The UK’s leading provider of Interior Design qualifications online
DIPLOMA COURSE GUIDE
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National Design Academy Head Office and Studios - Nottingham, UK
Dear Design Enthusiast,
Welcome to the National Design Academy National Design Academy (NDA) has been established for 35 years, and is the UK’s leading provider of fully accredited Interior Design courses. We offer flexible, part-time courses that fit around your work and personal commitments; from Diploma courses to Master’s Degrees. Study online through the NDA’s own Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) and gain qualifications that are recognised throughout this vibrant and lucrative industry. We offer Diplomas in Interior Design, Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings and Garden Design. All NDA Diplomas are accredited by AIM Awards. Starting with an NDA Diploma course will give you the skills required to design your own projects or to start your own small business to help family and friends with theirs. For a career in interior design you can then progress onto a Degree course with the same flexible method of study. There are no examinations for our courses; all progress is carried out through assignments. If you need help, our experienced tutor team are happy to provide support through the NDA helpline, email or personal tutorial. You can also exchange ideas and share your work with fellow students on our lively community forum. Most importantly, NDA courses are industry-led, we provide our students with the best preparation for a career in design, and the commercial and entrepreneurial skills to start their own business. The NDA has trained thousands of successful interior designers, many of whom are running their own business or working for prestigious design practices around the world. At NDA we are passionate about design and helping our students to achieve their goals.
Pauline Riley
Academy Director
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Reasons for studying with NDA Accredited:
Flexible:
Affordable:
Trusted:
Supported:
Progression:
NDA believes that all your hard work studying should be rewarded by a recognised awarding body. NDA Diplomas are accredited by AIM Awards, a UK National Awarding Body registered with OFQUAL.
NDA is a ‘Not for Profit’ Foundation, meaning profits are used to maintain low fees and scholarships for the benefit of our students.
As well as a dedicated student support team you will be assigned your own personal tutor who you can contact via telephone, video call or email from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm for advice and guidance about your work and to discuss your progression through your course.’
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Learning and life sometimes clash and because we don’t always know what’s ahead of us, flexible learning with the NDA balances a structured programme with individual choice, allowing you to work at your own pace and still achieve your aspirational goals.
Established for 35 years, NDA is the UK’s leading provider of recognised Interior Design courses.
Once you have successfully completed an NDA Diploma you can progress onto an online degree with NDA, with a progression scholarship to reduce tuition fees.
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NDA Diploma Courses All NDA Diploma Courses can be studied either flexibly Online or In-Studio.
Online (Flexible): Studying flexibly online by distance learning, makes the NDA Diploma courses accessible to everyone anywhere in the world. Choose your own start date and decide when and where you study, there are no set terms and semesters. The Diploma is designed to let you study around your family, work or other commitments and to suit your lifestyle. Most students complete the course comfortably within 6 to 12 months but you can complete even sooner if you have more free time. Your assignments will be design projects, and assessed by your Personal Tutor who you can contact as often as you wish – you will not have to take an examination. NDA has been delivering design qualifications for 35 years so we know a thing or two about online and distance learning. We have designed our online courses to be flexible and very user-friendly.
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In-Studio Fast-Track: As an alternative to flexible online study our live ‘In-Studio’ Diploma courses allow you to join other design enthusiasts for a more hands-on and collaborative approach to learning. It is particularly useful if you are looking to fast-track your qualification, either for a new career or if you would like to study for a degree.
Week 1
In-Studio
Week 2
Home Study Online
As shown in the course schedule on the right, you study two weeks in-studio, each followed by weeks of home study to complete about 30 hours of design projects, with full access to your course and help from your Tutor. You can be qualfied in just 12 weeks!
Week 3
Home Study Online
Week 4
Home Study Online
Receive hands-on advice directly from our highly experienced NDA Tutors, and enjoy working with the fantastic mix of students on the course, helping to create an exciting, friendly and dynamic class and the chance to share ideas with fellow up and coming designers.
