Competency Based Qualification

Business Skills for Designers

Certificate in Interior Design (KNQF)

Unit Aim

The aim of this unit is to provide Learners with knowledge, understanding and skills in business principles relevant to the design industry. This unit focuses on business structures, registration processes, marketing strategies, client relations and entrepreneurial skills essential for designers. Emphasis is placed on communication, branding and financial management to support career growth and business success. Additionally, Learners develop presentation and pitching skills to effectively communicate design ideas. A field visit offers practical insights into real-world business operations within the design field.

Unit Content

Know fundamental business structures, management principles and legal requirements.

Introduction to business basics

Overview of business structures and types

Fundamentals of business management

Legal and regulatory requirements

Know the steps and processes for registering a business, including obtaining necessary permits.

Registration of business

Steps and processes for registering a business

Legal considerations and requirements

Business licenses and permits

Know marketing and branding strategies to promote design businesses effectively.

Marketing and branding

Marketing principles and strategies

Brand development and identity

Digital marketing and social media

Be able to enhance client communication skills and relationship management for professional success.

Client relations and communication

Communication skills for client interactions

Building and maintaining relationships

Handling feedback and expectations

Know the characteristics of an entrepreneurial mindset and financial management fundamentals.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial mindset and skills

Opportunities and challenges

Financial management

Be able to present and pitch effectively to communicate design ideas.

Presentation and pitching skills

Presentation techniques

Pitching design ideas

Visual and verbal communication

Recommended Text

Alternative Reading

Barringer, B. R. (2020). Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures (6th ed.). Pearson.

Blythe, J., & Martin, J. (2019). Principles and Practice of Marketing (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Brown, T. (2019). Change by Design: How Design Thinking Creates New Alternatives for Business and Society. Harper Business.

Clifton, R., & Simmons, J. (2021). The Economist: Brands and Branding (3rd ed.). The Economist.

Kotler, P., Kartajaya, H., & Setiawan, I. (2021). Marketing 5.0: Technology for Humanity. Wiley.

McKeever, M. (2022). How to Write a Business Plan (15th ed.). NOLO.

Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., Bernarda, G., & Smith, A. (2020). Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want. Wiley.

Ries, E. (2017). The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses. Currency.