Interior Course

Lesson 1 • Color Theory for Interiors

Covers the color wheel, value, saturation, and psychological effects of hue. Students build color palettes that support intended room functions.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of Interiors

Traces interior design from ancient dwellings to contemporary practice. Establishes historical context that informs modern aesthetic and functional decisions.

Lesson 3 • Professional Roles and Ethics

Defines the interior designer's scope of practice, client relationships, and ethical obligations. Sets professional expectations for all subsequent project work.

Lesson 4 • Elements of Interior Space

Defines line, form, texture, pattern, and space as design elements. Students apply each element to real room scenarios for immediate practice.

Lesson 1 • Space Planning for Specific Room Types

Applies planning principles to living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, and bath spaces. Students produce annotated layouts for each room type.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Drawing Floor Plans

Teaches plan-view conventions, symbols, and scale drawing techniques. Students translate measured spaces into accurate, readable floor plans.

Lesson 3 • Zoning and Functional Areas

Groups activities into public, private, and service zones within a plan. Proper zoning reduces conflict between incompatible uses.

Lesson 4 • Traffic Flow and Circulation

Analyzes primary, secondary, and service circulation paths within a space. Optimizing flow prevents congestion and improves daily usability.

Lesson 1 • Wall Finishes and Coverings

Surveys paint, wallcovering, paneling, tile, and plaster as wall finish options. Finish choice affects acoustics, maintenance, and spatial perception.

Lesson 2 • Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Covers fabric weaves, fiber content, performance ratings, and upholstery grades. Textile selection balances comfort, durability, and design intent.

Lesson 3 • Flooring Materials and Selection

Compares hardwood, engineered wood, tile, stone, carpet, and resilient flooring. Selection criteria include durability, maintenance, acoustics, and cost.

Lesson 4 • Ceiling Treatments and Materials

Explores flat, coffered, vaulted, and suspended ceiling systems and their finishes. Ceiling design affects perceived height, acoustics, and lighting integration.

Lesson 1 • Fixture Types and Placement

Covers recessed, surface, pendant, track, and wall-mounted fixtures and their applications. Correct placement maximizes coverage and minimizes shadows.

Lesson 2 • Natural Light and Daylighting

Analyzes window orientation, glazing, and shading to optimize daylight use. Effective daylighting reduces energy use and improves occupant well-being.

Lesson 3 • Layers of Lighting

Defines ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting layers and their roles. Combining layers creates flexible, visually rich interior environments.

Lesson 4 • Light Sources and Lamp Types

Compares incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and specialty light sources by output and efficiency. Understanding source characteristics drives appropriate fixture selection.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Basics

Introduces HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems as they affect interior layout. Designers must coordinate with trades to avoid conflicts and ensure comfort.

Lesson 2 • Building Codes and Permit Processes

Explains occupancy classifications, egress requirements, and permit submission steps. Code compliance is non-negotiable and protects occupant safety.

Lesson 3 • Doors, Windows, and Openings

Covers door and window types, swing clearances, and rough opening requirements. Proper specification ensures code compliance and smooth installation.

Lesson 4 • Accessibility and Universal Design Standards

Applies functional accessibility standards to circulation, fixtures, and controls. Universal design benefits all users and is required in many project types.

Lesson 1 • Furniture Sizing and Scale

Applies room dimensions and human scale to furniture sizing decisions. Correctly scaled pieces prevent overcrowding and maintain visual balance.

Lesson 2 • Furniture Styles and Historical Periods

Surveys major furniture periods from traditional to contemporary and their defining features. Historical literacy enables informed mixing and matching of styles.

Lesson 3 • Construction Quality and Materials

Evaluates joinery, frame materials, cushion construction, and finish quality. Quality assessment protects client investment and ensures long-term performance.

Lesson 4 • Custom and Built-In Furniture

Covers design, specification, and coordination of custom millwork and built-ins. Built-ins maximize storage and reinforce architectural character.

Lesson 1 • Concept Development and Mood Boards

Guides ideation from client brief to visual concept using mood boards and concept statements. A strong concept aligns all subsequent design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Schematic Design Drawings

Produces bubble diagrams, adjacency matrices, and preliminary floor plans. Schematic drawings test spatial relationships before committing to detail.

Lesson 3 • Finish and Furniture Schedules

Organizes material, finish, and furniture specifications into coordinated schedules. Schedules streamline procurement and reduce specification errors.

Lesson 4 • Project Specifications and Procurement

Writes product specifications and manages the procurement process from order to delivery. Proper procurement prevents substitutions that compromise design intent.

Lesson 1 • Installation, Styling, and Project Closeout

Manages furniture delivery, accessory placement, and final client walkthrough. A polished closeout builds referrals and long-term client relationships.

Lesson 2 • Client Intake and Programming

Structures discovery meetings, questionnaires, and site surveys to define project requirements. Thorough programming prevents scope creep and misaligned expectations.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling and Construction Administration

Creates project timelines, coordinates trades, and manages site visits during construction. Active administration catches problems before they become costly defects.

Lesson 4 • Contracts and Fee Structures

Covers letter of agreement, scope of work, fee models, and payment schedules. Clear contracts protect both designer and client throughout the project.