Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner for an entry level position in the interior decorating industry. The qualification also serves to provide the learner with the basic introductory knowledge and practical skills required for further higher education studies within the field of interior decorating or interior design.

This qualification provides the learner with a strong theoretical foundation in decorating principles and elements, arrangement of furniture and accessories, conceptual development, decorative materials, styles and trends, and project administration. The learner is required to apply this knowledge, when critically analysing the design problem, and to construct a functional and aesthetically pleasing decorating proposal for a range of commercial and domestic interiors, that is clearly communicated (both visually and verbally) and is supported by relevant and documented research.

In order to bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work, the programme culminates in a 3 week experiential learning module and the compilation of a decorating portfolio. The learner is thus given the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that were cultivated during the year, while under the direction of a supervisor and facilitator respectively.

Upon successful completion of the programme the learner will have attained a basic level of knowledge in the field of interior decorating and will be prepared to competently perform as a junior interior decorator or specialise as a d�cor stylist, window display designer or decorating showroom consultant. The learner may also choose to study further in the related disciplines of interior, textile or surface design.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate: Interior Decorating provides the learner with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to enter into the world of work in the interior decorating industry.

The South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) has identified a lack of formal qualifications in the field of Interior Decorating and this qualification is one such qualification that meets this need to organise and regulate education and training in this field.

The learner entering this qualification is assumed to have the knowledge, comprehension and application of English language at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience, in terms of the criteria laid out by the institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning will be granted upon successful submission of a portfolio of evidence. Such a portfolio will provide verification that the learner is competent in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate, or its equivalent.

The learning programme leading to this qualification consists of 120 credits, with all modules at NQF Level 5. All modules are compulsory:

• Interior Decorating Theory, 24 credits.
• Presentation and Communication, 24 credits.
• Decorative Materials and Furnishings, 24 credits.
• Decorating Principles and Elements, 6 credits.
• Styles and Influences, 12 credits.
• Project Administration, 6 credits.
• Experiential Learning, 12 credits.
• Preparation for Employment, 12 credits.

1. Interpret the client brief and produce creative and functional decorating solutions.
2. Use appropriate materials, media and techniques to effectively communicate a decorating proposal.
3. Research and evaluate the application and characteristics of a range of decorative materials and furnishings.
4. Research the major design movements and apply knowledge of decorative styles and influences.
5. Apply the principles and elements of design when planning and evaluating an interior.
6. Produce the documentation required to plan and manage a decorating project.
7. Apply interior decorating knowledge and skills in the workplace.
8. Compile a decorating portfolio that demonstrates interior decorating knowledge and skills.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualifying learner can

• Understand the role and possible specialisations of an interior decorator and the inherent ethical, social and environmental responsibilities associated with the profession.
• Select and apply the design principles and elements, knowledge of style, materials, furniture arrangement and drawing techniques required to successfully answer a client brief, and effectively plan and manage all the design phases.
• Identify, evaluate and solve problems relating to the planning and decoration of interior spaces, and communicate design solutions using the appropriate terminology and standard drawing conventions.
• Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information and critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information.
• Communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, contractors and suppliers, using the most appropriate mediums.
• Conduct oneself professionally and work responsibly with others as part of a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Explain the role and responsibilities of an interior decorator.

1.2 Apply the principles of responsible design.

1.3 Interpret the client brief.

1.4 Apply the phases of the design development cycle in order to execute an imaginative and innovative solution.

1.5 Plan and arrange furniture creatively and functionally in a range of residential and commercial interiors.

1.6 Style and arrange functional and aesthetic art and accessories in a range of domestic and commercial interiors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Use appropriate materials, media and techniques to produce presentation boards for a decorating proposal.

2.2 Produce sketches that clearly communicate a decorating concept.

2.3 Identify and use manual draughting equipment to produce accurate and aesthetically pleasing presentation drawings.

2.4 Prepare and present a client proposal using the SketchUp Pro software package to prepare 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional presentation drawings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Research and evaluate the characteristics of a range of decorative materials and furnishings.

3.2 Research and record the supply and availability of decorative materials and furnishings.

3.3 Identify and record environmental and budgetary considerations with regard to decorative materials.

3.4 Creatively present findings in an acceptable research project format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Research the major design movements and record findings.

4.2 Apply knowledge of decorative styles and influences in a project.

4.3 Analyse the influence of major design movements on successive styles.

4.4 Present findings creatively in an acceptable research project format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Identify and describe the principles and elements of design when planning and evaluating an interior.

5.2 Explain colour theory in order to develop effective and appropriate colour schemes.

5.3 Document and creatively present a proposal of an interior designed for a client.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

6.1 Explain the roles and the responsibilities of the project team.

6.2 Produce the documentation required to complete the planning stages of a project.

6.3 Produce the documentation required to manage a project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

7.1 Demonstrate industry readiness for an interior decorating workplace.

7.2 Evaluate own performance within the workplace.

7.3 Document and creatively present observations of own performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

8.1 Demonstrate personal entrepreneurship skills.

8.2 Identify and prepare a professional decorating portfolio for an employment opportunity that integrates acquired knowledge and skills.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment shall be focused on ability of the learners to apply their understanding and practical skills to creatively solving client briefs. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills may be assessed in isolation, during the process of the training, and shall be designed to assist them in applying their knowledge and skills to the completion of the practical briefs. Assessment strategies and procedures should be in alignment with the purpose and exit level outcomes of the qualification.