Residential Interior Design Course Online
A 390-hour program covering residential interior design from design principles and color through lighting, materials and finishes, textiles, furniture, and sustainable design. Students draft floor plans and construction documents, plan spaces around the...
What's included
- 390 hours of project-based instruction
- 266 training videos
- Instructor support for questions during the course
- Class recordings for 30 days
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Instruction at an ACCET-accredited school
Overview
A 390-hour program covering residential interior design from design principles and color through lighting, materials and finishes, textiles, furniture, and sustainable design. Students draft floor plans and construction documents, plan spaces around the people using them, and present work through material boards, mood boards, and a portfolio built in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
Coursework is project-based throughout and aligns with the RIDQC exam for residential interior design. Four of the ten listed courses are marked as coming soon, so prospective students should confirm the current course list with VDCI before enrolling.
Who this course is for
Aspiring interior designers who want practical skills across color, lighting, space planning, materials, and portfolio work, plus architects, engineers, and construction professionals broadening into interiors.
Tuition & enrollment
Enroll with Virtual Design and Construction Institute, the course provider.
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Preview the course
Watch free previews and explore the lessons included with enrollment at VDCI.
Intro to Interior Design Course Online
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Course Introduction
Lesson 1: Introduction to Design
5:12
Explore the foundational principles of interior design and how color, lighting, and furniture influence emotion, well-being, and user perception.
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Syllabus, Class Policies and Software
Lesson 1: Introduction to Design
9:43
Get oriented to the interior design course structure, learning outcomes, and presentation tools while building skills in space planning and ADA compliance.
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Final Project Discussion
Lesson 1: Introduction to Design
6:57
Develop a professional interior design project by researching a renowned designer and creating a fully realized gallery or lounge concept.
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Interior Designer vs. Decorator
Lesson 1: Introduction to Design
15:48
Understand the key differences between interior designers and decorators, including roles in architectural planning and user-centered design.
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Design Myths
Lesson 2: The Elements and Principles
3:15
Examine common interior design myths and learn how collaboration, planning, and technical knowledge elevate professional practice beyond television portrayals.
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Design Elements
Lesson 2: The Elements and Principles
18:18
Gain a strong understanding of the six foundational elements of interior design and how they influence visual and emotional experience.
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Design Principles
Lesson 2: The Elements and Principles
17:38
Explore the six design principles and learn how they create functional and visually cohesive interiors.
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Project 1 Design Inspiration
Lesson 2: The Elements and Principles
6:41
Create a personal design presentation that communicates your inspirations, creative goals, and visual preferences using elements and principles of design.
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Types of Business & Professional Organizations
Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Interior Design
2:37
Review interior design business structures, professional ethics, licensing, and continuing education, and explore the role of organizations such as ASID, IIDA, and AIA.
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Parties Involved and Coordination
Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Interior Design
6:58
Learn how interior designers collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and clients, and how coordination improves project outcomes.
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Project Phases
Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Interior Design
12:09
Follow the full interior design project lifecycle from pre-design through post-construction, including deliverables, budgets, and client presentations.
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Anthropometrics
Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Interior Design
10:39
Understand how human dimensions, movement, and ergonomics shape furniture design, layouts, and inclusive spatial planning.
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Project 2 Client Research and Case Study
Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Interior Design
10:14
Conduct focused research on a designer or architect and translate their design philosophy into a client-driven creative project.
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Presentation Techniques Diagrams and Floorplans
Lesson 4: Presentation and Material Boards
4:14
Master visual communication techniques such as diagrams, bubble charts, and professional floor plans to convey circulation and spatial intent.
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Presentation Techniques Elevations, Sections and Renderings
Lesson 4: Presentation and Material Boards
12:41
Explore advanced presentation methods including elevations, sections, and renderings to communicate scale, materials, and design intent.
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Material and Mood Boards
Lesson 4: Presentation and Material Boards
8:53
Learn how to create cohesive material and mood boards that align finishes, lighting, textures, and imagery with project goals.
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Project 3 Digital Material Board
Lesson 4: Presentation and Material Boards
7:15
Build a digital material board using tools like PowerPoint or Canva to clearly present finishes, furnishings, and lighting selections.
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Universal Design and ADA
Lesson 5: Universal Design and ADA
10:00
Apply universal design and ADA standards to create accessible, inclusive interior environments that meet legal and ethical requirements.
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Cultural Sensitive Design
Lesson 5: Universal Design and ADA
8:26
Explore culturally responsive interior design by learning how identity, values, and representation shape meaningful spatial experiences.
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Project 4 Design an Artist's Lounge or Gallery
Lesson 5: Universal Design and ADA
15:33
Complete a comprehensive final project that integrates research, spatial planning, ADA compliance, materials, and professional presentation.
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Project 4 Project Example
Lesson 5: Universal Design and ADA
6:37
Review a completed artist’s lounge project to analyze how research, design principles, and creativity translate into successful outcomes.
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Creating a Furniture Plan
Lesson 6: Plans and Elevations
10:00
Learn how to create accurate furniture plans using AutoCAD and drafting tools that support circulation, scale, and functional layouts.
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Creating an Elevation Plan
Lesson 6: Plans and Elevations
11:55
Develop detailed elevation drawings that communicate vertical dimensions, finishes, millwork, and construction intent.
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Sustainable Materials
Lesson 7: Sustainability and Interior Design
Explore sustainable interior design strategies through responsible material selection that supports indoor air quality and environmental performance.
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Environmental Strategies
Lesson 7: Sustainability and Interior Design
6:51
Learn how environmental strategies such as daylighting, ventilation, and energy-efficient systems influence sustainable interior design.
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Color Theory for Interior Design Course Online
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How Color Shapes Perception
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
2:27
Understand how color functions as a visual language that communicates meaning, emotion, and intent.
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The Science of Light & Color
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
4:42
Learn how light, wavelength, and the human eye work together to create color perception.
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Early Color Theory Origins
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
3:12
Explore early scientific and philosophical ideas that shaped modern color theory.
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Additive & Subtractive Color
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
2:35
Differentiate between additive and subtractive color systems and how light and pigment produce color.
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Pigments & Color Naming
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
4:24
Examine how pigments developed over time and how color naming evolved across materials.
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Standardized Color Systems
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
2:57
Identify standardized color systems and understand how color codes ensure consistency.
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Color & Surface Materials
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
7:26
Discover how surface texture and material choice influence the appearance of color.
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Natural vs. Artificial Light
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
6:59
Compare how natural and artificial lighting conditions change how color is perceived.
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Color Perception Effects
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
4:24
Recognize optical color effects such as contrast, reflection, and visual interaction.
