At Design School we cover a range of subjects all tailored to give you the fullest knowledge of Interior Decoration and equip students with a practical ‘tool kit’ to get them industry ready.
In some cases, we have grouped like minded units together to create a cluster Module. In a cluster Module, you will be completing the learning and assessment for two or more units that are complementary in their topics, like Module 7 Colour and Lighting.
The set curriculum comprises of the following subjects:
MODULE 1 | DESIGN HISTORY
MSFID4019 – Research interior decoration and design influences (elective)
We begin our course with research interior decoration and design influences. Having a good understanding of our design history in Australia and more broadly, is crucial in being able to see and understand patterns and trends in design across the decades. This will enable you to predict future trends and to be able to work with various design styles with a good understanding of characteristics of each decade from the pre-1940’s through to current. History forms our foundation learning in research skills as uncover significant social, economic, environmental and architectural impacts of these design eras.
MODULE 2 | PHOTOGRAPHY
CUADIG303 – Produce and prepare photo images (elective)
Social media is a huge part of our world today. Being able to take a photo for social media to share progress on a design project, show something that inspires you, or even snap a flat lay or corner you’ve styled at home is extremely important for your personal branding and networking. We are not expected to become professional photographers but simply have an understanding of the basics in composition, lighting, framing and editing photos.
MODULE 3 | 2D DRAWING
CUAACD311 – Produce drawings to communicate ideas (core)
CUADES302 – Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms (core)
Drawings are a vital part of the design process as they are an important communication tool. Starting with rough sketches in developing an idea, through to concept presentation drawings for clients, and finally technical drawings to communicate your design to your trades. Here we learn the basics in 2D drawing techniques and experiment with 2D drawings to develop and design concepts to communicate your creative ideas.
MODULE 4 | INTERIORS & ETHICS
MSFGN4001 – Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements (core)
This module is an introduced to what laws and regulations you need to know as an interior decorator to create not only beautiful homes, but safe homes too. Discussion topics include ethics, sustainability and original design.
MODULE 5 | HARD MATERIALS
MSFID4018– Research and recommend hard materials and finishes for interiors (elective)
Hard materials and finishes are the bones of a good design. They provide the perfect backdrop for furniture and accessories and need to be considered from not only their aesthetic standpoint but also for their practicality. We research hard materials and finishes to ensure we understand the materials limits, capabilities and appropriate uses. We strongly encourage thorough research be applied before a recommendation to ensure the product meets the clients brief.
MODULE 6 | SOFT FURNISHINGS
MSFID4021– Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces (elective)
MSFID4017– Research and recommend furniture and accessories (elective)
MSFID5028 – Research and recommend artwork (elective)
Furniture, soft furnishings, artwork and accessories bring a project to life! Making recommendations need to be considered alongside the clients brief, budget and consideration for spatial planing. Each piece selected, must be thoroughly researched to ensure its suitability of scale, material, colour and functional requirements as well as aesthetic qualities.
MODULE 7 | TECHNICAL & 3D DRAWING
CUAACD313 – Produce technical drawings (core)
CUADES303 – Explore and apply creative design process to 3D forms (elective)
Learn how to create accurate technical drawings including floor plans and elevations to communicate your designs to clients and trades alike. We also delve into 3D modelling using SketchUp, that allows you to create a visually engaging digital concept. This software is taught from the ground up, and requires no prior knowledge.
MODULE 8 | LIGHTING & COLOUR
MSFID4016 – Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces (core)
MSFID4013– Design residential interior lighting (elective)
Colour plays a huge part in both interior and exterior spaces. We cover how to develop a well considered colour scheme from colour psychology and the emotional response to colour, to how colour changes in varied light conditions. Colour and light go hand in hand, and the importance of working with natural light and artificial light is expertly explored. Learn the types of lighting from mood, task, accent and natural, through to designing your own interior lighting plan.
MODULE 9 | MATERIALS BOARDS
MSFID4015 – Prepare a materials board for client presentation (elective)
A digital mood board is fantastic but nothing can quite compare to physically being able to touch, feel and see the material selections in person. Creating a tangible material board allows the client to visualise their material selections side by side and see the true representation of colour and texture. It’s important to understand how to present this professionally to ensure you can communicate your design to the best of your ability.
MODULE 10 | DECORATE RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS
MSFID4012 – Decorate residential interiors (core)
From initial consultation through to final presentation, this is where everything we have learnt to date comes together in the full design process. Confidently work through each stage of the design process to apply your knowledge and skills to create a spectacular portfolio piece.
MODULE 11 | VISUAL MERCHANDISING
SIRRMER004 – Develop visual merchandising creative concepts (elective)
The creative skills of an interior decorator can be transferred into visual merchandising as a career outcome. Working commercially with brands and business to create eye-catching displays with an emphasis on increasing sales and raising brand awareness through design.
MODULE 12 | INTERIOR STYLING
MSFID5018 – Provide interior styling service (elective)
As more and more brands are looking for content, and this is where stylists are able to shine. We go through a real life client brief to style and shoot amazing creative content. Brands and businesses love working with interior stylists on photoshoots to achieve unique and aesthetic imagery.
All Modules are completed one at a time. For more information on the Units of Competency visit www.training.gov.au.
