Course OUTLINE

Module 1

Interior Design in Context

What precisely is Interior Design? Research shows we spend almost 90% of our lives indoors. Therefore, efficient and aesthetically-pleasing interior environments greatly influence our lifestyle as well as our well-being.

This unit deals with the holistic characterization of Interior Design, investigating its core importance in our régime, the need to study Interior Design on a formative and structured approach, and the advantages we gain by choosing Interior Design as a field.

Regardless of the discipline, Design is a process of systematic decision-making used to develop a concept or idea. Learning the process of Interior Design takes us from being creative and imaginative individuals to professionals competent enough to develop creative ideas according to its functionality and fit the needs of its end user and, in the end, transform this initial slice of imagination to a tangible and profitable reality.

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Module 2

History of Interior Design

There is beauty in architecture that can only be found in its history. More so, its history has played a significant role in today’s modern civilizations and contributed greatly to the globalized world.

Entering the world of history provides us with an opportunity to see Interior Design with a more appreciative vision. Along with the splendor and magnificence of what no longer exists, there is deeper gratification in seeing how different building types have been shaped and developed through vast layers of culture and civilization. Because of the close relationship of the built environment to man’s existence, history provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how humanity influences the design and style of buildings as well as the construction techniques used and being used. Vice versa, it is valuable to comprehend how buildings affect man’s wellbeing and how these technologies have been used to progress our lives into the modern world.

Due to the large volume of historical material, the Western tradition will be the focus of this module. Several non-western styles will also be presented to have a broader understanding of the holistic contribution of these cultures to the overall development of Interior Design.

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Module 3

The Fundamentals of Interior Design

What makes a good Interior Design?

Is it just a collection of snapshots for our scrapbooks? Is it the harmonious relationships between colors and textures? How do we lay out a set of pillars to make it pleasing to the eye?

A good Interior Designer is not just a person who comes up with a dazzling scheme of creative thoughts. Meriam Webster defines design as to “create, fashion, execute or construct according to plan”. But what makes a design aesthetically pleasing? What influences the human mind to regard something as beautiful?

This unit covers fundamental design principles and guidelines that largely influence the human perception of a high-quality Interior Design.

Furthermore, this module introduces us to the main elements used as the base components to create and formulate a well-planned design scheme. These elements are used and manipulated by an imaginative mind to create and distinguish highly aesthetic environments. These elements, formed by the principles discussed in the same module, along with a surge of creativity and imagination and the imposition of the desired function, are the key components to what makes a good Interior Design.

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Module 4

Color in Interior Design

Color is the paint that we apply to an empty canvas of space in the scope of Interior Design.

Interior Design is primarily composed of lines, colors and texture. As color has a large 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 unit offers a full discussion of color and its effect on human psychology. It takes us on a journey from in-depth knowledge of color definition and formation to the harmonious composition of color schemes and through the branch of color psychology, a knowledge of which we utilize to make our designs coherent for their intended function and purpose.

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Module 5

Space Planning

Space planning is another essential Interior Design skill which contributes to the design of good, functional and practical Interior Design. This module offers thorough knowledge of the concepts behind space planning and using these concepts along with modern strategies to create a high-quality Interior Design.

An idea remains an idea until written down.

A good Interior Designer knows how to translate ideas into sketches, drawings and a collection of mood pictures and material selections to express design intent. A lot of creative thinkers fail to pass this point as the design process is very much structured. One needs rigorous training to understand color specifications as well as the technical application of creative ideas.

This module introduces students to the translation of their design ideas to an actual tangible plan which expresses their design intent. Every designer understands the language of technical drawings and a qualified Interior Designer would need proper training on this part to be able to communicate with other professionals as well as their clients. Knowledge of technical drawing also allows them to record and further develop their schemes.

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Module 6

Furniture, Fixture and Equipment

F. F. and E., which stands for Furniture, Fixture and Equipment, is what differentiates an Interior Designer from an architect. A huge percentage of Interior Designers are hired mainly for developing F. F. and E. schemes as this is the heart and core of decorating.

It is solely an Interior Designer’s responsibility to propose the types and styles of interior elements for a project. This is primarily because F. F. and E. is exclusively under an Interior Designer’s scope of works. Therefore, clients rely on an Interior Designer’s taste and artistic understanding of what type of interior elements to use in a given space.

