This recently redeveloped certificate is a dynamic and stimulating introductory programme that will equip students with the ability to undertake interior design work in a personal/hobby capacity or leading to a more professional role in the interior design industry.
Students who undertake this qualification are interested in learning techniques and skills to create environments which tell a story, comfort, or excite. They tend to have an eye for seeing what a space calls for in order to enhance or improve its use.
Students may take this course in order to consolidate their knowledge, gain qualification endorsement for skills they already have, or to give them the opportunity to upskill for future employment.
Graduates of this certificate will be well-equipped to embark on a career in the interior décor industry in a variety of roles including showroom assistant, colour advisor, interior stylist, interior design assistant and interior product sales.
They will be able to contribute to the creation of interior décor environments, communicate and coordinate effectively with clients and stakeholders to fulfil an interior décor brief.
The four papers in the course are:
- Introduction to Interior Décor – understanding and applying design elements and principles
- Production and Materials – exploring the use of a range of interior décor products and materials
- Project Development – communication, stakeholders and responding to interior décor briefs
- Interior Décor Project - a chance to bring all of the student's skills together in a major project
Gillian Graham and Natalie King, facilitators on the programme, say having this qualification really opens up doors.
“We’ve had school leavers unsure of a career path but wanting to follow an interest, homeowners wanting to renovate or redecorate with confidence, and retail staff wanting to upskill.
“It’s also been great to see a number of people already with experience in the industry seeking a formal qualification, knowing this may help them branch out as a design consultant,” Gillian says.
Assessments for this course are practical and include design briefs, theoretical statements, painting and drawing – all relevant and fitting for such a creative programme.
The design components of the assessment activities give the students an opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.
Programme Manager, Steve Woller, says the Interior Décor qualification lends itself well to remote learning. The subject is a great match for the modern digital environment and multiple options are available for presentation and submission of artistic works such as the projects completed during the course.
“Flexible learning allows for more students to access the qualification. The course is modern and up to date, the facilitators are professionals currently working in the industry, and the huge range of resources online have opened up the design world immensely.”
Gillian and Natalie agree the distance learning option is working very successfully for students. This same
flexibility also works well for the facilitators, says Gillian who enjoys being able to combine facilitating with her other design activities.
Natalie said her ‘greatest joy’ comes from supporting students on a journey of design, a journey she is so very passionate about. “Seeing the students’ skills and confidence grow is a real thrill, and very satisfying.”
Steve says the level 4 course is an ideal way to give students a taste for the interior décor industry.
“It’s an affordable, accessible programme which gives our students tangible, transferable skills at the end of it.
“Flexible learning allows for more students to access the qualification. The course is modern and up to date, the facilitators are professionals currently working in the industry, and the huge range of resources online have opened up the design world immensely.”
Steve Woller - Programme Manager
“A number of students use it as an opportunity to learn more about interior décor as a hobby and go on to use their learning in their own homes, or as a side business to help friends,” he says.
The New Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4) is a 17-week programme if undertaken full-time, or up to two years if studied part-time.
Graduates of this programme will also soon have the ability to take their study to a higher level as SIT2LRN now has accreditation for development of the New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5).
This qualification will focus on extending knowledge and skills in residential design and provide students with further experience in up to date design industry practices and procedures.
The new level 5 programme is scheduled to be offered from 2021.