Complete 2025’s No.1 Ranked UK Interior Design Degree in Sri Lanka
View(s):AOD invites students to join Britain’s top-rated interior design degree from Northumbria University UK in Colombo: Joel Rapp—interior design senior faculty member of AOD’s interior design department discusses the program delivery
For aspiring interior designers in Sri Lanka and across South Asia, the UK’s best interior design degree has never been this accessible. The Academy of Design (AOD) in Sri Lanka offers the highly coveted Interior Design degree from Northumbria University, ranked as the No.1 UK university to study interior design in 2025, according to The Guardian. The Guardian’s ranking, which assessed all major UK universities teaching interior design, awarded Northumbria University a perfect score of 100/100. This outstanding ranking was based on factors such as the “value-added” score, which measures the skills and learning students acquire during the course, and the continuation rate, which reflects student satisfaction with the program. With the AOD-Northumbria direct partnership offering this top-ranked degree in its entirety within Sri Lanka, students can access world-class education without the logistical and financial challenges of moving to Europe for their higher studies.
Bridging local and global perspectives: Joel Rapp—AOD’s lead in interior design education
Delivering Northumbria UK’s no.1 ranked curriculum at AOD’s interior design department is Joel Rapp, a senior lecturer with decades of experience in the field. As the founder of AOD’s interior design department, Joel’s influence and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the programme’s success and maintaining Northumbria’s academic standards at AOD. Starting in architecture school, Joel transitioned to theatrical set design, designing for Off-Broadway productions and Hollywood films. Later, he pivoted to interior design, managing international hotel projects, leading design teams, and eventually running his own commercial interior design firm in New York—decades of experience that uniquely positions him to deliver Northumbria University’s programme with depth, innovation, and real-world relevance.
Speaking about the programme’s structure, Joel explains: “Every semester, we teach specific skill sets during the first four semesters. These skills are taught alongside the projects. In addition to learning skill sets, working on projects, and understanding the design process, you also learn to think, write, and read critically about the work you’re doing.” This integrated approach ensures that students not only master technical skills but also develop the intellectual and conceptual capabilities needed to excel as design professionals.
Teaching to project, teaching through project
A key feature of AOD’s interior design program delivery is its emphasis on practical, project-based learning. Joel uses a ‘teach to project, teach through project’ method of educating, which mirrors the realities of the working world. Over the course of their studies, students complete six major projects, with their final year culminating in an intensive, 1,000-hour thesis project. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled designers but also adept at managing real-world challenges.
“Six main projects over the years alongside what’s called skill-set training; in order to deliver interior design work people, you need to be able to do certain things, from computer drafting, rendering of both hand and computer varieties, making presentation boards etc. and they’re taught alongside the projects.
Interior design, at a professional level, goes beyond creativity and also has much to do with the ability to lead a project. The Northumbria interior design degree at AOD is delivered considering this industry reality, training students to both conceive of a good project and control it through to delivery.”
In addition to technical mastery, AOD’s curriculum emphasizes ethical, ecological, and social responsibility, encouraging students to choose projects that address issues related to sustainability and focus on community or national concerns. This commitment to meaningful design ensures that AOD graduates not only excel professionally but also contribute positively to society.
A degree that prepares you for a world of opportunities
Sharing his thoughts about the programme, Joel also highlighted the versatility of the Northumbria University degree. While it provides a solid foundation for those aiming to become interior designers, its scope extends far beyond traditional roles. As Joel notes: “Yes, you can become an architect, but you can also do many other things. For example, I have a former AOD student who owns ceramic studios in Melbourne and another who runs their own furniture company in Sweden. One of them is now a college professor in Iowa—she did her master’s and then completed her PhD. Some graduates come back to Sri Lanka to practice, and many go overseas.”
AOD’s alumni success stories speak for this versatility. Chamika Wickremasinghe founded the award-winning Canvas Interior Design studio (www.canvas.lk), known for its innovative approach and celebrated projects from the recent Cinnamon Life City of Dreams. Shenali de Fonseka leads her own practice, Shenali de Fonseka Interior Design, in Colombo (Behance Profile). Ayodhaya Jayewardene is the Founder and Senior Interior Architect of Ayointerior (www.ayointerior.lk), while Amoda Rathnayake runs her own firm, Amoda Rathnayake Associates (www.ara.lk). These alumni exemplify the programme’s ability to produce professionals who succeed.
This degree serves as a launchpad for careers in diverse fields, from architecture and furniture design to academia and entrepreneurship. Importantly, the programme is structured to allow students to progress seamlessly to advanced qualifications. Graduates who wish to pursue architecture, for instance, can transition into a Master of Architecture programme abroad, with the possibility of becoming fully qualified architects within a few years.
The Northumbria University interior design program at AOD is meticulously delivered to balance global standards where students are trained with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to fulfill many professional roles—from project designer to structural engineer—within a global context.”
At the same time, AOD’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s heritage ensures that students develop a deep appreciation for local history and culture. This unique combination positions AOD graduates to create a new Sri Lankan architectural style that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in their identity.
Job prospects and industry connections
The strong reputation of AOD’s interior design programme is reflected in the success of its graduates. As one of the first institutions to offer globally recognized interior design education in Sri Lanka, AOD has played a pivotal
role in shaping the industry. Today, most of the country’s interior design firms employ AOD alumni, creating a
robust network that actively supports new graduates.
Job prospects for graduates are also made through industry connections actively maintained by AOD’s graduate recruitment and placement unit dedicated to ensuring graduates are employed. Joel highlights the programme’s close ties with industry, explaining: “The process of graduation includes a giant exhibition every year, attended by most employers. This serves as both a recruiting fair and a showcase of talent. There’s always a line at the door whenever a graduating class comes out. Employers often start asking us teachers, ‘Who’s good? Who’s new?’”
Why choose AOD for interior design?
For students in Sri Lanka and South Asia, AOD’s partnership with Northumbria University represents a rare opportunity. Completing a top-ranked UK degree locally offers numerous benefits, from reduced costs to the ability to stay close to family and community. Moreover, the programme’s emphasis on practical learning, ethical design, and global perspectives ensures that graduates are well-prepared to excel in a competitive industry.
Interior design is also one of the most rewarding career prospects out there for creative thinkers. Interior design is a rewarding and impactful profession, one that allows you to shape the world around you. As Joel Rapp puts it, “For most things people design, their impact is fleeting, gone in a few months. But with interiors, people live in them for a long time—10, 20 years, usually. I like the idea that the way people feel in their homes, their jobs, and every space they occupy, is affected for the better by the work I do. Everybody spends all their time walking in and around designed objects, but only about one one-hundredth of one percent of people have any control over what those things look like. I like being one of those people, and I think you might like it too. So, come for the hard work, and stay for the opportunity to shape the way the
world looks.”
With the Northumbria University degree now available at AOD, aspiring designers have the chance to join this exclusive group and shape the future of interior design, both in Sri Lanka and beyond. This programme isn’t just an education—it’s a journey that gives the right knowledge and tools for young people to create, design, innovate, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
For information walk into AOD at the Colombo Innovation Tower, Monday to Friday 9 am- 5 pm
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