Week 5
Home Study Online
Week 6
Home Study Online
Week 7
In-Studio
Week 8
Home Study Online
Week 9
Home Study Online
Week 10
Home Study Online
Week 11
Home Study Online
Week 12
Home Study Online
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ONLINE FAST-TRACK 8
Online Fast-Track (via Zoom): With twice weekly live Zoom classes, the Online Fast-Tracked Diploma combines the intensive pace of the ‘In-Studio FastTrack’ Diploma and the convenience of the ‘Online Flexible’ Diploma. This 14-week course is ideal for those students wanting to study from home and speed up their learning in a live environment. 2.5hr live lectures are organised two days per week for an 8 week study period that covers each of the 8 subject units in the Diploma course, one unit per week. Up to 4 ‘Independent Study’ weeks are included within the duration of your course to complete any unfinished assignments.
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Course Content Students have access to a detailed online resource which replaces the normal lectures given in Colleges and Universities. This provides links to other online resources and may contain videos, images, quizzes and other detailed information.
Student Community
The online “community” allows students to interact with other students, ask questions, share work and gain support from over 2000 online students and graduates.
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All students have an allocated tutor to guide them through their qualification and they can contact their tutor by telephone, video call or email. We also have a dedicated student support and administration team to help deal with any other queries such as payments, student loans advice and anything else you may need a helping hand with.
“The panel commended the student support and engagement provided by tutors and noted that tutors were able to respond quickly to questions or requests for support via telephone or email.” University Review
SUPPORT
Here to Help
Design taught online? The Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) The VLS is our exclusive, online learning resource which replaces the normal lectures given in Colleges and Universities. This is where you will find all of your course content consisting of interactive reading, videos, images, quizzes and lectures. Here you will also find a wealth of additional content such as how-to guides, software support guides and tutorials and also links to a gallery of former student work were you can find whole new inspiration. The nature of the online platform means you can work through content at your own pace and students can rewind and re-watch any video content until they are sure they have understood. No frantic note taking and no missing an important lecture! Study when and where it suits you!
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“Everything that I needed was there and very clear... Good as always, plenty of information when needed” Comment taken from former student.
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OPEN DAY 14
Our Open Days are delivered online via Zoom, and they are the perfect opportunity to get a real feel for the Academy and the courses that are offered. When you attend an NDA Open Day online, you can meet our Tutors, who will explain all aspects of our courses, from ’what’ and ‘how’ you will study, to student loans, funding and payment options. You will be able to see examples of student work for all courses, with a demonstration of how the course is delivered through our online platform, the Virtual Learning Studio. You will also find out about the different study options and how the in-studio and Zoom programmes are managed to fast-track your qualification. Each Open Day aims to give you a real feel for design, as well as offering a chance for you to ask our expert Tutor Team any questions you may have. Please Register your interest here.
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DISCOVER OUR DIPLOMA COUR 16
R RSES Diploma courses provide the perfect introduction to the world of design and you don’t need any previous qualifications to study. All Diplomas can be studied flexibly online, around your work or family commitments. Alternatively, you can choose to follow a programme that blends online study with instudio or Zoom sessions: these options allow you to fast-track your way to qualification. In-studio courses offer the chance to reduce the time taken to gain your qualification by offering two weeks of intensive training on-site at either our head office in Nottingham (UK) or our studio in Dubai (UAE). Students taking this option can complete their qualification in 12-weeks. Combining the intensive pace of the ‘In-studio course’ and the convenience of the ‘Online Flexible course’ the ‘Online Fast-Tracked’ 14 week diploma is ideal for those students who want to study from home and speed up their learning in a more structured way.
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Diploma in Professional Interior Design About the course:
The Diploma in Professional Interior Design is the perfect course if you have creative ideas and would like help putting them into practice. This Diploma is a great introduction to interior design and will provide you with the skills you need to design your own projects with style, to start your own business or enter a design career; and it will even give you the confidence to move on to study an online degree with NDA! There are eight units to study and they will provide you with a wide and detailed knowledge of the inspiring world of interiors. From the history of interior design to choosing the colours for a contemporary scheme, the Diploma course covers it all. You will be working from concept stage, through to design development and final proposal stage for a residential project. You will learn about the role of the interior designer, design inspiration, colour for interiors, drawing and space planning, wall and floor finishes, soft furnishings, furniture and accessories, lighting and professional practice. You’ll also learn how to establish industry contacts, where to source fabrics, furnishings and samples, and even how to start your own design business.
