# Residential Interior Design Certificate Online

100% online with software, live support, and industry-recognized certificate

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/residential-interior-design-certificate-online>

## Overview

This program walks you through interior design from the ground up, starting with design principles and color and moving into lighting, materials and finishes, textiles, furniture, and sustainable design. You'll learn to draft floor plans and construction documents, plan spaces that actually work for the people using them, and present your ideas through material boards, mood boards, and a portfolio built in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat. The work spans both residential and commercial interiors, and it aligns with the RIDQC exam for residential interior design.

Each course is built around projects, so you spend your time doing the work a designer does rather than only reading about it. By the end, you'll have a finished portfolio to show employers or clients, whether you're stepping into interior design for the first time or sharpening skills you already have.

## What you'll learn

- Apply the core elements and principles of design to create balanced, functional interiors.
- Build color palettes using color theory and understand how color shapes mood and perception.
- Draft floor plans, elevations, and construction documents that communicate a design clearly.
- Plan interior spaces around how people actually move through and use them.
- Select and specify materials, finishes, and textiles based on performance, durability, and design intent.
- Design lighting that supports the function, comfort, and mood of a space.
- Recognize furniture styles across history and cultures, and apply sustainable practices when choosing materials and furnishings.
- Present your work through material boards, mood boards, and a job-ready portfolio built in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.

## Curriculum
1. **Intro to Interior Design Course Online**
2. **Color Theory for Interior Design Course Online**
3. **Interior Lighting Design Course Online**
4. **Interior Design Materials and Finishes Course Online**
5. **Architectural Drafting and Graphics Course Online**
6. **Space Planning & Design Fundamentals Course Online (Coming Soon)**
7. **Textiles & Soft Finishes for Interior Design Course Online**
8. **Global Styles and Furniture Course Online (Coming Soon)**
9. **Sustainable Interior Design Course Online (Coming Soon)**
10. **Visual Communication & Portfolio Design Course Online**
11. **Professional Standards and Codes of Conduct Course Online (Coming Soon)**

## 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

### Who is the target audience for this course?

This program is a good fit for anyone who wants to learn interior design or build on what they already know, including: Aspiring interior designers who want practical skills across design principles, color, lighting, space planning, materials, and portfolio work. Architects, engineers, and construction professionals who want a stronger grasp of interior design and how it fits into residential and commercial projects. Students and career changers looking for a structured, project-based way into the interior design field. Freelancers and small business owners who want to offer interior design services for homes and commercial spaces and have a portfolio to show for it.

### 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 program is available for 300 days. You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 300 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 package?

For this series of 11 courses, you are entitled to a 90% refund (your payment less the nonrefundable 10% registration fee) within 30 days of purchase for any course in the bundle that you have not accessed.

### 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 A comprehensive program with 11 in-depth course modules designed to build your skills progressively Extensive video training resources to support your learning journey 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?

This program has a single package price. Additional discounts do not apply.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $3999
