Interior Designer for Construction Course

Lesson 1 • The Role of the Interior Designer

Defines the interior designer's scope within construction projects and distinguishes it from architecture. Establishes professional boundaries and collaboration expectations.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Interpreting Construction Documents

Teaches how to read architectural drawings, schedules, and specifications relevant to interior work. Enables designers to extract critical information from project documentation.

Lesson 3 • Building Anatomy for Designers

Introduces structural components—walls, floors, ceilings, and openings—that constrain and inform design decisions. Connects spatial awareness to construction reality.

Lesson 1 • Space Planning Documentation

Covers the production of bubble diagrams, block plans, and final space plans for client approval. Documentation standards ensure plans are construction-ready and legally defensible.

Lesson 2 • Furniture and Equipment Layouts

Applies anthropometric data and clearance standards to position furniture and built-ins. Layouts must align with structural and mechanical constraints established in Chapter 1.

Lesson 3 • Accessibility and Universal Design

Integrates accessibility requirements into space plans from the earliest design stage. Students apply turning radii, reach ranges, and accessible route standards to layouts.

Lesson 4 • Circulation and Flow Design

Examines primary, secondary, and egress circulation paths within interior spaces. Proper flow planning reduces construction rework and satisfies safety requirements.

Lesson 1 • Partition Systems and Wall Types

Compares stud framing, demountable partitions, and masonry infill for interior walls. Selection criteria include acoustics, fire rating, and future flexibility needs.

Lesson 2 • Doors, Frames, and Hardware

Details door types, frame materials, and hardware sets as integrated construction components. Proper specification prevents field conflicts and ensures code compliance.

Lesson 3 • Millwork and Built-In Casework

Addresses custom millwork, cabinetry, and built-in furniture as construction elements requiring shop drawings. Students learn to specify, detail, and coordinate millwork with trades.

Lesson 4 • Ceiling Systems and Assemblies

Examines suspended grid, drywall, and specialty ceiling systems and their integration with mechanical and lighting elements. Ceiling choice affects acoustics, maintenance access, and aesthetics.

Lesson 1 • Hard Surface Finishes

Covers tile, stone, terrazzo, and polished concrete as floor and wall finish options. Installation methods and substrate requirements are linked to construction sequencing.

Lesson 2 • Material Properties and Performance

Evaluates durability, maintenance, fire, and acoustic properties of common interior finish materials. Performance data drives specification decisions and reduces post-occupancy failures.

Lesson 3 • Wall Finishes and Coverings

Addresses paint, wallcovering, wood paneling, and specialty wall finishes for interior applications. Finish selection must account for substrate condition and occupancy requirements.

Lesson 4 • Finish Schedules and Specifications

Teaches the production of room finish schedules and written material specifications for construction documents. Accurate schedules prevent substitution disputes and streamline procurement.

Lesson 1 • Coordination Drawings and Clash Detection

Introduces overlay drafting and BIM-based clash detection to identify MEP conflicts before construction. Early conflict resolution reduces change orders and schedule delays.

Lesson 2 • Plumbing Rough-In and Fixture Coordination

Addresses drain, supply, and vent rough-in locations as fixed constraints for wet area design. Accurate fixture selection early in design prevents costly plumbing relocations.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Systems for Interior Designers

Covers outlet, switch, data, and panel locations as design constraints and opportunities. Designers learn to mark up electrical plans to reflect furniture and finish requirements.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Plans and Coordination

Covers the production of reflected ceiling plans, lighting schedules, and photometric reports for construction documents. Coordination with electrical engineers prevents costly field changes.

Lesson 2 • Daylighting and Glare Control

Integrates natural light sources with artificial lighting strategies to reduce energy use and improve comfort. Window orientation, glazing properties, and shading devices are coordinated with the design.

Lesson 3 • Fixture Types and Selection

Compares recessed, surface, pendant, track, and linear fixture families for interior applications. Selection criteria include ceiling type, maintenance access, and energy performance.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Fundamentals and Terminology

Establishes key photometric concepts including lumens, foot-candles, color temperature, and CRI. These metrics form the basis for all lighting specification decisions.

Lesson 1 • Professional Ethics and Liability

Addresses ethical obligations, professional liability exposure, and risk management strategies for interior designers. Ethical practice protects clients, the public, and the designer's professional standing.

Lesson 2 • Team Communication and Collaboration

Develops communication strategies for coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants throughout construction. Effective communication reduces errors and builds professional credibility.

Lesson 3 • Project Scheduling and Phasing

Introduces scheduling tools and phasing strategies for interior projects within larger construction timelines. Designers learn to align design milestones with construction procurement windows.

Lesson 4 • Design Contracts and Scope of Work

Examines contract types, scope definitions, and fee structures used in interior design practice. Clear contracts prevent scope creep and establish professional accountability.

Lesson 1 • Specifications and Procurement Documents

Covers specification formats, bid documents, and procurement schedules for interior finish materials. Accurate specifications reduce substitution disputes and procurement delays.

Lesson 2 • Interior Construction Document Sets

Defines the components of a complete interior CD set including plans, elevations, sections, and details. Document completeness directly affects bid accuracy and construction quality.

Lesson 3 • Submittal and Shop Drawing Review

Teaches the review of contractor submittals, product data, and shop drawings for conformance with design intent. Timely reviews keep construction on schedule and protect design quality.

Lesson 4 • Project Closeout and Record Documents

Covers the closeout process including punch list resolution, as-built drawings, and warranty documentation. Proper closeout ensures client satisfaction and protects the designer's professional record.