Inspiring Students. Supporting Schools. Creating Future Career Pathways.
Strengthening Career Pathways
Interior design continues to be one of Australia's most diverse and expanding creative professions.
Students explore 22 career pathways across the design industry, including:
Residential Interior Design
Kitchen and Bathroom Design
Commercial Interior Design
Furniture Specification
Hospitality Design
Lighting Design
Healthcare Design
Property Styling
Retail Design
Exhibition Display Design
Workplace Design
Set and Production Design
Design Sales and product Specification
Complementing Existing Curriculum
Design Lab 101 has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing secondary school programs.
It complements learning within:
Visual Arts
Design
Creative Industries
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Careers Education
Gifted and Talent Programs
Extension and Enrichment Programs
Schools may choose to integrate the course into existing curriculum, offer it as an elective or extension activity, or provide access for students to complete independently outside school hours.
The flexibility of delivery allows each school to determine the level of teacher involvement that best suits its existing programs and resources.
Every year, schools are challenged to prepare students for careers that may not yet exist while ensuring they remain engaged, inspired and confident about their future.
Students today are seeking learning experiences that are practical, creative and connected to genuine career opportunities. Parents are equally looking for educational programs that help their children make informed decisions before committing to further study.
Design Lab 101 has been developed to meet these needs.
Created by experienced interior designer Jill Rogers following more than thirty years working within Australia's design industry, Design Lab 101 provides students with an authentic introduction to the world of interior design through engaging, project-based learning that develops creativity, confidence and practical life skills.
Rather than learning through theory alone, students experience the complete design process. They work through realistic client briefs, develop creative concepts, create mood boards, learn colour and material selection, draw simple floor plans, communicate design ideas and begin developing a professional portfolio.
More importantly, they gain valuable insight into whether interior design is the right career path before investing years of tertiary study and significant financial commitment.
Supporting Student Engagement
Students are naturally drawn to learning when they can see its relevance.
Design Lab 101 provides opportunities for students to:
Apply creativity to real-world projects
Develop confidence through practical achievement
Strengthen communication and presentation skills
Improve problem-solving and critical thinking
Learn to work through structured design processes
Build resilience by refining and improving ideas
Develop digital literacy through accessible design software
Produce portfolio-quality work they can be proud of
The course encourages independent thinking while giving students the confidence to explore their own creativity within a structured learning framework.
Developing Future-Ready Skills
Beyond introducing students to interior design, Design Lab 101 develops capabilities that are highly valued across education and industry.
Students strengthen their ability to:
Think creatively and critically
Solve complex problems
Communicate ideas effectively
Plan and manage projects
Work independently
Present confidently
Understand client needs
Develop professional standards
Apply technology to creative outcomes
These are transferable skills that benefit students regardless of the career pathway they eventually choose.
Supporting Teachers
Deliver the program within existing classes
Select individual modules to support classroom learning
Use the course as an enrichment resource
Encourage students to complete the course independently
24/7 access to our fully supported Knowledge Centre, providing students with helpful guidance and support throughout the course. Provide students with direct access to industry knowledge while also offering teachers an opportunity to participate and further enhance classroom learning.
Resources for Schools
Every school license includes the full Design Lab 101 course in PDF and PowerPoint, giving teachers practical resources for lesson planning and classroom presentations. Schools can use the complete program or select modules that suit their existing classes.
Supporting Parents
Parents increasingly want confidence that their child's chosen career pathway aligns with their interests, abilities and aspirations.
By allowing students to experience the design profession before enrolling in further study, Design Lab 101 helps families make informed educational decisions, potentially saving
significant time and financial investment while ensuring students begin tertiary education with greater confidence and purpose.
A Valuable Partnership for Schools
Schools continually seek opportunities that broaden student horizons while strengthening engagement and future pathways.
Design Lab 101 provides a practical, flexible and industry-relevant program that supports these objectives by connecting classroom learning with authentic career experiences.
Whether students ultimately pursue university, TAFE, private college study or another creative pathway, they leave the course with practical skills, greater self-confidence, a developing portfolio and a much clearer understanding of the opportunities available within Australia's creative industries.
For Principals seeking innovative learning experiences that enrich their school's educational offering, support student engagement and strengthen career education, Design Lab 101 represents a valuable partnership—one that equips young people with the confidence, creativity and practical skills to make informed decisions about their future.
Flexible Enrolment Options for Students and Schools
At Design Lab 101, we understand that every student and every school is different. That’s why our course has been designed with flexible enrolment options that allow students and schools to participate in a way that best suits their individual needs.
Individual Student Enrolment
Design Lab 101 can be purchased directly by individual students and families.
Ideal for students considering a future career in interior design, creative students, homeschooling families and those seeking career exploration opportunities.
Students can complete the course entirely at their own pace.
Includes access to all 15 online modules, practical design activities and projects, guidance on where and how to study interior design in Australia, portfolio and folio development, and exposure to allied careers within the design industry.
School Group Enrolment
Design Lab 101 can be purchased directly by individual students and families.
Design Lab 101 is also available to schools through a group licensing arrangement.
Suitable for careers education programs, vocational education programs, enrichment activities, elective subjects, creative arts programs and student engagement initiatives.
May be facilitated with as much or as little teacher involvement as desired.
Teachers and students receive 24/7 access to the Knowledge Centre, providing helpful guidance and support throughout their learning journey.
Ready to Discover Whether Interior Design Is the Right Career for You?
Join Design Lab 101 and start building the knowledge, skills and confidence to take your first step into the exciting world of interior design.
TURN YOUR CREATIVITY INTO A REWARDING CAREER!