Design & Arts College of New Zealand

Diploma of Interior Design is a Level 5 program training interior and product designers, visual merchandising designers, color merchandise consultants, restoration workers and sales representatives in relevant skills such as knowledge of products, ergonomics, three dimensional designing, construction work, interior designing and soft furnishing. The graduates of the program may go on to study Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) from Lincoln University or Bachelor of Interior and Architecture from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

The course focuses on design concepts and practical skills such as study of market trends, technical planning, use of specialist materials and problem solving skills. Students gain understanding of furniture and furnishing and use of CAD to help them create virtual scenes. They also learn to appreciate cultural, social and psychological aspects of designing and adapt their work to the needs and desires of the clients. Industry visits and exposure to real-life working of design studios and textile factories, business skills such as accounting and marketing, portfolio creation and exhibition at the end of the year are some of the highlights of the course.