Interior Design Academy

THE
INTERIOR
DESIGN
AC A D E M Y
THE PROFESSIONAL
INTERIOR DESIGN
COURSE
PROSPECTUS
A COURSE BY DISTANCE LEARNING
The Professional Interior Design Course has been designed to provide you
with the professional skills required to succeed as an interior designer. The
course offers you a unique opportunity to develop a full or part-time career
as a professional interior designer or to use your skills as a profitable
sideline.
When you complete this course you will have the knowledge and skills to start
your own interior design consultancy, to work as a freelance interior designer,
or to seek work in the many businesses and industries associated with interior
design.
This course is all about interior design for profit. Each week thousands of
Australians, whether for their homes or businesses, require the skills offered by
an interior designer. Interior designers are working on renovations, makeovers,
pre-sale styling for existing properties, fit outs for new homes and office and
commercial interiors.
You’ll find interior designers at work in thousands of homes and
businesses. They are choosing functional lighting, furniture, fabrics and
window treatments. They are adding wall and floor coverings and choosing
colour and decorative options. They are meeting with clients, contractors
and suppliers.
Why are these designers successful? Stated simply, because they know how to
go about it.
Private clients, businesses, builders, architects and real estate agents have an
ongoing need for design skills. There are literally dozens of income-producing
opportunities for the knowledgeable interior designer.
At the outset, it is important for you to understand that this course is not simply
about the theory of interior design. It’s also about practical work in interior design,
including meeting clients’ needs, marketing your services and being paid for your
design skills.
In constructing this course, The Interior Design Academy has created one of the
few opportunities for those not currently involved in the industry to become paid
professionals with a range of interior design work opportunities at their fingertips.
In short, The Professional Interior Design Course takes you through every
aspect of the profession - from developing design concepts and turning
them into reality, through to the business of selling your design skills and
services.
Regard this course as a partnership. You provide the interest in interior design
and the willingness to learn while The Interior Design Academy provides you
with the practical knowledge and skills. You will be taking your first steps into the
exciting and challenging world of interior design. Enjoy the journey!
ABOUT THE COURSE
The Professional Interior Design Course is provided
by distance learning, or correspondence as it is
sometimes called. The course comprises 12 in-depth
tutorials delivered to you by either post or email, over
12 or 24 weeks. However, your course is self-paced and
you may take as long as two years to complete your
assignments and graduate from the course. Having said
this, remember deadlines are always important to the
professional interior designer.
During your course you will be instructed in all aspects
of interior design by a team of Australia’s leading interior
designers, design writers and manufacturers of design
materials.
As you progress through the course you will be learning
about the actual market place for your design skills, how to
go about creating functional and appealing design concepts,
selling your services and every trick of the trade to ensure
your success.
From your first tutorial, you are working with your tutor
towards commencing your own freelance design consultancy
and being paid for your efforts.
If you are having difficulty in a certain area, or if other
commitments are intruding upon your time, the facility also
exists to hold further tutorials until you are ready to continue.
If you choose to have your tutorials delivered by post, replypaid envelopes are included to assist with your assignment
return. Support is available via email at any time and for
questions that can’t wait, you can call the Academy to speak
to a student services coordinator.
One of the most important aspects of the course is its
Australian origin. Although the principles of interior design
are similar the world over, this course concerns itself
specifically with all the Australasian aspects of design. It's
this direction and emphasis that will greatly help to ensure
your success.
THE EXPERTS BEHIND YOUR COURSE
Many respected Australian interior designers and design
writers have contributed to this course provided by
The Interior Design Academy.
Some of the contributors include:
Simon Savage, Interior and Building Designer. Simon
holds a master’s degree in interior design and his designs
and projects regularly feature in Australian interior design
magazines. Simon is also Senior Tutor of this course.
Deborah Grant, Interior Design Writer and former Chief
Sub-editor Inside Out, SHE and Marie Claire magazines.
Deborah is also Editorial Director of this course.
Jean Wright, Senior Design Consultant belle magazine, and
one of Australia’s most respected photographic stylists.
Ewan McEoin, former Editor Inside magazine.
Stephen Crafti, author of several books on interior design,
including Beach Houses of Australia and New Zealand and
The Making of Small Spaces. Stephen is also a leading
interior design writer and contributes regularly to The
Age (Melbourne), The Sydney Morning Herald, Indesign
Magazine and Wallpaper magazine.
Michael Bogle, Heritage Consultant for architects, Graham
Brooks & Associates.
