Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential)

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"Upon attending Open Day, I really liked the whole Billy Blue College vibe. Everyone was very friendly and I knew I would fit into the environment. The lecturers also seemed really design passionate and industry connected which was inspiring at such a young age. "

Kelly Doyle | Graduate

This course creates designers who have the skills and creativity to respond and adapt to the future challenges of sustainable residential design for 21st Century housing, high-rise living, mobile, multi-purpose and adaptive reuse environments.

Throughout your studies into residential interior design, you will engage with the theoretical and practical elements of designing residential interiors. This Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential) course will lead you to explore and respond to contemporary issues impacting residential interior design thinking such as our aging population, homelessness, evolving gender roles and definitions of family. You will unpack and understand frontier theory that informs the notion of home in both physical and virtual environments.

As a future-ready interior designer, new technologies and environmentally sustainable practices will be part of your learning. You will understand the impact in the selection of materiality, lighting, joinery, furniture and technology systems such as artificial intelligence robotics and interactive audio visual systems.

You will make residential environments a reality through documentation, contract management, professional design practice and cross-disciplinary interaction. You will also have the opportunity to apply theory to practice by creating a range of residential interior design solutions for real clients and can apply for an internship with one of our leading partners as part of your study.

Course Rules

To be awarded the Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential), students will need to complete 240 credit points over 24 subjects as outlined in the Course Structure below. Each subject has a value of 10 credit points

Course Structure

The course structure comprises 8 common core subjects, 15 specialised subjects and 1 elective subject over Levels 100, 200 and 300, as follows:

Level 100

3 common core subjects + 5 specialised subjects

Level 200

3 common core subjects + 4 specialised subjects 1 elective subject

Level 300

2 common core subjects + 6 specialised subjects

See Subject Information below for more detail.

CRICOS CODE
090302G

Key Study Outcomes:

  • Make residential environments a reality
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues impacting residential interior design thinking
  • Materiality, lighting, joinery, furniture and technology systems
  • Creating a range of residential interior design solutions for real clients
  • Opportunity to intern at one of our leading partners

About the School

Billy Blue College of Design courses are delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.

Read more about Billy Blue College of Design

Billy Blue College of Design

Course Delivery

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Workload and Assessment

No. of timetabled hours per week:

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 timetabled study hours and 7 personal study hours (which may include a facilitated online component).

Typical assessment includes:

  • Practical assignments

  • Research projects

  • Presentations

Subject Information

Systems and Documentation 1 introduces students to the different construction systems applicable to the design of nominated interiors, and how design solutions are communicated to stakeholders (contract managers, consultants and contractors) through contract documentation. Students will develop a series of documentation drawings for a small scale nominated environment.

This subject examines perspectives on models of practice relevant to Interior Design. It examines design practice in response to changing needs and requirements of clients and design briefs. It also explores the strategies used for expressing ideas, and the design skills required to communicate them. The purpose of the subject is for students to gain knowledge in foundation level design practice relevant to Interior Design. The design process workflow from original idea to review of work in progress, revision, presentation and
reflection is explored.

This subject investigates the evolution of built environment design. It explores major art and architectural movements throughout history and the development of contemporary design by investigating significant turning points and historic milestones.

This subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing an area within a spatial environment whilst identifying and activating an urban site, with consideration of the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their research and knowledge of environments, identifying design related and environmental imperatives in the realisation of design briefs.

The purpose of this subject is to introduce the fundamental theories, practices, and methods for developing three-dimensional design. The subject covers 3D concepts and techniques, as well as practice in contemporary industry software. The subject investigates the integration of modelling, texture and light in three-dimensional space. Concept development is practiced in a range of spatial activities, investigating the relationship of spatial projects to a target audience. Development in professional work disciplines for design practice is key to the delivery of this subject.

This subject examines the way design ideas are generated. Students will explore concepts of assimilation, synthesis and transformation and will develop an understanding of reflective design practice.

A foundation language of experimentation, risk-taking and problem solving is introduced, combined with theories of ideas generation and their transformation into a design outcome.

In addition, students will investigate a variety of methods and techniques to understand design innovation through individual and group exploration and analysis

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.

