In this blog post, we’ll explore how to structure your statement of purpose for an interior architecture program, focusing on your design philosophy and perspective on space. We’ll outline how to persuasively present the value of people-centered spatial design, your academic goals, and your future career plans.
Motivation for Applying (Reason for Choosing the Major)
“An architect is someone who dresses buildings and dresses the future.” During my senior year of high school, I attended a lecture by Ben van Berkel, an architect who designs with emotion through mathematics, on the topic of “A New Perspective on Urban Planning and Architecture.” I was deeply impressed by his lecture, in which he emphasized that the people inside a building are more important than the architecture itself, and that the most crucial aspect is creating a sense of belonging that makes people want to return to the building. Hearing that unique building designs can draw people together and transform a place into a landmark made me realize anew the importance of public design.
Since then, I have developed an interest in public design and resolved to study this field further to build my expertise. After enrolling at your university and acquiring specialized knowledge in interior architecture, I hope to realize designs that create beautiful environments. Just as a single tree can be public design, I believe that design which blends naturally into a place is truly wonderful design. That is why I applied to your university with the dream of designing cities through nature.
Academic Plan and Goals
Upon admission to your university, I plan to improve my language skills and enrich the quantity and quality of my reading. I will then engage in comprehensive study covering the understanding of human emotions, ways of life, spatial construction, materials and the environment, as well as the cultural and historical context of architecture. Through a deep understanding of my major courses, I will cultivate the ability to create aesthetic value based on original and scientific thinking. Starting in my third year, I plan to attend a preparatory academy to study for the Interior Architect License. I will strive to accumulate knowledge in various fields, clip articles from newspapers and news sources, and keep abreast of new trends through architectural journals.
Additionally, I wish to participate in the International Student Architecture Competition—an event designed to inspire creativity among architecture students and provide a platform for active exchange through their work—to gain recognition for my skills.
I plan to prepare step by step starting from my undergraduate years to become an architectural designer capable of creating “design for people,” “public design that considers people,” and public environments where everyone can live comfortably.
Post-Graduation Plans
Design is a field that requires complex capabilities that cannot be achieved through technical or artistic talent alone. Moreover, environmental design is a field that demands even more knowledge and experience. While experience is important, I plan to apply to a graduate school specializing in architecture after graduating from your university to pursue in-depth academic research.
After graduating from graduate school, I hope to join an interior architecture design firm and work to improve the quality of life by designing the environments around us to be more beautiful, convenient, and rational. Based on the theories I learn from professors and the experiences I gain in society, I will do my best to prepare myself to create environments that are considerate of people and public spaces where everyone can live comfortably.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
I have an outgoing personality, and I’ve often been told by others that I have good taste.
I possess the drive to see any task I start through to the end. Above all, I consider my positive mindset and resourcefulness to be my greatest strengths.
I have always approached challenges with a bright expression and a positive mindset, striving to find solutions, which has allowed me to avoid frustration or giving up, no matter how big or small the difficulties.
Even when my father’s business failed during high school, forcing me to abandon my art studies, I did not become discouraged; instead, I viewed it as an opportunity for growth and chose a different career path. Furthermore, thanks to my personality—which involves planning even small tasks well in advance and paying attention to the finest details—I have naturally taken on the role of planning events or leading various activities in clubs and other groups.
I wish to continue my studies in public environment design to broaden my understanding of a wide range of design fields and to enjoy my life with a sense of joy and a free spirit.
