Course Outline
MODULE 1: The Visual Language of Design
The first module discusses our philosophy of interior design and introduces you to a number of concepts.
You are given a new understanding to help you learn how to see and what to look for when observing design in the world around you.
You are given insight to help you learn to be a first rate designer.
This module sets out an overview of the 12 elements of design and introduces you to a new way of understanding what you are seeing.
This chapter opens the world of visual images, so you can begin to see the meanings and messages behind the styles and decorative images you encounter.
Later, as you begin to use these images to create your own designs, knowing the language of design will add originality and creativity to your work.
MODULE 2: The History of Style Decoration and Architecture
This comprehensive and fascinating chapter starts with cave paintings and takes you through the history of design and architecture to the present day.
Loaded with images and information, Module 2 will help you become an expert when choosing the perfect style, proportion and structural detail your future design work will require.
This chapter builds on the ideas set out in Module 1, as it sweeps you through history giving you an in depth lesson, in the origins of the Language of Design.
MODULE 3: Styles of Design - Speaking the Language Fluently
Here you will learn how, at the outset of a project, to make strategic and conceptual decisions about where you want to take a design and why.
You will learn how to go beyond decoration and to create a sense of ambience.
This chapter will help you establish a method for evaluation of the site and also of its creative and emotional possibilities, while you discuss the elements of a room and the best suited elements of furniture shapes and styles.
You will be given the opportunity to build your confidence by employing a framework for a project in a cohesive, professional manner that will ensure a consistent result.
You will learn to build a game plan methodically in order to begin making creative choices without confusion and indecision.
MODULE 4: Scale - Space Planning and Proportion
Here you will begin to develop plans for a renovation.
The discussion of space in this chapter is a conceptual and a practical one.
After being presented with an inspiring and informative tutorial on this essential commodity of interior design, you will be asked to develop the space plan, and to begin to understand the possibilities of structure, space, and new uses for a residential plan.
You will be the master of the result in this interactive exercise that will culminate, by the end of the course, in a complete assignment for your first professional portfolio.
MODULE 5: Light and Lighting
Here you will be taught about the properties of light and the orientation of a space.
You will learn how light effects colour, fabrics, surfaces and so many of the design decisions you need to make in your work.
You will learn about the properties of various forms of artificial light, and its endless possibilities.
You will be given an understanding of the technical and esthetic possibilities of ambient, decorative and task lighting.
Finally, you will be taught how to incorporate these ideas into your plan as you renovate the residential project started in Module 4.
You will learn how to prepare your ideas and communicate them in documents for the electricians, builders and suppliers who will install your creative vision.
MODULE 6: Colour - The Most Potent and Flexible Element of Design
You will learn how to use colour fearlessly.
You will be taught the properties of colour, the history of colour and the psychology of colour.
Then you will learn how to introduce colour into an interior in a way that allows you to change your mind, experiment and play.
You will learn there are no bad colours, only bad combinations.
You will be given some useful guidelines to build your understanding when using colour, and the freedom to find new inspired applications and combinations.
MODULE 7: Finishes - Surfaces of the Envelope - Floors, Walls, Ceilings
In this chapter you will begin to understand how to apply the concepts of three-dimensional design to the reality of a finished space.
You will learn how to use floors, walls and ceilings, to create a beautiful and functional setting which supports any furnishing choice and end use.
You will see the key to a professional and enduring interior design is the finish of the shell around the objects that it will house.
You will learn how to specify finishes which have the greatest impact for the least expenditure, including specialised and fantasy finishes.
You will also learn how to identify finishes that suit the functional requirements of any end use.
You will also learn the practical reality of which finish gets installed first.
Consequently, you will begin learning the important matter of managing the installation of your design job and in the proper order.
MODULE 8: Fabrics, Window Treatments and Home Textiles
This informative and delightful chapter will introduce you to the beauty and luxury of decorative fabrics.
The endless possibilities in the world of stunningly beautiful textiles will be revealed, along with a survey of the history and the present day state of the art.
Fabrics, window treatments and home textiles exist in their own universe of design complexity.
In this Module, some of the lure of the world of decorative textiles, will be shared with you
The importance of beautiful fabrics in superb interior design is inseparable.
You will learn where to find the most wonderful fabrics and how to use them with style and flair.
You will be given criteria and technical information which will help you choose the correct types of fabrics and home textiles for the required end use.
You will begin to gain confidence to transform space, proportion, scale texture and mood, with wit and fabric.
You will be treated to a delightful explanation of the possibilities of window treatments, which may inspire you to design them with the gusto of an haute couture designer designing a ball gown.
MODULE 9: Furniture Art and Accessories
The pinnacle of great design is working with the most beautiful and carefully selected objects, furniture and art.
With references to Module 2, and the history of interior design, we will survey the world of furniture and its many uses and applications.
Our earlier discussions of the elements of design, will literally take shape, as we translate these theories into the reality of placing beautiful objects into perfectly planned and thought out spaces.
Here you will begin to build a sense of mastery when your space plans and elevations come to life with the furnishings that extend your designs to completion.
Your sense of accomplishment and of your own potential, will speak for itself when you begin to see the result of your hard work and inspiration in the course.
MODULE 10: Your Client - How to Listen and Create the Environment they Desire
This chapter teaches you the work practices of professional designers.
You will be shown the vital procedures and thought processes to bring a design to completion in the real world.
From the start of a project, you will learn how to support your creative knowledge with the practical knowledge that ensures finished results.
This module is essential for any student planning to work professionally in the design industry.
It will also give you important information to bring work in on schedule for any design project, whether for yourself or for a client.
MODULE 11: Communicating Accurately
Here you will be taught how to document your designs for clients, contractors and for your own understanding.
Preparing drawings and plans will be de-mystified.
You will begin to understand that drawings are your friends because they help you to make better and more informed design choices.
You will learn the way a set of drawings can help you to win a job and to manage and co-ordinate different trades' people and contractors.
A good set of drawings ensures your great ideas are interpreted correctly.
Nothing is more delightful than seeing a design concept spring to life as you've imagined it.
Knowing how to document your ideas will help to guarantee you this pleasure.
MODULE 12: Setting up your Business
Here you will learn to see yourself in the context of the design industry.
You will be given professional advice from the community of respected and successful design professionals.
You will also be given valuable support information regarding business development, business practice and market positioning.
This advice is provided by outstanding business consultants who work with creative professionals.
If you are considering making design your career, this may be the decisive chapter that is the stepping stone to your future success.