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Entry requirements:
Students are required to have a good standard of written English and be able to read and understand English. There are no academic requirements, just a keen interest in interior design!
How long does the course last? Online Flexible: 8-10 months
Online Fast-Track (via Zoom): 14 Weeks In-Studio Fast-Track: 12 Weeks
Qualifications awarded:
Externally accredited Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design through AIM Qualifications and NDA’s own Certificate confirming achievement of the course. Please note: Diplomas DO NOT state that the student has studied online
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What will I study? Unit 1: Interior Design and the Role of the Designer
This unit introduces you to the fundamental elements and principles that are common within a successful design scheme and how they are adopted by Professional Interior Designers today. You’ll learn how and why interior design has changed over time and to identify key interior design trends. What you learn in this unit will provide an essential foundation to underpin your future designs. This unit also includes: •
The 7 design elements of good design
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Interior Design history and contemporary practice
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The role of an Interior Designer and different project types
Unit 2: Using Colour in Interior Design
This unit will spark your creativity by giving you the opportunity to play with colour. You’ll explore practical colour theory to enable you to design both historical and
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Professional presentation boards
contemporary colour schemes. This unit also includes:
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How to write a short design report
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Basic colour principles and terminology
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The impact of colour in a design scheme
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The psychological importance of colour in an interior space
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Historical and contemporary colour trends
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Creating a successful interior design colour scheme
Unit 3: Exploring Surface Finishes in Interior Design
This unit covers the wide and exciting range of surface finishes now available to create fabulous interiors. You’ll explore the versatility and impact of materials for walls, floors and soft furnishings and how to use them to create an effective design scheme. This unit also includes: •
The
characteristics
and
suitability
of
different
materials •
Sourcing and using materials to develop a design scheme
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Practical skills to represent colour, pattern and texture
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How to visually present your design ideas
Unit 4: Plans and Space Planning in a Professional Context
This unit shows you how to plan the space for a room design. From initial sketches to final layouts, you will visualise and present design solutions to meet a client brief. This unit also includes: •
Understanding the space and the client brief
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Traffic flow and zoning of space
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Developing floor plans
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Creating elevations
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Practical sketching and drawing techniques
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Unit 5: Furniture and Accessories in Interior Design
This unit focusses on the limitless range of furniture and accessories available to the Interior Designer. You’ll learn to recognise key styles in furniture and accessory design and how to select and source appropriate furniture and accessories to meet a client brief. This unit also includes: •
Understanding of different furniture and accessory styles, historical and contemporary
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Influential practitioners and design movements
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The characteristics and suitability of furniture and accessories
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Choosing and sourcing items
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Producing furniture layouts
Unit 6: Creative Lighting in Interior Design
This unit explores the potential of creative lighting in interiors and develops your knowledge of lighting design, including traditional and contemporary products. You’ll learn how to choose lighting for your schemes and how to deal with suppliers. This unit also includes:
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Understanding different lighting products and lamps
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Task, ambient and decorative lighting
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Lighting levels for room design
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Cool and warm lighting
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Creating a lighting scheme for a furniture layout
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Applying symbols appropriate to industry lighting plans
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Developing a lighting plan to meet a client brief
Unit 7: Professional Practice in Interior Design
This unit explores the diverse possibilities for a career in the interior design industry and helps prepare you to work successfully in the professional environment, whether this be in an established practice or setting up an interior design business. With a focus on your personal and professional development, you will consider the steps you should take to achieve your own progression ambitions. This unit also
design service
Unit 8: Professional Interior Design Project
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Portfolio development
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Working with others in a professional environment
your newly learned skills by producing conceptual designs
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Effective marketing and promotion
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How to charge for your design service
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Studying for a degree
includes: •
Being employed, self-employed and setting up an interior
For this final unit of the course, you bring together all to create a wonderful interior design scheme for a new client. When complete, your work will form an asset to your developing portfolio to show future clients. This unit also includes: •
Developing a design concept
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Creating a colour scheme
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Selecting surface finishes
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Space planning, including furniture and accessory arrangements
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Creating a lighting plan
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Professional presentation techniques
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What Next? HIGHER EDUCATION Once you have successfully completed the NDA Diploma in Professional Interior Design, you will be offered a guaranteed place onto our degree, with a generous Progression Scholarship. Degrees are awarded by our academic partner, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), and they are studied flexibly online. CAREERS The Diploma in Professional Interior Design is designed to help you start your own Interior Design business. Like the Diploma course itself, you can work flexibly for your clients around your family commitments and gradually expand your business.
