DSGN08066 2019 Professional Studies for Interior Architects

Discuss the roles, relationships and professionalism associated with the delivering of a professional Interior Architectural design service.

Discuss professional, environmental and social ethics in relation to the profession of Interior Architecture/Design.

Describe the processes and related responsibilities of the interior architect during design and procurement.

Identify and discuss the codes and legislation that would impact on a complex Interior architectural design project (building codes and regulations, health and safety, fire, universal design and accessibility).

Evaluate examples models of interior architectural practice in light of the learner's own professional identity and positions.

The module is delivered using a combination of lectures, group and individual tutorials, from a ‘live’/streamed teaching space in which both on-site and distance participants can see both each other and the work under discussion. This flexible mode allows both staff and students to interact in small study groups, with the freedom for interaction either on- site or from a distance. 

In order to lighten the work load at the end of the semester  and align helpfully with the nature of the learning outcomes, there are two assessments. The first is a group seminar in which study groups prepare a case study analysis of  an interior architectural practice, focussing on both the running of the business and also on ethical concerns in practice. The  second  assignment is an individual  discursive essay in which the professional knowledge, principles and processes  of the module are applied/ discussed in relation to a complex design project that the student has/is engaged with. 

Re submit assignments of the module.

Lecturers, tutorials and group seminars address the following focal areas:

1. General introduction or recap re the roles, relationships and responsibilities associated with the delivering of a professional design service;
2. Professional ethics and conduct in the practice of Interior Architecture and design, including the position of the profession in society;
3. Environmental and social ethics (environment, sustainability, dignity and equity, universal design etc.) in the practice of Interior Architecture;
4. Professionalism and collaborative practice as an Interior Architect within the design and procurement team;
5. The Interior architect’s responsibilities within the design and procurement processes and post occupancy (estimating, scheduling, tender procedures, permits, project management, budget management, coordination, time management, contract administration delivery and completion (punch-list, user manuals and guarantees, post occupancy assessment);
6. Codes and legislation that impact on Interior architecture (building codes and regulations, health and safety, fire, universal design and accessibility;
7. Business processes and office management (marketing, strategic planning, financial management), certification, professional indemnity, licensing and registration requirements;
8. Management theory and organizational transformation processes in relation to business;
9. An overview of the professional field, the market and the media;
10. Methods of writing specifications, schedules, contracts and other business-related documents.