COURSEWORK, weighted at 100%. To include but not limited to:-
Presentations, detailed specifications, sourcing materials to meet specific briefs

Learning Outcomes 1-3

This module will look in depth at the vast array of materials available to the interior designer and how designers should maintain a materials library. You will have an opportunity to staff the materials library and increase its stock during the course of this module. You will learn how to assess the fitness for purpose of a range of materials and how to evaluate sustainability and regulations for these materials, in order to comply with building requirements and the needs of specific industries, which you may be designing for. It will cover an understanding of supply chains and timings and the impact on a project and the costs involved. You will also be aware of the variations in requirements and supply for an international market. You will have the opportunity to specify at varying cost levels and to source alternative products dependent on client requirements.

Summative assessment will involve researching a number of products to meet a brief including those from sustainable and international sources. You will be expected to research alternative products in different cost ranges and be clear how the product should be used and what restrictions there may be on use. This will involve knowledge of the potential to invalidate guarantees. You will need to show an understanding of supply chains, delivery times, costs and produce a specification for reference and for use by contractors. You will show an understanding of the implications of product selection and have the opportunity to be creative and innovative within your product selection.

Delivery is in studio through a range of live projects delivered by NDA tutors and supported by qualified designers. Information will be delivered through short input sessions individually, in small groups or to the whole cohort, followed immediately by further study and followed up with learning checks to determine understanding. You will work on projects to develop the requisite skills both individually and within small groups. You will also be involved in visits/lectures with suppliers to increase product knowledge.

Range of resources located on the VLS
Qualified Interior Designers
Library Services
Image & Materials Library

Allison, D. (2014) Estimating and Costing for Interior Designers: A Step-by-Step Workbook. London: Fairchild.
Brown, R. and Farrelly, L. (2012) Materials and Interior Design. London: Lawrence King.
Godsey, L. (2008) Interior Design Materials and Specifications. London: Fairchild.
Moxon, S. (2012) Sustainability in Interior Design. London: Lawrence King.
Pauwels, W. (2012) The 100 Best Projects with Reclaimed Materials. Enghien: Beta-plus Publishing.
Schittich, C. (2008) In Detail: Interior Surfaces and Materials: Aesthetics, Technology and Implementation. Heidelberg: Birkhauser.
Ternaux, E. (2011) Material World 3: Innovative Materials for Architecture and Design. Amsterdam: Frame Publishers.
http://retaildesignblog.net/category/materials/
http://www.3-form.co.uk/
http://www.materialconnexion.com/