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Diploma in Professional Garden Design About the course:
Our Diploma in Professional Garden Design is the ideal course for garden enthusiasts teaching you professional techniques to create amazing designs for your own garden, help friends and family with theirs or if you would like to set up your own Garden Design business. If you already have a gardening or Garden Design business but don’t have formal qualifications, then you can study this Diploma course flexibly to fit around your existing clients. There are eight units to study including the history of garden design and the great garden designers of the past and the influence they have had on current designs. You will also learn about the role of a garden designer, how to present your designs and the individual components of a design. Learn about plants and how to select the best plants for your design. Learn about hard landscaping, how to select furniture and features and the professional practice unit will show you how to start your own business. The final unit links all the stages of the design from the initial brief to concept ideas to the final drawings, which contractors can use to implement the design. Everything you need to become a Professional Garden Designer!
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Entry requirements:
Students are required to have a good standard of written English and be able to read and understand English. There are no academic requirements, just a keen interest in garden design!
How long does the course last? Online Flexible: 8 - 10 months
Online Fast-Track (via Zoom): 14 Weeks
Qualifications awarded:
Externally accredited Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design through AIM Qualifications and NDA’s own Certificate confirming achievement of course. Please note: Diplomas DO NOT state that the student has studied online
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What will I study? Unit 1: Garden Design and the Role of the Designer
This unit introduces you to the purpose of garden design and the development of key garden design trends. In addition, it teaches you about the role and responsibilities of the garden designer and the main principles garden designers work with in the present day. This unit also includes:• The history and development of garden design and key styles • The effect garden design history has on contemporary gardens
Unit 2: Garden Design Principles
Within this unit, you will learn about the components that make up a garden, exploring core elements that are common within a successful design scheme. You will learn how these ingredients
• Skills required to fulfil the role of garden designer
work together to influence the appearance, usability and
• Stages of the garden design process
function of a garden space. This unit also includes:
• The importance of the design brief
• Applying techniques to create a sense of movement through the space or to highlight a focal point
• Working with clients and other professionals
• Using scale and proportion that relates to the property and the practical use of space • The use of colour, texture and form to create a variety of moods in an exterior space • Creating a variety of effects using garden components: boundaries, structures, planting, soft & hard landscape • Creating balance, unity and cohesion within a scheme • Light and shade as part of the garden design
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Unit 3: Exploring Site Surveys and Drawing Plans
Within this unit, you will learn how to measure a garden space and draw it to scale. You will also learn how gather important information about the site and how this information will influence your garden design decisions. You will develop drawing skills and produce your own site survey plan. This unit also includes: • Site surveying – how & what to measure or record on site • Surveying tools
Unit 4: Space Planning and Garden Design Development in a Professional Context
This unit will inspire your creativity by developing your garden design skills. You will develop spatial planning skills and explore innovative ideas related to the aesthetics and
• Understanding scale
practicality of garden layout. You will learn how to produces
• Developing site survey plans to scale, step by step
sketches, technical plans and elevations, how to select your
• Hand drawn or CAD – students may produce either
strongest designs in relation to client briefs, as well as how
• Industry standard drawing conventions
to present this information professionally to clients, trade or contractors. This unit also includes: • Developmental space planning techniques • Exploring layout composition • Traffic flow and effective zoning of space • Drawing plans to scale • Drawing elevations to show vertical dimensions and to propose elements such as boundaries, steps, raised beds, furniture and planting forms • Ensuring successful practical and creative designs for your clients
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Unit 5: Hard Landscaping, Furniture, Lighting and Accessories This unit focuses on products and materials for hard
