When we teach you about design, we cover the skills needed to complete the entire scope of a project. You start by learning the basic fundamentals of interior design.
There is a difference between being a decorator and a skilled interior designer. The terms interior designer and interior decorator often are used synonymously, but each has its own job description and function. Designers study people's needs to create functional, structural living, or work spaces to meet their clients' demands. Decorators furnish interior spaces with furniture and accessories, creating an aesthetic environment. An interior designer must know a host of programs and have skills that we teach you here at Studio Institute Denver. Decorators don't design. We teach you to be a top performing designer.
We understand that installation methods can crucially impact the durability of the project, which is why you'll learn how to plan and help builders and contractors thoroughly understand your design ideas and specifications.
Your clients will see your project as an investment, which often comes with payment plans and financing. Estimation and planning are huge parts of design. We teach you how to prepare estimates that work for all parties involved with your project. You will learn how to create a budget for all materials, tax, freight, and labor costs. There are often line items that are missed, we show you all the details to account for in your estimating of a project. We also show you how to order free samples from vendors and to never rely on the internet photos.
We teach you residential and commercial interior design. Did you know that in any commercial applications the finishes and fixtures must be warranted for commercial use? Here at SID you will learn how to get a letter of verification from the brands sales rep to ensure you are set up for success. Oftentimes, designers don't take into account acoustics, and underlayments. These are also huge parts of the project that are often not thought about, but we teach how to consider them as critical factors in a project.
We are passionate about teaching you about sustainability. A big focus of your classwork will highlight durability, and commercial building codes. Knowing and understanding these high level fundamentals will elevate you in the job market. Learn about how about how climates in different regions use different materials. For example solid hardwood is not ideal in humid climates due to shrinkage, and in areas like Colorado it can experience seasonal gapping. You will learn about different types of subfloors used in spaces and how the installation cost differs depending on the core.
It is important for you to know how to get special discounts and pricing with vendors at a wholesale price then add a designers fee and commission to get the retail amount for a project to improve your profitability as well as your relationships with both vendors and your clients. We know it's important for you to provide value for your clients.
Being detail oriented is crucial in being successful in this field. This is why we make sure you plan for the smallest parts of a project that are often overlooked by less skilled designers, and not thought about such as adhesives, trims, transitions, demolition, floor prep, sealant, silicone, and disposal/dumpster fees. In many states, like Colorado it is illegal to dispose of waste from remodels in a regular trash can and you will have to arrange disposal from a junk removal service.
Most importantly, we want to help you cultivate your out of the box creativity by teaching you to consider applying less typical materials in situations. Learn about textured wall coverings, carpet tiles on the wall in certain commercial applications for acoustical applications, pebbles and rocks as a custom shower floor, as well as large format sizes, and custom color dyes.
Ready to see what's possible for you in the interior design industry? Come for a tour, and see what makes Studio Institute Denver the right next move for your new career. Email us here connect@studioinstdenver.com for more information.