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Communicating Color in Design
Lesson 1: The Science of Color & Color Systems
2:50
Apply clear color communication principles to support intentional design decisions.
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Understanding the Color Wheel
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
2:44
Understand how the color wheel organizes color relationships.
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Primary, Secondary, & Tertiary Colors
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
1:46
Learn how primary, secondary, and tertiary colors are created and classified.
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Warm & Cool Colors
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
2:24
Distinguish between warm and cool colors and how they affect mood and space.
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The Color Wheel in Grayscale
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
2:25
Analyze how colors translate into value when viewed in grayscale.
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Working with Neutrals
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
1:54
Use neutral colors to support balance and flexibility in color palettes.
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What Is Color Harmony?
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
2:19
Define color harmony and why certain combinations feel visually balanced.
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Basic Color Harmonies
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
4:09
Apply common color harmony types to structured color schemes.
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Advanced Color Harmonies
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
3:26
Explore advanced harmony approaches that add depth and complexity.
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Neutral Color Harmonies
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
4:01
Build harmonious palettes using neutral-based color relationships.
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Essential Color Tools
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel & its Harmonies
3:27
Use professional tools to test, refine, and adjust color combinations.
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Color Properties Overview
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
2:50
Explore the core properties that define how color behaves visually.
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Hue, Saturation, & Value
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
6:35
Understand how hue, saturation, and value shape color appearance.
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Tint, Tone, & Shade
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
4:25
Create variation and depth using tints, tones, and shades.
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The Munsell Color System
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
5:06
Learn how the Munsell system organizes color by measurable properties.
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Color Models Explained
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
4:48
Compare major color models and where they are used in practice.
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Itten & Albers
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
3:30
Explore influential color theories developed by Itten and Albers.
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Advanced Color Phenomena
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
3:28
Recognize advanced color phenomena that affect perception and contrast.
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Color Vision Assessment
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
3:19
Evaluate color vision and contrast sensitivity differences.
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Color & Space Applications
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
2:43
Apply color strategies to influence spatial perception.
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Color & Space in Interiors
Lesson 3: Color Properties & Contrast
2:26
Understand how color choices shape interior space and atmosphere.
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What Is Color Psychology?
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
2:55
Examine how color influences emotion, behavior, and perception within designed environments.
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Western Color Meanings
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
3:39
Interpret commonly accepted Western color meanings and how they shape expectations and mood.
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Advanced Western Color Meanings
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
3:58
Analyze nuanced Western color interpretations across different design contexts.
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Global Color Meanings
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
4:56
Compare global color meanings and recognize how culture influences color perception.
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Interior Color by Demographic
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
4:42
Assess how demographic factors influence color preference and response.
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Age and Color Perception
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
3:32
Understand how age affects color perception and response.
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Finding Color Inspiration
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
4:55
Identify sources of color inspiration and translate them into palettes.
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Advanced Color Inspiration
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
5:01
Refine inspiration into cohesive, advanced color concepts.
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Building a Color Library
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
4:24
Build a personal color library to support consistent decisions.
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Digital Color Libraries
Lesson 4: Color Psychology & Inspiration
4:03
Organize digital color libraries for efficient palette development.
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Color Psychology in Branding
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
3:53
Apply color psychology to strengthen brand identity.
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Brand Consistency in Spaces
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
4:24
Maintain consistent brand color across interior spaces.
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Building Client Palettes
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
4:11
Build client-ready color palettes aligned with goals and context.
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Presenting Color Palettes
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
3:56
Present color palettes clearly and professionally to clients.
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Talking About Color
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
2:35
Communicate color choices using clear visual and verbal language.
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Color Harmony Ideas
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
3:06
Generate palette ideas using harmony and contrast strategies.
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Aesthetic Palette Styles
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
3:34
Identify aesthetic-driven palette styles and their defining traits.
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Time Period Palettes
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
3:27
Explore time-period palettes and their design influences.
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Contemporary Palettes (Part 1)
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
4:14
Analyze contemporary palettes shaped by lifestyle and culture.
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Contemporary Palettes (Part 2)
Lesson 5: Color in Branding and Palettes
4:02
Compare contemporary palette variations across styles and regions.
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Understanding Color Undertones
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
2:32
Identify color undertones and explain how subtle temperature shifts influence harmony, contrast, and spatial mood across materials and finishes.
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Undertones in Materials & Light
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
4:29
Analyze how lighting conditions and material surfaces reveal or distort undertones, and evaluate color accurately within real environments.
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Mixing Undertones for Harmony
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
2:20
Combine undertones intentionally to create cohesive palettes that maintain consistent warmth or coolness while adding visual depth.
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Introduction to Color Deficiencies
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:20
Recognize common color vision deficiencies and assess how variations in perception affect navigation, contrast, and material selection.
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Designing for Accessibility
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:42
Design inclusive spaces by using contrast, material differentiation, and non-color cues to improve clarity and usability for all users.
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Accessible Color Palettes
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:51
Evaluate accessible color palettes using contrast ratios and neutral foundations to support visibility, legibility, and comfort.
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Color & Safety
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:08
Apply color strategically to communicate safety, guide movement, and reduce risk in public and private environments.
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Working as a Color Consultant
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:30
Explain the role of a color consultant and outline how professional color services support confident, cohesive design decisions.
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Chromotherapy Basics
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
2:10
Explore chromotherapy principles and evaluate how color and light influence mood, wellness, and experiential design outcomes.
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Material Color Experts
Lesson 6: Undertones, Accessibility, and Forward Thinking
3:15
Identify material color expert roles and describe how specialized color knowledge ensures consistency, quality, and professional results across materials.
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Interior Lighting Design Course Online
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Course Introduction
Lesson 1: Introduction to Interior Lighting Design
10:00
Meet instructor Richard Hess and get an overview of the course's learning objectives, syllabus, and recommended software. Explore how lighting design shapes mood and emotion through inspiring professional projects, and discover the psychological power of light, from boosting serotonin to creating memorable experiences.
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Light Distribution
Lesson 1: Introduction to Interior Lighting Design
6:58
Learn the core distribution patterns that describe how light behaves in space, including directional, diffused, indirect, spot, flood, and asymmetric light. See real interior and architectural examples that show how these strategies often overlap to create a space's overall lighting character.
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Final Project Preview
Lesson 1: Introduction to Interior Lighting Design
0:58
Get a first look at the course's culminating final project, where you will finalize a lighting plan and specify fixtures, including a light fixture you design yourself. Preview what's ahead as you move into your first assignment, the lighting design case study research.
