Our course

Our one-year foundation course provides an extensive grounding in all aspects of interior design. Enrolment in the first year of study is open to all students, aged 18 and over. No prior knowledge is required.

Frequency

Students attend one class, each week:

• Tuesday 10.00am - 1.00pm

• Wednesday 6.30 - 9.00pm (subject to class enrolments. This will be confirmed early February)

Study dates

13 February – 9 April (2nd April: no class)
30 April – 2 July
23 July – 24 September
15 October – 3 December

Course fees

2024 fees: $3,000 NZD

Overview

Semester 1

You will be introduced to design fundamentals such as colour, textiles, surfaces and historical contexts, and learn methods for effective design communication. Semester 1 is broadly focused on developing an understanding of the foundational elements of design, applicable not only to interiors but to wider creative contexts. This approach will enable you to build a strong platform of knowledge for successful study in the second half of the year. The Semester 1 programme is tutored by a variety of specialist practitioners from education, art and design backgrounds.

Semester 2

Building upon the foundational design knowledge taught in the first semester, semester 2 covers the fundamentals of creating clever solutions for a variety of residential spaces. Students will learn about design principles and apply these to domestic living spaces, bathrooms and kitchens. In this semester students are taught by interior and industry specific designers.

Upon completion of the full year, students who have met the attendance and assessment requirements will graduate.

Colour in context

Module 1

Students will be introduced to the vibrant history of colour and its application in a range of historical and contemporary situations. You will learn how colour can be manipulated to enhance interior spaces and you will apply the principles of colour theory to a host of different domestic design situations to test your design ideas. You will also be introduced to a range of contemporary artists, film makers and interior designers who use their knowledge of colour, pattern and texture to generate engaging spatial environments.

History of Interior Design

Module 2

The history of interior design comes to life in this dynamic term that celebrates Nanette Cameron’s legacy as a design educator. A remarkable story of design history will unfold: one that weaves together the social and cultural climates in which design innovation emerged and the dynamic characters who led the charge into the future. You will learn about famous interior designers and their collaborators (architects, designers and artists) who transformed the twentieth century and beyond. You will also discover the origins and development of interior design as a professional practice.

Fashioning the Domestic: Interior Surfaces

Module 3

In this third module you will discover how surface treatments have been used to fashion the domestic interior. Through introducing a diverse array of interior surfaces, you will explore the history and development of textiles, surface and window treatments. By learning about the production of natural and synthetic textiles and their suitability in different interior environments, you will understand how textiles and clothing impact our lives. This learning is enhanced by visits to different textile and interior surface industry showrooms.

Interior Design for Residential Contexts

Module 4

In this term you will be introduced to a range of design and art principles that have been utilised to produce captivating interior spaces. You will be taken on a journey around the domestic interior, room by room. You will learn about line, form, light and space and their impact on a range of historical and contemporary design projects. The art principles of unity, balance, proportion, rhythm and contrast will also be explored as they relate to interior design. After gaining an understanding of these principles you will apply them to a diverse range of domestic design situations. This hands-on learning means that on completion of the course you will be equipped to lay out interior spaces for maximum enjoyment and fitness for purpose.

Bathroom Design

Module 5

This engaging term explores the historical development of bathroom design and introduces you to an array of contemporary examples by celebrated designers. In this hands-on course you will learn how to effectively plan a bathroom. Industry experts will discuss how lighting and building services can be integrated into your bathroom plan and an introduction to building services will be included. Visits to bathroom design showrooms will support your learning and will introduce you to a range of exciting new products to enhance your knowledge.

Kitchen Design

Module 6

In this term you will be introduced to principles for kitchen design. You will explore the fascinating history of kitchens to discover how the modern kitchen has evolved and how layout and planning affects efficient use and ergonomics. An in-depth study of surface treatments, hardware, appliance requirements and construction is undertaken. You will learn how to draw a comprehensive kitchen plan. Industry experts will discuss how lighting and building services can be integrated into your kitchen plan and visits to kitchen design showrooms will support your learning.

Students who have successfully completed all six modules, will now be eligible to graduate. But the learning doesn’t stop here! Check out our exciting graduate courses.

Design your study with us

Learning pathways

Choose from one of two learning pathways:

1. Graduate pathway

Apply your in-class learning and grow your skills by completing coursework and assignments. Students who meet the attendance and assessment requirements (as outlined below) will graduate.

2. Attendance pathway

Take part in the course by attending lectures, industry visits and participating in classroom discussions without submitting assignments.

Programme requirements

Students are encouraged to complete assignments using tools of their choice, whether analogue or digital. Students can sign up for short technical courses introducing Adobe Photoshop and SketchUp for beginners. These courses run outside of regular class time and require an additional fee. We recommend bringing your personal laptop with the relevant software installed. Students can request more information about the software during the course.

Alumni network

Once students have successfully completed the first year of study will be eligible to join the Nanette Cameron Interior Design Guild, the school’s extensive alumni network.

How to graduate

To graduate from the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design, students will need to met the attendance and assessment requirements as outlined below:

Attendance requirements

To successfully pass the attendance requirement of the course, students will attend at least 70% of each semester unless with prior approval from the school coordinator.

Please note that not all industry visits are available to the evening class. These students are encouraged to join the day class during visit weeks, if possible.

Assessment requirements

Each module students focus on a different subject and submit two assessments at the end of this module. These are designed to be a practical application of class learning and are completed outside of class time.

The assessments follow a set format regardless of the course:

Assessment 1: This assessment is always related to the course content and can be an individual or group project.

Assessment 2 (Design Journal): This assessment takes the form of a design journal and contains tasks that change each module. The journal also provides an opportunity to include your own notes and observations made during the module.

The time commitment to complete these assignments is entirely up to students. We recommend allocating one day per week for assignments during the term.