This module covers the subject of F. F, and E. and the methods of selection. Although F. F. and E. usually presents itself as tasteful shopping for furniture, an Interior Designer’s experience and know-how on the subject matter also includes careful specification of material finishes, upholstery, and furniture profile in relation to human anthropometrics.

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Module 7

Materials and Finishes

50% of an Interior Designer’s job is to develop spatial planning, while 100% of their job is to develop the interior environment’s material and color scheme.

The look and aesthetics of an interior space are influenced by the selection of materials applied to the entire organization of the design. Colors and the psychology of the same manifest through the careful selection of materials and textures specified for a particular project. The material selection process can make or break an Interior Design scheme.

Having this idea established, on the other hand, the construction aspect of material selection must be carefully considered when developing a design proposal. Each type of material has an intended purpose and an Interior Designer must have a firm knowledge of what can or cannot work for a particular application. In addition, the installation and construction process varies from one material to another. Each material is unique in its own specifications and properties. An established Interior Designer should be able to understand the importance of this study.

Suffice it to say, an Interior Designer not only has to be artistic but also must have the right technical knowledge to be able to execute a design properly. This module covers both aspects with an in-depth discussion on the aesthetic as well as the construction purposes of materials and finishes.

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Module 8

Interior Lighting

While colors and materials dress up an interior space, lighting enhances these elements and is regarded as the cherry on top of an Interior Design cake.

It is the effect of lighting in our vision that influences the human perception of beauty. Careful placement of lighting can highlight the best sections of an Interior Design environment. Lighting guides one’s vision and gives an Interior Designer more control on the end user’s perception of the space.

In addition, lighting also enhances the functionality of an interior space due to its ability to aid in certain tasks and, furthermore, to affect moods.

While providing a useful support on the aesthetics and functions of the space, the understanding of lighting is also technical as many aspects in a lighting scheme involve scientific information and meticulously specified in a design scheme.

This module provides in-depth knowledge of lighting and how it can be defined, controlled and specified for an Interior Design scheme.

This module also studies natural lighting and artificial electrical lighting in different segments as each type is treated differently.

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Module 9

Textiles and Soft Furnishing

As much as fabrics tend to be taken for granted in the process of design and construction, fabrics play a huge role in the Interior Design process.

The functions of textiles and soft furnishing are listed, but not limited to: Fabrics protect an interior environment from sun glare; Fabrics offer privacy to a given space; Fabrics protect soft furnishings; And most importantly, Fabrics provide a large percentage of contribution to the color and texture scheme of an Interior Design concept

But like other Interior Design elements, fabrics come in different varieties of material specifications. Each type should be matched according to their function along with their individual characters in terms of aesthetic and color harmony.

This module also intends to give a study of textures and fittings that are utilized to make and upgrade delicate furniture. 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

As mentioned in the previous module, every designer understands the language of technical drawings.

Technical drafting is the main way of communicating Interior Design concepts which, in turn, becomes immediately usable for building and construction. Without the knowledge of technical drafting, a designer will not be able to communicate precise intent to other designers. In the field of Interior Design, accuracy is mandatory to be able to apply a design on the real scale. An idea will stay as an idea until it is accurately marked on plan and elevation drawings to determine its accuracy in relation to site dimensions.

Visual communication, however, does not end in technical drawings. An Interior Design scheme may be expressed for the client’s understanding and obtaining their approval by using artistic approaches to design presentation. A design proposal must always be aesthetically pleasing in the client’s eye.

Design development is a meticulous and highly-enjoyable process. While it is always fun to start with design concepts, these initial creative ideas must be feasible enough to fit into reality. Thus, an Interior Designer must be able to translate their designs for both commitments.

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Module 11

The Role of an Interior Designer

An Interior Designer is the creative eye in the design development process. It is an Interior Designer’s role to give their artistic input in a design scheme given their background and training in the architectural world of design.

But the role of an Interior Designer does not end with the artistic aspect. An Interior Designer must be able to transform these innovative ideas into practical and livable actuality.

In addition, an Interior Designer is a client’s representative in the design program. He represents the client’s requirements and looks after their best interests.

This unit will empower learners to understand the role and capacity of an Interior Designer. They will explore potential wellsprings of information for outlining creative thoughts and pick up an understanding of transforming these underlying ideas into a tangible reality.

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Module 12

The Business and Profession of Interior Design

This course does not end with the teaching of the Interior Design and construction process. An Interior Design profession is one that gives profit.

This course takes the students from gaining the fundamental skills of Interior Design to taking these skills and using them in the corporate world of professional designers.

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 firm.

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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