Space Planning & Design Fundamentals Course Online
Learn the principles and processes behind effective interior space planning, with a focus on human behavior, spatial logic, and the research-to-resolution workflow used in professional practice.
Learn the principles and processes behind effective interior space planning, with a focus on human behavior, spatial logic, and the research-to-resolution workflow used in professional practice.
This course introduces the principles and processes of space planning for interior environments, with an emphasis on human behavior, functional performance, and clear spatial logic. Students learn how people move through and use interior spaces, how design principles operate at the plan level, and how to translate programmatic requirements into effective layouts. Rather than focusing on decoration or stylistic trends, the course prioritizes thinking, diagramming, and spatial decision-making, and is taught using a software-agnostic approach that welcomes hand drafting, computer modeling, or hybrid methods.
The course follows a research-to-resolution workflow used in professional architectural and interior design practice. Students begin by analyzing existing spaces, then develop programmatic and diagrammatic planning strategies, and finally resolve a cohesive interior plan that integrates circulation, lighting intent, and material considerations. Three cumulative projects guide students through the full arc of the design process, from observation and analysis to spatial strategy and final resolution.
Work on projects proven to boost retention
Refined over many years for an optimal learning experience
This training will definitely help my career. I was able to show my supervisor and co-workers what the software programs have to offer and what I'm capable of when the time comes for creating that construction design team in the future. I was able to provide documentation to my employer that the money spent was well worth it. The training I received at VDCI will become an asset moving forward.
—Donahue Chase
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Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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This course is designed for interior design students who are building their foundational skill set and want to develop a structured, professional approach to spatial planning and layout decision-making.
Yes, this course is open to beginners. Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required.
This course does not qualify for payment plans or student financing. See our Payment Options FAQ to find related programs that qualify.
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.
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.
There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.
However, you may need to obtain required software. We’ll help you get set up with a free trial of paid software prior to the class. Most of our coding classes utilize freely-available open-source software. For most of our design and motion graphics courses, we will help you get set up with a free trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. If you attend the course in-person, we will have a computer already set up for you with all of the required software for no additional cost.
Purchase group class vouchers at a discount for our regularly-scheduled group classes, or create a custom training program at your offices.
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Let us create the perfect program for your team.
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.
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.
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.