Interior Design, AutoCAD & Revit

Course Description

In this intensive 1-year course, students will learn to evaluate, formulate and implement creative design solutions to meet the functional and aesthetic needs of the client. They will also explore the relationship of interior design to decorative styles, materials and finishes, crafts, technology, international standards and professional practice.

Students will be introduced to both traditional and computer aided drafting skills using AutoCAD and Revit, which introduces students to basic information, skills, and concepts related to drafting and design and 3D rendering. Special attention is given to sketching, measurement, room planning, auxiliary views.

Students receive a through grounding in the practical and technical aspects of the subject. They will be equipped to draw plans, create models and work with contractors in the market.

ID DTC 01: Interior Design and Construction

The Fundamentals of Design: The aim of this unit is to provide the student with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to be a successful interior designer. This includes all stages of the interior design (project) process – including the importance of research, how to find initial ideas, developing an idea, documenting work, all the way to presenting your final design scheme. In addition, we will explore the basic interior design principles and how they apply to everyday interiors. Colours, textiles and lighting in interiors will also be covered. During (and outside) class, mini projects will be produced which will help to apply the skills learned to real-life projects.

ID DTC 02: Interior Design and Construction

The Fundamentals of Construction: It is crucial for Interior Designers to be knowledgeable in construction methods and techniques in order to effectively communicate and collaborate with builders, contractors, and vendors, as well as to create viable solutions for the clients. In this class various building systems will be introduced and explained. Along with the lecture material, the students will be asked to explore their local building codes and practices, and will be given assignments accordingly. By the completion of this course, the students will feel confident in taking up various renovation and interior design projects.

ID AC 01: AutoCad and Revit

The aim of this course is to arm you with necessary technical drafting and presentation skills, and to prepare you to create sets of construction documents (plans, elevations, sections, and details) using AutoCAD.  Revit will follow to teach photo-realistic 3D renderings for those who want to continue to learn this program.  In the light of abbreviated time frame in comparison to a traditional Interior Design program, we will make the most of the time we have in this class by applying the skills learned to a real-life project. Each student will select and complete a project that is local, and will end up at the end with a portfolio worthy material.

Instructors

Rivkah Albinder
Rivkah (Tatyana) Albinder holds dual degree in Computer Science and Interior Architecture and Design, and has over 14 years of combined experience as an engineer and an interior architect. Among others, she worked for such prominent firms as Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Carlene Anderson Design in the United States, and had a pleasure to work on a wide variety of projects all over the world, including Harvard Law School, RDV lounge in Meatpacking district of New York City, a resort in Korea, a luxury flat in The Plaza Hotel in New York City, and others. In 2004 she was featured in a design show “Designer Finals” on Home and Garden TV network. Ms. Albinder enjoys solving complex construction and design problems and is eager to share the knowledge with young designers who are eager to learn and take on new challenges.

Tovit Kelly
Having gained her Interior Design qualifications through graduate studies from the Architectural Interior Design program with Montreal’s Academy of Arts and Design School in 2003, Tovit has since cultivated an extensive background in residential and corporate interiors. In 2010 Tovit was chosen as the sole Canadian winner of the California Paints Color Challenge. Her winning color combinations are featured and published in California Paints’ exclusive 2011 interior/exterior color cards and online gallery. With her passion for art, design and architecture, Tovit continues to upgrade her skills and create new visions with training, teaching and offering mini-design workshops. Tovit’s incredible artistic vision and strong technical background has enabled her to build a thriving practice as an independent Interior Architect within Canada and the U.S.A.
Tovit draws upon her expertise in architectural and building technology, as well as, design elements and trends to meet challenges, respect constraints and find the right solutions for all her clients. From initial contact through to completion of the project, Tovit is directly involved in all stages of projects. Her roles encompass working with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors. She is proficient in design, working drawings, contract administration, and design implementation. Her unique philosophy proudly ensures designs that meet the functional and aesthetic needs of her clients today, while providing long term sustainability for tomorrow.

Adeena Kohn
Adeena Kohn is an Interior designer currently based in Montreal, Canada and owns her own design studio. Her projects span a broad range from architectural elements, space planning and design, 3D art and graphics. Prior to returning to her Montreal hometown, Adeena lived in Haifa, Israel for two years where she first worked as a 3D designer at Arcreative (today called Arcreative Medical) and then as an interior designer in the architecture department of Topolski, one of the most prominent upscale home improvement firms in Israel.
Adeena has earned her degree in Interior Design at Dawson College’s intensive three year program in Montreal. Since graduating, she has returned to Dawson several times, at the invitation of her former professors, to give workshops on the latest in interior design software. She is highly proficient in many aspects of design, from hand drafting and sketching to AutoCAD, 3dsMax, Photoshop, and Sketchup. Adeena‘s advanced technical skills, creative solutions and love for the industry have helped her succeed in her own work and in passing on her knowledge and experience to future peers.

Entrance Criteria

Students do not need any background to join this course, although a healthy interest in Interior Design is important, as is a good level of computer competence.

Opportunities after the course

For all the list below, work experience is recommended before employment. A portfolio – which will be produced during the courses is also required to show the employers your talents, plus a good eye (for design) and creative flair.

• Interior designer or decorator working for a company or for another Interior Designer or starting your own freelance practice.
• Buying- involved in buying the right merchandise for stores or department stores. Sectors include fashion, footwear, accessories, electrical, lighting and furniture or home – which would be most relevant.
• Visual merchandising- the presentation of the merchandise in stores, for example; designing shop fronts. You can work in the office doing the drawings or been an in store visual merchandiser sorting the displays to maximise sales and promote trends.
• Museum or exhibition design
• Materials Librarian
• Property Management – working for a company that maintain and look after properties
• Property Development – refurbishing properties in order to increase their resale value
• Bathroom/Kitchen Designer- this could be doing the space planning work or working in the showroom advising customers
• Set Design- designing back drops for television shows and other media, like theater.
• Advertising (marketing) – visual display for promoting & to achieve the correct impact. This area is very wide and there are lots of opportunities in different departments.