Frequently Asked Questions

Part-Time Certificate in Interior Decoration

• What is the structure of the course?
• What sort of people attend the course?
• What other costs are involved?
• Will I be able to do the technical drawing?
• How much additional work is there outside course hours?
• What are the backgrounds of the tutors/lecturers?
• How is work assessed?
• How does the course prepare me for a job?
• Could I take on some work outside the course to earn money?
• What happens at the end of the course?
• Why should I choose KLC?

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE?
The course is full time for 10 weeks. The emphasis of this course is on domestic interior decoration rather than commercial work and students not already working within the industry will discover a wealth of different career opportunities.  The first few weeks of the course is focussed on technical knowledge and technical drawing, the fundamental principles of decoration, the history of style and preparation for your first project. The next few weeks cover the first project, presentation techniques, rendering, more history of style, bathrooms and kitchens, professional practice, and preparation for the second project plus inspirational lectures. The concluding weeks consist of working on the second project, perspective drawing. Finishing with inspirational lectures and preparation for a career in the industry.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE ATTEND THE COURSE?
Students attending the course share the common goals of wanting to make a career change and having a passion for design. No previous art or design experience is necessary but students must be at least twenty years old. Normally the entry standard is a degree, but mature students with sufficient prior learning experience are particularly encouraged. Students must be bright, motivated, able to cope with pressure and, above all else, enthusiastic! Students come from all over the world and many different backgrounds, many having made the decision to change career.

WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED?
KLC will provide students with all the equipment you need in the studios. The main additional costs are colour photocopying (we do have a subsidised copier at the school) and some extra stationery. Students may also wish to buy a drawing board for home. KLC has a product and book library, internet access and facilities for lap top usage. Of course, some students may wish to purchase extra books and materials, but this is not absolutely necessary.

WILL I BE ABLE TO DO THE TECHNICAL DRAWING?
Many students have no previous technical drawing experience, so you won’t be alone! We will provide you with all the training you need.

HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL WORK IS THERE OUTSIDE COURSE HOURS?
Students will frequently need to undertake a considerable amount of work outside school hours (10.00am to 4.00pm). There is also a considerable amount of home work, during evenings and most weekends and it would be beneficial to have a workspace at home to accommodate your work load.

WHAT ARE THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE TUTORS/LECTURERS?
KLC tutors and lecturers are all working professionals and include some of the country’s top architects, interior designers, interior decorators and specialists.

HOW IS WORK ASSESSED?
Work is marked by the student’s KLC tutor, and seen by at least three others. Students complete two projects throughout the year, a History of Style notebook and Window Treatment and Fabric Notebook, which are all assessed.

HOW DOES THE COURSE PREPARE ME FOR A JOB?
Students learn the design process, how projects are run and are given good guidance on business administration. Studio work provides an ideal setting for learning about working with other people, both in a team on research projects and individually on students’ own course projects. Students are also introduced to graduates who are currently working in the industry and are told about their route from graduation to their current employment. This is accompanied by careers guidance from the Director of Careers.

COULD I TAKE ON SOME WORK OUTSIDE THE COURSE TO EARN MONEY?
Based on our experience with previous students, we have found due to the demanding requirements of the course, we would not recommend working during this course.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
Marcy Brown, Vice Principal and Director of Careers, proactively assists students in finding suitable employment and, at the end of the course, graduates enter full-time employment or go into business for themselves. We have a very active Alumni Association and encourage past students to stay in touch. We offer on-going careers advice to past students, and many come back to us when they need to recruit for themselves.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE KLC?
KLC School of Design offers quality, professional training in interior and garden design, delivered in a unique, friendly, accessible and stimulating way. KLC has a policy to use only practicing professionals for tuition and is committed to developing the creative potential of all its students. Based at Chelsea Harbour by the prestigious Design Centre, KLC offers students a unique learning environment in the heart of the industry. Through a combination of research and residential design projects as well as the necessary business training, students gain the practical skills to successfully change career.