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Diploma Of
Interior Design
The Diploma of Interior Design at ISCD will give you the practical and technical knowledge you need to pursue a career in today’s interior design industry.
Learn to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and innovative interior spaces while considering client needs, building codes, sustainability, and industry standards.
Online learning allows you to fit study around life commitments like family and work.
- Duration
18 Months
- Intake Dates
Start Anytime
- Location100% Online
- Price
$15,800 (includes access to Adobe Creative Cloud, SketchUp, SketchUp V-Ray, AutoCAD and Programa)
Payment Options:
Full Fee Upfront
Monthly Instalments
VET Student Loan (VSL)
- What to expect
- Software
- Learning environment
- Course content
- Course superpowers
- Our Educators
- How to apply
What To Expect
The Diploma of Interior Design course covers all aspects of interior design over four blocks of study. You’ll learn foundational interior design, project planning and software skills early on so you can progressively practise and play, refining your craft as your knowledge deepens.
This is a deliberate way of learning, tailored specifically for creative minds to help you build confidence as you explore new technology and tools. You’ll also engage in practical projects, hands-on studio work, and theoretical coursework to develop your design abilities.
Design Software ToolKit
We know how important it is to access the latest interior design software, so we’ve designed this course so you get hands-on experience using these tools from the moment you begin. This software enables you to communicate innovative ideas seamlessly, so you’ll graduate knowing how to confidently pitch and present in the digital space. The Diploma of Interior Design includes all of the software below as part of your tuition fee, so you won’t be required to purchase any additional software. You’ll be introduced to more complex design software tools as you progress through the course.
TUITION FEE INCLUDES ACCESS TO DESIGN SOFTWARE VALUED AT $1.7K
Programa: the ultimate specification, project management, and collaboration software for interior designers and architects.
Adobe Creative Cloud: a comprehensive suite of design software that empowers designers to bring ideas to life.
SketchUp: a versatile 3D modelling software designers and artists use to create detailed and realistic digital representations.
V-Ray for SketchUp: a powerful rendering extension to create stunning and photorealistic visualisations of 3D models.
AutoCAD: a design program to create detailed plans, layouts, and technical drawings and perform tasks like dimensioning, annotation, and rendering.
Learning Environment
The Diploma of Interior Design is delivered online in our dedicated online learning platform. All classes, communities, and design challenges happen within this virtual space. We designed the course this way to mirror how today’s interior designers work.
With most client meetings being conducted in virtual spaces such as Zoom, we want you to graduate with the ability to operate your business in a virtual world. You’ll become a master at switching seamlessly between face-to-face consultations and pitching your designs on site, to delivering engaging presentations with tender-winning confidence in the online world.
Learning and support at ISCD will be experienced in three ways:
Guided Learning
- Visual, engaging, interactive online content
- Peer-to-peer discussions
- Qualified trainer discussion moderation
- Easy-to-navigate online learning experience
Guided Skills Development
Self-directed Learning
Online Learning Platform
All of your learning will take place in our dedicated online learning platform.
Online Learning Platform Features:
- Simple, intuitive course content designed to help you navigate the learning platform
- Videos & interactive activities
- Discussion boards
- Assessment advice and information
- Academic skills and study routine support
- Online librarian assistance
- Free subscription to industry-grade software for your first 12 months
Online Learning Platform Support:
Online Learning Platform Tour
As designers, we know the importance of experiencing a space to really get a feel for it, so we invite you to look around our online learning platform to get a sense of what studying online with us looks like. Click the link below to get direct access to an online tour by one of our student enrolment advisors and see how your course is structured.
- Block 1
- Block 2
- Block 3
- Block 4
- AutoCad
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- SketchUp
- SketchUp V-Ray
- Programa
Course Content
Block 1
Design and Colour
You will explore the theory behind colour and colour relationships, then learn how to specify colour schemes for both interior and exterior spaces. Here we teach you the basic skills of drawing and rendering, and the elements and
principles of design.