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Case Study Research
Lesson 1: Introduction to Interior Lighting Design
4:06
Get the full requirements for Project 1, a visual case study of outstanding interior lighting design. Learn how to curate 7 to 10 inspiring examples, analyze how each uses light to enhance space, mood, or function, and understand the grading rubric before you begin your research.
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Lighting Fundamentals
Lesson 2: Understanding Light
9:24
Learn the fundamentals of light as electromagnetic radiation, including the difference between luminous and illuminated sources. Get introduced to core photometric measurements like lumens, candela, and lux, and see how light reflects, refracts, absorbs, and transmits through different materials.
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Light and Wellness
Lesson 2: Understanding Light
14:51
Discover how light directly affects mood, sleep, cognitive performance, and physical well-being, from regulating circadian rhythm to boosting serotonin. Learn why a less-is-more approach to lighting can reduce glare, support relaxation, and create healthier, more comfortable spaces.
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Layering Light
Lesson 2: Understanding Light
6:10
Learn the three essential layers of a lighting scheme, ambient, task, and accent lighting, and how each serves a distinct function within a space. Review the key takeaways from the course so far on how light shapes mood, behavior, and well-being.
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Light and Vision
Lesson 3: Light and the Human Experience
10:00
Learn how light and vision work together, including brightness, contrast, glare, and adaptation, and how these factors affect visual comfort. Explore the basics of color temperature, from warm relaxing tones to cool energizing ones, and see how light reveals or minimizes surface texture.
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Light and Darkness
Lesson 3: Light and the Human Experience
9:43
Discover how the interplay between light and darkness creates emotional hierarchy and drama in a space, illustrated through the powerful example of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. Learn how light can guide movement and choreograph how people navigate through a space.
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Choreography Project
Lesson 3: Light and the Human Experience
6:45
Get the full requirements for Project 2, a lighting choreography diagram that maps vertical and horizontal lighting needs, focal points, and circulation through a floor plan. Learn how to build your light map and choreography layers, create a legend, and understand the grading rubric.
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Shaping Light
Lesson 4: Designing with Light
10:00
Learn how designers shape light through direction, distribution, and surface interaction, including wall washing, grazing, and spotlighting techniques. Explore ten distinct lighting concepts, from illumination and form to light as color, time, wayfinding, emotion, and cultural expression.
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Choosing Luminaires
Lesson 4: Designing with Light
15:20
Learn how functional and task lighting supports specific activities, and how to calculate appropriate luminance levels using foot candles and lux for different types of spaces. Explore the many types of luminaires available, then preview Project 3, designing your own light fixture.
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Lighting Practice
Lesson 5: Lighting in Practice
10:00
Learn how to evaluate whether lighting actually works using measured foot candle recommendations for common spaces like offices, kitchens, and living rooms. Get an overview of electric light sources and how to choose the right one for your project's function and mood.
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Light Sources
Lesson 5: Lighting in Practice
14:27
Compare the major artificial light sources, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, LED, and gas discharge, and understand why LEDs have become the industry standard. Learn where lighting should be placed to support how people use a space, and how to read a manufacturer's lighting cut sheet.
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Lighting Plans
Lesson 5: Lighting in Practice
10:39
Learn how to read a professional lighting plan, including fixture symbols, legends, switch types, and the reflected ceiling plan. Understand how red lining is used to mark up and coordinate lighting drawings before they go to a contractor for construction.
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Daylighting Strategies
Lesson 6: Daylighting and Lighting Controls
10:00
Learn how to bring natural light into a space through windows, skylights, light shelves, and solar tubes, and why daylighting must be intentionally designed rather than assumed. Explore how residential lighting strategies use daylight to support comfort, wellness, and daily rhythms.
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Lighting Controls
Lesson 6: Daylighting and Lighting Controls
10:22
Compare commercial and residential daylighting strategies, then explore switching and dimming options, from basic on-off switches to automated occupancy and daylight sensors. Learn how smart glazing and building control systems coordinate natural and artificial light for comfort and energy savings.
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Final Lighting Project
Lesson 6: Daylighting and Lighting Controls
8:18
Get the full requirements for Project 4, your final lighting plan and fixture specification binder that pulls together everything you have learned in the course. Learn how to label fixtures, switches, and dimmers on your plan and build a complete cut sheet binder, including the fixture you designed in Project 3.
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Lighting Calculations
Lesson 7: Quantifying Light
10:00
Review the core lighting units and measurements, then learn the simplified lumen method for calculating how many fixtures a space needs, plus a fixture spacing check. See how surface reflectance and color can dramatically change how bright a space feels, even with identical fixtures.
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Course Integration
Lesson 7: Quantifying Light
10:35
Review key technical details like beam spread, mounting height, and glare control, then walk through additional lighting plan and cut sheet examples. Wrap up the course with a summary of how light, vision, emotion, and technical precision come together in thoughtful interior lighting design.
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Interior Design Materials and Finishes Course Online
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The Properties of Interior Materials
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
4:25
Learn how to select and apply interior materials that support aesthetic, functional, and sustainable design goals.
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Health, Safety, & Codes
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
4:36
Explore how health, safety, and building codes shape responsible material selection.
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Human Factors & Ergonomics
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:45
Understand how human factors and ergonomics influence comfort and user experience in material decisions.
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Universal & Accessible Design Principles
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:58
Develop strategies for creating safe, accessible, and intuitive environments through material choices.
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Durability & Maintenance Considerations
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
4:09
Apply durability and maintenance considerations to balance aesthetics with longevity.
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Balancing Function, Use, Budget, & Value
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:36
Evaluate function, use, budget, and value when selecting practical and sustainable materials.
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Sustainable & Responsible Sourcing
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:44
Examine environmentally responsible sourcing and ethical material practices.
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The Material Selection Process
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
4:20
Guide material selection from programming through final coordination while balancing design priorities.
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Digital & Physical Material Boards
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:12
Create digital and physical material boards to clearly communicate design intent.
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Creating Effective Specification Sheets
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials for Interior Design
3:15
Define the purpose and components of specification sheets to ensure clarity and consistency.
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Introduction to Mineral Based Materials
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
5:08
Analyze mineral-based materials such as stone, brick, and concrete for design applications.
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Cement & Concrete
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
5:46
Differentiate cement from concrete and recognize the role of reinforcement in structural integrity.
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Concrete Finishes & Treatments
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
6:17
Distinguish between structural and decorative concrete to inform finish selections.
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Masonry Systems
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
6:29
Investigate masonry systems, mortar types, and wall assemblies to support performance goals.
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Brick Composition & Types
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
6:10
Identify brick composition, manufacturing methods, and classifications for informed design decisions.
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Brick & Masonry in Interior Applications
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
5:20
Incorporate brick and masonry into interiors with attention to durability and acoustics.
