School of
Design

Overview

Established in 2021, the School of Design at CMR University embraces a distinctive “Theory to Practice” and “Practice to Theory” model that emphasises hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creative autonomy. With its maker-centred pedagogy, students are encouraged to explore, prototype, and iterate, building a strong foundation in both academic theory and design practice.

Guided by a faculty of accomplished educators and mentored by global design professionals, students benefit from deep industry insights and interdisciplinary exposure. The result is a design education that is dynamic, relevant, and future-ready.

CMRU School of Design

The School of Design at CMR University is devoted to shaping innovative and adaptable designers through collaborative learning, industry interaction, and a purpose-driven curriculum. The programmes are designed to develop creative thinkers who are:

• Socially aware and responsible citizens
• Innovative problem solvers
• Lifelong, inquisitive learners
• Ethical and visionary leaders

At CMRU, designers are not just taught—they are empowered to become changemakers, visionaries, and leaders of tomorrow.

This vision is realised through the structured delivery of guidance across three core dimensions: design competency, personal growth, and career preparation. Each academic journey integrates:

• Core design training
• Soft and leadership skills development
• Career-readiness and portfolio mentoring

These elements form the three key pillars of the Bachelor of Design programme—making it unlike any other in the country.

Pillars of Academics at the CMRU School of Design

The School is dedicated to producing possibilities for students to connect with the world around them. All design programmes are conceptually driven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Students are encouraged to anchor their projects in real-world challenges, using design as a tool for sustainable, ethical, and inclusive innovation.

Curricular Frameworks:

• Course Curriculum
• Design Core Curriculum
• Common Core Curriculum
• LEAP Curriculum

This layered structure ensures students not only deepen their domain expertise but also cultivate global awareness and critical thinking across disciplines.

Vision

To nurture creative thinkers and doers who will drive positive global change, by Design.

Mission

• To emphasise Design Thinking and Doing, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering collaboration and competence.
• To build interdisciplinary connections within CMR School of Design and across institutions, forming meaningful partnerships with industry, communities, and global organisations.
• To nurture self-awareness and professional growth in students and faculty through competitions, collaborative projects, and research.
• To address societal challenges through design, with a focus on social, economic, and ecological impact, while promoting entrepreneurial opportunities through project-based initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

Design education at SOD is built on a Design Thinking pedagogy that combines empathy, experimentation, and innovation. Students approach challenges through an iterative, problem-solving mindset.

Graduates emerge as confident visual thinkers and problem solvers, equipped with robust portfolios and industry-relevant competencies across multiple design disciplines. With early exposure to internships, masterclasses, and expert mentoring, students transition smoothly into professional roles across the creative ecosystem.

Career Opportunities

1. Architectural Designer / Architect
2. Urban Designer / Town Planning Associate
3. Interior Designer
4. Landscape Architect
5. Construction & Project Coordinator
6. BIM / Digital Design Specialist

Career Readiness and Mentorship

Career development at SOD is portfolio-driven. Students build curated bodies of work over four years, showcasing creativity, technical expertise, and personal voice. With a 7:1 job-to-graduate ratio in India’s creative sector, design portfolios are the most valued tools for employment.

Students undertake three internships across their academic journey, starting from Year 1, ensuring continuous industry engagement. This practical approach not only prepares students for placements but enables them to identify their niche and value in the market.

Student Support Spaces

Located at the award-winning “Creative UnBlock” building on CMRU’s 69-acre Lakeside Campus, the School of Design offers a spatial experience as inspiring as its pedagogy. With natural light, internal green spaces, and a breezy layout, the campus environment reflects its maker-centric values.

World-Class Infrastructure Includes:

• Product Design Studio: Equipped with clay modelling tools, hand tools, 3D printers, and scanners
  
• Fashion Design Studio: Pattern tables, sewing/embroidery machines, mannequins, textile microscopes
  
• Communication Design Studio: Integrated analogue and digital workflows
  
• Interior Design Studio: Material library, drafting stations, hands-on tools
  
• Sound Studio: Advanced audio equipment with Logic Pro, Ableton, Pro Tools, and more
  
• Green Screen Studio: 9600mm x 7200mm with Sony 4K camera and Meta Quest 3 integration
  
• Computer Labs: Specialised for post-production (Lab 1) and 3D visualisation (Lab 2)
  
• Maker Space: Equipped for prototyping with diverse materials and machinery

The Lakeside Campus serves as a creative ecosystem—with open studios, gallery walls, breakout zones, and smart classrooms. High-speed Wi-Fi, flexible learning zones, and tech-integrated labs promote an active, exploratory academic culture.

Laboratories and Learning Spaces:

• Labs for AR/VR, photography, sound, 3D prototyping
  
• Thematic library curated with rare design titles, trend reports, and visual archives
  
• Peer review zones and collaborative workspaces

Placement Highlights

Placement at CMRU SOD is skill and portfolio-based. With strong industry linkages, students are placed in leading design studios, fashion houses, and innovation labs. Salaries range from ₹4 to ₹6 LPA, with top packages reaching ₹12 LPA, depending on the student’s portfolio and domain expertise.

Through multiple internships, students gain real-world experience across sectors, entering the job market with clarity, confidence, and creative edge.

Gallery

SOD REPORT 2024-25

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