Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

The subject introduces the student to various aspects of the elements of design, e.g. materiality, form and shape, colour, positive and negative space etc. utilized in creative problem solving. Initially students are introduced to a design development process, from the tangible to the digital; through paper model making with its inherent skills development and risk taking, then on to further digital development using newly introduced software. Concurrent, weekly, individual homework tasks focus on understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties and the manufacturing processes related to them. Students will make incremental progress towards choosing a material in which their individual design can be realized. The submission will include a material and colour folio. The final submission will be a model executed in an appropriate material with its function/ usage contextualized with all relevant information gleaned throughout the trimester.

This subject is an introduction to the design process with an emphasis on bespoke decoration. The student learns about design principles and elements and their place in the creative design process and the role of reflection in design development throughout the design process. A focus on colour and the application in interior spaces is explored and applied. The student produces design concepts for an interior space through a series of exercises using creative thinking methods. The student explores and challenges a range of different ideas. Presentation techniques are explored. During this subject the student acquires a basic understanding of the opportunities for custom design and customising available products.

Drawing is a rudimentary and essential basis for any design career. This subject introduces the student to the methods and techniques of basic photo imaging and drawing and professional visualisation in the context of interior design. Students explore a range of techniques and materials and their application in order to communicate design concepts and assist students in understanding the principles of design and their specific application to drawing. Both manual and digital methods of visual communication are explored.

In this subject the student learns how to develop and refine a range of techniques to produce technical and concept drawings. The student explores the way design drawing, both technical and concept, can be applied to interior decoration and design contexts where visual representation is required. The student learns how to produce floor plans, elevations, sections, isometric, and axonometric drawings relevant to interior spaces and furniture. Both manual and digital methods and techniques are explored.

This subject introduces the student to research and specification of furniture, soft furnishings and accessories for interior spaces. The student learns how to interpret the decoration requirements from a project brief, research furniture and accessories and make the appropriate recommendations to the client. The student also learns how to assess soft furnishing requirements, research soft furnishing materials, window treatments, and soft floor coverings. The student is introduced to the application of Australian Standards, documentation and presentation of decorative recommendations.

In this subject, the student learns how to identify different types of joinery and associated finishes. The student will design and document a basic joinery package for a residential kitchen brief. Student will develop an understanding of joinery construction terminology and its application. Student will further develop knowledge of joinery finishes, fittings, and equipment.

The student develops their knowledge of applicable Australian Standards, regulations, and codes.

This subject introduces the student to industry standard CAD software and its application. The student will learn how to set up and draw a CAD documentation package, add annotations to drawings, and plot/print drawings.

In this subject, knowledge of basic building and structural components is developed. The student learns how to interpret technical drawings and cumentation for interior projects. The student is introduced to legislative regulations, codes and standards and their application.

In this subject the students will identify both the structural and non-structural elements of a chosen site. Students will identify the existing services, material features, and construction methods and analyse their suitability for a client. Students will identify relevant equipment, regulations, standards and procedures to prepare for a site visit. Students will research projects of a related nature to identify elements of spatial configuration and demonstrate how they apply to a client brief. Student will demonstrate through evidence of design process how to apply elements and principles to spatial design.

Students communicate design solutions through 2D and 3D visualisation techniques which satisfies the client’s needs.

This subject investigates the evolution of built environment design. It explores major art and architectural movements throughout history and the development of contemporary design by investigating significant turning points and historic milestones. This subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing an area within a spatial environment whilst identifying and activating an urban site, with consideration of the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their research and knowledge of environments, identifying design related and environmental imperatives in the realisation of design briefs.

This subject enables the student to learn how to analyse a project brief, conduct project research, generate design themes and concepts, select and specify internal finishes, furniture, furnishings, lighting and object d’art within the commercial context. For this subject the student will present a fully resolved interior design and decoration scheme.

This subject develops a student’s personal brand identity through exploring their place within the design industry. The student will further develop acquired technical and soft skills, evaluate their own work, and understand industry opportunities. The student applies industry knowledge to course work activities, and gains knowledge of ways to maintain currency in design industry.

Students can engage in this subject either through external placement or internal placement.

External Placement:

Offers students the opportunity to work within a professional design studio for a period of time. Student are exposed to professional work environments and are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in this through a collaborative design project.

Externally placed students will be matched to an appropriate mentor at the placement site and monitored by an academic in the discipline of study.

Internal Placement:

Students will engage with a similar range of professional experiences to those placed externally. Assignment to, and management of, WIL tasks may occur face to face or via a dedicated online platform.

Internally placed students will be directed by a project leader/academic.

In both cases:

• Students may or may not see projects through to completion but may contribute to (and be assessed on) progress
• Students may be involved in the initial pitch to clients and/or supervisors for the awarding of the project
• Students may, or may not, be involved in presenting the project during its progress, or at completion