|
Who is this course suitable for?
The BTEC HND in Interior Design is designed as a professional training program for Interior Designers & Decorators who wish to work in both residential and commercial interior design markets and it will cover everything you need to work proficiently in these fields. If you wish to progress further after this course, then you may continue onto our BA in Interior Design which will require an additional 12 months of study, however you are allowed up to 24 months to complete.
(Back to the top)
What is the difference between an “Interior Designer” or an “Interior Decorator” or an “Interior Architect”?
Interior Designers/Decorators work with clients to choose surface finishes and materials, lighting and colour schemes that all combine together to create a design that is visually pleasing, practical and reflects the personality and lifestyle of their clients. A trained designer has a variety of tools at their disposal that can help them to visualise an interior before they ever begin to make a purchase, and so they avoid the expensive mistakes that most people are only too familiar with. In addition, qualified Interior Designers communicate their ideas and instructions professionally through detailed drawings, specifications and mood boards – so their design ideas are actually achieved the way they intended.
At Limperts Academy of Design, most of our graduating Interior Designers go on to earn a living designing residential homes, and some smaller commercial projects. The main difference between working in residential and commercial design is simply that a different set of skills are generally required for commercial design, and so commercial projects are usually referred to Architects or Interior Architects.
Interior Architects don’t just work with finishes and decorations, they work with interior space, and their training qualifies them to turn a newly-built concrete shell into a restaurant, a shop or even an office. Interior Architects study construction and technical drawing to a an extremely high standard, so they can gut and rebuild an interior if required, and can communicate professionally with their contractors to ensure that everything is carried out to building regulations and to their customers’ expectations. Working in the commercial design sector is exciting, challenging and potentially lucrative, but with tight deadlines and big budgets a high level of skill is demanded – this deeper knowledge and technical ability is what makes the difference between an Interior Designer/ Decorator and an Interior Architect. Our BTEC HND Higher National Diploma prepares students to enter the commercial sector.
(Back to the top)
What previous knowledge or experience must I have?
If you already had these skills then you wouldn’t need to learn them from us, so there is no prerequisite for this course except a genuine interest in the subject and obviously an ability to read and write clearly. (Please note that special arrangements can be made for people with learning disabilities. Contact us for further information if required.) All of our course materials are prepared to the highest standards and are written in language that is easy to understand and free from unnecessary jargon; if you have a genuine interest and desire to learn, then we will provide you with the best means to achieve that goal. We don’t believe in excluding people, and we offer excellent training and qualifications to anyone who is willing to make the commitment that a course of this nature requires.
(Back to the top)
Do I need to be able to draw?
As we have previously said, if you already had these skills then you wouldn’t need to learn them from us. Drawing is done with the aid of a drawing board and rulers, so if you can draw a straight line then you can produce plans and elevations. On this course, you will be given step-by-step instructions to produce detailed drawings, and by the end of the course you will be shown exactly how to create drawings and specifications to a professional standard.
(Back to the top)
Can I use AUTOCAD?
Undoubtedly, AutoCad has revolutionised the way we produce our drawings today, but students must remember that it is only one of a number of tools that you will use as a designer, and the main focus of this course is on those skills you will need to actually DESIGN commercial interiors. Becoming proficient in AutoCad requires a huge amount of study, and it is not within the scope of this course to cover it sufficiently. Furthermore, draughting is like writing; you may type most of your letters on computer but you still need to write down notes and letters occasionally – the same is true of technical drawing and it is essential that you learn how to draw by hand so that you can make on-site amendments and produce detailed drawings quickly when needed.
If you already hold an existing qualification in draughting, and you have AutoCad skills, then you may use AutoCad to complete your projects. However, if you do not hold a previous qualification in draughting, then you must complete all coursework and final projects using the traditional draughting method. You will be taught how to do so in a step-by-step format, and can expect to achieve professional drawings that are comparable to any AutoCad drawings you might see. AutoCad is included in the curriculum for our BA program, which you may continue onto after successfully completing the BTEC HND.
(Back to the top)
What career options are available?
Many Interior Architects work freelance (self-employed), offering their services directly toclients or smaller architectural practices. The skill level that you will have on successful completion of this course will give you a competitive edge and help you to find work in a number of avenues, such as...
- You may seek employment with some of the larger architectural and design practices
- Many large chain stores and franchises have in-house design departments
- Store fitters and planners mainly depend on in-house designers to plan their projects
- Office furniture sales offices used freelance or in-house designers to plan their clients space effectively
During this course you will learn complimentary business skills and marketing, that will help you further your own career whichever way you prefer to work
(Back to the top)
Will this course sufficiently prepare me to work as a Professional Interior Architect?
Absolutely. This course is designed to train you as a professional Interior Architect and it meets all the standards and requirements of the industry itself, as well as those set by independent training and education organisations around the world. This course is both intensive and challenging, and successful completion will fully prepare you to work in the commercial design industry.
(Back to the top)
Will my qualification be recognised?
Limperts Academy of Design is an Awarding Body, and all of our courses have been carefully structured to meet all the standards and requirements of the industry itself, as well as those set by independent training and education organisations around the world. Furthermore, our BTEC HND in Interior Design is jointly awarded with Edexcel International who are recognised worldwide and a BTEC HND is a highly sought after qualification by students and employers alike.
