How to Select the Best Interior Design Institute in Borivali, Mumbai

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Choose wisely. Design brilliantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Define What “Best” Means for You

    Your goals matter—whether it's research, hands-on design, or industry exposure. Choose an institute that matches your personal and professional vision.

  • Curriculum = Your Creative Blueprint

    Look for a well-rounded program with design thinking, technical tools, and real-world projects to build a strong foundation.

  • Mentors Who Spark Growth

    Experienced, passionate faculty can turn potential into performance by offering real-world guidance and personal feedback.

  • Facilities That Fuel Creativity

    Top-notch studios, digital labs, material libraries, and prototyping tools are essential for immersive learning.

  • Placement-Driven, Not Just Degree-Driven

    Institutes with strong industry ties, internships, and alumni success can help launch your career beyond the classroom.

Mumbai has many things. It’s the city of dreams, the land of Bollywood, and the home of skyscrapers and slumdog stories alike. But for aspiring interior designers, it’s something more — a giant canvas just waiting to be transformed.

If you’re serious about a career in interior design, Mumbai is one of the best places to learn. The demand for designers is high, the exposure is massive, and the opportunities are endless. 

But let’s be honest — the number of interior design institutes in Mumbai is overwhelming. How do you choose the right one, from long-standing universities to new-age design schools tucked away in artistic corners?

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to trust your instincts when selecting the best interior design institute in Mumbai—one that works for you, your future, and your creative spirit.

1. First Things First – What Does “Best” Even Mean?

“Best” is a tricky word. What’s best for one student may not be best for another. So before you Google your way into a confusion spiral, stop and ask yourself:

  • What kind of designer do I want to be?
  • Do I want a traditional degree like a B.Des in Interior Design or a skill-based route like a B.Voc?
  • Am I seeking a highly academic setup or more hands-on, studio-style learning?
  • How important are placements, internships, and industry connections to me?

Once you are clear on your goals, your definition of “best” becomes much clearer and easier to find.

2. Reputation vs Real Value – Don’t Just Chase the Brand Name

It’s tempting to pick a college just because everyone talks about it. Reputation is important, no doubt. But the value lies in what the institute can offer you, day to day, semester to semester.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this institute known for interior design or just lumped under a larger design umbrella?
  • Does it focus more on theory or offer real-world, project-based learning?
  • What are alums doing today? Are they working designers, or did they switch careers?

Some of the best learning experiences come from places that aren’t household names — but are laser-focused on student success.

3. Check the Curriculum Like a Designer Reads a Floor Plan

Every great space starts with a strong layout. The same goes for your education.

A high-quality interior design curriculum should balance creative exploration with technical skills. Whether it’s a 3-year B.Voc or a 4-year B.Des program, here’s what to look for:

Core Components:

  • Design thinking and spatial planning
  • History of architecture and interiors
  • Sketching, drawing, and 3D modeling
  • Software skills: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Rhino, etc.
  • Material exploration and sustainability
  • Lighting, color theory, and furniture design
  • Building services and construction techniques
  • Real-time client projects and studio work

Bonus Points:

  • Entrepreneurship modules
  • Branding and communication for designers
  • Business of Design (quoting, invoicing, project management)

You’re in good hands if the course dives deep and evolves with the industry.

4. Location Within Mumbai – Yes, It Matters

Mumbai is a sprawling beast. And let’s be real — commuting from Virar to Colaba every day might suck the joy out of even the most passionate design student.

Look for institutes that are:

  • Well-connected by local trains, metro, and buses
  • Situated in or near creative hotspots (Lower Parel, Bandra, Andheri, Powai)
  • Close to design studios, co-working spaces, or architectural firms

This reduces commute chaos and opens doors to more internships, part-time gigs, exhibitions, and inspiration.

5. Faculty and Mentorship – Who’s Teaching You?

This is one of the most underrated factors when choosing an institute.

The quality of your mentors can completely shape how you see design. Great faculty members aren’t just teachers — working professionals, creatives, and industry insiders who bring real stories into the classroom.

Look for:

  • Faculty with industry experience
  • Visiting experts and guest lectures
  • Mentors who care about individual growth, not just grades
  • Access to 1-on-1 feedback and portfolio reviews

If the faculty list feels like a who’s-who of the design world, you’re in the right place.

6. Infrastructure, Labs, and Studio Spaces – Your Design Playground

Interior design isn’t a laptop-and-lecture career. You need space to create, build, make mistakes, and try again.

The best interior design institutes in Mumbai understand this. They provide:

  • Spacious design studios
  • Drafting tables and model-making zones
  • Material libraries
  • Access to industry-standard software and tools
  • Fab labs with 3D printers, laser cutters, and carpentry tools

When you visit a college (and yes, you should), ask to see the labs, workshops, and common spaces. You’ll learn a lot about the institute’s commitment to creativity.

