Course Title: INTDSN 47, Business and Professional Practice
Units: 3
Date Submitted: Feb., 1996
Updated: April, 2007
IGETC Area:
CSU GE Area:
Transfer:

1. Catalog Description:

   Prerequisite: INTDSN 33

   This course presents basic principles, procedures and office systems necessary for the interior design professional. Lectures emphasize, legal issues,, project management, budgets, purchasing, billing, compensation, collection, and other business practices. The interaction of client, designer, supplier, and installer is also examined.

2. Required Text and References:
   • Piotrowski, Christine M.; Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition (Hardcover) Wiley; 3 Sub edition (July 27, 2001) ISBN-10: 0471384011
3. Course Objectives:

   Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

   1. Research and analyze the business practices and procedures necessary for operation and management of an interior design business
   2. Use worksheets, checklists, and specifications documents for interior furnishing and products and their installation
   3. Write estimates and prepare orders for purchase of interior design furnishings, finish materials and products
   4. Become familiar with change orders, transmittals, letters, design concept statements and all types of correspondence with clients and trade persons
   5. Identify legal issues which impact an interior designer
   6. Define legal, business, and accounting terms used in the practice of interior design
   7. Analyze and calculate methods of compensation
   8. Research and prepare a business and marketing plan for a design firm
4. Student Learning Outcome(s):

   The student will:

   1. Students research and analyze the business practices of a successful interior design business, and present a report summarizing effective business strategies.
   2. Students will research and prepare and present a business and marketing plan for a theoretical interior design firm that demonstrates understanding of the key issues effecting the practice of interior architectural design.
5. Methods of Presentation:
   

   Lecture/discussion; examples of client job notebooks; Field Trips; In class lab and studio critiques; Class exercises on teamwork; interaction with clients and trades persons

6. Course Content:
   

   Percentage of Term / Topic

       
   • 5%     Advice and Counsel
   • 5%     Establishing an Interior Design Practice
   • 5%     Business Formations
   • 5%     Legal Filings
   • 10%   Legal Responsibilities
   • 10%   Managing The Business Finances
   • 5%     Product Pricing Considerations
   • 5%     Determining Design Fees
   • 10%   Preparing Design Contract Documents
   • 5%     Marketing and Business Development
   • 5%     Promoting the Interior Design Practice
   • 5%     Selling Techniques
   • 5%     Project Management
   • 5%     Working with Trade Resources
   • 5%     Contract Documents and Specifications
   • 5%     Order Processing
   • 5%     Delivery and Installation
   • 100% Total
7. Methods of Evaluation:
   

   (Actual point distribution will vary from instructor to instructor but approximate values are shown.)

   Topic / Percentage

   • Projects  70%
   • Quizes / Exams  25%
   • Oral / Written Presentations  5%
   • Grades are determined on a percentage basis:
   • Grading:
   • A = 91% to 100%
   • B = 81% to 90%
   • C = 71% to 80%
   • D = 61% to 70%
   • F = Below 60%