landscaping and water features, along with the items that provide the finishing touches to the garden space, such as furniture, lighting and accessories. You will explore products and materials for their practical, ethical, and aesthetic characteristics, making suitable choices for a garden scheme and presenting these to meet a client brief. This unit also includes: • Products and materials for hard landscaping, water features, furniture, lighting and accessories in garden design • Practical and aesthetic qualities and suitability for use in an outside space • Selecting, sourcing and using products and materials • Incorporating products and materials in your design • Visually communicating your ideas, the professional way
Unit 6: Planting Design
This unit will help you to understand plant biology, the environmental requirements of plants and the importance of selecting appropriate planting as part of your design. It looks at how you source your plants and the practical and aesthetic considerations to be considered when developing a planting plan to a design brief. In addition, you will learn how to present planting plans and specifications to a professional standard. This unit also includes: • Plant identification and plant features: flowers, fruits, leaves, stems • Plant names and classification • Basic plant biology and environmental requirements • The role of plants in the garden • Selection & design for site context, functionality and client requirements • Selection & design for visual aesthetics • Production of planting plans and specifications
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Unit 7: Professional Practice in Garden Design
This unit explores the wide array of creative and technical roles and diverse possibilities for professional engagement and career progression in this dynamic and competitive industry. It will help to prepare you to work successfully in the professional environment, whether for an established practice or setting up a garden design business. With a focus on your personal and professional development, you will consider the steps you should take to achieve your own progression ambitions. This unit also includes: • Being employed, self-employed and setting up a garden design service • Portfolio development • Working with others in a professional environment • Effective marketing and promotion • How to cost garden design projects and services
Unit 8: Professional Garden Design Project
For the final unit of the course, you bring together all your newly learned skills by producing conceptual designs and a design pack to create a wonderful garden design for a new client. When complete, your work will form an asset to your developing portfolio to show future clients. This unit also includes: • Design development • Reflecting on the challenges to enhance your final concept plan • Preparing a rationale • Professional presentation techniques
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What Next? HIGHER EDUCATION Once you have successfully completed the NDA Diploma in Professional Garden Design, you will be offered a guaranteed place onto our degree, with a generous Progression Scholarship. Degrees are awarded by our academic partner, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), and they are studied flexibly online. CAREERS The Diploma in Professional Garden Design is designed to help you start your own Garden Design business. Like the Diploma course itself, you can work flexibly for your clients around your family commitments and gradually expand your business.
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Diploma in Professional Soft Furnishings & Cu About the course:
This is the ideal course if you want to design and make beautiful hand finished curtain projects for your home, or if you would like to set up your own lucrative soft furnishings business and workroom. These specialist curtain making skills are highly sought after by interior designers and discerning clients. If you have an existing business but don’t have the advanced skills required to offer a hand finished design service, then you can enhance your business by studying flexibly around your existing projects. There are ten units to study which will include fabric selection, understanding colour, designing a window treatment, calculating fabric quantities, construction methods for a range of hand finished curtains including interlined curtains, with various headings such as goblet, triple pleat, button trimmed, blinds, pelmets, swags and tails and cushions. The final unit shows you how to set up your soft furnishings business including how to cost and charge for your work, how to source fabrics and samples and marketing advice. This is a fully comprehensive course showing you everything you need to know to start your own specialist business.
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Entry requirements:
Students are required to have a good standard of written English and be able to read and understand English. There are no academic requirements, just a keen interest in curtain making and soft furnishings! Students are also required to have a basic level of hand and machine sewing skills.
How long does the course last?
Online: 12 months
In-Studio (UK): 12 Weeks Online Fast-Track (via Zoom): 17 Weeks
Qualifications awarded:
Externally accredited L3 Diploma in Professional Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings through AIM Qualifications and NDA’s own Certificate confirming achievement of course. Please note: Diplomas DO NOT state that the student has studied online
urtain Making
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What will I study? Unit 1: Fabric Selection & Colour Theory
This unit introduces you to fabrics and linings and how to choose appropriate fabrics for curtain or soft furnishings designs. It also sparks your creativity by working with colour schemes, presentation boards and understanding the way colour affects your designs. This unit will underpin all your
Unit 2: Estimation for Soft Furnishings
future projects. This unit also includes:-
This unit will show you how to measure windows and
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styles of window. You will also learn how to estimate fabric
Recognising fabric types & their suitability for curtain designs
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Understand colour theory, colour schemes and the psychological association of colour
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Understand how to produce professional sample boards
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Identify fabric suppliers and new collections
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Recognise different fabrics and how these would have been used within particular historical periods
how to design window treatments to enhance different quantities for curtains and soft furnishings. These are essential skills you will need before moving onto the sewing & construction methods for curtains and soft furnishings. This unit also includes: •
Survey windows and record accurate measurements
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How to design different window treatments
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Enhance window proportions in terms of height and width through optimum design
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The importance of adding hems and headings and choosing the correct fullness for curtains
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Estimating quantities for plain and patterned fabrics for window treatments
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Unit 3: Mitres, Hand-Stitching Techniques & Pattern Matching
In this unit you will learn how to apply a range of techniques to ensure a professional finish is given to all types of window treatments and soft furnishings. This covers hand stitching, hand covered weights, mitred corners and joining multiple curtain lengths. This unit also includes. •
Differences between hand covered and commercial
Unit 4: Lined & Interlined Curtain Construction
covered weights and when to use.
the construction of various curtain designs including
Accurately construct true and false mitred corners and recognise where these would be used
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Recognise the different types of hand stitches, how and where these should be applied
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Applying correct stitch tension & finishing all stitches securely.
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Select suitable fabrics for pattern matching and understand how to join multiple widths combining hand and machine stitches
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Hand drawn or CAD – students may produce either
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Industry standard drawing conventions
This unit will give you a thorough understanding
of
lining, interlining and decorative trim options with pencil pleat headings. You will apply all the techniques learnt to produce sample sized curtains and know how to transfer these skills to full sized curtain projects. This unit also includes: •
Recognising the importance of using fire retardant fabrics
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Know how to select suitable fabrics for the construction of curtains and window treatments
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Know how to construct a pencil pleat curtain with interlining and a contrast trim
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Apply all techniques and hand stitches on a sample sized curtain to a professional finish
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Unit 5: Constructing Hand-Sewn Buckram Headers
This unit will take curtain making to the next level and you will learn how to apply a range of hand-made headings which can be used for both curtains and valances. You will construct valances with different types of hems and a range of hand-made headings.This unit also includes: •
Constructing valances that are in proportion with the window and chosen style of treatment
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Constructing valances with different types of hems
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Calculating pleat sizes & spaces for both curtains & valances
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How to construct a range of different handmade headings e.g. goblet, triple, double and cartridge
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Unit 6: Constructing a Piped Crescent Tie-Back & Piped Cushion
This Unit covers a specific set of sewing skills including how to make piping and how to insert zips. You will apply these skills to construct a piped, crescent shaped tie back plus a piped cushion with a concealed zip.