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Stone: Natural Beauty & Performance
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
6:07
Study stone types, performance qualities, and interior applications.
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Stone Interior Details & Fabrication
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
4:16
Integrate stone into floors, walls, and architectural details through thoughtful fabrication choices.
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Stone Sustainability & Sourcing
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
3:27
Select responsibly sourced or reclaimed stone to reduce environmental impact.
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Maintenance, Longevity, & Grout
Lesson 2: Concrete, Cement, Stone, Masonry, Brick
4:10
Maintain concrete, masonry, and stone materials to support long-term performance.
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Introduction to Mineral & Silica Based Materials
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:32
Explore the origins and applications of glass, ceramics, plaster, and gypsum.
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The Science of Glass
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:59
Assess glass composition, shaping methods, and performance characteristics.
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Architectural Applications of Glass
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
4:16
Specify glass elements to define space and manage light effectively.
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Decorative & Specialty Glass
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
4:17
Enhance privacy and aesthetics using decorative and specialty glass solutions.
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Introduction to Ceramics
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:49
Recognize ceramic types and firing processes to ensure proper specification.
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Ceramic Tile: Types, Formats, & Installation
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
4:21
Choose ceramic tile formats and installation methods based on performance needs.
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Ceramic Trends & Technology
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:42
Review emerging ceramic technologies and innovative surface treatments.
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Traditional, Modern Plaster, & Stucco
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
4:06
Apply traditional and modern plaster and stucco systems in interior spaces.
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Introduction to Gypsum & Drywall Systems
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:10
Utilize gypsum in wall and ceiling systems with attention to sustainability.
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Designers Coordinating with Trades
Lesson 3: Glass, Ceramics, Plaster, Gypsum
3:23
Coordinate effectively with trades to execute design intent accurately.
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Introduction to Wood Materials & Finishes
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
3:14
Explore the aesthetic and performance benefits of wood in interiors.
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Wood Anatomy & Species
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
5:09
Understand wood anatomy and species to guide strength and cost decisions.
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Lumber Cutting, Sizing, & Grading
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
3:21
Evaluate lumber grading and cutting methods for millwork applications.
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Engineered Wood Products
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
2:52
Incorporate engineered wood products to improve stability and efficiency.
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Wood Finishes & Protective Treatments
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
4:30
Select appropriate wood finishes based on durability and VOC considerations.
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Architectural Millwork Systems
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
5:31
Design architectural millwork that enhances cohesion and functionality.
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Casework & Cabinetry Design
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
2:19
Plan cohesive casework and cabinetry solutions that maximize storage.
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Wood Flooring & Ceiling Applications
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
2:56
Coordinate wood flooring and ceiling systems for durability and visual impact.
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Responsible Wood Sourcing & Maintenance
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
2:49
Source wood responsibly to support sustainable design outcomes.
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Wood Lifecycle & End of Life Strategies
Lesson 4: Wood, Wood Products, & Millworks
3:25
Examine the wood life cycle to reduce environmental impact.
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Introduction to Metals & Synthetics
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
2:46
Explore metals and synthetics for versatile interior applications.
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Properties of Interior Metals
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
4:17
Assess metal properties and maintenance requirements for informed decisions.
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Common Interior Metals
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
3:51
Select appropriate metals such as steel, aluminum, or brass for specific design uses.
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Metal Fabrication & Detailing
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
5:24
Apply metal fabrication and finishing techniques in interior detailing.
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Metal in Architecture & Interior Applications
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
4:56
Integrate structural and decorative metals while considering light and maintenance.
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Plastics & Acrylics
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
4:27
Utilize plastics and acrylics for customizable interior solutions.
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Solid Surfaces & Composites
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
3:43
Specify solid surfaces and composites for durable, non-porous applications.
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Laminates & High Performance Surface Systems
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
3:43
Incorporate laminates and high-performance surfaces in interior finishes.
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Innovative Design Strategies with Synthetics
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
4:02
Explore innovative synthetic materials for creative design solutions.
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Templating Synthetics
Lesson 5: Metals & Synthetics in Interiors
4:58
Ensure accurate templating of synthetic surfaces for precise fabrication.
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Introduction to Acoustics
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
3:59
Apply acoustic principles to improve comfort and privacy.
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The Science of Sound Behavior
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
4:09
Balance reflection, absorption, diffusion, and transmission for sound control.
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Types of Acoustics & Ratings
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
4:18
Interpret acoustic ratings such as NRC and STC to guide material selection.
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Ceiling Finishes Overview & Acoustics
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
4:31
Design ceiling systems that enhance acoustic performance.
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Acoustic Panels & Tiles
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
3:20
Incorporate acoustic panels and tiles to improve sound quality.
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Suspended & Specialty Options for Ceilings
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
3:08
Utilize suspended and specialty ceiling systems to manage acoustics and conceal systems.
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Floor Treatments for Sound Control
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
3:21
Learn how to select floor treatments that reduce impact noise.
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Vendor & Procurement Process
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
4:55
Streamline procurement processes to maintain design integrity.
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Communicating Material Decisions to Clients
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
2:53
Translate technical material information into clear client guidance.
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Working with Sales Representatives
Lesson 6: Acoustics & Professional Considerations
3:33
Collaborate professionally with sales representatives to support informed material selection.
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Architectural Drafting and Graphics Course Online
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What Is Hand Drafting?
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
4:33
Understand what hand drafting actually is and why it matters as a precise, scaled way of communicating design ideas. Learn how drafting differs from sketching and why accuracy and clarity sit at the heart of every drawing.
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History of Drafting
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
5:10
Trace how drafting developed alongside civilization, from ancient builders and Vitruvius through the Renaissance, the rise of the profession, and the Industrial Revolution. See why hand drafting remains foundational even in a digital age.
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Thinking Like a Draftsperson
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
5:24
Shift from technique to mindset and learn to think analytically, intentionally, and with the reader in mind. Discover how precision, consistency, and visual hierarchy define professional drafting across design and construction.
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Understanding Drawing Sets
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
2:39
Learn what a drawing set is: a collection of related drawings, read together, that communicate a complete design. Understand construction documents and the difference between loose concept drawings and precise working drawings, and why no single drawing tells the whole story.
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Title Blocks
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
3:18
Learn what a title block is and why it appears on every sheet as the identity card of a drawing. Identify the standard components it contains and how it supports clarity, accountability, and professional branding.
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Plan Orientation & North Arrows
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
3:08
Understand how a plan's orientation on the page affects how easily it is read and coordinated with other drawings. Learn the convention of placing north at the top and how north arrows communicate direction clearly.
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What Is Scale?
