
Interior Decorating Professional Certificate
The Interior Decorating Professional Certificate program equips students with industry skills and knowledge to begin a career in the interior decorating field. The program consists of five modules and a capstone presentation.
Classes include foundational instruction in architecture, furniture and color theory. Students will also learn about materials, sourcing and industry specific business practices while also establishing fundamental business skills needed to be a successful interior decorator.
The program will culminate with a capstone decorating project of the students’ own design.
Modules
1. Foundations
Covers background knowledge in architecture and furniture styles and history as well as color theory, all key knowledge areas for successful interior decorating.
2. Materials
Offers practical knowledge of materials used in the industry including flooring, textiles, wall and window treatments and lighting.
3. Business Facets
Addresses fundamental knowledge and skills in the areas of business planning, finance, and the legal issues in establishing a business.
4. Business Tools
Presents the day-to-day knowledge needed to be successful in identifying marketing trends, sourcing materials, and using social media to boost your business.
5. On Site/Field Experience
Students will receive a full tour and application instructions from the owners of the Designers Market of Richmond.
Capstone Project
The program culminates with an independent decorating project using Home Design 3D to demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the program. Each student will present their project to the teachers and students enrolled in the program.
Cost
This 7-month, 90-hour professional certificate costs $2,249. No application or application fee is required, and all texts, materials and supplies are included. Simply register online for the certificate program.
Registration
Register online for this program along with other Arts & Design classes.
Class Schedules
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2021-22 Schedule
The Interior Decorating Professional Certificate program will be taught on campus on Tuesday evenings, 6-9 p.m. Review the schedule below for details.
Foundations
- September 14, 2021: Introduction
- September 21: Finance/Accounting
- September 28 Finance/Accounting
- October 5: Principles & Elements of Design
- October 26: Architecture & Furniture Styles
- November 2: Color Theory & Paint
- November 9: Color Theory & Paint
Materials
- November 16: Soft Furnishings & Wall Treatments
- November 30: Textiles
- December 7: Window Treatments
- December 14: Window Treatments
- January 4, 2022: Flooring
- January 11: Room Layout & Space Planning
Industry Aspects
- January 18: Kitchens & Bathrooms
- January 25: Field Visit - Designers Market & Work Room
- February 1: Field Visit Report, Capstone, Home Design 3D
- February 8: Sourcing Materials: Styles & Trends
Business Tools
- February 15: Marketing & Social Media
- February 22: Marketing & Social Media
- March 1: Business Plan, Systems & Practices
- March 8: Business/Legal Process
- March 15: Closing the Deal
Project Presentations
- March 22
- March 29
- April 5
- April 12
- April 19
Graduation
- Saturday, April 23
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2022-2023 Schedule
The Interior Decorating Professional Certificate program will be taught on campus. Students will have the option to enroll in either a Tuesday or Thursday evening class. Classes will be held 6-9 p.m. A detailed class schedule with dates will be posted once it is finalized.
First Day of Class- Tuesday Session - September 13, 2022
- Thursday Session - September 15, 2022
Foundations
- Introduction
- Finance/Accounting
- Principles & Elements of Design
- Architecture & Furniture Styles
- Color Theory & Paint
Materials
- Soft Furnishings & Wall Treatments
- Textiles
- Window Treatments
- Flooring
- Room Layout & Space Planning
Industry Aspects
- Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Field Visit - Designers Market & Work Room
- Field Visit Report, Capstone, Home Design 3D
- Sourcing Materials: Styles & Trends
Business Tools
- Marketing & Social Media
- Business Plan, Systems & Practices
- Business/Legal Process
- Closing the Deal
Graduation
- Saturday, April 29, 2023