Interior Design Foundation Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of Interiors

Traces interior styles from ancient civilizations through contemporary movements. Provides historical literacy needed to contextualize design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Defining Interior Design as a Profession

Clarifies the distinction between interior design, interior decorating, and architecture. Sets professional boundaries students will apply throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • The Design Process Overview

Maps the full project lifecycle from initial brief to final installation. Students understand how each phase connects before studying each in depth.

Lesson 1 • Compositional Principles

Explores balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, and harmony as tools for organising space. These principles transform individual elements into unified compositions.

Lesson 2 • Fundamental Design Elements

Covers line, shape, form, space, and texture as the raw components of any interior. Understanding elements precedes applying compositional principles.

Lesson 3 • Color Theory for Interiors

Teaches the color wheel, color relationships, and psychological impact of hue, value, and saturation. Color decisions directly affect mood and spatial perception.

Lesson 1 • Elevation Drawings, Sections, and Details

Produces interior elevation drawings, cross-sections, and construction detail drawings. These views communicate vertical relationships and material transitions to contractors.

Lesson 2 • Freehand Sketching Techniques

Builds confidence in quick ideation sketches, perspective views, and annotated thumbnails. Freehand drawing accelerates concept exploration before formal drafting begins.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Digital Drafting Tools

Introduces CAD and BIM software interfaces for producing precise interior drawings. Digital tools increase accuracy and enable rapid design iteration.

Lesson 4 • Technical Drawing Conventions

Covers orthographic projection, drawing scales, line weights, and title block standards. Technical accuracy ensures drawings are buildable and professionally credible.

Lesson 1 • Circulation and Traffic Flow

Analyzes primary, secondary, and tertiary circulation paths within a space. Effective traffic flow prevents congestion and supports the intended use of each zone.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Interpreting Floor Plans

Teaches how to read architectural drawings, symbols, and scale conventions. Plan literacy is required before students can create or modify layouts.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Space and Human Scale

Introduces anthropometrics, ergonomics, and clearance standards that govern livable space. Accurate human-scale data is the foundation of every layout decision.

Lesson 4 • Space Planning for Different Room Types

Applies planning principles to living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and open-plan offices. Context-specific constraints reinforce adaptable planning skills.

Lesson 1 • Flooring Materials and Selection

Compares hardwood, tile, carpet, vinyl, and concrete flooring across durability, cost, and aesthetics. Material choice must match the functional demands of each space.

Lesson 2 • Writing Material Specifications

Teaches how to compile accurate material schedules, cut sheets, and finish boards. Precise specifications prevent costly errors during procurement and installation.

Lesson 3 • Cabinetry, Millwork, and Hardware

Details cabinet construction methods, wood species, hardware types, and finish options. Millwork decisions significantly affect both aesthetics and long-term functionality.

Lesson 4 • Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Examines fabric construction, fibre content, performance ratings, and upholstery standards. Textile selection affects durability, comfort, and the overall sensory quality of a space.

Lesson 1 • Natural Light and Daylighting Strategies

Analyses window orientation, glazing types, and shading devices to optimise daylight. Effective daylighting reduces energy use and improves occupant well-being.

Lesson 2 • Light and Its Properties

Explains colour temperature, colour rendering index, lumens, and lux as measurable lighting qualities. These metrics guide fixture selection and placement decisions.

Lesson 3 • Artificial Lighting Types and Fixtures

Surveys ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting categories and their fixture types. Matching fixture type to function is essential for effective lighting design.

Lesson 4 • Lighting for Specific Space Types

Applies lighting principles to kitchens, bathrooms, retail, and hospitality environments. Each space type has unique task requirements and atmospheric goals.

Lesson 1 • Concept Presentation Package

Assembles mood boards, concept statement, preliminary sketches, and material direction into a cohesive presentation. Package quality directly influences client approval and project momentum.

Lesson 2 • Client Research and Programming

Guides structured client interviews, lifestyle analysis, and functional requirement gathering. A thorough programme prevents misalignment between client expectations and design outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Developing a Design Concept Statement

Teaches how to distil research and ideation into a clear, defensible concept statement. The statement anchors all subsequent design decisions to a unified vision.

Lesson 4 • Site Analysis and Existing Conditions

Teaches systematic observation of architectural features, light, views, and constraints. Site data directly informs concept direction and spatial strategy.

Lesson 1 • Contracts and Client Agreements

Covers the essential clauses of a design services agreement, including scope, fees, and liability. Clear contracts protect both designer and client throughout the project.

Lesson 2 • Budgeting and Cost Estimation

Introduces line-item budgeting, contingency planning, and cost-tracking methods for interior projects. Budget discipline is essential for client trust and project profitability.

Lesson 3 • Vendor and Contractor Coordination

Explains how to source vendors, issue purchase orders, and coordinate with contractors on site. Effective coordination ensures design intent is executed accurately.

Lesson 4 • Building Codes and Safety Standards

Introduces occupancy classifications, egress requirements, fire safety, and accessibility standards relevant to interiors. Code compliance is a non-negotiable professional responsibility.