7. Placements, Internships, and Industry Exposure

Let’s talk brass tacks.

Design education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. You want an institute that connects you to the real world of work. That means:

  • Internship opportunities with reputed designers or firms
  • Industry collaborations and live projects
  • College-hosted exhibitions and showcases
  • Placement support for graduates
  • A strong alum network working in interior design, architecture, furniture, and related fields

Even better? Institutes that encourage freelancing, entrepreneurship, and portfolio building from Day One.

8. Student Life and Culture – The Vibe Check

This might sound “extra,” but it’s not. A college’s culture deeply affects how inspired, safe, and motivated you feel.

Look for a campus where:

  • Students collaborate, not compete
  • Design culture is active (events, fests, exhibitions)
  • There’s diversity in thought, background, and style
  • You see real student work displayed proudly

You’ll be spending 3-4 years of your life here. It should feel like a place that pushes, supports, and gets you.

9. Fee Structure and Scholarships – Balancing Cost with Quality

Mumbai is expensive — no surprise there. So, while you’re chasing the best interior design institute, make sure it’s financially realistic.

A good institute will:

  • Offer clear and transparent fee structures
  • Provide value through infrastructure, mentorship, and exposure
  • Offer scholarships based on merit, need, or talent
  • Allow installment-based payment plans or educational loans

Don’t just compare numbers. Compare what’s included. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive course gives you ten times the value.

10. Talk to Students, Alumni, and Yourself

One of the best things you can do? Talk to students who’ve been there.

  • What did they love?
  • What would they change?
  • Where did the course take them after graduation?

Most importantly, trust your gut. If a place feels exciting, challenges you, and opens your creative spirit — that’s a strong sign you’ve found your fit.

Spotlight Option: NIF Pune Kothrud for Mumbai Students

If you’re based in Mumbai but open to studying in Pune — just a few hours away — NIF Pune Kothrud deserves a serious look.

Why?

  • Offers both B.Des in Interior Design and B.Voc in Interior Design, depending on your career goals
  • Programs are affiliated with Medhavi Skill University
  • Focuses heavily on skill-building, live projects, and industry-readiness
  • Affordable and thoughtfully structured fees
  • Mumbai is still close enough for weekend trips and internships during breaks

It might not be within Mumbai’s city limits, but in terms of curriculum, mentorship, affordability, and long-term value, it’s one of the smartest choices out there.

Final Thoughts – Finding the Best Fit for You

The “best interior design institute in Mumbai” isn’t about glossy brochures or big promises. It’s about the place where your creativity feels seen, supported, and sharpened.

It’s where you:

  • Learn to think like a designer
  • Get your hands dirty building real projects
  • Work with mentors who see your potential
  • Connect to the industry before you even graduate

So take your time. Visit campuses. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Picture yourself growing, designing, becoming.

Because this isn’t just about choosing a college — it’s about choosing the space where your design journey truly begins.

Ready to Start Your Interior Design Career?

If you’re passionate about transforming spaces, obsessed with aesthetics, and ready to dive into interior design, your education is the first brushstroke on a big canvas.

Check out NIF Borivali

Even if you’re based in Mumbai, don’t miss out on this fast-rising design institute offering industry-ready B.Des and B.Voc programs in Interior Design — powered by Medhavi Skill University. It’s creative, affordable, and career-focused — just what you need to build a design future that works.

Explore more at https://www.nifborivali.com/

FAQ

What factors should I consider when selecting an interior design institute in Mumbai?

Consider the curriculum, faculty expertise, infrastructure (labs/studios), industry connections, location, fee structure, and student reviews. Align these with your career goals (e.g., degree vs. skill-based programs).

What makes the design studios different from other institutes?

The studios aren’t silent, static rooms—they’re dynamic environments for experimentation, collaboration, and making noise. Students own their desks, their process, and their pace.

Are internships and placements crucial for interior design students?

Yes. Institutes with strong industry ties offer internships, live projects, and placement support, helping you build a portfolio and network before graduation.

Is NIF Pune Kothrud a good alternative for Mumbai students?

Yes. NIF Pune offers accredited B.Des/B.Voc programs, affordability, and industry-focused training. Mumbai students can benefit from its proximity while avoiding high city costs.

Fashion & Interior Industry Educator at  | Website |  + posts

Shweta More is an Indian fashion and interior design expert with a keen eye for aesthetics and innovation. With years of experience in the industry, she specializes in blending timeless traditions with contemporary trends, helping individuals and brands craft unique style identities.

Her expertise spans across various fashion specializations, including haute couture, sustainable fashion, and athleisure, while her interior design work focuses on transforming spaces with elegance, functionality, and cultural depth. Shweta is passionate about guiding aspiring designers, offering insights into career growth, industry shifts, and creative inspirations.

When she’s not immersed in the world of fashion and interiors,Shweta enjoys traveling to global design hubs, exploring art, and experimenting with new materials and techniques.