The subject introduces the student to various aspects of the elements of design, e.g. materiality, form and shape, colour, positive and negative space etc. utilised in creative problem solving. Initially students are introduced to a design development process, from the tangible to the digital; through paper model making with its inherent skills development and risk taking, then on to further digital development using newly introduced software. Concurrent, weekly, individual homework tasks focus on understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties and the manufacturing processes related to them. Students will make incremental progress towards choosing a material in which their individual design can be realised. The submission will include a material and colour folio. The final submission will be a model executed in an appropriate material with its function/usage contextualised with all relevant information gleaned throughout the trimester.

This introductory subject places design process and practice within the context of a chronological survey of major historical eras of influence. Students are encouraged to engage with the historical socio-political movements influencing design trends of each era through research and reflection. Academic skills (research, referencing, essay writing, and sentence structure) and design software skills are taught in weekly lessons. Students use the academic and software skills to document historical research and generate creative responses to the themes of historical eras.

The elective subject can be taken from levels 100, 200 or 300 in any Torrens University course, subject to availability and Program Director’s approval. Prerequisites and other rules apply.

Systems and Documentation 2 (Residential) continues to develop the student’s understanding of the different construction systems applicable to residential design applicable to small to mid-scale projects. It also investigates how design solutions are communicated to stakeholders (contract managers, consultants and contractors)- namely through documentation, specifications and contract management. Students will develop a complete set of documentation drawings for their nominated residential design proposal. The tutorials and assessments will all be carried out using computer aided documentation.

The aim of this subject is for students to develop and employ Major specific skills to discover and define a design problem followed by the development and delivery of an outcome whilst employing collaboration and negotiation skills. Every individual works towards prototypes, instigated and critiqued through group collaboration. The construct of this subject is “Problem Based Learning*” (PBL). Students work in groups towards an individual solution as a result of critique and research as a basis for PBL. In allocated groups, individual knowledge and skills are brought back to the groups for discussion and sharing. During these collaborations students benefit from the knowledge and skills and critique of the other group members. The PBL process is staged in 2 sets, students are assessed on their 1) collaboration skills; 2) individual research skills; and 3) individual project solution reached at the end of the subject. *Problem-based learning (PBL) is a method of learning and teaching which allows students to focus on how and what they will learn. An unfamiliar problem, situation or task is presented to the students (by the lecturer or tutor) and students are required to determine for themselves how they will go about solving the problem. This usually occurs through small group work and allows students to utilise their prior knowledge in the topic area and identify the gaps in their knowledge as they attempt to solve the problem. PBL is a studentcentred approach to learning that encourages students to be selfdirected, interdependent and independent as they attempt to solve the set problem.

The aim of this subject is for students to develop and employ their digital skills to answer to, and present a design outcome whilst developing collaboration skills. The project outcome focuses on the digital application of the design solution. This can be by means of 3D printing of the prototypes and/or digital augmentation of a physical 3D environment or 2D document. The construct of this subject is “Problem Based Learning*” (PBL). Students work in groups towards the digitised solution. In allocated groups students bring their individual knowledge and skills back to their groups for discussion and sharing. During these collaborations students benefit from the knowledge and skills of the other group members. The PBL process is staged in 3 sets of 8 steps and students are assessed on their 1) collaboration skills; 2) individual research skills; and 3) group project solution reached at the end of the subject. *Problem-based learning (PBL) is a method of learning and teaching which allows students to focus on how and what they will learn. An unfamiliar problem, situation or task is presented to the students (by the lecturer or tutor) and students are required to determine for themselves how they will go about solving the problem. This usually occurs through small group work and allows students to utilise their prior knowledge in the topic area and identify the gaps in their knowledge as they attempt to solve the problem. PBL is a studentcentred approach to learning that encourages students to be selfdirected, interdependent and independent as they attempt to solve the set problem.

Scheduling Interiors 2 (Residential) introduces the student to the practical knowledge required to specify soft materials in a residential environment. It recognises the importance of developing appropriate aesthetics to reflect a concept developed from a client brief as well as the importance of sustainable practices in residential design. This subject focuses on educating the student in the suitability and appropriateness of soft materials to the specification of any residential interior, investigating flooring, bedding, window treatments and furniture. The role of quality assurance and its importance in realising an efficient and effective residential project is also investigated.

