Interior design is an exciting profession that not only requires designers to be able to think creatively, but also to problem-solve. Interior designers are responsible for creating an environment for a structure, which may include a single-family home, government office, corporate headquarters, and everything in between
In order to create an interior environment, designers need to think about the form and functionality of the space. The form refers to the look and feel. The functionality refers to how they space will be practically used. In order to effectively blend form and functionality, designers need to rely upon many resources, guidelines, and professionals.
Interior designers often tend to be interior decorators. After all, designers are often responsible for all aspects of a project, including the design, development, and finishing touches. However, interior decorators may not necessarily be interior designers; designers need to have more in-depth knowledge than decorators.
While many interior designers are also decorators, designers do not generally take on other professional roles, such as plumber, carpenter, electrician, or otherwise. Therefore, designers must work closely with many other industry professionals.
Interior designers also have the liberty to be self-employed or to work with a firm. Either way, there are some business skills and best practices that every interior designer should use in order to be successful.
This course is designed to teach you how to be an interior designer by focusing on interior design from a macro level. If you decide to pursue an interior design career after reading about everything that will be required of you if you choose to pursue a career in interior design, then you will spend years learning the minute details that are essential to creating a successful design.
Note: This course focuses on all aspects of interior design. While interior decorating plays a large role in interior design, it is important to remember that the two are not the same. This course will not go into great detail about interior decorating, but, rather, will provide an overview of the kind of information interior designers will need to know.
Lesson 1. Introduction to Interior Design.
A. What is interior design?
B. Interior designers work with professionals in many other fields.
C. How do interior decorators and interior designers compare?
D. Interior design specialties
Lesson 2. Evolution of Design
A. The evolution of form and function
B. What we can learn from cave dwellings
C. Architects are the original interior designers
D. The Industrial Revolution made mainstream interior design possible.
E. The establishment of interior design schools and associations
Lesson 3. Basic Interior Design Decorating Principles.
A. Before a project begins, it is important to be able to visualize how it will be decorated.
B. Designers and clients need to have a shared understanding
1. Color
2. Texture
3. Paint
4. Wall coverings
5. Upholstery
6. Accessories
7. Flooring
8. Lighting
9. Furniture
10.Function
11.Size
12.Materials
13.Style
14.Additional decorating elements
Lesson 4. Color
A. The science of color
B. Color wheel
C. Primary and secondary colors
D. Customized color palette
1. Complementary color combinations include:
E. Color qualities
F. Contrasting colors
G. Contrasting color combinations include:
H. Color psychology
I. Color and Feng shui
J. Color finishes
K. Color in design styles
Lesson 5. Major Design Styles.
A. The importance of studying styles
B. Major interior design styles and influences:
Lesson 6. Design Codes
Codes
A. National and international codes
B. State codes
C. Interior design certification and licensing
D. Legislation and advocacy
Lesson 7. Standards
A. What is a standard?
B. Interior design standards
C. Standards for accrediting interior designers
Lesson 8. Licensing and Certification
A. Interior design requirements for certification
B. Specialty Certifications
C. Title laws regulating interior designers
Lesson 9. Areas of Specialization
A. Corporate
B. Government
C. Healthcare
D. Hospitality
E. Residential
F. Retail
Lesson 10. LEED Building Certification
A. What is LEED?
B. LEED building certification
Lesson 11. LEED Professional Certification
A. What you’ll need to know
B. Business benefits of LEED certification
C. Types of LEED certifications
Lesson 12. Bodies of Knowledge
A. Professional practice
B. Design
C. Products and materials
D. Interior construction, codes, and regulations
E. Communication
F. Human environment needs
Lesson 13. 10 Things Every Professional Interior Designer Should do to Have a Successful Business
A. 10 things you should do to stay in business as an interior designer
1. Make it legal.
2. Make it official.
3. Maintain your portfolio.
4. Market your services.
5. Establish a niche.
6. Stay current.
7. Do a deep dive.
8. Maintain constant contact.
9. Follow-up.
10. Stay unique.
B. Interior design business checklist
Lesson 14. Interior Design Associations
A. An overview of interior design associations
Lesson 15. Resources for Interior Designers
A. State and local government offices
B. Websites
C. Magazines
D. Consumer Magazines
E. Trade Magazines
