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 6-month, 85-hour professional certificate costs $1,999. 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.

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