iti 13 April 2025
Interior Decoration and Designing

ITI Interior Decoration and Designing Trade Syllabus 

The ITI "Interior Decoration and Designing" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in space planning, aesthetics, material selection, and execution of interior designs to create functional and visually appealing spaces. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical design techniques, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as interior designers, decorators, space planners, or consultants in design firms, real estate companies, or freelance setups, or as self-employed entrepreneurs offering interior design services.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 4
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To train individuals in designing, decorating, and managing interior spaces to meet client needs while ensuring functionality, aesthetics, and safety.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in interior design, materials, and project management.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Interior Design
      • Overview: history, scope, role of interior designers.
      • Principles: balance, harmony, proportion, rhythm, emphasis.
      • Career opportunities: residential, commercial, hospitality, retail design.
    • Space Planning
      • Space analysis: understanding client requirements, site measurements.
      • Zoning: functional areas (living, working, sleeping, dining).
      • Ergonomics: human dimensions, furniture placement, accessibility.
    • Design Elements and Aesthetics
      • Elements: line, shape, texture, color, light, space.
      • Color theory: color wheel, schemes, psychological impact.
      • Lighting: natural, artificial, task, ambient, accent lighting.
    • Materials and Finishes
      • Types: wood, glass, metal, fabric, stone, ceramics.
      • Properties: durability, maintenance, cost, sustainability.
      • Applications: flooring, walls, furniture, upholstery, false ceilings.
    • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Furniture styles: traditional, modern, minimalist, industrial.
      • Selection criteria: size, function, aesthetics, budget.
      • Soft furnishings: curtains, cushions, rugs, upholstery fabrics.
    • Drafting and Drawing
      • Technical drawing: floor plans, elevations, sections, perspectives.
      • Scales and measurements: standard notations, symbols.
      • Tools: T-square, set squares, drafting boards, templates.
  • Semester 2
    • Advanced Design Concepts
      • Thematic design: Scandinavian, bohemian, vintage, contemporary.
      • Sustainable design: eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions.
      • Universal design: accessibility for elderly, differently-abled.
    • Building Services
      • Electrical systems: wiring, outlets, lighting circuits.
      • Plumbing: water supply, drainage, sanitary fittings.
      • HVAC: ventilation, air conditioning, heating requirements.
    • Project Management
      • Planning: budgeting, timelines, resource allocation.
      • Execution: coordinating with contractors, vendors, laborers.
      • Documentation: BOQ (Bill of Quantities), cost estimation, contracts.
    • Software Applications
      • Design software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Revit basics.
      • Rendering: creating realistic visuals, walkthroughs.
      • Presentation tools: Photoshop, PowerPoint for client proposals.
    • Market Trends and Innovations
      • Smart homes: IoT, automation, voice-controlled systems.
      • Modular furniture: space-saving, customizable solutions.
      • Trends: biophilic design, minimalism, mixed materials.
    • Professional Skills
      • Entrepreneurship: starting an interior design firm or consultancy.
      • Client management: understanding needs, presenting proposals, feedback.
      • Industry standards: BIS codes, safety regulations, green certifications.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical design, drafting, and execution in simulated and real-world scenarios.

  • Semester 1
    • Drawing and Drafting
      • Sketching: freehand sketches of rooms, furniture, layouts.
      • Technical drawings: creating floor plans, elevations using drafting tools.
      • Scaling: preparing drawings to standard scales (1:50, 1:100).
    • Material Study
      • Identifying materials: examining wood, fabrics, tiles, paints in labs.
      • Testing finishes: applying varnishes, laminates, wallpapers in workshops.
      • Creating samples: preparing material boards for client presentations.
    • Space Planning Practice
      • Measuring spaces: recording dimensions of mock rooms, sites.
      • Designing layouts: planning residential spaces (bedroom, kitchen) in labs.
      • Ergonomics: arranging furniture for comfort, accessibility in simulations.
    • Color and Lighting
      • Applying color schemes: painting mock walls, selecting fabric swatches.
      • Lighting setups: installing task, ambient lights in mock interiors.
      • Creating mood boards: combining colors, textures, lighting effects.
    • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Designing furniture: sketching chairs, tables, storage units.
      • Selecting furnishings: choosing curtains, rugs for mock rooms.
      • Arranging spaces: setting up mock living rooms, offices with furnishings.
    • Project Work
      • Designing a small space: creating a plan for a bedroom or study room.
      • Presenting designs: preparing drawings, material samples, cost estimates.
  • Semester 2
    • Advanced Design Practice
      • Thematic designing: creating mock setups for commercial spaces (cafes, offices).
      • Sustainable design: using recycled materials, energy-efficient fittings in labs.
      • Universal design: planning accessible bathrooms, ramps in simulations.
    • Software Application
      • AutoCAD: drafting 2D floor plans, elevations for mock projects.
      • SketchUp/3ds Max: modeling 3D interiors, rendering visuals.
      • Presentations: creating client proposals with Photoshop, PowerPoint.
    • Site Execution
      • Site visits: observing construction, interior fit-outs (under supervision).
      • Coordinating tasks: working with mock contractors, vendors in workshops.
      • Installing finishes: applying paints, tiles, false ceilings in labs.
    • Building Services
      • Electrical layouts: planning outlets, switches in mock rooms.
      • Plumbing setups: arranging sanitary fittings, pipes in simulations.
      • HVAC planning: designing ventilation for mock commercial spaces.
    • Market Survey
      • Visiting showrooms: studying furniture, fittings, price ranges.
      • Collecting samples: gathering fabric, tile, paint swatches for projects.
      • Analyzing trends: documenting smart home devices, modular designs.
    • Project Work
      • Designing a complete space: planning a residential or commercial interior.
      • Presenting a portfolio: including drawings, 3D models, cost estimates, client pitches.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for design tasks.

  • Semester 1
    • Arithmetic: calculating areas, volumes for spaces, materials.
    • Measurements: converting units (sq.ft., sq.m.), estimating quantities.
    • Science: properties of materials (density, strength), light reflection.
  • Semester 2
    • Calculations: budgeting projects, computing material costs.
    • Geometry: designing curves, angles for furniture, layouts.
    • Science: acoustics, thermal insulation, energy efficiency in interiors.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drafting for interior design.

  • Semester 1: Drawing floor plans, elevations, sections, isometric views.
  • Semester 2: Creating detailed drawings for furniture, false ceilings, lighting layouts.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

  • Semester 1
    • Communication skills: presenting designs, negotiating with clients.
    • Time management: prioritizing design tasks, meeting deadlines.
    • Basic IT skills: using MS Office, design software for documentation.
  • Semester 2
    • Entrepreneurship: planning a design consultancy or freelance practice.
    • Teamwork: collaborating with architects, contractors, vendors.
    • Problem-solving: addressing client feedback, site challenges.

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
  • Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on design creativity, technical drawing accuracy, project execution, and client presentation skills.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: Interior designer, decorator, space planner, or consultant in design firms, real estate, or hospitality sectors.
  • Self-Employment: Starting an interior design firm, freelance consultancy, or home staging business.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Interior Design, B.Des in Interior Design, or certifications in CAD or Vastu Shastra.

Note

  • This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
  • For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or consult your local ITI.

Trade Type

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