Apply all techniques and hand stitches to sample sized
This unit also includes:
curtains to a professional finish
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Cutting bias strips to use for constructing piping
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Selecting appropriate fabrics for tie backs, cushions and piping to consider pattern placement
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Constructing a piped crescent tie back
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Choosing appropriate filling for cushions
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Constructing a piped crescent shaped tie-back
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Constructing a cushion with a concealed zip and decorative piped trim
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Unit 7: Roman Blinds
This unit will cover all the skills required to produce a sample sized, lined Roman blind to a professional standard. Learn how to accurately divide the blind into equal sections so the folds are flat with the rod pockets constructed within the lining and no stitches visible from the front side. This unit also includes. •
Measuring a window for a roman blind treatment
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Calculating the number of rod pockets and size of folds
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Estimating fabric quantities for plain and patterned fabrics
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Cut and prepare accurately
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Constructing a sample sized, lined roman blind with hand finishes with no visible stitches from the front
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Fitting & the importance of following child safety guidelines
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The differences between cascade blinds & traditional roman blinds
Unit 8: Padded Pelmets
This Unit covers all the sewing skills and techniques required to produce a sample sized, professional padded pelmet. You will also learn how to assess the pelmet proportions to suit the window and the chosen style of treatment. This unit also includes: •
Understanding & estimating proportion for pelmets
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Constructing pelmets using different types of stiffeners.
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Constructing a sample sized, padded hardboard pelmet including the front and returns
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Display the finishes that are relevant to the different sections.
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Understand how to add decorative trims and piping to a padded pelmet.
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Unit 9: Swags & Tails
In this unit you will learn how to design swags and tails in proportion to window sizes. You will construct a sample sized, lined swag and tail, and learn the formula for producing swag templates. This unit also includes: •
The proportions that apply to both swags and tails to enhance the overall look of the window
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How to create a swag template using a formula
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Choosing suitable fabrics for swags and tails
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Positioning pleats on both a swag & tail to enhance the drape.
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Producing a professional finish using a combination of machine and hand stitches
Unit 10: Setting-up a Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings Workroom
The final unit of the course looks specifically at setting up a professional work room and includes everything you need to know when starting a curtain making & soft furnishings business.This unit also includes:
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How to set up a work room and the equipment necessary
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Producing a costing sheet
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Charging for your services
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Identifying your customer groups
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Different ways in which to market your business
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How to source suppliers and set up trade accounts
What Next? HIGHER EDUCATION Once you have successfully completed the NDA Diploma in Professional Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings, you will be offered a guaranteed place onto our degree, with a generous Progression Scholarship. Degrees are awarded by our academic partner, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), and they are studied flexibly online. CAREERS The Diploma in Professional Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings is designed to help you start your own Soft Furnishings Workshop. Like the Diploma course itself, you can work flexibly for your clients around your family commitments and gradually expand your business. You could also study the Professional Interior Design Diploma to offer additional design services to your clients.
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Elizabeth Whitehead The NDA is always proud to hear about our student’s activities while they are studying with us. We are lucky to have such talented students who have achieved a range of diverse roles, both in the UK and Internationally. Today we hear from a Diploma in Professional Garden Design student, Elizabeth Whitehead. Hi Elizabeth, please tell us what you were doing before you started
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the Diploma in Professional Garden Design? I have continued as architect and partner at Waparchitects. I’ve had an interest in horticulture and design for quite a few years and saw this course as an opportunity to integrate the two. Why did you choose to study with the National Design Academy? I wanted to study, but needed to find a course which would fit in with, and hopefully complement, my busy workload. After looking at different options, I decided the course at the NDA looked like the one for me as it covered a wide range of topics from gardening history and design through to professional practice.
In your opinion what were the most valuable skills you learnt whilst on the course? I already had experience of creating presentations specifically for Clients, but the course has allowed me to hone those skills and to extend them into the area of garden design. I have also been able to try some new drafting techniques and develop specialist knowledge such as plant specification. What have you gone on to do since you starting your course? Our architectural practice is interested in the integration of architecture and its site, primarily for environmental and sustainability reasons. The skills I have been developing have allowed us to take this further into more detailed garden and landscape plans, where the design of building and garden complement and reinforce each other. What are your plans for the rest of this year? We’re trying to decide how to formally incorporate my new skills – either as a fully integrated part of our practice or a separate design business. For those wanting to develop their garden design skills, would you recommend studying Garden Design with the NDA? Definitely! I have really enjoyed the challenge of the course and the breath of subjects covered by the syllabus.
