Description

Interior Design
QUALIFICATION, DURATION, NQF EQUIVALENT LEVEL AND INTAKES
Diploma of Interior Design - 2 Academic Years, Level 5, January and July

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Portfolio and interview. NCEA Level 2 (High School Year 12) or equivalent with good Mathematics, English and Art or Graphics.
English language entry requirements, IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

INDIVIDUAL COURSE COMPONENTS
Theory and principles of interior design, design process, critical studies, furniture and product design, retail design, product knowledge, ergonomics, construction technology, perspective/technical drawing, design history, drawing and presentation, digital communication/CADD, laws and regulations, business studies.

COURSE SUMMARY
An analytical and strategic approach to presenting a design solution is encouraged in the Diploma of Interior Design mainly through the design process, critical studies, and interior design modules. Problem solving skills are considered an important and integral element of the course. Students research leading design movements and the work of influential designers. The students apply this knowledge as they interpret real-world client briefs, coordinating, managing and presenting their own design solutions.
Preparation for success in the real world is stepped up with components that provide the seamless integration into the workforce.

First Academic Year:
The first year involves an in-depth study of design theory while introducing students to design concepts and developing practical skills. Examination of market trends are explored, technical planning of room designs are carried out and the use of specialist materials is researched.
Perspective drawing, technical drawing/draughting skills and illustration techniques are developed extensively. The digital communication component provides students with the opportunity to gain proficiency in the industry standard 2D and 3D CADD software.
Students gain an understanding of how furniture and soft furnishings enhance an environment while learning the techniques and methods of construction. A general overview of building construction widens the students' appreciation of how design elements can be practically applied. An understanding of textiles, their manufacturing and styles, as well as their use in practical design is also incorporated into the course.

Second Academic Year:
The aim of the second year is to integrate all aspects of interior design to enhance the students overall design solution and its viability. The product knowledge component builds students understanding of design materials and their merits, the options available and how to source specific products.
Students continue to develop their drawing and rendering skills while producing plans and drawings in two and three dimensions. Developing the students ability to use ArchiCAD software in their computer aided design work is a substantial part of the programme. This focus on CADD ensures students emerge with skills needed to best portray their design and create virtual scenes.
Students begin to express their appreciation of the social, cultural and psychological aspects of design and how to relate them to a clients needs. For example, technical aspects of commercial interiors that meet retail requirements are covered; ergonomic study gives students the opportunity to design to fit the human body; while in furniture and product design, this awareness is combined with form and function.
The business studies component introduces the basic accounting, business and marketing skills needed to run a business. Portfolio creation and the year-end exhibition ensures that students work can be showcased to industry representatives and the public.

COURSE COST:
Domestic and New Zealand Resident
NZ $5200 per academic year