Interior Design Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Client Needs and Lifestyle

Teaches structured discovery methods to uncover functional and emotional client requirements. Aligns design intent with real occupant behaviour from the project's outset.

Lesson 2 • Design Vocabulary and Terminology

Establishes precise professional language used in client communication and project documentation. Accurate terminology prevents costly misunderstandings on real projects.

Lesson 3 • Core Design Principles and Elements

Introduces balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, and unity as the grammar of design. These principles govern every spatial and aesthetic decision throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • The Colour Wheel and Colour Relationships

Explains hue, value, saturation, and the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. Provides the structural framework for all palette-building work that follows.

Lesson 2 • Light and Its Effect on Colour

Analyses how natural and artificial light sources shift colour perception throughout the day. Equips students to test and select colours under real lighting conditions.

Lesson 3 • Psychology of Colour in Interiors

Examines how colour influences mood, perceived space size, and occupant well-being. Connects psychological research to practical room-by-room colour decisions.

Lesson 1 • Space Planning for Special Rooms

Applies space planning principles to kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, and commercial areas. Addresses unique functional requirements that differ from standard residential rooms.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Interpreting Floor Plans

Teaches students to decode architectural drawings, symbols, and scale notations accurately. This skill is prerequisite to every space planning and furniture selection task ahead.

Lesson 3 • Drawing Scaled Floor Plans

Instructs students in producing hand-drawn and digital scaled plans with accurate dimensions. Scaled plans are the primary communication tool between designers and contractors.

Lesson 4 • Traffic Flow and Circulation Paths

Defines primary, secondary, and emergency circulation routes and their minimum clearances. Proper flow planning prevents functional failures in completed interiors.

Lesson 1 • Countertops, Cabinetry, and Millwork

Evaluates stone, solid surface, wood, and metal options for countertops and built-in cabinetry. Students specify materials that balance aesthetics, budget, and functional demands.

Lesson 2 • Flooring Materials and Selection

Compares hardwood, tile, stone, carpet, vinyl, and concrete across performance and aesthetic criteria. Matching flooring to room use and client lifestyle is the core skill developed.

Lesson 3 • Wall Treatments and Finishes

Explores paint sheens, wallcoverings, panelling, plaster, and tile as wall finish options. Students learn to select treatments that reinforce the overall design concept.

Lesson 4 • Textiles, Upholstery, and Soft Goods

Covers fibre content, weave structures, performance ratings, and care requirements for interior textiles. Proper textile specification prevents premature wear and client dissatisfaction.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Calculations and Placement

Teaches lumen output calculations, spacing rules, and fixture height guidelines for each room type. Accurate calculations prevent under-lit or glare-heavy spaces in finished projects.

Lesson 2 • Controls, Dimmers, and Smart Lighting

Covers dimmer compatibility, scene programming, and smart-home lighting integration for modern interiors. Control systems multiply the functional value of any lighting design.

Lesson 3 • Light Sources and Fixture Types

Compares LED, fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent sources by efficiency, colour rendering, and cost. Fixture type selection directly affects energy use and maintenance schedules.

Lesson 4 • Types of Lighting and Their Functions

Distinguishes ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting and their roles in a complete scheme. Understanding each layer is essential before designing any lighting plan.

Lesson 1 • Furniture Styles and Historical Context

Surveys major furniture periods from traditional to contemporary and identifies their defining characteristics. Style literacy enables designers to mix periods cohesively and advise clients confidently.

Lesson 2 • Sourcing Channels and Trade Resources

Maps the landscape of retail, trade-only, custom, and vintage sourcing options available to designers. Knowing where to source efficiently is a core professional competency.

Lesson 3 • Furniture Specification and Scheduling

Teaches students to write complete furniture specifications and compile organised procurement schedules. Accurate schedules prevent ordering errors and keep projects on timeline.

Lesson 4 • Construction Quality and Durability

Evaluates joinery methods, frame materials, cushion construction, and finish quality in furniture. Specifying durable pieces protects client investment and the designer's professional reputation.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Decorative Accessorising

Applies design principles to object grouping, scale variation, and layering of decorative items. Accessories are the final layer that transforms a furnished room into a designed space.

Lesson 2 • Plants, Greenery, and Biophilic Elements

Integrates living plants, preserved botanicals, and natural materials to support biophilic design goals. Greenery improves air quality, mood, and the perceived warmth of any interior.

Lesson 3 • Art Selection and Placement

Covers art sourcing, scale selection, hanging heights, and gallery wall composition for interiors. Properly placed art anchors a room and reflects the client's personal narrative.

Lesson 1 • Contracts, Fees, and Agreements

Covers letter-of-agreement components, fee structures, and scope-of-work definitions for design services. Proper contracts protect both the designer and the client throughout the project.

Lesson 2 • Portfolio Documentation and Photography

Guides students in photographing completed projects and curating images for a professional portfolio. A strong portfolio is the primary marketing tool for every interior design career.

Lesson 3 • Project Phases and Design Process

Maps the standard design process from discovery through schematic design, development, and installation. A clear phase structure keeps projects organised and client expectations aligned.

Lesson 4 • Installation Day Planning and Execution

Prepares students to coordinate movers, tradespeople, and deliveries for a seamless installation day. A well-executed installation is the moment the client's vision becomes reality.