Professional Diploma in Design

The Professional Diploma in Design at Capital University College is specifically designed to meet the requirements of this challenging and expanding field. The course aims to prepare students for their first significant appointment, be it vocational or academic providing them with a clear understanding of three-dimensional design analysis, both in terms of space and objects. The course concentrates on the design element, encouraging students to develop a thorough and imaginative approach. The students are exposed to design from the interior space and fashion while working towards connecting the two to create harmony.

Why study Design from the London College of Arts at Capital University College?

• London College of Arts (LCA) is a multi-award winning design school.
• Graduates receive both local and international diplomas, which are recognized worldwide.
• Students enjoy regular workshops, seminars and masterclasses.
• During the program students will get a chance to get a short-term internship in different events arranged by either Capital College or other third-parties.
• Creative and innovative teaching approaches.
• Students will receive free access to Autodesk software

Highlights of the London College of Arts

Diploma is Endorsed By

Additionally, students can apply for student memberships at the British Institute of Interior Design, UK and the Dubai Design and Fashion Council

Course Content
YEAR 1 – Interior Studies

I       Drawing Techniques and Approaches

The students will be encouraged to develop visual thinking and creativity for design work. This unit will enable learners to experiment with drawing approaches and techniques in order to broaden their experience and understanding of visual language. Learners will need to use materials and media which are specific to drawing and 3D design, as well as unusual materials and media which may extend visual language and creativity.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Comprehend the specific nature and qualities of drawing media and materials
• Demonstrate creative use of drawing techniques and processes
• Develop and extend understanding of visual language
• Evaluate work for further development

II      Historical and Contextual Referencing

The students are introduced to the cultural history which informs current thought and debate in 3D design. Emphasis is on research and study skills and learners acquiring source material and knowledge. Presentation skills will also be applied in a practical context.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Undertake in-depth research using electronic sources and paper-based materials
• Demonstrate an understanding of creative influences through the effective interpretation and analysis of information
• Assess, interpret and evaluate information effectively and develop a personal view
• Present conclusions effectively

III    Furniture Design

The students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the visual and functional qualities of furniture and how it is designed. They will develop an understanding of a range of materials and select appropriate manufacturing processes in exploring construction and fabrication used in furniture design. They will develop high-level competence in controlling the creative process from inception to realization. Learners will be expected to develop an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the designer/maker in a commercial context, including one-off, batch and mass production, and to develop the ability to communicate 3D ideas through 2D drawing techniques and 3D making, modelling and prototyping skills.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Research and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the visual, tactile and functional characteristics of furniture and related products
• Research and develop an understanding of structures, materials and making processes to meet design requirements
• Demonstrate effective skills in design development, using appropriate techniques to communicate ideas and respond to identified needs
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of professional practice, including contractual and health and safety issues

IV     Visual and Personal Presentation

The students will learn to develop skills in communicating design intentions in 2D and 3D. The unit encourages learners to apply and refine visual presentation skills and develop their own distinctive approach to the presentation of design work.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Research and evaluate a range of presentation types
• Use an appropriate strategy to present design work effectively
• Use materials, media and techniques to present design work effectively
• Evaluate the effect of the presentation and identify areas for improvement.

V      Interior Design

The students will acquire the skills and understanding needed to create and modify interior environments for specific purposes. They will develop spatial awareness and competence in working with 3-D formal elements. Learners will also develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional interior designer, including working within teams of other professionals. They will develop the ability to communicate 3D ideas through a range of visual presentation techniques.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Demonstrate the ability to create and modify interior environments to meet design requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of the technical processes involved in responding to an interior design brief
• Show an ability to analyse, clarify and respond to the aesthetic and functional requirements of design briefs and architects’ specifications
• Work within a team of professional practitioners to develop an understanding of professional practice.

VI     Computer-Aided Design

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is now being used in many architects’ and interior designers’ offices as a tool for drafting, visualization and presentation both in two and three dimensions, and it is therefore an important skill for apprentice designers to acquire. New software is being developed all the time, and this course of study endeavors to reflect the latest developments. Learners are given a basic introduction to the computer technology that lies behind CAD, and to the structure of the main programme being used – currently, AutoCAD, 3D Max, Sketchup. Then a series of set projects will enable the students to experience, and become competent users of, the many applications of the programme. It is the aim of this module to provide the interior design learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for using CAD systems in the compilation of many of their design ideas.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Comprehend the structure and operation of the main programme being used.
• Be able to use the software in drawing, modifying, editing, viewing in 2d and 3d.
• Learn the method of presentation by perspective views and rendering.
• Learn by experience, and become competent users of, the many applications of the programme

VII   Environmental Sciences

An awareness of environmental and energy conservation issues is essential in any architecture-related field. Therefore, whilst this subject covers electricity, heating, lighting ventilation, and plumbing, there will be a discussion about natural lighting and ventilation, heat conservation, alternative energy sources, and the recycling of waste materials. While it is possible to address these issues in a general way to a level of understanding appropriate to interior designers, this particular area of study may be served or assisted by a series of lectures given by practitioners in this field, with appropriate short tasks attached to each subject. The aim of this module of the course is to acquaint students with the planning and services which make a building habitable and user-friendly i.e. the convenience and safety of movement within a built environment and the provision of heating, lighting, ventilation, plumbing, and electricity.

