Aspiring designers can now train in the Manawatu

Aspiring interior designers can now train in the Manawatu

Those who yearn to create better spaces for living and working, and those already out creating them, will welcome a new diploma programme available in Palmerston North.

UCOL’s new Diploma in Interior Design will start in the first semester of 2009. It is the first programme of its type offered in the central North Island.

Head of School for Photography, Arts and Design, Chris Hubbard says, “The programme is an exciting new initiative with a solid academic background that we have wanted to offer for some time. There has been a lot of public interest, and I am confident people who enrol in the programme will be impressed with the professional industry experienced staff that we have brought onboard.”

He says the full-time, one year programme has a strong focus on the practical aspects of interior design, as well as the history and context of art and architecture, and business and design skills. “It is targeted towards people who would like to learn the skills to move into a stimulating industry, as well as providing an opportunity to gain qualifications for those who may already be working in interior design,” he says.

The future of the building and housing industry is moving towards workplaces that have been designed by skilled interior designers. They improve outcomes for building users by taking into account efficiency, safety, ergonomics and aesthetics in their design. Chris says in all design fields, computer aided design is now expected, alongside manual drawing, and this will be included in the programme.

The diploma is supported by local business King and Teppett Interior Design, and Resene Paints, who have been involved in consultation on the programme.

Karen Warman of Resene Paints, says Resene welcomes the new qualification. “The way homes and workplaces feel affects how those living and working in the space feel. As people come to understand this, interior design is becoming more important.

“The new Diploma in Interior Design offered by UCOL gives residents in this area closer access to professional training in all aspects of interior decoration.”

Enrolments are now open for the programme, which will start in late February 2009 at UCOL Palmerston North.

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