# Textiles & Soft Finishes for Interior Design Course Online (Coming Soon) Canonical URL: ## Overview This course provides a comprehensive introduction to textiles and soft finishes in interior design, covering the materials, properties, performance standards, and professional practices that inform thoughtful material selection. Starting at the microscopic level, students will trace the journey of textiles from fiber to yarn to fabric, learning how material origins, construction methods, and fiber properties shape durability, texture, and function. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on evaluating textiles through the lens of real-world considerations such as abrasion resistance, flammability codes, lightfastness, and sustainability, equipping students to think about materials the way working designers do. As the course progresses, students will explore fabric construction, surface design, dyeing and printing methods, and soft finish applications ranging from upholstery and window treatments to wallcoverings and soft flooring systems. The course wraps up with a focus on professional practice, including textile specification, sourcing, trade resources, and material presentation. By the end, students will have the material literacy, technical knowledge, and presentation skills needed to select, specify, and communicate textile choices with confidence throughout the interior design process. ## What you'll learn - Trace the journey of textiles from fiber to finished application and explain how each stage influences aesthetics, performance, and end use - Differentiate between fiber types, yarn constructions, and fabric formations, and assess how each affects durability, texture, and function - Evaluate textile performance using industry testing standards, interpret abrasion ratings, and apply basic flammability and code requirements to material selections - Analyze how pattern, scale, texture, and surface design influence spatial perception and overall design intent - Select appropriate textiles for a range of interior applications, balancing aesthetic goals with performance, maintenance, and sustainability considerations - Specify textiles using industry standards, including reading fabric labels, calculating yardage, and completing professional specification documentation - Navigate trade resources, sourcing channels, and the textile production pipeline to make informed purchasing and budgeting decisions - Present textile selections professionally through cohesive material boards and confident use of industry terminology ## 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