Theories of Space and Place 2 explores theories and issues relevant to the design of residential environments in the 21 Century. The subject focuses on the study of human behaviour and psychology and how this contributes to the research, conceptualisation and delivery of a residential design solution. It explores the notion of ‘home’ and how this translates to a ‘physical’ or ‘digital’ environment as well as the relationship of ‘home’ to a broader socio/political and cultural context.

Theories of Space and Place 2 also explores pertinent issues related to the contemporary residential experience such as the environment, gender, age and disability.

The subject introduces business practices such as costing, time management, value engineering and general models of monetising and valuing output typical of a variety of design industries. Case study analyses’ of a typical design industry business practices, domestic and international, acquaint students with the differences and similarities that exist. Students learn about contractual agreements, and where appropriate become familiar with international shipping and distribution terms as well as an introduction to design copyright laws. Initial overview of time allocation practices and the creation and understanding costing terms such as: Bill Of Material (BOM) /Scope of Work / Deliverables used in typical projects is followed by application. Students plan a project from start to finish through to the development of an appropriate project management plan for their particular industry such as time management charts with typical dependencies highlighted and costed.

The theoretical base of this subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing interiors for both single and double storey residential environments whilst appreciating the growing demand for the application of sustainable design practices- not only in materials and technologies but also in the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution.

Students will integrate their research and knowledge of residential environments, and environmental imperatives into the creative realisation of project briefs.

This subject gives students the opportunity to:

  • work as an intern within a professional design studio for a period of time or
  • participate in live incubator projects supplied by industry professionals.

This experience encourages students to build relationships within their design industry and exposes them to the rigors of the real world design practice whilst building their confidence in their chosen field.

This subject also aims to cultivate a broader understanding of professional design industry portfolios, exploring contemporary styles and methods of presentation as well as analysing employment target markets. This is enhanced through self-directed research that assists students to acquire an understanding of the specific needs and preferences of industry in their chosen area of interest.

This subject provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of relevant design history and theories and their application to change and innovation within contemporary practice.

Central to this subject will be the application of contemporary design thinking in the critical reflection of their own, and their peers, creative output. Students will also gain insight into evaluating design outcomes in response to user feedback. The subject is designed and delivered from an interior designer perspective and draws on the student’s knowledge of design history and innovation. This subject also draws on the student’s own experience as a design consumer.

Systems and Documentation 4 (Residential) extends the student’s knowledge and communication of different construction systems for a nominated residential design proposal. Students are required to complete a full documentation package for their nominated design proposal.

Students will be offered the opportunity to work within a professional design studio experience for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will be matched to an appropriate mentor at the placement site and monitored by an academic in the discipline of study.

Here for good. We believe society is best served when our students, faculty, and our entire organisation use our collective skills and experience to create positive and lasting change. Our students and graduates are improving lives and making our world better. Our institutions are providing the critical skills, knowledge and support to help make this happen. Social Enterprise is an exciting theoretical based subject driven by the desire to create positive change through entrepreneurial activities. By providing students with a framework to understand business model generation and the skills to source, evaluate, and measure opportunities, Social Enterprise empowers students to conceptualise, develop, and propose new ventures that focus primarily on social change for good. In addition, this subject helps students understand and analyse different entrepreneurial business strategies, as well as incorporate theoretical discussions on major trends and issues in the social economy.

The theoretical base of this subject will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the complexities of designing large scale residential developments whilst appreciating the growing demand for the application of sustainable design practices – not only in materials and technologies but also in the longevity and adaptability of the final design solution. Students will integrate their research and knowledge of large scale residential environments into the creative realisation of project briefs. Students will also prepare specification documents and schedules for part of a large scale residential development.

Systems and Documentation 3 (Residential) develops the students understanding of the different construction systems applicable to the design of residential environments, and how design solutions are communicated to stakeholders (contract managers, consultants and contractors)- namely through documentation, and contract documentation (e.g. function and
construction of stairs). Students will develop a complete set of documentation drawings for a nominated design proposal. The tutorial and assessments will all be carried out using computer aided documentation.

Emerging Design Technologies: Residential examines the technology focused theories affecting the experiential nature of design for residential environments in both the physical and digital arena. It examines how technology is influencing the experience of living, sleeping, cleansing and any activity associated with the perception of ‘home’. It examines a global context of changing perceptions of ‘residing’ and how the residential environment is being redefined by environmental and technological trends. This subject also explores the emerging factors influencing the residential experience of virtual worlds, film and animation.

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