Design Lab 101 for Vocational/VET Teachers
Supporting VET Outcomes
Design Lab 101 naturally reinforces many of the capabilities valued within Vocational Education, including:
Creative and Critical Thinking
Communication and Presentation Skills
Problem Solving
Digital Literacy
Visual Communication
Project Planning and Organisation
Client-focused Thinking
Confidence and Professionalism
These transferable skills are valuable across numerous industries, making the course beneficial even for students who ultimately pursue related creative careers rather than interior design itself.
Flexible Delivery
Design Lab 101 naturally reinforces many of the capabilities valued within Vocational Education, including:
Incorporate the course into existing VET or creative industry programs.
Offer it as an extension activity for interested students.
Use selected modules to support classroom learning.
Allow students to complete the course independently outside school hours.
Teachers may choose to be as involved as they wish, using the course as a supported teaching resource or allowing students to work through the content at their own pace.
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.
Design Lab 101 gives students something that is often missing when they first begin exploring creative careers—confidence that they are making the right choice.
Many students are fascinated by interior design, architecture, property styling, decorating, and creative industries, but have little understanding of what an interior designer actually does or what the profession involves. They often commit to expensive qualifications without ever experiencing the design process first.
Design Lab 101 bridges that gap.
Rather than simply reading about interior design, students experience it. They learn to think like designers, solve real design problems, communicate ideas visually, and develop practical skills that give them a genuine insight into the profession.
For Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers, this provides an engaging, industry- focused resource that complements existing programs while introducing students to a career pathway that is both exciting and highly employable.
Throughout the course, students will
Discover what interior designers really do and explore 22 career pathways across the design industry.
Learn how to interpret a client brief and translate ideas into practical design solutions
Develop an understanding of colour, materials, finishes, lighting, furniture selection and space planning
Create both digital and physical mood boards using the same techniques employed by professional designers
Learn how to draw simple floor plans before progressing to easy-to-use industry software
Complete practical design activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking
Build confidence presenting and explaining their own design concepts
Begin creating a portfolio that can be expanded for future tertiary applications
Unlike many introductory courses, Design Lab 101 is built around real-world projects rather than theory alone. Every module encourages students to apply what they have learned immediately, allowing them to experience the satisfaction of developing their own original design concepts.
Importantly, the course also helps students determine whether interior design is truly the right career for them before investing years of study and significant tuition fees. This informed decision-making benefits both students and education providers by ensuring learners progress into further study with realistic expectations and genuine enthusiasm.
Ongoing Industry Support
Students enrolled through their school also benefit from 24/7 access to our fully supported Knowledge Centre, providing students with helpful guidance and support throughout the course. Where they can ask questions, seek feedback on their work, and gain valuable insights from an experienced industry professional. Teachers are equally welcome to participate, creating opportunities for collaborative learning and professional engagement.
Preparing Students for Their Future
Today's students are looking for careers that combine creativity with practical skills and genuine employment opportunities. Design Lab 101 introduces them to a profession that spans residential design, commercial interiors, hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, workplace design, property styling, kitchen and bathroom design, lighting, furniture specification, and many other specialist fields.
Whether students eventually pursue university, TAFE, private college study or another creative pathway, Design Lab 101 equips them with practical knowledge, valuable portfolio work, and a far clearer understanding of the design industry.
For Vocational Education teachers seeking meaningful industry engagement and authentic project-based learning, Design Lab 101 offers students more than an introduction to interior design—it provides the confidence, skills, and inspiration to take their first step towards a rewarding creative career.
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.
Students also receive 24/7 access to our fully supported Knowledge Centre, providing helpful guidance and answers throughout their learning journey.
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 our fully supported Knowledge Centre, providing helpful guidance and support throughout the course.
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!