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
4:04
Explore scale as the proportional relationship between a drawing and real life, and why it makes a drawing measurable and buildable. Learn the difference between architectural and engineer's scales and why you must always verify scale before measuring.
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Introduction to an Architect's Scale
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
4:40
Get to know the architect's scale as a physical measuring tool, including its triangular form, materials, and the ratios it carries. Understand how to read its labeled edges accurately.
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Using an Architectural Scale
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
4:23
Walk step by step through using an architect's scale to measure a drawing, from locating the correct edge to reading feet and inches. Learn proper notation and the common mistakes to avoid.
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Drafting Paper Types and Sizes
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drafting
6:49
Learn the papers and films used in hand drafting, including vellum, bond paper, and tracing paper, and how each affects line quality, durability, and overlays. Compare the ISO, ANSI, and ARCH paper size systems and see how choosing a standard size keeps drawings accurate when printed and shared.
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Essential Drafting Tools
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
4:45
Meet the core drafting supplies, including pencils, lead grades, technical pens, and erasers, and learn how each affects line quality. Pick up the care habits that keep your tools accurate and long lasting.
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Drafting Precision Tools
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:37
Learn to use precision tools such as triangles, compasses, T-squares, and parallel bars to draw accurate lines, angles, and curves. Understand how to care for them so small inaccuracies do not compound across a drawing.
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Furniture & Lighting for Drafting
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:02
Understand how drafting tables, seating, and lighting create a comfortable, accurate work environment. Learn how to position light to reduce shadows and glare on your drawings.
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Organizing Drafting Tools & Drawings
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:00
Learn how to store and organize tools, pens, and drawings to protect your work and save time. Explore flat files, drawing tubes, and portfolios, and the habits that support a professional workflow.
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Drafting Accessories
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
4:32
Discover the smaller accessories that improve accuracy and cleanliness, including protractors, dividers, templates, French curves, and lettering guides. Learn what each tool does and when to reach for it.
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Line Types & Meanings
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:59
Learn the standard line types used in drafting, from object and hidden lines to center, dimension, section, and cutting plane lines. Understand what each communicates and why correct usage keeps a drawing clear.
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Line Weights for Graphic Hierarchy
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:07
Learn how line thickness creates the graphic hierarchy that guides the viewer's eye through a drawing. Practice the heavy, medium, and light line categories and apply them consistently in pencil or pen.
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Drafting Station Setup
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
2:56
Set up an organized, stable drafting station that supports accuracy and clean drawings. Learn how to position your paper, manage workspace habits, and work efficiently in studio or shared spaces.
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Architectural Lettering Basics
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:39
Learn the standardized style of architectural lettering, including uppercase forms, stroke order, slant, spacing, and proportion. See how good lettering balances clarity with a touch of personal style.
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Numbers, Notes, & Titles
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
3:35
Learn to letter numbers, notes, and titles clearly and consistently, applying hierarchy to text just as you do to line weight. Use guidelines and an Ames lettering guide, and follow the right order for adding lettering.
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Project 1 Explanation
Lesson 2: Tools, Linework, & Lettering
2:26
Get a full walkthrough of the project, where you find and analyze three professional construction documents and their title blocks. Learn how to evaluate orientation, hierarchy, and readability like a draftsperson.
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Floor Plans
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
2:26
Understand what a floor plan is: a scaled horizontal view created by an imaginary cut through a space. Learn why it is the foundation that nearly every other drawing relates back to.
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Plan Layout & Drawing Order
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
3:09
Learn the logical sequence for drafting a floor plan, from walls and doors through fixtures, poché, and room names. See how working from structure to detail keeps your drawing clean and easy to correct.
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Wall Types & Thicknesses
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
4:17
Learn to distinguish interior, exterior, plumbing, party, fire-rated, and half walls, and represent each with the right thickness and line weight. Understand how poché clarifies what the cut plane slices through.
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Doors & Door Swings
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
6:00
Learn how to draw doors in plan, including the leaf, swing arc, sizing, and handing, and why the swing matters for circulation and code. Review the common door types and how each is represented.
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Windows & Glazing
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
5:20
Learn what glazing means and how different window types are shown in plan and elevation. Understand sill and head heights, window schedules, and the line hierarchy that keeps windows readable.
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Stairs, Columns, & Architectural Features
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
3:54
Learn to draft stairs with treads and direction arrows, represent structural and decorative columns, and show built-in architectural features. Apply line weight and dashed lines to keep the hierarchy clear.
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Room Names
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
4:13
Learn how to place, size, and letter room names so they communicate function without competing with the linework. Pick up a centering trick and review the common room abbreviations.
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Furniture & Fixture System
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
5:02
Learn to draw simplified, scaled furniture and fixture symbols as overhead views, and understand the difference between movable furniture and permanent fixtures. See why you place larger pieces first to test circulation and comfort.
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Drawing Labels & Tags
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
1:48
Learn how drawing labels and callout tags identify a view, its scale, and where to find related information. Understand how these symbols connect drawings across the set.
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Floor Plans in a Drawing Set
Lesson 3: Drafting Floor Plans
3:27
See how the floor plan fits into the larger drawing set and connects to elevations, sections, details, and schedules. Learn the sheet numbering system, discipline letters, and drawing index used to navigate a set.
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Elevations
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
3:50
Understand what an elevation is: a flat, scaled vertical view that shows height, proportion, and alignment. Learn how elevations complement floor plans and how elevation markers reference them.
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Drafting Elevations From a Floor Plan
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
2:35
Learn to project an elevation from a completed floor plan, transferring horizontal locations upward and adding vertical heights. Use the baseline and reference dimensions to check alignment as you draft.
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Cabinetry and Closets
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
4:23
Learn how fixed cabinetry, built-ins, and closets are drawn in elevation, including base and upper cabinets, hardware, and shelving. Understand why cabinetry is dimensioned in inches and how to show closets in both plan and elevation.
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Material Surface Indications
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
3:56
Learn to communicate materials using labels, notes, and light hatching rather than realistic rendering. Review the common hatch patterns for brick, stone, concrete, wood, glass, and tile.
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Section Cuts
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
2:11
Understand what a section is and how cutting vertically through a building reveals hidden construction relationships. Learn how sections originate from the plan and why line weight is critical.
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How to Draw a Section Cut
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
2:21
Walk step by step through drawing a section, from placing the cut line on the plan to setting baselines and drawing what is cut versus what is beyond. Learn to indicate materials and label the section clearly.
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Types of Sections
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
2:28
Learn the differences between building, full, partial, wall, interior, and detail sections, and when to use each. See how scale and level of detail change with the type of section.
