Interior Design & Space Planning
Everything you need to know about the
Interior Design Course
38 Week Course
3 Classes per week (Incl. AutoCad)
114 Classes in total
Design & Construction, AutoCad and Revit are offered live and self paced. Self paced courses each have a deadline
What level of training do I need to start this course
AutoCad or Revit is a prerequisite for the Interior Design course. No prior training or experience in design, although computer proficiency is necessary.
What does this course include?
The course covers space planning, design and construction. (For space planning only see the Space Planning course page)
Course Type
Everything you need to know about the
Space Planning Course
Deadline Self paced only18 months
8 portfolio projects70 hrs of video content
What is the difference between the Design & Construction (DC) and the Space Planning (SP) Course?
While DC focuses on design as well as space planning, the SP course concentrates primarily on the technical aspects of space throughout all projects. In SP, the design related classes are included as a bonus option, because a successful space planner should have a good grasp of design in order to create and maximize beautiful spaces. The 8 projects focus on the challenges of space planning within different settings and criteria. Additional space planning focused lectures are included.
What Prerequistes do you need for the course?
AutoCad or Revit are prerequsite for Space Planning
How do I know if this course is suitable for me?
The Space Planning course was developed for those that prefer the technical aspects of dividing up space more than the aesthetic side. If you enjoy the challenges of space more than the design side, (color, furniture and material selections etc.) then this course is for you.
How
long should I expect to be working on the live course each week?
This Interior design course is a very intense program and needs a large amount of out-of-class input, we do not recommend students to take the complete course alongside a full-time job or large family commitments. You can split the course over 2 years by taking AutoCad before Design and Construction.
Between the lessons and homework assignments, expect to take on average 15 -20 hours a week, plus more before project deadlines.
(Yes, we did say this course is intensive!)
What will I walk away with?
• An impressive and outstanding portfolio
• An understanding of running an interior design business
Includes skills that every designer needs and uses:
• Hand drafting
• Perspective drawings
• Drafting CAD skills
• In demand 3D rendering skills (Revit)
• Survey and measuring
• Creating a design concept (Design & Construction only)
• Presentation techniques
• Successful space planning skills
• Creating construction drawings,
• Finishing material and furniture selections (Design & Construction only)
Credit information
Design Alive Interior Design courses have been recommended for credit by the NCCRS - the National College Credit Recommendation Service. (see www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/design-alive).
Successful graduates of all courses will receive a Design Alive diploma upon completion of the course. Those who want to put their courses towards a degree should contact the Design Alive office about this.
There is additional fee of $250 for Autocad and Revit credits (3 Credits each) and $250 for Design and construction credits (15 Credits).
All courses offered live or self paced.
How are the self paced courses different from the live courses?
The self-paced option is almost the same as the live course. You will gain the same knowledge and all your homework will be graded in the same way.
You will need more self-motivation for the self-paced course but you will receive as much support and assistance as the live course and you can do it at your own pace in your own time whilst the live course is at a scheduled time where you are part of a group.
For the Design & Construction and Space Planning self paced course, you will be assigned to a mentor who will guide you through the course and meet with you to review and critique your work. She will also be grading your work and available for any questions you may have.
There is a time limit of 12 months each to complete Autocad and Revit self-paced and 18 months to complete Design and Construction or Space Planning self-paced
Anna Zundelovitch Fundamentals of Construction Miri Wiesner Fundamentals of ConstructionSection 1
Design Elements & Principles, Design History, Color Theory
Design Elements & Principles
• What are the principles and elements of design
Design History
• How to use the principles and elements of design to create a successful design and their effect on space planning
• How to use the principles and elements of design to control and influence an interior
• Ancient times - Egypt, Greece and Rome, Middle ages, Renaissance and more.
Study the history of architecture and design and building methods from ancient civilization, through the main eras up until modern times. Explore the influence of those ancient times on architecture and design today and how architecture influences society and its culture.
• Modern day – Bauhaus, Minimalism, Organic, Mid-century modern, Postmodernism and more.
We learn to have a fundamental and culturally inclusive approach to architecture, hoping to inspire modern day designers into trying new forms of design.
• The science and properties of color
Color Theory
• How to use the color wheel in design
• Color terminology
• The psychology of color
• Color idiosyncrasies
• Selection of color schemes
Section 2
Space Planning and Construction Basics
We define and analyze the different types and sizes of spaces; how to create a workable floor plan. Emphasis is placed on understanding and discovering the needs of the client, the spoken and the unspoken. We focus on utilizing the space to maximize a room’s effectiveness and function of the space.
Circulation • Traffic patterns • Anthropometrics • Proxemics
We practice the concepts in different types of settings: residential, commercial, and office type spaces.
