# Professional Standards and Codes of Conduct Course Online (Coming Soon)

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/professional-standards-and-codes-of-conduct-course-online>

## Overview

This course covers the standards, business practices, ethics, and career expectations of the interior design profession. You'll study the field's history and value, its practice areas and career paths, the qualifications designers need, and how technology and AI are changing the work. You'll also learn how design firms are started, structured, marketed, and kept financially healthy, from business models and staffing to client communication, fees, proposals, contracts, invoicing, and profitability.

You'll then follow the full design process, from programming and concept development through documentation, procurement, construction administration, closeout, and post-occupancy evaluation, with a focus on the designer's responsibilities in each phase. The course ends with codes of conduct, ethical decision-making, liability, intellectual property, and the professional growth that sustains a career. You'll also create a résumé and business card that present your professional identity.

## What you'll learn

- The history, scope, and evolving role of the interior design profession
- Career paths, practice areas, certifications, and licensure requirements
- Interior design business models, firm structures, and staffing roles
- How to attract, qualify, and communicate with diverse clients
- How to calculate design fees, rates, markups, and additional-service charges
- The phases, documents, and responsibilities of the full design process
- How to apply codes of conduct and meet legal responsibilities, including liability and intellectual property
- How to build a professional reputation, résumé, and business card

## Instructors

### Rebecca Lockwood — Instructor

Rebecca Lockwood earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Michael Graves College at Kean University in New Jersey. She began her career working in residential interiors, where she developed a love for creating homes that reflect the people who live in them. That same dedication naturally grew into a desire to nurture learning and inspire future designers to tell their own stories through design.

Today, Rebecca teaches an array of Interior Design courses at a local college in North Carolina and also works with high school students around the world as a remote art and design instructor. She is committed to making design approachable, inspiring students to gain confidence in their skills as they create meaningful interiors.

Rebecca is also an Educator member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Outside the classroom, she writes poetry, appreciating the parallels between poetry and interior design, from structure and rhythm to depth and storytelling. She enjoys spending time with her children and noticing the everyday moments that shape life and design.

### Richard Hess — Instructor

Richard Hess is an accomplished designer with over 23 years’ expertise in architecture, interior, and furniture design. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University before pursuing a Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he graduated top of his class. Currently, Richard serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, while teaching thesis and portfolio courses, equipping graduates for careers in the ever-evolving field of architecture and interior design.

### Derek McFarland — Instructor

Over the course of the last 10 years of his architectural experience and training, Derek has developed a very strong set of skills and talents towards architecture, design and visualization. Derek grew up in an architectural family with his father owning his own practice in custom home design. Throughout the years, Derek has had the opportunity to work and be involved at his father's architecture office, dealing with clients, visiting job sites, and contributing in design and production works. Recently, Derek has built up an incredible resume of architecture experiences working at firms such as HOK in San Francisco, GENSLER in Los Angeles, and RNT, ALTEVERS Associates, HMC, and currently as the lead designer at FPBA in San Diego. Derek has specialized in the realm of architectural design and digital design.

## FAQ

### Is this course open to beginners?

Yes, this course is open to beginners. Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required.

### Do you offer payment plans or student financing for this course?

This course does not qualify for payment plans or student financing. See our Payment Options FAQ to find related programs that qualify.

### How long do I have access to the course materials?

This course is available for 30 days. You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 30 days to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.

### What is the cancellation and refund policy for this single course?

For this course, you are entitled to a 90% refund (your payment less the nonrefundable 10% registration fee) within 30 days of purchase if you have not accessed the course materials.

### What’s included with my tuition?

A hands-on learning experience working on projects and exercises, which is proven to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement Expert instructors who are industry professionals and experienced educators that are driven to help you succeed Expert support with answers to your questions from real instructors throughout your learning journey Top-notch curricula that have been tried and tested over many years and are consistently improved for an optimal learning experience 30-day access to class recordings to review material at your own pace A certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment The confidence of learning at an accredited institution

### Are there any additional fees or expenses?

There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.

### Do you offer any discounts for this course?

We don’t currently offer discounts as we do our best to affordably price our courses. Take this course as part of a certificate program and save: Residential Interior Design Certificate Online Price: $3,999 | Hours: 420 Hours

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $579