Many other leading Australian interior designers have
been chosen to contribute to this course because of their
specialised skills in certain areas of the industry. Their wealth
of experience is provided to you on a weekly or fortnightly
basis, giving you invaluable insight into every tiny aspect of
the industry.
Here’s what Senior Tutor, Simon Savage, says of the course:
“Interior designers are not born, they are taught.
The simple truth is, it’s not that difficult.”
"Given an interest in interior design, a little flair and a
willingness to learn, this course will equip you with the
professional knowledge and skills required to succeed
as an interior designer."
A professional interior designer is assigned as your tutor to
assist you throughout the course.
You and your tutor work together to develop ideas and
material relating specifically to the areas of interior
design work that most interest you. This might include
such work as:
Colour and lighting, decorative finishes, creating beautiful
bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, corporate design,
decorative paint finishes, smart house technology, pre-sale
inspections, hospitality and exhibition design, commercial
interiors . . . for both private and corporate clients.
It's your tutor's job to assess your assignments,
guide you to develop your design skills and bring you
to a level of professionalism where your Diploma of
Professional Interior Design will be forthcoming.
WHAT’S REQUIRED OF YOU
So what’s required of you to become a professional interior
designer capable of handling any and all assignments?
1. An interest in interior design
2. A little flair
3. The willingness to learn
If you have these qualities, The Interior Design Academy will
provide you with the knowledge and skills to ensure your success.
There are no rules to being a successful designer. You need
no specialised skill or qualification other than the desire to
succeed.
A successful interior design consultant does not have to be gifted.
Every interior designer was once a complete beginner, and success
is very much a matter of knowing how to go about it.
More and more private individuals, businesses, builders,
architects and real estate agents are relying on freelance
interior designers. With thousands of homes, home units,
offices and retail premises to be designed or renovated,
why not?
However, as you'll discover, the need for your design skills doesn't
end here. There is a range of other lucrative freelance and fulltime work to be obtained including project management, styling
properties for pre-sale inspection, colour consultancy, functional and
appealing bathroom and kitchen design, exhibition design, retail
showroom work and more.
Remember, even a simple office at home has desking, storage
and technology requirements and somebody gets paid for
designing them.
As you'll also discover, interior design is a business that goes far
beyond design concepts. By the time you complete this course, you
will have an intimate knowledge of all aspects of interior design from developing your ideas through to the important business side of
marketing your professional skills and being paid for your efforts.
What's more, you'll be learning about the industry from the inside,
receiving hundreds of tips and first-hand insights from some of
today's most successful designers and decorators. Remember, like
yourself, every one of these professionals was once a complete
beginner.
WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE
A full or part-time career in interior design offers one of
the few remaining opportunities for individual freedom,
self-expression and financial gain.
It's also a lot of fun and can lead to varying degrees of fame
and fortune.
This course gives you the opportunity of being your own
boss and working from home. With a home office and low
overheads you can start as a self-employed interior designer
and build your business and reputation project by project.
Or you may choose to first gain experience in a larger design
company. Here you can develop your professional contacts,
gain a greater sense of self-confidence and build a following
of satisfied clients.
Using the knowledge and skills you’ll acquire through this
course, you may also choose to turn your own home into a
showcase of your talent, with your surrounds being a live
portfolio of your design ability.
You may also wish to work in residential, commercial or
hospitality design, the furniture, textile or construction
industries, or exhibition design. Remember, the interior
designer is even needed to design film and television sets.
Perhaps this might be you.
Opportunities for trained interior designers are everywhere.
You can operate your own business, work freelance or seek
assignments in design or architectural consultancies, in
department and furniture stores, hotel and restaurant chains,
antique dealers, furniture and textile manufacturers, as well
as in display and merchandising. If you prefer a sales career,
selling or working with furniture, carpets, wallpapers or any
related field, your training and qualifications will prove of
great benefit.
With experience, your commissions can eventually vary
from designing residential interiors to interiors of large
public buildings like galleries, exhibitions and trade shows,
or commercial interiors like offices, retail spaces and
holiday rental apartments, or hospitality interiors for cafes,
restaurants and bars.
Interior design is one of the few professions that does not
discriminate in any way. You can be any age, sex, race or
religion and become a successful interior designer. You can
work from home or office. To a large degree you can choose
your own hours and the nature of the work you accept.
This craft does not demand a university degree or other
academic qualifications. Once you know what the industry
requires, you have a highly marketable skill.
By definition you become a professional interior
designer with your first paid assignment. Be prepared
for one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences
of your life!
At the end of this course, you will have the necessary
training and skills to successfully handle virtually any
assignment. You will have an insider's knowledge of what the
market requires and how to go about providing it.