To achieve this module the student must:

1. Prepare the various measures of electrical systems in built environments.
2. Build up adequate knowledge of illumination in built environments.
3. Study the various air conditioning systems in buildings.
4. Specify the plumbing requirements for building services.
5. Innovate methods in energy-saving devices
6. Be well versed with standard sizes & requirements in relation to health & safety standards.

VIII  Specifying

Creative, informed and accurate specification is a skill which is central to the successful completion of all interior design projects. It is therefore essential that Interior Design learners are given the opportunity to specify building materials, decorative materials, furniture and fittings, as well as being encouraged to involve themselves in the design and fabrication of these materials themselves, wherever possible. The aim of this area of study is to give the learners experience of specification and build up their knowledge base of sources of excellent manufactured products. It will also reinforce their knowledge of construction and materials.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Understand the properties of various materials.
• Have an idea of the external finishes on buildings.
• Be aware of the properties of various materials which may be used in the internal fitting out and decoration of a building.
• Research sources of supply, Order from suppliers, for lighting & furniture fixtures.

Year 2 – Fashion Studies

Unit 1: Design Exploration in Fashion

Students will be encouraged the investigation of materials and experimentation with a variety of media, through personal enquiry and discovery. The unit allows learners to develop research techniques through exploring and developing design ideas.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Explore and experiment with the formal elements of fashion design through illustration
• Develop and expand visual awareness imaginatively and creatively
• Analyze and interpret visual research effectively
• Adapt ideas for creative exploration in work efficiently and imaginatively.

Unit 2: Techniques and Processes in Fashion

Students will receive an introduction to the technical skills required in pattern and garment production. Learners will learn the fundamental pattern construction processes required and will apply these to produce patterns for their own design work. Learners will learn about manufacturing processes and how to apply these to produce garments.

• To achieve this module the student must:
• Apply pattern construction processes to interpret garment designs effectively
• Apply garment manufacturing processes to interpret garment designs effectively
• Use technologies and associated equipment correctly for pattern and garment manufacture
• Evaluate the use of pattern construction and garment manufacturing processes

Unit 3: Production Techniques

This unit will introduce learners to a range of industrial equipment used in the clothing industry and enable them to develop techniques required for garment manufacture. The unit provides essential skills and understanding of the basic principles required to produce sample garments.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Apply understanding of industrial equipment to develop manufacturing skills
• Construct an accurate calico toile for an identified garment
• Produce a well-finished garment accurately and effectively
• Evaluate use of industrial equipment and the finished garment.

Unit 4: Pattern Drafting

This unit will introduce learners to the principles of pattern drafting through block construction and pattern manipulation. Having completed this unit successfully, learners will have the basic skills required to progress to creating patterns from their own and others ‘working drawings.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Create a set of basic blocks
• Develop and expand understanding of dart and seam manipulation
• Produce a full scale pattern from a working drawing
• Evaluate the full scale pattern

Unit 5: Fashion Environment

This unit gives the learner an understanding of the relationship between fashion marketing and design and the importance of these two elements to business strategy and as a means to competitive advantage in an industry characterised by change. The unit will introduce fashion

marketing theory and practice and their relevance to the fashion industry.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Analyse and interpret the basic principles of marketing in a fashion context
• Gain awareness of the environmental factors which influence the fashion industry’s
• marketing policies
• Investigate, analyse and evaluate marketing strategies adopted by the industry
• Apply the principles of fashion marketing planning.

Unit 6: Realizing a Fashion Collection

In this unit, learners will have the opportunity to design and realize their own fashion collection. This gives learners an appreciation of the role of the designer and an understanding of different market sectors, production methods and their related constraints. The unit integrates a variety of complex skills and knowledge to realize innovative and complex designs.

To achieve this module the student must:

• Design an innovative collection to a self-identified theme
• Develop a range of garments using information from fashion predictions and trends to inform design solutions
• Demonstrate synthesis of knowledge, skills and understanding to realize designs
• Present, analyse and evaluate their own work.

Unit 7: Textile Study

The unit aims to develop an understanding of the relationship between textiles and design. It allows the students to explore creative pathways through textiles and the use of textiles in the design process.

To achieve this module the student must:

• To identify textiles through a basic understanding of fabrics and textile construction methods.
• To develop an understanding of textile properties and their appropriate use.
• To encourage the students to explore surface decoration and knitwear as a source of design inspiration and development

Unit 8: History of Fashion

The history of fashion covers women‘s, men‘s, and children’s fashion and the influence of and changes in fashion from the 15th century to the present day.

Progression

Graduates of the Professional Diploma in Design from the London College of Arts may move into further study or enter the work force as graduates who hold knowledge of both the interior and fashion world.