# Space Planning & Design Fundamentals Course Online (Coming Soon) Canonical URL: ## Overview 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. ## What you'll learn - Analyze existing interior spaces using human-centered research methods and observational techniques - Identify and evaluate circulation patterns, adjacencies, and spatial hierarchies within a given environment - Apply core design principles such as proportion, scale, balance, and visual weight at the plan level - Translate programmatic requirements into zoning, adjacency, and bubble diagrams that inform spatial decision-making - Develop and test multiple planning strategies before committing to a final layout - Produce clear, scaled floor plans with appropriate furniture layouts and circulation clearances - Integrate lighting intent and material concepts to reinforce spatial function and user experience - Communicate spatial ideas effectively through diagrams, drawings, and concise written explanations ## 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. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $579