Course OUTLINE

Module 1

Interior Design in Context

What precisely is Interior Design and what will your role be as a professional interior designer? Research has shown that human beings spend almost 90% of their lives indoors. Efficient and aesthetically pleasing interior environments are therefore vital to enhance our lifestyles and our well-being. Successful interiors not only look good, they feel good and function well. Creating such environments, in the home, the workplace, educational institutions, holiday resorts, bars, restaurants and more is the work of the interior designer.

As an interior designer, you will have the opportunity to enhance people's lives in so many ways, you will embark on a constant and exciting learning curve as you keep up with new materials, products, styles, and trends, and you will have all the skills you need to start your own business. If you have a spark of creativity, good communications skills and are organized and able to plan logically you too can become an interior designer, as all you need is a willingness to learn the processes involved.

This unit deals with a holistic overview of Interior Design, investigating its core importance and ways in which it can improve people's lives, not just on an aesthetic level but a practical one as well. The unit also outlines the need to study Interior Design using a structured approach and the many advantages and opportunities to be gained by choosing Interior Design as a profession.

There are many areas of Interior Design you may eventually choose to specialize in, however, all fields of Design involve a process of systematic decision-making that evolves from an initial idea to a fully developed concept. Learning this essential process of Interior Design takes us from being creative and imaginative individuals to competent professionals able to meld creativity with functionality to fit the need of the end users of any interior project.

Your journey through this course also starts in the first unit with a look at what lies ahead in Interior Design, from the increasing importance of social impact and environmental responsibility to the impact of technology on both Interior Design projects and how you will work as an interior designer using online tools to present your concepts to your clients.

Finally, this first unit covers the professional organizations around the globe available to interior designers. At the conclusion of this course, joining one of these organizations will give you the credentials you'll need to liaise with trade-only suppliers and launch your own interior design business. They'll also offer you ongoing professional support and the ability to meet and network with other interior designers.

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Module 2

History of Interior Design

History shapes how we live today so an understanding of the fascinating history of architecture and Interior Design is essential for the professional interior designer. You will also find this rich history a constant source of inspiration and ideas that will inform your work as an interior designer.

Entering the world of history provides us with the ability to view Interior Design with a more informed and appreciative eye. Along with appreciating the splendor and magnificence of man's past achievements, there is a deeper gratification in seeing how different building types have been shaped and developed through vast layers of culture and civilization.

Due to the close relationship between the built environment and human existence, a study of history allows us to develop a deeper understanding of how humanity influences the design and style of buildings as well as how construction techniques have developed and changed through the ages. It's also valuable to comprehend how buildings affect man's well-being and lifestyle and how technology has been used to progress our lives into the modern world. Throughout history, interior design was influenced by many factors, such as religious beliefs, socio-political conditions, and local environmental factors.

From cave dwellings and the first simple manmade structures to today's high tech architecture, this module takes you on an exciting journey through early civilizations to the splendours of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the magnificence of Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces and Islamic mosques to the decorative delights of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and finally to the emergence of Modernism and the concept of the building as “a machine for living”. Each civilization developed their culture and approached interior environments and architecture from a different angle. Throughout this journey you will gain a greater appreciation of man's constant striving to create beauty and function through Interior Design and the layers of the past that remain influential today.

Due to the large volume of historical material, we focus largely on the Western tradition in this module, though several non-Western styles are also presented in order to provide a broader understanding of the holistic contribution of all cultures to the overall development of Interior Design.

Through your study of this module, and your own further research into the history of Interior Design, you will develop a discerning eye for detail and an enhanced understanding of how the past influences modern design trends and contributed to the globalized world.

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Module 3

The Fundamentals of Interior Design

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines design as to “create, fashion, execute or construct according to plan”. This unit covers fundamental design principles and guidelines that influence the human perception of high-quality Interior Design. What makes a design aesthetically pleasing? What influences the human mind to regard something as beautiful?

This module will introduce you to the main elements used as base components to create and formulate a well-planned design scheme. These are the elements intrinsic to the creation of highly aesthetic environments – from proportion, scale and balance to texture, shape and color. This unit outlines each of these elements and principles, then shows how they translate successfully into Interior Design settings. Like scale represents actual size of something; proportion refers to relationship between parts of a composition. With these basics, a designer will be equipped with knowledge that design elements and principles should work together and complement each other to strengthen the composition of a space. These are universally accepted for any form of visual arts.

The first part of any project involves gathering and analyzing information from which the designer can develop ideas. The second stage is the creative one that is guided by certain fundamental elements and principles. Well-appointed interior environments often feature harmonious combinations of contrasting decorative elements. Most interior scheme are based on the basic principles of design, but most innovative work can be seen when a designer pushes the boundaries by experimenting with different concepts and harmonies.

We also explore the basics of human perception – from visual perception to hearing, tactility, temperature, and taste and smell – and how it influences choices made by the interior designer to create interiors pleasing on every level. A good interior environment is not just for visual satisfaction. When we are in an interior environment, all senses are at work. Many factors shape the perception process such as psychology, socio-economic differences, memory, expectations, learning, and attention. The focus of interior design is to use interior elements, furniture, and other design tools to create a unique space that meets the physical and psychological needs of those who will live there. Principles of design are often used to unify and assemble the elements of design by applying five universally accepted concepts.

Finally, this unit will introduce you to functionality in Interior Design, and to a range of styles including European Interior Design, American Interior Design, and International Interior Design styles. From the Bauhaus to Hampton’s style you'll find a wealth of inspiration for your own future Interior Design work!

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Module 4

Color in Interior Design

This unit will take you on a deep dive into the wonderful and complex world of color. As color has a significant influence on the human psyche, the subject covers a broad scope in the design and decoration of interiors. Color affects, influences, governs and, at times, even defines Interior Design.

This in-depth unit therefore offers a full introduction to the elements of color, from how the color spectrum works, to the impact of hue, saturation, tint and chroma. The more we know about color properties, the better we can adjust color to our needs. From these basics we move on to how the color wheel works and the formulation of harmonious color schemes, from analogous and achromatic schemes to split complementary and tetrad schemes. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to create successful and beautiful color schemes for any interior.

The use of colors in interior spaces as the translation of abstract color schemes, theories and meanings into real materials, surfaces, experience and use in a space is a complex matter requiring creativity, and judgment. Often, one learns these with experience. The colors you use in your interior design and décor impact the atmosphere you create. You need to correctly assess what this ambiance should be before choosing the colors. Light or cool desaturated colors increase the experienced spaciousness of the room. This is because light colored surfaces diffuse the distribution of light, therefore enlarging the perception of space.

For the third section of this unit, we take a journey into color psychology, covering the symbolism and psychological effects of each color in turn, and the impact each can have in Interior Design. Colors play an important role in conveying information, creating certain moods, and even influencing the decisions people make. Color psychology is an important tool used to combine colors for a particular desired effect. You will learn which colors excite and stimulate and which colors relax and calm. The psychological aspect of color can become particularly important in commercial situations where it can be used in a manipulative way to create a certain environment. Also, color perception is highly subjective and different cultures understand color differently.

Lastly, we journey back in time to explore the use of color in Interior Design history, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Asian civilizations, the ancient Greeks and Romans through to the Romanesque and Gothic eras in Europe. The remarkable thing about design is the resurgence of influence from previous periods which are a great way to inspire interesting design ideas today. Therefore, color is an important aspect at the interior designer’s disposal.

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Module 5

Space Planning

Space planning is another essential Interior Design skill that contributes to the creation of functional, practical interiors. This module presents thorough knowledge of the concepts behind space planning, from efficient use of space to the placement of fixtures and furnishings to best effect.

Designing a space requires a careful application of human anthropometrics. The use of anthropometric data is integral for interior designers to understand the relationship between the end-user and the given space. The variable physical characteristics of individuals and/or groups are valuable tools to identify multifaceted qualities pertaining to form, economy, and society. The layout needs to increase human engagements a bit deeper so that interactions and solutions are more personalized, leading to the main foundation and purpose of space planning. A combination of technical and interpersonal skills allows designers to optimize spatial configurations as per various project types like residential, commercial, health, retail, or hospitality. Once the purpose and use of spaces is better defined, other elements come into play.

This module also introduces you the translation of design ideas into a tangible plan that clearly expresses your design intent and communicates it to others. It teaches an in-depth analysis of how the space is used, the relationship between them and identifies the flow of movement or traffic from one space to another. Designers need to propose space-saving configurations by means of which interior spaces are maximized and unnecessary configurations are eliminated. Accommodating various project requirements is an important part of the interior design services. Apart from convenience, style, and security, interior designers need to account for the end user's budget to propose a feasible prospective plan.

As an interior designer, you will also need the skills to present your interior schemes to clients, from initial sketches to floor plans, mood boards to display your color and material selections, and perspective drawings that clearly convey your design intent. The use of technical drawing and other visual aids will also allow you to record and further develop your schemes as they progress. These help you to communicate with other professionals and tradespeople involved in the project, as well as your clients. Good design is all about keeping a sense of balance and earning the clients respect.

As well as traditional visual presentation methods, this module also covers the techniques in which a detailed scaled drawing is considered complete with concepts, construction details, and information in a clear and universal way. Therefore, it is easily deciphered by designers and building professionals around the world, regardless of language, origin, or style.

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Module 6

Furniture, Fixture and Equipment

An F. F. and E schedule – which stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment – refers to all the furniture, materials, flooring, lighting and more that are specified for an interior design project, listed and scheduled in order of when they will be delivered and installed.

Furniture has been an integral part of any interior environment and dates back as far as the Stone Age. Every piece of furniture has gone through advancements, developments, styles changes in design and materials through each era until now. The same has been reflected in the course and further classified in various categories. When ready-built furniture is not suitable for a space-planning project, interior designers may choose to design furniture for that area. Many times, custom furniture is designed with client specifications and project requirements in mind.

Developing an F. F. and E. schedule for every interior project ensures nothing is left to chance and that the project will run smoothly and according to plan, avoiding delays and potential budget blow-outs. This is especially important when designing complex spaces in the home such as kitchens and bathrooms, or on large commercial projects where many trades are involved and need to be scheduled to arrive on site and complete their jobs in the correct order. When preparing a schedule, you will also need to consider factors such as drying times for painting and tiling, and the time carpet needs to settle after it's laid before furniture delivery. Every material has its own strength and weaknesses, so designers must be aware of each’s characteristics.

Accessories and works of art, especially in architecture and interior design has been the staple of any interior environment. Every space has its own architectural features, designers make use of these features to select and display the right objects so that they make a focal point and enhance the style of the room.

This module will walk you through the subject of F. F. and E. and the methods of selection and specification of furniture, finishes, floor coverings, window treatments, lighting and all other elements included in your overall interior scheme. In all the above, it is vital to source and identify suppliers and manufacturers for each and every product so that the client is delivered the best of the products as per the delivery schedule.

Also included in this module is a guide to furniture classifications, designing bespoke furniture and developing an accessory scheme, as well as a guide to the selection of artworks in an interior environment to personalize the space.

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Module 7

Materials and Finishes

As an interior designer, your first responsibility will be spatial planning, followed by developing an interior environment's material and color scheme. Having an in-depth knowledge of interior materials and finishes, their purpose and properties, is essential to this role. This knowledge will allow you to specify the most appropriate materials and finishes for a project with confidence.

As an example, a client might want polished concrete flooring in an open plan office space. Knowing that this surface would create uncomfortable noise levels, you are able to confidently advise carpet tiles instead for their excellent acoustic properties and ease of installation and maintenance.

The aesthetics and functionality of interior space are influenced by the materials applied throughout the design. Colors and their psychological effects manifest through the careful selection of materials and textures specified for a particular project. Indeed, the material selection process can make or break an Interior Design scheme. Designers also have tremendous impact on sustainability of an environment.

The construction aspect of material selection must also be carefully considered when developing a design proposal. Each type of material has an intended purpose; an interior designer must have a firm grasp of what will and will not work for a particular application. In addition, the installation and construction process varies from one material to another. Each project varies depending on the vision of the designer and the environment surrounding the space. Each material is unique in its own properties and comes at a different price point. Replacing costly stone with an inexpensive stone-look laminate, for example, could be a way to keep a project on budget while maintaining the intended aesthetic.

An interior designer not only has to be having an artistic sensibility, but also must have the technical knowledge to execute a design successfully. Also, they require the ability to choose the right material and finish for correct application. Material presentation for clients helps create a visual presentation during the design development phase of a project. Material Boards assembled in a collage evoke the feel of an intended design. Another vital document is the material specification sheet that bridge the design process from the concept stage to the main construction phase ahead to a tangible reality.

The variety of options for interior finishes is a lot bigger than that of exterior finishes. This module includes in-depth information you will need on materials and finishes for floors, walls, and ceilings as the methods and standards for material specification and samples of material specifications.

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Module 8

Interior Lighting

While colors and materials dress an interior space, lighting creates the ambiance. Statement pieces, such as large pendant lights, can be a focal point of a scheme, while more discreet lighting on dimmers can both create and change the mood of a room. Light is one of the most overlooked yet important elements of good interior design.

The effect of light on our vision influences the human perception of beauty. So, careful placement of lighting can be used to influence the end user's perception of a space and to highlight architectural elements, artworks and other aspects of Interior Design. Lights are worked around the color palette of the project, size of the room and the furniture fixtures that fill the space. The right lighting effortlessly provides comfort and practicality to showcase your design projects. Creative use of lighting can, in fact, embellish your decorating project.

Light distribution and luminaire appearance should fit the environment and the application; these are based on personal preference. The style of the luminaire is an aesthetic consideration that, of course, is critical to the overall interior design of the space. The style keeps changing with time and trend.

As well as learning about the use of lighting to enhance a space, for the interior designer, it's also important to have a grasp of the technical aspects, which are covered in this module. The technical aspects cover the color temperature, color rendering index, energy consumption, wattage and innovative approaches in the industry that are evolving today.

This module will provide you with in-depth knowledge of lighting – both natural and artificial – and how it can be defined, controlled and specified for an Interior Design project. Lighting layouts enable us to properly communicate the design intent and develop an understanding of the specifics of the lighting component. Adequate lighting must also be provided appropriately for the performance of tasks such as reading, using a computer or preparing a meal. Lighting can also be used as a safety measure, for example on stairways and exits. It is important to illuminate your spaces to fit in well, as every task has different needs. A mix of both general and task lights, considering the function is something you will get to learn in this subject.

The module begins with an introduction to the physics of light and its effect on human perception before covering the use of passive and active lighting, lighting design concepts, how to specify lighting, and develop a lighting plan.

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Module 9

Textiles and Soft Furnishing

From linen-wrapped mummies in ancient Egypt to Silk Road trading, intricate Renaissance laces and the high tech fibre of NASA space suits, fabrics are woven throughout history, allowing humans to achieve extraordinary things and survive in the most unlikely and harsh of environments.

The earliest known remnants of cloth date back to the Palaeolithic era, some 32,000 years ago. These linen fibres were discovered by accident in a cave in Georgia in 2009, by a scientist searching for evidence of ancient plant life. Fast forward to today and we have hi-tech fabrics that can generate electricity and charge a mobile phone and NASA is developing next-generation suits that will enable deep space exploration.

