Course description
In the final part of our three-part interior design module short course, you'll choose your own live project for an existing client, or an imaginary project of your choice such as a boutique hotel, shop or residential property, and build on the knowledge gained in Module One and Module Two.
During the course you will work through your project with the support and guidance of your tutor. There will be a series of lectures which will provide you with practical and professional knowledge that will prepare you for working as an interior designer. Topics for these lectures will cover everything from working with contractors and planning issues, to setting up on your own, how to charge and writing specifications.
There will be demonstrations on creating general arrangement plans, lighting and electrics plans and there will also be advice about how to look for a job.
Please note: The majority of the classes will be delivered in person at Chelsea College of Arts, with a few of the lessons being online.
Course outcomes
By the end of the course you will:
- Have the skills and knowledge to take an interior design project from the initial client brief to appointing a builder
- Have an understanding of how to work with trades people
- Set up a studio or find work in interior design
Who should attend
This course is for those with an intermediate to advanced skill level within interior design. It is ideal if you want to learn how to design interiors professionally and have completed Module One and Module Two. It would also suit international students who have studied Interior Design and wish to learn how to practise it in the UK.
You must ensure that you have the correct immigration permission for the modules you want to study. The Standard Visitor immigration permission allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months. If you intend to study longer than 6 months you must have a valid immigration permission which has no restrictions on studying and covers the full length of the course(s) you wish to study.
Prior skills required:
- Surveying
- Plan and sections at scales 1:50 and 1:20 (preferably in CAD)
- How to design a space
- Basic knowledge of Lighting
- Designing with colour
- Knowledge of hard finishes
- Knowledge of soft furnishings
- Detail Drawing
- Sample boards
Clear, easy to understand lessons:
- Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
- New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that's crystal clear and easy to understand.
Experience life on campus
- Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
- Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
- Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
- Ask questions of your tutor in real time
- Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
- Experience the many sights of London on your down time
A certificate of completion:
- You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
- As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance
- We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
- Certificates are great to complement your CV
Booking:
Your course place is confirmed once you have booked online using a credit or debit card. There is no deadline for booking. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, and all courses have a maximum number of students. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.
Details
Previous skills developed:
- Surveying
- Plan and sections at scales 1:50 and 1:20 (preferably in CAD)
- How to design a space
- Basic knowledge of Lighting
- Designing with colour
- Knowledge of hard finishes
- Knowledge of soft furnishings
- Detail Drawing
- Sample boards
New skills learned:
- Working with contractors and trades people
- Working with specialists and gaining permissions
- Setting up your own business
- Lighting and electric plans
- Writing specifications, schedule of works and providing costings
- Estimac programme
- General arrangement plan
- Contracts and insurance
- How to get a job
Please note that this course requires dedication; students should therefore allow time to work on their project outside of the class.
Materials
Please bring the following materials with you:
Week 1
- Pen and notepad for taking notes
- Scale ruler 1:50 and 1:20
- Client brief and location information for your project
- Photographs and measurements if possible
- Laptop (ideally with a minimum of 8GB RAM)
- A computer mouse
- Vectorworks Designer Student Version – 2023
- Sketchup 3D design software (optional)
- USB stick with a good amount of storage so that you can present your work as back up
To access the current version of the Vectorworks software you will need to create a 3 month student account. Please upload a copy of your confirmation email as proof of registration.
As part of your research you may wish to do some printing. Please bring a small amount of cash to the course on your first day to credit your printing account.