Exploring Prefabricated Interiors: Insights from Deborah Schneiderman
As part of the second-semester MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design course Design Project 2, students and guests were invited to an inspiring open lecture by Deborah Schneiderman, Professor of Interior Design at Pratt Institute in New York and principal of deSc: architecture/design/research.
In her lecture, Schneiderman introduced a groundbreaking methodology rooted in Interior Systems Theory, offering a fresh perspective on how prefabricated interiors can be classified and understood. Her approach focuses on interiors that are fabricated off-site, typically designed to be customizable, transformable, transportable, and most importantly, place-making.
Drawing from both historical and contemporary examples, she presented diverse interiors that demonstrated different modes of interior prefabrication. Schneiderman also showcased innovative student work from Pratt Institute – including wearable and modular prefab designs – highlighting the strong connection between her research and teaching practice.
The event was organized by Prof. Dr. Carola Ebert and as part of her joint course with Amara Goodwin and Onur Özdemir, offering students valuable insight into current research and design approaches in the evolving field of interior architecture.
Apply for MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design
This master's program is a consecutive program offered to graduates of Interior Architecture/Interior Design, and a bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture/Interior Design is necessary.
If you do not have a degree in either Interior Design or Interior Architecture but you do have a degree in a closely related field within spatial design, such as Architecture, you can read more about our MA Interior Design program here.
The application process for studying Interior Architecture/Interior Design at the Master’s level at Berlin International is straightforward. You can simply and safely share your personal information through our online application platform. After receiving a confirmation email with a link, a copy of the following documents can be uploaded:
- Passport
- High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- University certificate with transcript. Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- English language test certificate (CEFR level B2 or above)
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Portfolio PDF with a maximum of 10 works from previous studies and/or professional experience in interior architecture. See the guidelines here.
For more information, please use the menu item Admission.
Our MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design program is taught in English. We will require proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.
If your language skills are at CEFR Level B2 or above, one of the following currently valid language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- TOEFL IBT: 74
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 Overall
- Cambridge FCE: B2
- PTE Academic: 59
- BI internal exam/ BAU 'English Language Proficiency Exam': 60/100
- IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
- German Abitur
The score must be earned within the last two years.
If you have not completed high school in a majority-English speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand) or a bachelor's degree fully in English, an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.
You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted online, participation is free of charge and can be offered once an application to one of our programs has been made and admission requirements have been met.
For the dates of our next language proficiency exam, see the Language Requirements tab on our Admissions Page.
Preparatory School:
If you do not yet have CEFR level B2 English, and you meet the admission requirements to study at BI, you can sign up for our English Preparatory School.
