The Programs offered through Tafe NSW and Coco Republic are aimed at those who want to formalise their passion for design, combining education and practical experience. Courses are set in a sophisticated environment at a new purpose-built Alexandria student facility designed by boutique architects Akin Creative, who count many of Australia’s leading fashion designers among their clients.
Coco Republic’s Susie Thompson says design has a significant impact on lives from a function and aesthetic point of view and that a formal education can teach students how to effectively apply and channel these design principles.
“Design is an education process; yes, you might have a flare for design, however, you need to learn the fundamentals of design in order to build your confidence and express your creativity and talent,” Susie says.“There is a need to provide quality design education – one of the reasons why this new way for design and education was born (at the) Coco Republic Design School.”
Courses are open to anyone with a passion for interior design and decoration whether it is for home, work or as a way of building a design portfolio towards further study. Students are not required to have any prior design or decorating study as they will be taught subjects including colour, the elements and principles of design, identifying trends, free-hand sketching, drawing to scale, mood lighting and soft furnishings.
A team of teachers has been carefully selected by the Design Centre, Enmore, and the school provides a timetable that aims to cater for the masses. “The timetable is fairly flexible which allows people who work full-time to be able to do this course,” Susie says.
Classes are offered on Wednesday evenings and morning and afternoon on Thursdays and Saturdays. Five short courses are available and include:
101 – Interior Decoration Essentials supported by Elliott Clarke
201 – Decorate and Style your own Home, supported by Silent Gliss
301 – Styling Savvy supported by Signature Prints
401 – Classic Colour supported by Porter’s Paints
501 – Colour Design and Consult supported by Coco Republic
Each of these is nationally recognised and provides a mix of accredited units towards a Certificate III, IV or dipoma. There will be three semesters in 2010 with the first commencing on February 24, 2010 for a duration of 15 weeks and classes in three-hour sessions.
Courses are priced at $2500 and $2600 (plus GST) and include student materials.
Coco Republic Design School
cocorepublic.com.au/designschool