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Building Section Callouts
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
1:46
Learn how section callouts on the floor plan show where the cut occurs, the direction of view, and which drawing to find. Understand the difference between full and partial section callouts.
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Detail Drawings
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
1:44
Learn how detail drawings zoom in at a large scale to explain exactly how something is assembled. Understand how detail callouts keep the set connected and how materials are indicated.
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Project 2 Explanation
Lesson 4: Elevations, Sections, & Details
3:09
Get a full walkthrough of this project, where you hand draft your own title block using proper tools, borders, and architectural lettering. Learn the planning, craftsmanship, and presentation standards your title block must meet for use in Project 3.
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Dimension Standards
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:40
Learn the conventions that make dimensions readable, including extension lines, dimension lines, and properly placed text. Understand when and how dimensions are added during the drafting process.
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Types of Dimensions
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:18
Learn the difference between overall and partial dimensions and where each belongs on a drawing. Understand how dimension strings add up and how masonry and wood framing are dimensioned differently.
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Types of Dimensions Part 2
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:26
Move beyond straight lines to dimension circles and angles using diameter, radius, and degree notation. Learn when center marks and angular dimensions are needed.
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Annotating Elevations, Sections, & Details
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:10
Learn how to add written annotation with clean leader lines and well-placed notes. Understand what to annotate, what to leave alone, and how consistent text keeps drawings professional.
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Abbreviations & Common Symbols
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:39
Learn the standard abbreviations and symbols used throughout a drawing set, from TYP and AFF to the diameter symbol and slope arrows. Understand when to abbreviate and when to spell things out or add a legend.
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Keynotes & General Notes
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:40
Learn the difference between general notes that apply broadly and keynotes that reference specific elements through a legend. See how a keynote system keeps a drawing clean and organized.
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Legends, Keys, & Schedules
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:57
Learn how legends explain symbols and patterns and how schedules organize repeated elements like doors and windows into tables. Understand how tags on the drawing connect to schedule entries.
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ADA Basics & Clearance Requirements
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
3:21
Learn the accessibility basics that shape drafting, including turning spaces, clear floor space, route widths, and door clearances. Understand the code sources behind ADA requirements and how to show them on plans.
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Redlining, Revisions, & Version Control
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
3:03
Learn how redlines communicate required changes and how revisions are formally documented with clouds, symbols, and a revision block. Understand version control and why older drawings are never deleted.
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Drawings in an Architectural Firm
Lesson 5: Dimension, Annotate, & Document
2:53
See how drawings are used and shared inside a firm, from early design through construction documents, consultants, clients, and permitting. Understand the collaborative, iterative life of a drawing set.
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Tools for Field Measuring
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:05
Learn the tools used to capture accurate real-world dimensions, including tape measures, laser measures, and field notebooks. Understand good measuring habits and why field conditions must always be verified.
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How to Measure a Room Accurately
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
2:39
Walk step by step through measuring a room, from a rough sketch to perimeter, wall segments, and checking for square. Learn how to build a reliable base sketch for all your future drawings.
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Recording Field Notes
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
2:28
Learn best practices for clear field notes, including one room per page, sketching before measuring, and proper feet-and-inches notation. See how to flag unusual conditions and areas that still need verifying.
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Measuring Doors, Windows, & Openings
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:09
Learn to measure openings accurately and understand the difference between nominal size and rough opening. Record window widths, heights, and sill heights, and know when to measure face-to-face versus centerline.
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Measuring Ceiling Heights & Architectural Features
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:26
Shift to vertical measuring and learn to record ceiling heights, soffits, sloped ceilings, beams, coffers, arches, and niches. Understand which drawings show this vertical information.
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From Sketches to Construction Docs
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
2:38
Learn how loose sketches become precise, coordinated construction documents through the concept, schematic, and design development phases. Understand the shift in mindset toward clarity, consistency, and responsibility.
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Choosing Scale
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:08
Learn how to choose an appropriate scale based on drawing type, space size, level of detail, and paper size. See the common scales used for plans, elevations, sections, and details.
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Construction vs. Presentation Drawings
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
4:56
Learn the difference between accurate construction drawings and expressive presentation drawings. Explore hand-rendering techniques, accessories, and how to project angled objects from plan into elevation.
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Preparing Drawings to be Portfolio Ready
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
2:19
Learn how to clean, refine, and present your drawings so they are portfolio ready. Understand what reviewers look for and how to assemble, scan, and fold a professional set.
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Careers That Rely on Hand Drafting
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:30
Explore the careers and fields that still value hand drafting, from historic preservation and small residential firms to custom millwork and education. Understand why hand drafting remains a thinking and communication tool.
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Project 3 Example
Lesson 6: Measure & Draft a Space
3:09
Get a full walkthrough of this project, where you measure a real room and hand draft a complete, scaled floor plan with your title block. Learn the requirements for walls, doors, windows, furniture, dimensions, and presentation.
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Visual Communication & Portfolio Design Course Online
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Class Introduction
Lesson 1: Portfolio Foundations
10:00
Explore the purpose of an interior design portfolio while applying foundational design principles, typography, and layout strategies to communicate design thinking professionally.
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Final Project Discussion
Lesson 1: Portfolio Foundations
10:00
Analyze a completed interior design portfolio to understand project sequencing, spread design, visual hierarchy, and narrative flow.
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Project 1 Example
Lesson 1: Portfolio Foundations
3:39
Review real portfolio layouts to identify the use of negative space, visual markers, full-bleed drawings, and graphic consistency.
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Project 1 Instructions
Lesson 1: Portfolio Foundations
8:11
Curate two-dimensional graphic design references to build a personalized inspiration library focused on layout, typography, color, and storytelling.
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Organizing Your Work
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
7:05
Select and organize interior design projects by identifying the strongest work and structuring files for a clear portfolio presentation.
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Case Studies
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
2:17
Compare professional portfolio examples to evaluate drawing styles, layout strategies, and representational approaches.
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Process and Storytelling
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
6:31
Translate design thinking into visual narratives by documenting concepts, sketches, diagrams, and technical drawings.
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Applying the Grid
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
7:04
Apply implied grid systems to align images and text while establishing consistent layout zones.
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Typography
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
5:48
Improve portfolio readability by refining typographic hierarchy, spacing, and serif versus sans-serif usage.
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Project 2 Organization
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
3:39
Organize portfolio files into a structured system that highlights strengths and aligns with professional goals.
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Project 2 Instructions
Lesson 2: Organizing Design Work, Grids, and Typography
11:12
Compile a comprehensive design image library by reviewing past projects, digitizing work, and establishing clear naming conventions.
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Page Creation and Image Placement
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
10:00
Set up a custom Adobe InDesign document by defining page size, margins, spreads, and image placement strategies.