Tech: Industry standard design software (InDesign, Photoshop).
Includes accredited units:
- Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms (CUADES302)
- Explore the use of colour (CUADES301)
- Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces (MSFID4016)
- Research and recommend colour applications and finishes (MSFID5027)
Design Practice
Block 2
Drafting and Spatial Design
Learn the fundamentals of spatial planning for kitchens and bathrooms as you develop 2D technical drawing skills both by hand and in digital format using SketchUp. Explore various rendering techniques and understand and explore spatial design in 3D.
Tech:
SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop.
Includes accredited units:
- Produce technical drawings (CUAACD313)
- Produce drawings to communicate ideas (CUAACD311)
- Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms (CUADES303)
- Research and apply techniques in spatial design (CUADES423)
Interior Decoration and Styling
Block 3
Technology-Integrated Design
You will dive deep into how technology is evolving in the world of interior design and how to apply this into your practice. You will expand your skills and knowledge of AutoCAD and SketchUp and create documentation including floor plans, elevations and sections. You will also discover the changing world of ‘smart home’ technology, and what you need to know as a designer.
Tech:
SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Real time rendering using SketchUp V-Ray, Programa.
Includes accredited units:
- Research and integrate embedded technologies in interior designs (MSFID4020)
- Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects (MSFID4014)
Property Restoration:
Block 4
Commercial Interiors:
This subject expands your design skills and knowledge for application in the commercial space, where you will learn how to adapt your creative thinking to meet the needs of commercial clients as you create concepts and design solutions for the hospitality sector; including cafes, bars and restaurants.
Tech:
SketchUp, AutoCAD, InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp V-Ray, Programa.
Includes accredited units:
- Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation (MSFID4015)
- Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief (CUADES512)
- Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space (MSFID5022)
Residential Interiors:
Course Superpowers
You could work in the following roles:
- Colour consultant
- Interior stylist
- In-house interior designer or decorator
- Interior design and decoration consultant (generalist)
- Residential interior designer for clients (i.e. personal clients) or property renovation clients (i.e. business clients like architects, builders)
- Commercial interior designer (for property developers, urban planners, etc.)
- Soft furnishing consultant (working for the likes of a fabric company)
Confidently use interior design tech tools, including:
- SketchUp
- AutoCAD
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Programa
- Dulux Colour App
- Taubmans Coloursmith Reader App
Achieve mastery of sought-after employability skills, such as:
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Written and oral communication
- Planning and organising
- Presenting
- Problem-solving
- Project managing
- Self management
- Technology use in design
When you leave, your professional portfolio will have:
- Mood boards
- Concept boards
- Rendered floor plans, elevations and 3d perspectives
- CAD drawings for residential and commercial projects
- Interior Decoration solutions
- Client documentation including design briefs, FF&E Schedules, contracts and fee proposals
You could go on to study:
- MSF50313 Diploma of Furniture Design and Technology
- MSF60113 Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
- Higher education qualifications in the design, architecture and construction fields.
