RMIT University

Course Details

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

Course Description

Great interior decorators and designers understand what makes a space work for a particular purpose, whether it be a home, office, hotel or commercial environment. This program offers you a unique curriculum that facilitates the development of specialised applied knowledge, high level technical skills, and the use of relevant technology software to communicate a broad range of interior concepts. Underpinned by the exploration of sustainable practices in the planning and specification of interior structures, there is a strong focus on the application of materials and surface treatments, furnishings, and colour and lighting solutions to create aesthetic and functional spaces in both residential and commercial environments. This is a dynamic and industry-relevant program where you’ll explore practical and theoretical decoration and design frameworks to support a wide range of projects, creating innovative interior concepts and proposals. Projects will provide you with opportunity to work directly with industry to develop an understanding of associated vocational roles. On successful completion graduates may be employed in assisting in commercial design offices, working with lead designers in boutique decoration consultancies, working in colour consulting, and fulfilling design and decoration consultation outcomes in other related retail and wholesale sectors of the industry.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
2year

Career outcomes

As an interior decorator and designer you will: develop and create beautiful, functional spaces working to a design brief decorate residential and commercial environments draw sketches and produce samples of your design ideas work directly with clients, providing advice on colour schemes, layouts, lighting and soft furnishings source paint colors, lighting, furniture and flooring provide advice on artwork, pillows, rugs and accessories supervise on-site design and construction keep up to date on global trends and product knowledge. communicate successfully with both clients and associated project consultants/tradespeople. Graduates are working for local and overseas design firms such as Atticus and Milo, Ian McGilp Interiors, Okologi, Beautiful Room Jean-Pierre Heurteau, Jardan, Marco Fabrics House, Unique FabricsJean-Pierre Heurteau, Jardan, Dulux and many others. Further study: graduates of the Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design can continue their studies in the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design). Careers As an interior decorator and designer you will work in a wide range of design environments including: assisting decorators and designers in large architectural firms management roles in interior decoration and design departments CAD in commercial areas decoration and design consultancies in small boutique companies specialising in complete soft furnishings and residential fit outs self-employment interior textile wholesale areas retail consultancies in furnishings, lighting or furniture colour consultancies, either for large paint companies or in self employment. Professional recognition and accreditation Current students can join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) as student members. Graduates can apply for associate membership and full membership once they have gained professional experience. (Please note: eligibility for DIA full membership is based on a points system.)

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design RMIT University