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Form and Color
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
9:22
Enhance visual hierarchy by applying form, color, transparency, and layering techniques.
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Pages vs. Spreads
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
9:32
Distinguish between pages and spreads to determine the most effective presentation format for print and digital portfolios.
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Creating a Portfolio in Adobe InDesign
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
11:06
Navigate the Adobe InDesign workspace to assemble multi-page portfolio layouts with consistent alignment and structure.
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Adding Tiles in InDesign
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
9:35
Introduce portfolio sections using large-scale typography and graphic markers to define project transitions.
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Adding a Portfolio Introduction in InDesign
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
5:40
Design a clear portfolio introduction that establishes organization, style, and design intent.
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Using Shapes in InDesign
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
18:54
Use shapes, strokes, and fills to highlight key information and reinforce visual organization.
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Packaging and Exporting Instructions
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
7:27
Package portfolio files to preserve fonts, images, and links for reliable transfer and collaboration.
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Exporting your Portfolio from InDesign
Lesson 3: Building Portfolio Layouts in Adobe InDesign
7:51
Export portfolios for digital and print use while comparing PDF settings for pages versus spreads.
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Creating a Cover Page
Lesson 4: Portfolio Structure, Covers, and Professional Presentation
3:46
Refine portfolio introductions by balancing typography, composition, color, and white space to create a strong first impression.
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Content Structure
Lesson 4: Portfolio Structure, Covers, and Professional Presentation
3:33
Organize portfolio projects using modular layouts, grid systems, and consistent visual hierarchy.
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Adding a Table of Contents and Profile Page
Lesson 4: Portfolio Structure, Covers, and Professional Presentation
4:25
Structure portfolio navigation by creating a table of contents and a concluding profile section.
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Project 3 Instructions
Lesson 4: Portfolio Structure, Covers, and Professional Presentation
7:36
Develop a master portfolio template by designing a complete project section with consistent grids, typography, and imagery.
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Creating a Resume
Lesson 5: Resume and Cover Letter Design
10:00
Build a professional interior design resume using clear hierarchy, action-driven language, and aligned visual styling.
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Developing a Cover Letter
Lesson 5: Resume and Cover Letter Design
6:22
Craft a tailored cover letter that visually and conceptually aligns with the resume while addressing targeted firms.
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Resume Final Touches
Lesson 5: Resume and Cover Letter Design
14:24
Polish resumes and cover letters by applying print, export, and presentation best practices.
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Portfolio Considerations and Revealing Your Process
Lesson 6: Final Portfolio Refinement and Presentation Strategy
10:00
Evaluate portfolio readiness by identifying audience goals, curating strong work, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
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Various Drawing Types
Lesson 6: Final Portfolio Refinement and Presentation Strategy
6:12
Select diverse drawing types to communicate concept development, technical strategy, and design intent.
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Final Rendering and Money Shot
Lesson 6: Final Portfolio Refinement and Presentation Strategy
5:23
Emphasize final renderings as persuasive visuals that convey materiality, lighting, and spatial experience.
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Understanding and Applying Proximity
Lesson 6: Final Portfolio Refinement and Presentation Strategy
8:06
Apply proximity principles to strengthen hierarchy, grouping, and narrative clarity.
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Project 4 Instructions
Lesson 6: Final Portfolio Refinement and Presentation Strategy
7:53
Assemble a comprehensive final portfolio that demonstrates design growth, technical skill, and professional presentation.
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Digital vs. Hard Copy Output
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
7:46
Compare digital and hardcopy portfolio formats to determine the best approach for sharing, printing, and interviews.
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Digital Layout
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
3:09
Optimize digital portfolio layouts for screen-based viewing, scrolling, and clear project sequencing.
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Portfolio Cover Considerations
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
5:13
Design a professional portfolio cover that aligns with interior layouts and reinforces a cohesive visual identity.
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Adding Hyperlinks to a Portfolio
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
3:58
Integrate interactive hyperlinks to connect portfolios to resumes, LinkedIn profiles, publications, and project materials.
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Considerations for Wrapping Up the Portfolio
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
16:49
Finalize portfolios with intentional closing content that reinforces professionalism and readiness.
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Using Your Portfolio for Job Applications
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
5:23
Prepare portfolios for submission by tailoring file size, project selection, and format to employer expectations.
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Adding Hyperlinks to a Portfolio in InDesign
Lesson 7: Portfolio Presentation, Output, and Career Use
5:17
Create functional hyperlinks in Adobe InDesign and verify interactive PDF behavior for seamless navigation.
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Curriculum
What you'll learn
- Apply the core elements and principles of design to create balanced, functional interiors
- Build color palettes using color theory and understand how color shapes mood and perception
- Draft floor plans, elevations, and construction documents that communicate a design clearly
- Plan interior spaces around how people actually move through and use them
- Select and specify materials, finishes, and textiles based on performance, durability, and design intent
- Design lighting that supports the function, comfort, and mood of a space
- Recognize furniture styles across history and cultures, and apply sustainable practices when choosing materials and furnishings
- Present your work through material boards, mood boards, and a job-ready portfolio built in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat
Course outline
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Intro to Interior Design Course Online 60 hours
Discover interior design in this thoughtfully crafted beginner’s course. Explore timeless design strategies, dive into the harmony of space planning, and learn the design elements and principles through expert-led guidance and practical projects.
- Design Elements & Principles: Familiarize yourself with the foundation of design elements and principles used to create interior design.
- Space Planning: Learn how to optimize spaces for functionality and aesthetics
- Material and Furniture Selection: Gain insight into choosing the right materials, furniture, and accessories to transform any room
- Design Trends and Styles: Explore various design styles and trends to inspire your unique creations
- Practical Skills: Develop mood boards, room layouts & design mockups to bring your vision to reality
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Color Theory for Interior Design Course Online 30 hours
Gain a deep understanding of color and its impact on interior design. Learn to apply color theory with confidence to create harmonies, communicate ideas, and design inclusive spaces for clients.
- Understand the science of color: Light, vision, pigments, and phenomena like metamerism.
- Apply color systems: RGB, CMYK, Hex, and standardized naming for clear communication.
- Master the color wheel: Create harmonies and distinguish between warm, cool, and neutral tones.
- Manipulate properties and contrast: Hue, saturation, chroma, tints, tones, shades, and visual emphasis.
- Use color psychology and cultural insights: Design palettes that influence mood and communication across audiences.
- Build professional palettes: Develop thematic, brand-aligned, and surface-specific palettes in both digital and physical formats.