Our Educators
Gabrielle
Gabrielle Rosenfeld
Education Manager
Years in industry: 20 years
Years at ISCD: 3 years
Industry Skills- Design skills
- Software skills
- Styling skills
- Creative Passion
- Coffee Making
- Doing Accents
- Colour and Interior Styling
- Empathy
Favourite things- 🍳 Lingini Marinara
- 🎓 Colours
- 🎵 Neil Finn
- 👩🎨 Ilse Crawford
- 💚 Green
- 📺 Something's gotta give
- Design skills
Annika
Annika Oja
Online Educator
Years in industry: 9 years
Years at ISCD: 3 years
Industry Skills- Design skills
- Software skills
- Styling skills
- Creative Passion
- Coffee Making
- Tap Dancing
- Spatial and Joinery Design
- People skills
Favourite things- 🍳 Arabic Food
- 🎓 Reading People
- 🎵 Blues
- 👩🎨 Kelly Behun
- 📺 Peaky Blinders
- 🤎 Earthy Tones
- Design skills
Michael
Michael Allsopp
Online Educator
Years in industry: 13 years
Years at ISCD: 6 years
Industry Skills- Design skills
- Software skills
- Styling skills
- Creative Passion
- Coffee Making
- Flower Arrangements
- 3D Model Making
- Joinery Design
Favourite things- 🍳 Chicken Snitzel
- 🎓 James Bond
- 🎵 Electric Pop
- 👨🎨 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- 💙 Blue
- 📺 British Crime
- Design skills
Kristina
Kristina Mitkovski
Online Educator
Years in industry: 26 years
Years at ISCD: 2 years
Industry Skills- Design skills
- Software skills
- Styling skills
- Creative Passion
- Coffee Making
- Juggling whilst in a headstand pose
- Spatial and Joinery Design
- Problem Solving
Favourite things- 🍳 Kifli
- 🎓 Communication
- 🎵 90s Seattle
- 👨🎨 Sam Maloof
- 💚 Dark Sap Green
- 📺 The Umbrella Academy
- Design skills
Industry Placement Program
ISCD is passionate about providing students with tangible ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice. That’s why we have a dedicated team who manage our industry placement program, allowing our students the opportunity for hands-on experience and an understanding of the challenges and nuances of their chosen field.
We are committed to training and developing the next generation of employable interior designers. We work with key partners like BOWERBIRD Interiors and Winning Group to place students after graduation. Your industry placement allows you to create industry connections, work collaboratively, receive valuable on-the-job feedback, and learn new industry trends and skills.
Our partnerships team will work with you to polish your CV, portfolio, and online platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Then they’ll prepare you for your placement interview and if you are successful, it won’t be long until you’re joining your host company’s next client consultation.
ISCD student Lisa Tonkin during her BOWERBIRD Interiors placement.
Partnership Team
Ronan
Ronan Mason
Head of Partnerships
Years in industry: 21 years
Years at ISCD: 6 years
Industry Skills- Design
- Creative Passion
- Business Development
- Building Partnerships
- Golf
- Guitar
Favourite things- 🍳 Craft Beer
- 🎓 Music
- 🎵 Guitar
- 📺 Game of Thrones
- Design
Henry
Henry Dolezal
Partnerships Manager
Years in industry: 8 years
Years at ISCD: 3 years
Industry Skills- Design
- Creative Passion
- Organisation
- Complaining about the weather
- Building Meaningful Relationships
Favourite things- 🍳 Pork Gyoza
- 🎓 Solar Panels
- 🎵 Pop
- 📺 Game of Thrones
- Design
Laurien
Laurien Duits
Partnerships Coordinator
Years in industry: 9 years
Years at ISCD: 3 years
Industry Skills- Design
- Creative Passion
- Coffee Making
- Salsa Dancing
- Creating Meaningful Relationships
- Analytical & Organisational Skills
Favourite things- 🍳 Desserts
- 🎓 Random & Funny Facts
- 🎵 Minimal Techno/House
- Design
Steven
Steven Hiotis
Partnerships Coordinator
Years in industry: 5 years
Years at ISCD: 2 years
Industry Skills- Creative Passion
- Relationships & Communication
- Analytics & Strategy
- Coffee Making Skills
- Cooking
Favourite things- 🍳 Mushroom Risotto
- 🎓 Philosophy
- 📺 Fringe
- Creative Passion
What People Say About Us
Explore Some Of Our Student Work
- Dilmini Dissanayake
- Elinore English
- Jessie-Gray Thornton
- Rebecca Elms Smith
Take the next step towards your interior design career
We’re ready to help guide you through your exploration into interior design. We’d love to hear about your career and study goals, so why not book a call with one of our team members or download a course guide to review all the information in one place? If you need help figuring out where to begin, our free online info sessions are a great place to start. Visit our connect page and start your next chapter today.