All of our courses have been developed by a dedicated team of Professional Designers/ Consultants, Industry Experts and Training Consultants, so you can be sure that your course is both up to date and relevant. The high standard of work that our students produce continues to gain a strong reputation in this industry, and by the time you have completed this course, you will have built up a portfolio of work which will act as a clear testament to your ability and your professionalism.
(Back to the top)
Is there an exam?
This subject is not like traditional academic subjects, and examinations of the conventional kind are not appropriate for testing these types of skills and knowledge. On completion of all course assignments, you will be given a Final Project that encompasses everything you will have learned throughout the course into one complete assignment. The project question will involve designing and communicating your design ideas effectively for a residential show-home. This project would be similar to a typical job requirement, and should give you the confidence to actually begin working in the industry afterwards. It will also be an important part of your portfolio work. You will be asked to complete the project within a set time frame, which is usually about 3 months, and you must pass both the coursework AND the Final Project in order to receive the BTEC HND in Interior Design. All awards are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction as appropriate, and the final grade awarded will be based on the results of your coursework and your Final Project.
(Back to the top)
What happens if I fail?
Each course assignment is returned to you with detailed feedback to tell you exactly what you what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can continually improve your work to meet the standards required by the industry. If any of your course assignments are below standard, they will be returned to you by your tutor and you will be asked to re-do the assignment, taking on board the tutor’s comments and feedback. This doesn’t happen to most students, but regardless, it’s all part of the learning process and after all that is what this course is all about!
By the time you have completed the coursework, you should know what is expected in the Final Project, and the grades you have been receiving on your coursework will give you a strong indication of the final grade you are likely to receive. Having got to this point successfully, it is very unlikely that you will fail to achieve the standard required on the Final Project. In the event that your project does fail, you will be given the opportunity to re-submit once for a nominal fee.
(Back to the top)
How long does it take to complete an assignment?
The “average” time spent on each assignment is between 10 and 12 hours. This is a professional qualification and clearly it requires commitment to achieve what is required. However, this is a creative and enjoyable subject, and “study” in the conventional sense does not apply to these assignments. All the coursework is very practical and while students will admit that it takes commitment, they all stress the enjoyment factor and sense of pride and achievement in their work.
(Back to the top)
Are there any additional costs not included within the course fee?
Our course fees represent excellent value for money, and everything is included in the price, we stress that there are no hidden costs. All of our course manuals have been specifically written for each program; they are very thorough and contain all the information needed to complete the course. Additional reading lists are provided to students who wish to conduct further research but it should be reiterated that the course materials have been specifically created to be the best guide available and the manuals provided take the place of any “essential reading” list.
However, certain consumables are needed in order to complete your assignments. or this course, students will need to purchase an A1 size Drawing Board & draughting equipment, this is an investment purchase and due care should be taken when choosing your drawing board (please note, an architect’s drawing board is not necessary however we do suggest getting a board that has parallel motion) You will also need some presentation equipment to present your portfolio at the end of the course, but these should be seen as “tools of the trade”, and you will continue to use them in your work on completion of this course. Students will obviously need to purchase standard stationery items themselves, and we would always encourage students to buy books and magazines to get as many ideas as possible. However, the course materials are very thorough and contain all the information needed to complete the course.
(Back to the top)
Who will be my tutor?
All our tutors are practising designers and professionals who are actively working in the industry, who teach on a part-time basis. When you send in your first assignment, you will receive details of the tutor who has been assigned to you and how you can contact them.
(Back to the top)
How do I contact my tutor?
Anytime you want to contact your tutor directly, just contact us at Limperts Academy of Design by phone, fax or e-mail, and we will forward the request to them immediately. Because all our tutors are actively working in the industry, they spend a limited amount of time in our offices and may not be here when you call. Your tutor will always get back to you within 24 hours, and 90% of the time you will probably receive a response within one hour.
(Back to the top)
Why should I choose Home Study?
Work at your own pace - busy working lives and personal commitments often mean that you have limited free time. However, with home study, you can set the pace to suit your lifestyle. You may work at a leisurely pace, or you may be so keen to get into the industry, that you prefer to complete the course in the minimum time possible. Either way, you set the pace that suits you, at the times that best fit your schedule.
Never miss a class or lecture - even with the best intentions, there are times when you just can’t make a class due to sickness or other unavoidable circumstances. The beauty of home study is that you need never worry about missing a class, so you are guaranteed never to miss any vital information.
Save time, energy and money - with home study you can learn in the comfort of your own home, saving you unnecessary costs and travel time. What’s more, listening to our CD’s can make good use of otherwise wasted time in cars or public transport.
An equal opportunity for you to achieve your goals – if you have ever felt restricted by access or mobility problems, discrimination issues or low financial resources, then you’ll appreciate how home study can provide a genuinely equal opportunity to everyone. As a student of Limperts Academy of Design you will be encouraged and guided to achieve your utmost potential and the cost of your education can be paid for in easy installments while you continue to work and earn a full-time income. (Please see the enrolment form for details of our installment options).
(Back to the top)
|