From delicate silks to robust woollen weaves, textiles play a significant role in the Interior Design process – from upholstery to soft furnishings such as curtains, bed linen and cushions. They provide comfort, colour, texture and pattern and range from plain and practical weaves to super luxurious silks and linens costing many hundreds of dollars per metre.

A textile is basically anything that is woven, with glass and metals included in this definition. The only common exception is felt, where the fibres are pressed and rolled together. Textiles are universal and have been carbon dated to the 9th millennia BCE (before current era).

Throughout this vast length of time they have provided mankind with warmth, protection from draughts, decoration and cultural transmission (think of the Bayeux tapestry or nomadic weavings that tell a story).

With a vast array of textiles to choose from – from simple calico and cotton duck to rich velvets and elaborate, delicately coloured document prints, from filmy sheers to textured woollen weaves – there's a fabric for every budget, every desired effect and every interior application, even for use outdoors as well. Fabrics lend essential colour, richness, texture and comfort to an interior.

In this module, you'll learn how to use textiles as a decorative element and the arts of colour matching and pattern matching plus the use of textiles by function, whether for upholstery, window treatments, bed covers or cushions. The weight, or density, of a textile is a literal measurement and is of vital importance when considering its practical applications such as its insulating quality and draping quality. The denser the fabric, the better its folding, creasing and hanging qualities will be.

Fabrics should be selected with utmost care for their suitability to the intended application, so this module also covers issues such as natural versus synthetic fibres, abrasion resistance, fading resistance, crocking resistance and shrinkage as well as specialty fibres for certain applications and flammability ratings for textiles used in commercial settings, such as hotels and offices.

It additionally investigates the utilization of delicate decorations in furniture design to help students understand their effect in Interior Design schemes.

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Module 10

Visual Communication Methods and Techniques

Visual communication methods and techniques, such as floor plans and mood boards, are essential skills for the interior designer, not only to communicate design concepts to clients but also as the essential building blocks of design development.

Design development is a meticulous and highly enjoyable process. While it is always fun to start with design concepts, these initial concepts must be feasible. Sketches, floor plans and sample boards are the tools the interior designer uses to work from initial ideas to a completed design concept.

This module begins with technical drafting. In the field of Interior Design, accuracy is mandatory. An idea will remain simply an idea until it is accurately marked on plan and elevation drawings to determine its accuracy in relation to the dimensions of the actual site. Technical drafting is a two-dimensional representation of the site showing the placement of furniture and fixtures to scale.

In this first section, you will learn about scale and annotation of plans and drawing symbols and how to create floor plans, elevations and sections using graph paper and a scale ruler. These skills will allow you to work out the optimum furniture arrangement for a space. Your final technical drafting is presented to the client to aid in their understanding of your overall concept and will also aid builders, cabinetmakers and other trades in accurately making your design concept a reality.

Next, this module covers presentation techniques used to artistically present your design ideas and final concept to the client. These include freehand sketching, three-dimensional representation drawing using perspective, color rendering techniques and scale model making.

The third section of this module teaches how to develop mood boards and sample boards to work up your design concept and present to your client. These are beautifully put together boards showing all the colours and materials to be used in your scheme, scaled in size according to their prominence in the scheme. So, for example, a large sample of the overall wall colour will be placed on the board with a smaller sample of the trim colour so the entire presentation gives an accurate depiction of how the colours and materials will work together to create an overall cohesive and pleasing effect.

Today's 3D computer rendering techniques offer the opportunity to present to your clients photorealistic images of a design concept or several alternative concepts for them to choose from using an alternative wall colour, for example. There are many 3D rendering companies to whom you can outsource this task but you will need to send them floor plans, samples and photographs of furnishings and finishes.

