Frequently asked questions
Q. I’m not sure which course is right for me – how do I find out?
If you are overseas, ring or email to fix a time when we can talk to you over the phone.
Q. I am looking at other schools, how does your school differ?
A. Each student is unique and, equally, each school has different qualities and personality. Look at each of them – read the curriculum, visit the schools, talk to tutors and past students. Assess the cost and quality of the teaching.
The Interior Design School offers students training which is in line with the industry and aimed at the individual. The philosophy is founded on an architectural integrity – we concentrate on the interior space. Decoration is not considered to be a superficial extra – colour, texture and pattern are integrated into the design process. Classes are small and focussed and students are encouraged to work as part of a team.
Q. Will I get a job at the end of the course?
A. This is one of the most asked questions and one of the most difficult to answer. Obviously it depends on each individual’s application and desire to succeed. Saying that, we have a high success rate in the industry. We work hard to identify each student’s specialities and find them work placements that can help to develop them in that particular direction.
It is also import to remember that skills learned in previous careers – be it finance, law, marketing or sales – can give students additional attributes that employers are looking for.
Q. Do I need to be good at art / able to draw?
A. Most students come to us having not done much drawing since school (and because this is mid-career training, this could be 25 years ago!).
An integrated part of the course is freehand drawing. One of the main things to remember is that you need plenty of practice and to learn to let go of inhibitions.
We teach three types of drawing, all of which are skills that can be learnt:
Freehand drawing – for creative ideas
Design drawing – to sell the idea
Construction drawing – to build the agreed design.
We can assure you that before they start the course the majority of students say they “can’t draw” - but just look at the examples of work they produce by the end of the course!
Q. Will I learn computer design skills? Which software do you teach?
A. Computer Aided Design skills are taught as an integral part of the Diploma course and students are encouraged to show a mixture of hand drawn and computer generated work in their portfolios. The software is Vectorworks, which is used throughout the interior design industry.
Q. Will I need my own computer?
A. The studio is Mac based and we encourage students to work with a compatible Mac laptop. Our technical team can advise on relevant specifications for hardware and software.
Q. What special equipment will I need?
A. The studio has the required drawing materials and equipment for each course. As each student develops their interest they are encouraged to purchase items to build up their own equipment kit.
Q. I will have to move to London to do this course. What help do you offer with accommodation?
A. Although we don’t offer accommodation on our courses, we are happy to give details of local estate agents for anyone looking to rent accommodation in the area.
Q. Can I study for the diploma in the evenings?
A. The Diploma is an intensive course that can only be studied full time. However, the Evening Courses, Certificate 1 and Certificate 2 give students the skills and portfolio for residential interior design, which is equivalent to the first term of the Diploma.
The Interior Design School 22 Lonsdale Road, Queens Park, London NW6 6RD • T +44 (0)20 7372 2811 • F +44 (0)20 7328 9257