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Interior Lighting Design Course Online 30 hours
This course covers the foundational principles of interior lighting design, from lighting theory and human experience to luminaire selection and lighting plans. Students will develop the technical and aesthetic skills needed to integrate effective lighting solutions into a variety of residential and commercial environments.
- Apply foundational lighting techniques to a range of residential and commercial design scenarios
- Identify and evaluate the technical considerations that inform practical lighting decisions
- Recognize the relationship between lighting choices, user experience, and the surrounding environment
- Articulate how lighting functions as a key component of an overall design aesthetic
- Integrate lighting solutions into broader design projects for both functional and visual impact
- Communicate effectively with clients, architects, and installers about lighting decisions and design intent
- Develop lighting plans that balance daylighting strategies, electric light sources, and control systems
- Produce a comprehensive lighting design project that reflects professional standards and industry conventions
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Interior Design Materials and Finishes Course Online 30 hours
This course introduces the core materials used in interior design, including masonry, wood, glass, metals, synthetics, and acoustic treatments, with an emphasis on how designers evaluate and specify finishes in real projects. The course is designed for aspiring and practicing interior designers who want a structured, materials-focused foundation that supports professional design decision-making.
- Evaluate interior materials based on performance, durability, maintenance, and design intent
- Apply masonry, concrete, stone, and brick finishes in functional and decorative interior applications
- Select and specify glass, ceramics, plaster, and gypsum materials for walls, floors, and surfaces
- Understand wood species, engineered wood products, millwork, and cabinetry detailing
- Assess metals, synthetics, laminates, and composite materials for modern interior environments
- Interpret acoustic principles and select finishes that support sound control and user comfort
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Architectural Drafting and Graphics Course Online 30 hours
This course covers the core principles and conventions of architectural and interior drafting. Students will learn to produce floor plans, elevations, sections, and details while developing the precision, clarity, and technical skills used across architecture, interior design, and construction industries.
- Understand drafting as a precise technical communication tool and explain its role across architecture, interior design, and construction industries.
- Recognize the historical evolution of drafting and explain how traditional principles inform contemporary practice.
- Apply principles of precision, hierarchy, consistency, and visual clarity to produce professional-quality drawings.
- Interpret and navigate architectural drawing sets, including plans, elevations, sections, details, title blocks, and sheet numbering systems.
- Use drafting tools, materials, and scale accurately to measure, set up, and produce technical drawings.
- Apply industry standard linework, lettering, dimensioning, and annotation conventions across a variety of drawing types.
- Draft floor plans, elevations, sections, and details using professional conventions and graphic standards.
- Measure an existing space and translate field data into a scaled, dimensioned, and annotated floor plan drawing.
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Space Planning & Design Fundamentals Course Online (Coming Soon) 30 hours
This course covers the foundational principles of interior space planning, from analyzing how people move through and use spaces to developing programmatic strategies and producing scaled, fully integrated floor plans. Students will build the spatial thinking and diagramming skills needed to approach layout decisions with clarity, intention, and a human-centered perspective.
- Analyze existing interior spaces using human-centered research methods and observational techniques
- Identify and evaluate circulation patterns, adjacencies, and spatial hierarchies within a given environment
- Apply core design principles such as proportion, scale, balance, and visual weight at the plan level
- Translate programmatic requirements into zoning, adjacency, and bubble diagrams that inform spatial decision-making
- Develop and test multiple planning strategies before committing to a final layout
- Produce clear, scaled floor plans with appropriate furniture layouts and circulation clearances
- Integrate lighting intent and material concepts to reinforce spatial function and user experience
- Communicate spatial ideas effectively through diagrams, drawings, and concise written explanations
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Textiles & Soft Finishes for Interior Design Course Online 30 hours
This course covers the full scope of textiles and soft finishes in interior design, from understanding fiber types and fabric construction to evaluating performance standards and developing professional specification skills. Students will build the material literacy needed to select, source, and present textile choices effectively across a wide range of residential and commercial applications.
- Trace the journey of textiles from fiber to finished application and explain how each stage influences aesthetics, performance, and end use
- Differentiate between fiber types, yarn constructions, and fabric formations, and assess how each affects durability, texture, and function
- Evaluate textile performance using industry testing standards, interpret abrasion ratings, and apply basic flammability and code requirements to material selections
- Analyze how pattern, scale, texture, and surface design influence spatial perception and overall design intent
- Select appropriate textiles for a range of interior applications, balancing aesthetic goals with performance, maintenance, and sustainability considerations
- Specify textiles using industry standards, including reading fabric labels, calculating yardage, and completing professional specification documentation
- Navigate trade resources, sourcing channels, and the textile production pipeline to make informed purchasing and budgeting decisions
- Present textile selections professionally through cohesive material boards and confident use of industry terminology
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Global Styles and Furniture Course Online (Coming Soon) 30 hours
Discover how furniture shapes the way we live, from iconic historical styles to modern movements, materials, and ergonomics. Students learn to recognize, evaluate, and communicate furnishing solutions for both residential and commercial interiors.
- Define furniture typologies and explain how furnishings support lifestyle, function, wellness, and spatial experience
- Identify residential furniture categories and evaluate how they support different living patterns
- Recognize major historical furniture periods and their defining stylistic characteristics
- Analyze modern movements such as Bauhaus, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Art Deco, and Minimalism
- Explain furniture construction, materials, joinery, upholstery, and manufacturing methods
- Apply ergonomic and anthropometric principles to evaluate comfort, accessibility, and usability
- Differentiate residential and commercial furnishings and their performance requirements
- Evaluate sustainability, adaptive reuse, and ethical considerations in furniture selection
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Sustainable Interior Design Course Online (Coming Soon) 60 hours
Build a foundation in sustainable interior design for residential and commercial spaces. Students explore material selection, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and life cycle thinking through hands-on projects that balance aesthetics, function, and environmental impact.
- Apply sustainable design principles to interior spaces
- Identify environmentally responsible materials and finishes
- Evaluate energy efficiency and resource conservation strategies
- Explain how design decisions affect occupant health and wellbeing
- Communicate sustainable design solutions effectively to clients and collaborators
- Integrate sustainability into residential and commercial design projects
- Analyze the environmental impact of common interior design decisions
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Visual Communication & Portfolio Design Course Online 60 hours
Gain hands-on experience designing professional portfolios as you explore layout techniques, enhance visual storytelling, and showcase your creative identity with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
- Apply design principles to create visually compelling portfolios
- Use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat for layout and image editing
- Organize and present design projects with clarity and consistency
- Design resumes and cover letters that complement your portfolio
- Prepare both digital and print portfolios for professional interviews
- Tailor your portfolio to match specific firms and job opportunities
- Understand portfolio presentation strategies for career advancement