Interior Design Module Three Short Course
Course description
Course overview
In the final part of our three-part interior design module programme, you will choose your own live project for an existing client, or an imaginary project of your choice. This could be any interior space such as a boutique hotel, shop or residential property, which will allow you to 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 during the day at Chelsea College of Arts, with a few evening lessons being online. You will gain technical CAD skills and Estimac software training delivered via live online teaching elements. This allows students to practise the CAD lessons by rewatching the recordings. The course requires dedication; students should therefore allow time to work on their project outside of class.
Read more about our interior design module programme in our Course Feature: Interior Design Modules 1, 2 and 3.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable 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
- Knowledge of CAD software such as Vectorworks, Sketchup or AutoCAD
- How to design a space
- Basic knowledge of lighting
- Designing with colour
- Knowledge of hard finishes
- Knowledge of soft furnishings
- Detail drawing
- Sample boards
Key information
Topics covered
- Working with contractors and tradespeople
- 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
Learning outcomes
- 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 tradespeople
- Set up a studio or find work in interior design
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
Week 1:
- Notepad and pen for taking notes
- Client brief and location information for your project on a USB stick in PDF format
- Photographs and measurements, if possible, on a USB stick in PDF format
You will need to bring your laptop to class from lesson 3 onwards:
- Laptop (ideally with a minimum of 8GB RAM)
- Computer mouse
- The latest student version of Vectorworks
- You can download a 7-day free trial version of SketchUp here to test in advance. Students will be provided with SketchUp Studio 2025 licenses for the duration of the course.
- USB stick with a good amount of storage so that you can present your work as back up
Vectorworks
Vectorworks is a powerful design software you'll use throughout your course. You get access to it for the duration of your studies, plus an additional three months after your course ends.
On campus and online students
To use the latest version of Vectorworks, you'll need to set up a student account. Head over to the Vectorworks Student Portal to create yours.
Device requirements
- Chromebooks are not compatible with Vectorworks.
- Computer Mouse: A three-button computer mouse is highly recommended as it's the most effective for using Vectorworks.
- The software's technical specifications are available on the Vectorworks website. Entry-level specifications are perfectly fine for our courses.
- Since Vectorworks is a third-party software, it's always a good idea to contact Vectorworks directly via their Contact Us page to confirm your device is suitable.
Proof of booking for your student account
When signing up for your student account, you'll need to provide proof of your course booking. We recommend one of the following:
- A screenshot of your completed UAL order showing 'Order Complete', your name, course name, course dates and payment summary.
- OR if you're taking the course on campus, your student ID.
If you're having trouble providing proof after following these steps, please reach out to our customer service team for assistance or contact Vectorworks directly academicteam@vectorworks.net.
If you're taking this course online, there are a few extra things to consider:
- Check Global Coverage: Before booking your course, it's crucial for online students to verify if Vectorworks is available in your country. The Vectorworks license has specific global coverage areas, and unfortunately, some international students may be in regions where the software license isn't currently extended. You can view the global coverage map here.
For the online classes, please see our Guide to online short courses.
Tutor
Gianfrancesco De Falco
Born and raised in Torre Annunziata in the south of Italy, Gianfrancesco De Falco attended his hometown Liceo Classico “Benedetto Croce”, a scientific and humanistic school that proposes Latin, Ancient Greek, Italian, History and Philosophy as principal subjects.
After five years of intense study, he enrolled at the University of Naples, Federico II, where he graduated in Architecture.
Gianfrancesco is a qualified teacher having completed a Certificate in Design and History of Arts in Higher Education, in Italy. He has also gained Qualified Teaching Status in the UK.
During his time at University, he focused on Product Design and the Ready Made, which he later showcased at various International exhibitions.
He has 25 years’ experience in Interior Architecture and Design working on international, residential projects and 15 years’ experience of teaching Interior Design.
He currently lives and works as an Interior Architect and Interior Design Teacher in London.
Lyndall Fernie
Lyndall Fernie is the lead tutor for Interior Design short courses at Chelsea College of Arts.
Lyndall began her career in Italy as a professional fashion designer working with Moschino and Versace; later returning to the UK to work in PR for a record label where she worked with many well-known dance groups such as S'Express, Bomb the Bass and Deee-Lite. She went on to study Interior Design, at Chelsea College of Arts and ran Area Squared Design, a successful interior design company, for 10 years, designing high end residential properties in central London. During this time she also opened two interior design shops in the fashionable area of Islington in London selling beautiful interior products.
Lyndall is currently working as a design consultant for private clients, developers, and interior design companies, specialising in the remodelling of high end residential properties. As well as teaching at Chelsea College of Arts she has also taught at other leading design schools including London College of Communication, The Interior Design School London, KLC and The Design school in both Moscow and St Petersburg.
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