University College at Fairfield University announces a new certificate program in Interior Decorating, complete with a full slate of courses beginning this fall. A complement to its popular, 30-year-old Interior Design certificate program, the new program is designed for students interested in the field of residential design without the technical aspects of construction and structure.

"I believe there are a lot of people out there who are interested in that type of program and there isn't anyone in our area offering something like this one," said Robert Hardy, a professional interior designer and curriculum coordinator for the Interior Design Certificate Programs. "We've had a good response from people calling about it, saying 'this is exactly what I was looking for.'"

The program offers non-credit courses that may be taken in any order, offering maximum flexibility. That's key, said Hardy, as many of those interested in the Interior Design and Decorating programs are non-traditional, adult students and those changing careers.

While the courses aren't as technical as those taken by students preparing to sit for exams for professional certification, they will be challenging and interesting, Hardy said. In fact, some classes overlap with the Interior Design program. Interior Decorating students may even decide to continue their studies for the Interior Design Residential Certificate or the Interior Design Professional Certificate, which includes more commercial work.

University College is offering three Interior Decorating courses and a New York City tour this fall.

"Interior Design I" is an introduction to developing the judgment and skills need to conceive and execute a successful residential interior design project. Through weekly design problems, students integrate aesthetics and function and experience the issues and difficulties faced by professional. Finally, students present a total interior environment complete with furniture arrangement and selection, color, pattern and background details. The course fee is $570.

"History of Furniture I" examines the major styles of furniture from Egyptian through Renaissance and Baroque to the Rococo and Neoclassic periods. Examples will be drawn mainly from Western Europe with an emphasis on mastering specifics of each style and its influences. Two classes will be presented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The fee is $570.

"Business of Interior Design" is a series of six sessions, each taught by a different practicing interior designer. The experts will discuss business development and practical issues related to the field. The course fee is $285.

The final course is a guided tour of the D & D Building in New York City. This is a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the vast array of materials available to the interior designer. Participants will meet at the D & D Building in Manhattan. The tour fee is $55.

There are three more courses scheduled for the spring semester.

The "Color Design" workshop develops proficiency in basic color differences and visualizing color application. Students learn color mixing and color scheme planning. A major design project will be completed to show the students knowledge of furniture layout, color, texture, pattern and scale. The course fee is $570.

"History of Furniture II" focuses on American furniture from 1650 through 1830 and its relationship to English prototypes. The course covers Victorian furniture styles through contemporary trends in both the U.S. and Europe. It may be taken before History of Furniture I." The fee is $570.

"Textiles for Interiors" is a survey of textile manufacture from finer to finished fabric with an emphasis on determining quality and usage. Students will study construction methods, dying, printing, finishing processes and applications. The fee is $380.

For more information on these courses of the Interior Decorating certificate program or to register for a course, call University College at Fairfield University at (203) 254-4307 or toll-free at (888) 254-1566.

Media Contact: Media Relations, (203) 254-4190, pr@mail.fairfield.edu

Posted On: 08-03-2006 10:08 AM

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