecture 'Additional Reading' List

Architecture 'Additional Reading' List

Seen as you have all these spare half days, empty slots in your timetable, and possibly even a reading week, as if, I've taken the time to list out some of the books I think you will find interesting - let's be honest...even if it's just to look at the pictures.

So, as for a more general and inspirational collection, there is a huge selection to choose from regarding Design and Architecture, Furniture, and Product. It is a great idea to have a copy of the main books as recommended by your course however often there is not a huge selection to choose from when it comes to the Interior, here is a selection of additional book, perhaps for the Christmas and birthday lists:

  1. Brooker, G & Stone S. (2008) Context & Environment (Basics Interior Architecture Series 02), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  2. Ching, F D K, & Binggeli C. (2012) Interior Design Illustrated, Van Nostrand & Reinhold

  3. Frampton K, Modern Architecture, A Critical History, London: Thames & Hudson

  4. Gagg, R. (2011) Texture & Materials (Basics Interior Architecture Series 05), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  5. Massey, A. (2008) Interior Design Since 1900, London: Thames & Hudson

  6. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962) Experiencing Architecture, Boston: MIT Press

  7. Farrelly, L. (2014) Representational Techniques, (Basic Architecture Series 01), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  8. Aquilino, M J. (2011) Beyond Shelter: Architecture For Crisis, Thames & Hudson

Architecture Student's Booklist

Architecture Student's Booklist

Whether you're heading to an Open Day, had your interview, got your place, or already started on a course, you will need to start thinking about the dreaded book list, and if you will actually spend any of your hard-earned cash purchasing any of them. My advice is if you have some pennies to spare, take advantage of this time and money to invest in the basic book list. I suggest the following books mainly for Interior Design/Architecture courses but you can adapt if you're studying another art and design course.



Library

Universities and Colleges have fantastic Libraries, with Librarians who are not only friendly but can and will, assist you in finding out what it is you are after. There are loads of books, e-books, magazines and journals, online links, and tutorials, plus they often have a large selection of DVDs and videos from educational documentaries to inspirational movies. And, do not forget your local library too, they are perfect for local historical information, maps, old photos, etc. 

Books

If you are planning to study the interior, be it Interior Design or Interior Architecture and Design, I have listed some great books to help get you started and feed into your studies. The start of term is when students tend to have a little bit of money and therefore there is far more chance they will spend it on course supplies than any other student spending. With this in mind, I recommended the following four books:

  1. Ching, F D K. Architectural Graphics, Van Nostrand & Reinhold

  2. Littlefield, D. (2012) Metric Handbook: Planning & Design Data, London: Routledge

  3. Ross, A., Hatreed, J. & Baden-Powell, C. (2011) Architects Pocket Book, London: Architectural Press

  4. Architecture For Humanity. (2006) Design Like You Give A Damn, Thames & Hudson

  5. Pile, J. (2013) A History of Interior Design, London: Laurence King

  6. Plunkett, D. (2010) Construction and Detailing for Interior Design, Laurence King

  7. Brown, R. (2012) Materials and Interior Design, Laurence King

  8. McLeod V. (2012)Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture, Laurence King [with CD of drawings] full series also available


PDF downloads:

Metric Handbook | Architect's Pocket Book 

Most of the books listed above will be used by both Interior Design and Architecture students alike, and are often a good investment as they will stay with you from student life to the working world. 

The General Design & Inspiration Booklist

The General Design + Inspiration Booklist

This is my 'coffee table' selection of books that I love to sit down and have a flick through with a hot cup of coffee under a cozy blanket on the sofa. When I have a new project or are looking for inspiration, I love to sit and flick through books, get ideas and it always helps me feel re-motivated. Some of the lists below are books from my university days and others more recent, some you might have read or heard of, and others are well worth looking up.

  1. Kate Spade. (2013) Things We Love: Twenty Years of Inspiration, Intriguing Bits and Other Curiosities, Kate Spade New York

  2. Amoruso, S. (2014) #GIRLBOSS, Portfolio Penguin

  3. Becker, H. (2011) Decorate: 1000 professional design ideas for every room in the house, Jacqui Small LLP

  4. Bowkett, S. (2013) Archi-Doodle: An Architects Activity Book, Laurence King

  5. Frederick, M. (2007) 101 Things I Learnt in Architecture School, MIT Press

  6. Schumacher E F. (1988) Small Is Beautiful, Abacus

  7. Banham, O. (1980) Theory And Design In The First Machine Age, MIT Press

  8. Wilson, R. (2010) Soulpancakes: Chew on Life's Big Questions, Hyperion Books


What are some books you’d recommend?

Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines and Journals

Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines + Journals

Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines and Journals

When I worked as an academic, part of my role was to write courses, set project briefs, lead tutorial groups, and support final-year students with their dissertations and final major projects. To do this well, I had to stay up to date with current trends, technologies, building projects, and research. That meant spending a lot of time in libraries and online—reading, watching documentaries, skimming journals, and following competitions.

As a student, building this habit early will give you a huge advantage. Staying connected to the wider industry will not only inspire your projects but also deepen your understanding of design culture and practice.

Over the next few posts, I’ll share my go-to resources for students of interior architecture. Today, we’ll start with my top picks for magazines and journals, perfect for sparking ideas and staying current.

Magazines & Journals

Kick off your design research by immersing yourself in industry news and visual inspiration. International publications offer a fresh perspective, so pick one up when you travel. Some of my favourites are:

  • Frame

  • Wallpaper

  • ELLE Décor (consider subscribing for regular updates)

Online Journals & Websites

Digital resources are just as valuable for staying informed:

  • dezeen.com | cutting-edge design news and features

  • inhabitat.com | sustainable design and innovation

  • bdonline.com | architecture and construction news

Start exploring these now, and you’ll quickly see how they can shape your ideas and help you think like a professional designer.


Which Design journals do you read?

RMI: Study Trip To Singapore

RMI: Study Trip To Singapore

Last week me and eight of my students packed up and headed to Singapore for a five days study trip. Our first stop was the newest mall on Orchard Road - ION Orchard where they had a tour by the Art Director to understand the design from the overall layout, retail units and their art collection. After an interesting lunch trying the local cuisine, the group walked along Orchard Road looking at the many retail outlets and discussing their design. 

The next day the students visited Raffles Design Institute where they met Prof Louis who gave them a tour of the campus and introduced them to their RDI classmates. This was a motivating visit and their inspiration was enhanced by a visit to the International Furniture Fair afterwards. On show were new and current items of furniture, materials and supplier information. The evening was spent wandering along Haji Lane and taking in its ambience. 

The following day was the financial district where the students spent the morning sketching, visiting sites such as The Fullerton Hotel and also catching a glimpse of the iconic Merlion transformed into ‘The Merlion Hotel’, an installation by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi as part of the Singapore Biennale. Next was the incredible Marina Bay Sands where our group was invited to the top floor to observe their 150m long infinity pool set atop the world's largest public cantilevered platform which overhangs by 67m.

Safely back on solid ground, the next day was a trip to IKEA where the students filled their sketchbooks with floor plans and perspectives of room layouts, furniture and lighting before hitting the shop.  

The final day was spent looking at the Singapore library and its outdoor study areas, the famous Raffles Hotel and then a trip to the stationary and book stores before catching the MRT to the airport. Back at college now and only a week until final presentations. The students are motivated and ready to complete their projects, inspired by their experiences in Singapore!