A design proposal must always be aesthetically pleasing in the client's eye and expressed in such a way that is readily comprehensible and meets with their approval. Learning all of the essential visual communication methods and techniques of the interior designer may seem daunting at first but you will be guided every step of the way and, as you improve in these techniques, you will find them exciting tools for developing a cohesive design concept.

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Module 11

The Role of an Interior Designer

This module will explain the profession of an interior designer to students, covering everything from the capacity and role of the designer to the artistic innovation in a room or building. Interior design concepts require transformation from initial innovative idea to practical application in a livable environment for the client or customer. Interior design projects always begin with a consultation with the client which then leads to a brief. This brief will form the starting point of your design plan. It’s essential to fully understand the client's practical needs, what they like and do not like, their preferred color scheme, favored artwork and so on. This information will help you in building a design scheme. The choices and preferences are limitless; your role as an Interior Designer is to create a scheme based on the personal tastes of the client. Interior design schemes are expected to reflect contemporary patterns and to fulfill modern requirements. Therefore, interior designers are constantly challenged to devise inspirational solutions that are resourceful and inventive.

Other influences include available materials, natural light sources and directions, space within the architecture, as well proportions of each room, function and size. Each of these will need to be considered during a design process. Finally, presentation and construction drawings are means of communication that facilitate implementation of the design scheme that are accurately detailed and scaled.

It’s important for a professional Interior Designer to develop their own style and influences and never simply reproduce what is current. However, the client need is paramount and when asking for a certain style (Scandinavian, Boho, Bauhaus etc.) you should follow that request. Where Interior Designers best, is in the personalization and individual eye of those styles.

The second part of this module examines interior design trends – defining trends, how it changes over time, and importance of current setting and relevance. Staying up to date with current innovations and trends in the world of interior design will help the professional designer identify current trends and keep up to date with emerging trends. Visiting shows can be hugely helpful in keeping up to date with what is going on in modern interior design.

The module’s last section looks at how the designer engages with the processes of design. There is a major difference between those who work as freelance or sole designer businesses (they are responsible for the entirety of a project) and those who work in teams for larger design firms (typically granted responsibility for one or more aspects of design) and under the direction of an architect/interior designer. As the design process evolves and develops, interior designers’ roles do too.

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Module 12

The Business and Profession of Interior Design

The profession of Interior Design does not end only with a career in a design and construction firm, it has a broader scope. The profession is a profitable one and lets one explore their forte in their own field of interest.

While there are many exciting career paths in interior design, mostly a designer still decides to specialize in more than one area of practice. One needs an understanding of the subject and the passion for making it as a career of being creatively different. Regardless of how interior designers choose to operate as sole traders within their field, it is essential that they employ a variety of skills while fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

In this last module, we show the students that these fundamental skills are useful to the corporate world of professional designers. We begin with teaching how an interior design business is formed, the operation and the responsibilities towards the work. The module gives a complete detailed analysis starting from the process of billing the client to prepare estimates and bill of quantities. An interior designer scope also entails one to charge for site supervision and F.F&E budgets. Value engineering implementation facilitate project execution in a much schematic manner. A balance between schedule, price, and quality would be ideal in any interior project, although it is understandably difficult to attain in equal amounts.

To take the business to the next level; one needs to reach out to the audience looking for your service. Building a client base is important for a business to grow in the long term, and it needs to understand the current market trends, social media, and digital marketing strategy. The design is a trend-based business and one needs to keep up with what is new and exciting on the market in all fields of building and furnishing.

There is an endless variety of roles that this field has to offer, starting from interior designer to furniture designer, stylist, or even writing blogs/articles for magazine and media. Every career path leads to progression within this industry.

Overall, this module covers the full spectrum of the professional interior design business from setting up a portfolio, understanding the profession of Interior Design and the rules to consider in practicing, marketing skills and up to the point of setting up an Interior Design business.

Our Institute prides itself on involving professionals in the business formation field and honored to take each trainee through every step of their journey in starting up their own business.

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