Work in interior design can offer financial security for life.
Australians lavish money and attention on their homes. In
many businesses and retail spaces it’s an obligation that
can’t be ignored.
There is also the quiet but undeniable pleasure of seeing
your concepts become a reality and the satisfaction of
delighting your clients.
You'll discover that being an interior designer also gives you
a special standing in the community. Living and working in
comfortable surroundings is a priority for almost everyone,
and you’re the person who can help.
What else can you expect?
You'll find that interior design is an adventure, limited only by
your own imagination and flair - qualities which will be further
developed throughout this course.
CONTENTS OF THE COURSE
At the beginning of the course you are assigned a personal tutor who will assist with your progression throughout the course.
You also receive:
• 12 exclusive tutorials dealing with professional interior
design.
• Eight Academy assignments and your diploma upon
completion.
• Contributions from some of Australia's leading
interior designers, design writers and design product
manufacturers.
And:
• Standard contracts and suggested fee structures.
• Working papers and templates.
• Reply-paid envelopes (for students who select postal
delivery).
Plus:
• Individual correction and advice in respect to your ideas
• General tutorials on computer-assisted design and how it
• In-depth information from your tutor for each course
• General tutorials on analysing and evaluating space and
• Information on industry trade exhibitions, how to keep up
• General tutorials on how to go about setting up your
and assignments.
assignment.
with interior design trends and sustainable design.
can aid your business.
preparing floor plans.
professional practice.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The course will teach you all the most important aspects of
interior design.
This course presents fundamental design concepts and
explores all aspects of the interior: human factors, building
structure and technology, environmental and other building
systems, contextual issues, design theories and methods,
and communication.
You’ll also discover the many aspects of human occupation
of interior space and how lifestyles and social preferences
affect interior design.
You’ll learn about design theory and history, design
communications, design research and the science of interior
space. You’ll also learn how to analyse clients’ needs,
develop appropriate design concepts and manage the
finishing of interior spaces.
CONTENTS OF THE COURSE
Tutorial 1
Introduction to interior design: from
colour consultancy to corporate design –
professional opportunities as an interior
designer. International design periods of
the 18th and 19th centuries and the birth
of modern interior design. Mackintosh
to Memphis; the essential historical
background to modern interior design.
Furniture classics. Know your bergére
from your ‘Swan’ chair. Getting to know the
essential elements and principles of interior
design; space, proportion, light, balance
and detail. Residential and commercial
design. Learning to observe; how to train
your designer’s ‘eye’, learning from natural
form, keeping a sketchbook and cuttings
book to store ideas and inspiration. Current
directions in interior design. What the future
holds. Assignment.
Tutorial 2
Materials and elements: the right light for
the right place. Using natural and artificial
lighting effectively to bring a space to life.
Types of light, lighting fixtures and styles,
direct and indirect lighting. Bright ideas
from the experts. Colour and design: colour
everyone’s world. Light and colour, how
light and texture affect colour. The colour
wheel and how to use it. How colours
interact, hue, value, chromatic distribution.
The psychological impact of colour, using
colour to stimulate or soothe. Special colour
effects; feature walls, painted finishes. How
to use colour to change spatial perceptions.
Using paint and special decorative finishes;
limewash, textured finishes, pearlescent
finishes, chalkboard paint, stucco lustro.
Current trends in colour. Assignment.
Tutorial 4
You as an interior designer: the traits you
need to cultivate. Starting out. Why good
design is good business. Design for small
space living. Client relations. Dealing with
tradespeople, contractors and suppliers.
Case study – country cottage. Timber and
building terms. Styling properties for pre-sale
inspection. How to maximise your clients’
profit. Assignment.
Tutorial 5
Planning and presentation: how to prepare
floor plans and scale drawings. Analysing
and evaluating space. How to develop a
conceptual and technical understanding of
scale and elevation. Lettering techniques.
Scale drawing of plans. Examples of floor
plans and elevations. The story of Australian
interior design. Australian architectural
periods and interior design styles.
Tutorial 6
Planning and presentation: perspective
drawing, making your vision for a space
come to life, materials and techniques. How
to use free-hand drawing as a tool in the
creative process rather than a technical end
itself. Examples of perspective drawings.
Computer assisted design and how it
can aid your business. Colour drawing.
Sample boards. Colours and finishes for
client presentation. A world of inspiration.
Assignment.