The Phases of Space Planning
Initial client meeting, creating a workable and successful plan, construction drawings, selecting sample furniture and finishing materials, and until the project is finally built.
Construction Basics
Understanding building typology, building methods, different materials and their uses for buildingor finishes. We explore their influence on space planning and design.
• Walls and its choice of finishing materials
• Floor material options and construction methods
• Ceilings options of materials and design
• Doors, window and window treatments
• Furniture and millwork including built in furniture and kitchens
Section 3
Kitchen and Bathroom Design
We cover kitchen design
• Organizational flow – how to plan a successful layout of a kitchen
• Different types of kitchen layouts, and when to use which type.
comprehensively.
• Cabinetry – use, options, construction and styles
• Kitchen appliances – about and selection
• Zone design – planning to include zones such as, food preparation zone, eating zone, storage zone, snack zone etc.
• Kitchen styles
Bathroom Design
• Kitchen finishing materials for walls, floors, cabinets, countertops backsplash etc.
• Quick fix changes
• Kitchen design for special needs users
• Understanding the construction of plumbing and its effect on design
• Bathroom fixture dimensions and clearances
• Bathroom layouts
• Bathroom finishing materials
• Accessible bathroom design
Section 4
Lighting and Electrical, Materials and Finishes
Lighting
• How to make lighting effective and practical for the activities and purposes of the interior
• How to make the interior more aesthetically pleasing
• How to make the interior psychologically useful
• How to select lighting wisely and use it economically in terms of both product and power
• We discuss natural lighting and artificial lighting.
• Different lighting effects, and how to manipulate an interior to create the desired mood or atmosphere.
• Luminaires and light fixtures
• Practical – practice, create a lighting plan
Electrical
In electrical we learn how to create an electrical plan and what to take into consideration.
Materials and Finishes
Materials and finishes is discussed throughout the course, in every section that touches on it. We discuss material and finishing options for all aspects of the interior, structural and non- structural, furniture, window treatments etc. for each room (living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, office etc.).
Section 5
Technical Design Communication & Professional Practices
• We create a professional portfolio and resume.
• The phases of design in depth.
• Interior design ethics.
• We discuss business essentials such as:
• Terminology
• Prospecting potential jobs
• Writing a contract
• Options for pricing
• Time logs
• Job Searching
• And more!
AutoCAD Course
Students Wo
AutoCAD is a popular software program used by professionals all around the world to create architectural drawings.
Autocad Design Alive course takes you from knowing nothing about AutoCAD to a level where you can confidently create your own drawings and work on existing drawings. You will learn topics such as creating complex shapes, using blocks, layers, modify commands, annotation, dimensions, hatching, templates, XRefs, and printing. You will acquire all the skills needed in order to understand what it takes to create technical and accurate drawings such as floor plans, furniture layouts, rcp and electrical plans, detailed kitchen and bathroom drawings, and elevations.
Revit Course
Students Wo
Revit is a powerful software created for architects, interior designers and building professionals.
The tools in Revit are designed to support 3D modelling so when working in one part of the model Revit will automatically generate in all the different views, thus enhancing the workflow.
By the the end of the Revit Design Alive course, students will be able to design 3D models that documents the project and 2D architectural drawings including floor plans, elevations, electrical/Rcp plans, kitchens, bathrooms and 3D perspective views.
What are my employment opportunities after the course?
Average wage: $80/hr+
Our job posts:
• Many companies contact us directly asking us to send them designers.
• We post regular job offers via our email group.
Our graduates are working in:
• We have been told by many employers and graduates that Design Alive students have skills and portfolios of an exceptionally high level and cannot be matched anywhere.
Our graduates are working at:
What They’re Saying
It was a great experience. The teachers are always there to help. I would definitely recommend it! The Interior Design course was very intense but the knowledge and skill I acquired in one year is amazing. The teachers were professionals with a lot of experience and knowledge. I am really thankful to the Design Alive team for the opportunity they gave me. Thank You.
Tranie
Schwartz
Interior Design Course
Thank you so much for such a fantastic course. Through Design Alive I got a job BH right away.
Avigail GrunhutRevit/AutoCad Course
I wanted to thank you for everything you taught us! I real feel like I learned enough to go into the field. I really appreciated all your time and patience that helped me complete the course with confidence. Thank you so much!
Gitty Uhr Herzog
Revit/AutoCad Course
I think Design Alive’s Autocad course is perfect. There is the convenience and flexibility of an online program, but it is also highly professional, and the instructor is extremely clear and knowledgeable, so I got the high standards of any other art institute. And the schedule worked so perfectly around the Jewish calendar which was an added bonus!!
Anonymous
Revit/AutoCad Course