Competency Based Qualification

Interior Design II: Residential

Certificate in Interior Design (KNQF)

Unit Aim

The aim of this unit is to provider Learners with the knowledge understanding and skills required to design functional, aesthetic and sustainable residential interiors for small spaces, with a focus on container homes and compact living solutions. Learners explore human-centred design principles, modular and space-saving strategies and the integration of appropriate materials, lighting and ventilation techniques. Through studio projects, Learners develop creative solutions to maximise efficiency and comfort in small-scale residential environments while considering sustainability and innovative design approaches.

Unit Content

Know the principles and strategies of designing compact living spaces.

Introduction to residential interior design

Designing small living spaces

Space-saving and multifunctional strategies

Know human-centered design, ergonomics and space optimisation in small interiors.

Human-centred design for small spaces

Anthropometrics and ergonomics

Comfort and efficiency in compact interiors

Be able to explore modular and flexible design solutions that enhance functionality and adaptability.

Modular and flexible design solutions

Transformable furniture

Adaptive layouts

Be able to examine material selection, lighting and ventilation strategies suitable for small spaces.

Material selection

Lightweight and sustainable materials

Visual expansion through finishes

Lighting and ventilation

Natural and artificial lighting

Enhancing air circulation

Know container and prefabricated home design as alternative residential solutions

Container and prefabricated homes

Design principles and case studies

Know interior layouts, zoning and efficient space planning.

Interior layouts and zoning

Open vs. partitioned spaces

Efficient planning for key areas

Recommended Text

Alternative Reading

Green, G. (2015). An insider's guide to interior design for small spaces: How to create a beautiful home quickly, effectively, and on a budget. Zero Circle Publishing.

Hellweg, M. (2021). Living in tiny homes: Big ideas for small spaces. Prestel Publishing.

Jerald, J. (2015). The VR book: Human-centered design for virtual reality. Association for Computing Machinery.

Mitton, M. (2023). Residential interior design: A guide to planning spaces (4th ed.). Wiley.

Zamora, F. (2015). 150 best mini interior ideas. Harper Design.