Tutorial 3
Introduction: it’s a material whirl. Materials
and elements; how to select suitable
textiles for different applications. Fabric
types and their construction. Upholstered
and metal furniture; construction techniques,
how to identify quality furnishings or have
them custom-made. Window treatments;
curtain styles and terminology, blinds,
how to measure a window and estimate
materials. Floor coverings. How various
carpet types are made. Hard flooring, vinyl,
linoleum, cork, bamboo, epoxy resin, rugs.
Walls; loadbaring walls, partition walls, wall
finishes. Doors; door materials, door types.
Soft furnishings. Completing your scheme
with cushions, slipcovers and throws.
Custom-made soft furnishings for
individual style.
Tutorial 7
Residential kitchen design: how to design
kitchens. Space planning and appliance
placement, choosing finishes, lighting
and storage. Introduction to bathroom
design. How to design bathrooms. Effective
planning, suitable materials and finishes,
heating and ventilation. Examples of floor
plans and elevations. Current trends –
kitchen and bathroom.
Tutorial 8
Residential design: planning room layouts.
Establishing mood and style. Establishing a
focal point, building up a scheme, finishing
touches. The essential steps to success in
the process of residential design. Design
brief. Costing the project. Preparation
of quotes and working to a budget. How
much to charge. Alternative ways of setting
fees. The relationship between designer
and client. Client checklists to help you
define your clients’ true needs in relation
to function, practicalities, aesthetics and
budgetary priorities. Documentation. Letter of
acceptance. Storage ideas. The smart home:
the growing trend towards smart house
technology. What you need to know about
ecologically sustainable design. Retrofitting
a home for cost savings and environmental
benefit. Assignment.
Tutorial 11
Exhibition design: galleries, museums and
tradeshows. Thermal comfort and acoustics.
Furniture selection. The interior designer as
investment advisor. Interior design – your
entrée to special opportunities. How to use
professional organisations and support
services. Local and international trade
shows; websites and email addresses to
keep you in touch with what’s happening
on the design map. Keeping up with new
product information. Keeping an eye
on upcoming trends. Designer profiles.
Assignment.
Tutorial 9
Commercial design: commercial interiors,
corporate design. The changes occurring
in the modern workplace. Space planning,
the need for flexibility, desking systems,
ergonomics and government requirements.
The importance of environmental branding
for business today. Office design. Making
work a pleasure. Assignment.
Tutorial 10
Hospitality design. Retail design. Designing
a home office, desking systems, storage
and technology needs. Commercial interiors.
Hospitality design; restaurants, cafes, bars,
hotels. Retail design and product display;
creating friendship between people and
products. Design for the disabled. Designing
with flowers. Colour services for designers.
Tutorial 12
How to start your own home-based interior
design consultancy. The typical interior
design consultant. How to effectively market
your skills and boost your business. How
to research new markets, build valuable
contact lists and generate effective inquiries.
How to win prospective clients. How to use
public relations effectively. The value of
enrichment. Effective display of artworks.
Setting up your interior design business.
Checklist for starting your business; naming
your business, tax planning, reasons why
people will use an interior designer. Defining
your client’s budget. Advertising and building
your business. Introduction to the Internet;
marketing and promotion through websites.
Setting up a retail business. Assignment.
Course contents may vary from
time to time at the discretion of
The Interior Design Academy
10 GOOD REASONS TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
1. Almost everyone needs the services of an interior
designer at one time or another. This means clients are
willing to pay for your design talent.
2. As an interior designer you can work from home on a full
or part-time basis, or make interior design a profitable
sideline.
3. A vast range of design and design product companies
rely on an interior designer to assist in creative projects.
The experience of working alongside other creative
professionals is both exciting and rewarding.
4. You’ll have the required knowledge and skills to assist
family and friends. Watch the interest that is created
when you say, "I’m studying interior design".
5. Interior designers also enjoy great professional benefits.
For example it’s common practice for professional
designers to be offered valuable discounts on
furnishings, decor, art, accessories and more. With the
right knowledge you can also gain entry to "professional
only" showrooms, exclusive trade shows and design
expos.
6. This is an easy way to become self-employed whatever
your current lifestyle. You can basically set your own
schedule and work as much or as little as you choose.
We’ll show you how.
7. You are getting paid to provide help you’d probably do for
pleasure anyway.
8. Your new design skills will almost certainly benefit your
own environment.
9. This is a profession that puts you in touch with interesting
people and allows you to do interesting things.
10. You’ll also find it fun.
ACADEMY GUARANTEE
Our guarantee is very simple and straightforward. In the
first instance, the Academy will not accept students in
this course unless we have a reasonable expectation
that they are capable of obtaining their diploma.
If, at the end of the course, the Examining Board feels that
the diploma should be withheld, the course will be extended
at no cost.
