Residential Design Certificate Program

Harcum College now offers the Main Line’s first Residential Design Certificate Program, offering men and women the fundamental principles of designing and decorating residential interior spaces. 

Students will learn how to read and draw floor plans, select fabrics, finishes, furniture, lighting, paint and accessories.  Through this program, students will be able to design rooms from conception to completion. Discovery of personal taste and style evolve as students progress. Using creative problem solving, they will learn how to transform a room into a welcoming environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

All courses are taught by professionals and educators working in the field of interior design, architecture and art.  Small classes allow for individualized instruction.  Students will participate in field trips to local businesses, furniture stores, showrooms, and design firms.  All courses are conveniently offered in the evenings and on Saturdays.  The certificate can be completed in two to four semesters.

Requirements for completion of the Residential Design Certificate Program:  Successfully complete six required Residential Design Courses and one elective. (Courses do not have to be taken in sequence.)  Residential design courses are also open to non-certificate students for personal enrichment.

Courses:

DESIGN I :  This course is an introduction to drawing methods (including drafting) required for a designer to communicate their design ideas.  Students will learn how to read and develop floor plans, elevations, and sample boards to convey their concepts.  Throughout the semester, students will work on several small residential projects and will be critiqued by professional designers in the field.

COLOR THEORY :  Students will study basic theories of color and its affect on emotions, appetite, vision, and human behavior.  Creating color Harmony in Interiors will be explored through the study and application of analogous and complementary paint colors.  The class will build a strong color awareness that can be applied to their design projects.  Field trips to local businesses and homes scheduled.

FABRICS, FINISHES, AND MATERIALS:   This course will provide an introduction and understanding of the selection of Fabrics, Finishes, and Materials used in interiors on Furniture, walls, floors, window treatments and accessories.  Students will also be introduced to "Green Design" and study environmentally friendly fabrics and finishes.  A visit to the Marketplace Design Center is scheduled for this course.

LIGHTING AND ATMOSPHERE:   Students will focus on the basics of lighting to enhance the impact of their designs.  They will learn the fundamentals of task, ambient, and direct lighting.  Projects will address designing and solving lighting challenges in any given space.  Emphasis will be on creating mood and atmosphere through lighting design. Course includes field trips to Lighting Design Centers.

FURNITURE:   This course will provide an overview of furniture styles.  The students will become familiar with both design elements and quality in furniture and be able to identify and recognize both. Projects will include the selection of furniture for room designs and mixing furniture styles to achieve a collected sense of style.  Course includes field trip to Sheffield's Furniture.

ACCESSORIES:   This course focuses on the art of accessorizing.  Homes should be visually pleasing and emotionally satisfying.  Incorporating a personal sense of style is important in any room and can be achieved through special tricks and touches.  Students will explore ideas for creative accessorizing and share them with the class.  Projects will include visits to several students' homes and a trip to the Marketplace Design Center.

ELECTIVES:
1. Business Practices
2. Green Design for the Home
3. Digital Photography
4. Design II
5. Rendering Techniques
6. Freehand drawing techniques for Design

Students who complete the Certificate program may enter the field of Design as an assistant to a Residential Designer, sales representative for the home furnishings industry, home staging for the real-estate industry, retail furniture sales, and as a decorator.

For more information please contact:

Heidi Techner
Program Director for Interior Design
610-526-6095
htechner@harcum.edu