Amy Johnson Amy Johnson left school with a keen interest in studying Psychology and Criminology, but after two attempts at two different Universities, quickly realised that she needed to choose a career path that would allow her to use her creative skills. Her father ran his own architectural and interior design practice for over 30 years, and after working for a short period of time as an Administrative Assistant within the practice, she decided to take the plunge and enrol on the National Design Academy Diploma in Professional Interior Design course. As soon as she started the Diploma in Professional Interior Design, she knew this was the career for her. She has since progressed to complete the Foundation Degree in Interior Design course and is now studying the BA (Hons) Top-Up in Interior Design course, all whilst working as a Trainee Interior Designer.
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Why did you choose to study with the National Design Academy? Having tried university away from home twice, I knew I needed to find a distance-learning course that would allow me to work whilst studying. The National Design Academy stood out amongst the rest, and after a fantastic experience undertaking the Diploma course, I knew I wanted to continue my studies with the National Design Academy. What were the most valuable skills you learnt whilst on the course? Studying via distance learning allows for the development of time management skills – having two jobs and studying a degree has definitely allowed me to learn how to effectively manage my time and prioritise tasks. What are your plans for the future? I am currently in the process of launching a new e-commerce business with my father – Edward James Interiors – with the aim of opening a high-street store shortly after launching our online store. Edward James Interiors has been formed to provide a one-stop shopping experience for discerning clients looking for high-quality furnishings, fixtures, and finishes, alongside our optional qualified professional interior design service to create bespoke interiors. Would you recommend someone to study with the National Design Academy, if so, why? I would recommend anybody with a willingness to study Interior Design to consider the National Design Academy. The tutor support is fantastic and it is a great way to gain qualifications without having to put the rest of your life on hold.
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Caroline Wright Caroline started her career as a Teacher and enjoyed her career. She always had a creative flair and a dream to start her own design business. We caught up with Caroline to find out a little bit more about her sewing background, along with her new curtain making business ‘Rue Interiors’ where she specialises in making beautiful bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings for your home.
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Tell us about your sewing experience? There has never been a time in my life when I have not sewn. My Gran taught me to embroider and use her old Singer sewing machine. She made all her own clothes which always fitted beautifully along with soft furnishings. It never occurred to me as a young adult to buy these but make them myself instead. I was making curtains for friends even when I was still teaching. I knew it was what I wanted to be doing. What made you decide to enrol onto the NDA Professional Curtain Making course? I was looking for a formal qualification. I have done numerous
courses and training in the past but none were accredited. I knew it had to be an online course as I live in a rural area and needed it to fit in with my commitments to current clients and family. When was ‘Rue Interiors’ established and what was your inspiration behind setting up this business? How did the name’ Rue’ evolve? Rue Interiors started two years ago and it’s now gathering momentum, I have taken the plunge with advertising along with setting up my new website. My business plan was formulated whilst on holiday in France. I was sitting in a terrace looking for inspiration for a name to my business. I started experimenting with French words and settled on rue, the French for street! What have you learnt about working alongside new clients? Previously my clients have been through recommendations but I have recently started working closely with an interior designer. It’s been fascinating sitting in consultations with her clients and studying their relationship. My business is still in its infancy and I have found it a completely different dynamic working for a client for which you don’t have any prior knowledge. What skills have you found most beneficial since starting the course? Looking at different aspects of the ‘art’ of curtain making in detail has really enabled me to improve the quality of my work. The feedback from an experienced Tutor has really helped me improve my practical technique. Finally, the course has shown me that I can work to multiple deadlines whilst balancing business and family life.
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STUDENT
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WHERE TO FI Nottingham Headquarters National Design Academy Rufford Hall, Waterside Way, Nottingham, NG2 4DP United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 1159 123 412 Email: admissions@nda.ac.uk
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ND US Dubai Office National Design Academy Office Block 2B, First Floor F29, Knowledge Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 333207
Phone: +971 44298788 Email: international@nda.ac.uk
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ACCREDITED Partners & Associations
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The National Design Academy is part of The NDA Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation committed to widening access to Further & Higher Education through affordable, flexible, online delivery.
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