If, after a further period of tuition determined by your Tutor,
you have still not reached a stage where the diploma can be
awarded, your course fees will be refunded in full.
It is agreed, that students must complete the course to be
eligible for refunds. Please see the "Terms and Conditions"
on your Enrolment Application for full details.
Your diploma is the official recognition of your successful
completion of this course of studies. Also of great
importance, is the practical experience that you will have
acquired throughout the course.
At the end of this 12 tutorial course you will have reached a
level of skill where you can competently handle all freelance
assignments and realistically expect to be well paid for your
efforts.
Your qualifications as an interior designer can take you
into any area of your choosing . . . your own freelance
consultancy, work with design companies or in retail and
sales. Here you will find an ongoing demand for your design
ability whether you decide to work full-time, part-time, or as
a profitable sideline.
AC A D E M Y
Be it known that:
Has successfully and honourably completed a course of studies
in both the theory and practice of Professional Interior Design
and has satisfactorily passed the required examinations
as prescribed by the examining body.
Upon recommendation of the College and the approval of
examiners, the abovementioned is hereby awarded this:
Diploma of
Professional Interior Design
In testimony whereof we have issued this Diploma signed by our
hands and affixed the seal of the College this
day of
IN
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E
T
IO
R
N
G Y
I EM
S
E
D CAD
T
Your diploma will be posted within 10 days of your
graduation.
INTERIOR
DESIGN
HE
The Interior Design Academy Diploma of Professional
Interior Design is awarded to successful graduates of
this course.
THE
YOUR NEW CREDENTIALS
Board of Examiners
A
At the successful completion of your course, you are
entitled to become accredited with The Interior Design
Academy and our international affiliates.
This accreditation places you on our register of interior
designers and can possibly lead to valuable commissioned
assignments. Remember however, there is no substitute for
building your own important contacts.
In addition, you can apply to receive The Interior Design
Academy’s Identification Pass. This pass clearly states your
credentials as an interior designer and provides a useful and
important form of identification.
You’ll find your Identification Pass can open many doors for
you by providing proof of your successful completion of The
Professional Interior Design Course. It may also assist you
when negotiating discounts or entry to professional events.
COURSE FEES
The Professional Interior Design Course is an affordable and accessible way to pursue your interior design career.
With flexible payment options and course guarantees, this course allows you to study with ease and peace of mind.
You can study from any location of your choosing, either online or by traditional correspondence (post).
We accept MasterCard & Visa (both credit and debit cards), cheques and money orders, made payable to ‘The Interior
Design Academy’.
Click the country icon below to access more fee information and enrolment application.
Australia.
Basic Payment Options:
Full payment of course fees - $1095.
OR
$250 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $845 seven days after course commencement.
3 Month Easy Payment Plan
$250 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $281.70 debited monthly over
three months.
6 Month Super Easy Payment Plan
$250 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $140.85 debited monthly over
six months.
New Zealand
Basic Payment Options:
Full payment of course fees - $1295.
OR
$350 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $945 seven days after course commencement.
3 Month Easy Payment Plan
$350 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $315 debited monthly over
three months.
6 Month Super Easy Payment Plan
$350 deposit to reserve your position in the course. $157.50 debited monthly over
six months.
Don't let fees stop you from studying.
If these payment options are not viable for you at this time, we can discuss a custom payment plan
to suit your needs. Simply give us a call on 02 9327 7778 (+61 2 9327 7778 if calling internationally), or
send us an email, and we can discuss your options.
ACADEMY INFORMATION
The Interior Design Academy is a division of Australian News & Feature Service Pty Ltd. Our
company was established in 1988. Our directors have more than 25 years' experience in the
field of distance learning and have trained students in more than 80 countries and territories.
The contributors to this course are all professional designers and professional writers of
interior design. We have recruited Australia’s best to assist you throughout this course.
The Professional Interior Design Course is designed as a structured training program.
The Interior Design Academy
607 Eastpoint Tower
180 Ocean Street
(PO Box 1141)
Edgecliff NSW 2027
Telephone: (02) 9327 7778 Fax: (02) 9327 1174
Email: admin@theinteriordesignacademy.com
www.theinteriordesignacademy.com
General Manager: Belinda Sharp
THE
Tutors: All tutors are practising professionals in interior design.
INTERIOR
DESIGN
AC A D E M Y
A division of
Australian News and Feature Service Pty Ltd
607 Eastpoint Tower
180 Ocean Street
(PO Box 1141)
Edgecliff NSW 2027
ACN 003 663 910