Frequently Asked Questions
Full-Time Interior Design Courses
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE?
The course is full-time, divided into three terms running throughout the academic year. The first
term concentrates on technical knowledge, the second on improving these skills and the third on
exploring the commercial sector. There are about seven projects throughout the year, which
increase in scope and complexity as the course proceeds.
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 lot of holiday work and you should be sure to have workspace
at home to accommodate your work load.
DO WE ARRANGE WORK EXPERIENCE?
We strongly encourage KLC Diploma students to undertake work experience during the holiday
breaks and we organise this for the Easter holiday. With KLC's extensive range of top-level contacts
in the industry, it is normally possible to arrange work experience appropriate to the ultimate
ambitions of a particular student.
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
about seven projects throughout the year, a History of Style notebook and Window Treatment and
Fabric Notebook, which are all assessed. The VectorWorks CAD work is also assessed. At the end of
the year there is a three-day final examination, which incorporates both written questions and
drawing skills.
HOW DOES THE COURSE PREPARE ME FOR A JOB?
Students are given an insight into sound business principles, procedures and practice. Topics
include budgeting, proposals, contracts, installation programmes, estimates, schedules,
specifications, ordering and record keeping.We offer advice on CV', portfolio presentation and
career direction and, with many approaches from some of the leading design companies, we are
often able to put graduates directly in touch with potential employers.
COULD I TAKE ON SOME WORK OUTSIDE THE COURSE TO EARN MONEY?
We do not advise Diploma students to take on additional work. In our experience, the level of
commitment required to successfully complete the course leaves very little time free.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
Marcy Brown,Vice Principal, 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 commercial
and residential design projects combined with the necessary business training, students gain the
practical skills to successfully change career. |
