Design Square Academy Launches Apprenticeship-Driven Training Model to Shape Sri Lanka’s Next Generation of Interior Designers

Design Square Academy officially launched its operations at a prestigious event held at the Ramada Hotel, Katunayake, introducing a new approach to interior design education that prioritizes practical industry exposure, mentorship, and real-world project experience.

The launch brought together industry leaders, academic partners, media representatives, and aspiring designers to witness the unveiling of an educational model designed to address one of the industry's most pressing challenges—the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Established as the dedicated training arm of Design Square (Pvt) Ltd, a leading provider of interior solutions with more than a decade of experience in delivering corporate, residential, and commercial projects, the Academy aims to develop highly skilled, industry-ready interior design professionals through immersive, apprenticeship-based learning.

Unlike conventional academic programmes that focus heavily on theory, Design Square Academy places students directly within live project environments, enabling them to gain first-hand experience across the entire interior design and fit-out process. From flooring systems and ceiling installations to space planning, finishes, project coordination, and execution, students are exposed to the practical realities of the profession from the outset.

The Academy's training philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful learning occurs through direct engagement with projects, clients, materials, and construction environments. By combining structured instruction with on-site exposure, the programme seeks to cultivate both creative thinking and technical competence.

“Design Square Academy was established to extend the knowledge and expertise we have built over the years at Design Square (Pvt) Ltd. We identified a clear gap between academic learning and industry requirements, and our objective is to bridge that gap through hands-on, immersive training. This initiative is focused on developing the next generation of interior designers with the right balance of creativity, technical capability, and real-world experience,” said Dilshan Perera, Director of Design Square Academy.

The Academy's educational model is built around three key pillars:

Comprehensive Practical Exposure – Students gain experience throughout the full lifecycle of residential, commercial, and corporate interior projects, allowing them to understand both design and execution.

Industry-Led Mentorship – Training is delivered under the guidance of experienced professionals and practitioners actively involved in the interior design and construction sectors.

Career Readiness – The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional confidence required to contribute effectively from the first day of employment.

With Sri Lanka's real estate, construction, and interior design sectors continuing to evolve, the demand for qualified professionals with practical expertise is increasing. Design Square Academy seeks to meet this demand by creating a talent pipeline that aligns education with industry expectations.

Backed by the reputation, operational expertise, and project portfolio of Design Square (Pvt) Ltd, the Academy is positioned to become a leading institution for practical interior design education in Sri Lanka, fostering a new generation of professionals capable of delivering innovative and high-quality interior environments.

For information regarding admissions, programme details, and upcoming intakes, interested applicants may contact Design Square Academy.

About Design Square Academy

Design Square Academy is the educational and professional training arm of Design Square (Pvt) Ltd. The Academy specializes in apprenticeship-based interior design education, providing students with hands-on training, industry mentorship, and direct exposure to live projects to develop industry-ready professionals.

About Design Square (Pvt) Ltd

Design Square (Pvt) Ltd is a leading interior solutions provider in Sri Lanka, delivering innovative and high-quality interior projects across the corporate, residential, and commercial sectors. With over a decade of industry experience, the company has built a reputation for excellence, craftsmanship, and customer-focused project delivery.