SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE
21st March 2024
LIVE ONLINE COURSE ON SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN
DATES:
6th Feb -
21st March 2024
DURATION:
7 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
6:30 PM (GMT)
Learn the unique practices, tools and skills required to drive positive change with Sustainable Interior Design. Understand the vast impact of designing sustainably on both environmental health and societal well-being.
Join Nicola Watkins, Co Founder and Principal of Interiors at byWatkins, for this deep dive into key concepts including biophilic design, minimising waste and regenerative design strategies.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
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YOU WANT TO UPSKILL, PROGRESS AND DESIGN SUSTAINABLY
Learn the skills you need to take your interior design to the next level. Whether you’re a studio member looking to transition to your own studio or you’re already a business owner, Sustainable Interior Design will change your perspective and set you apart.
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YOU WANT TO CREATE CONCEPTS CENTRED AROUND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
To stand out as an FF&E designer learn how to make your practices more robust and sustainable. Lead noticeable and measurable change by understanding and implementing the use of sustainable materials in interior design.
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YOU WANT TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE
Grow your confidence as you delve deeper into the processes involved in taking Sustainable Interior Design concepts from ideation to delivery. Understand the importance of demonstrating exceptional leadership and leaving a lasting legacy - either as part of a larger firm or in your own independent studio.
YOUR ASCENT STARTS HERE
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The spaces around us shape who we are and how we live, so Sustainable Interior Design is key for building a brighter future.
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Want to delve deeper into concepts including biophilic design and regenerative design strategies? Keen to figure out how your designs can improve environmental health and societal well-being? This course combines expert guidance, real life case studies and projects designed to help you excel.
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Our live online courses offer a sustainable way to learn- with eLearning producing 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional classes. You’ll also have access to Instructor Office Hours and workshops.
ABOUT THE COURSE
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4 Workshops: Learn the practical tools, skills and knowledge required to design sustainably - in accordance with industry standards & regulations.
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3 Projects: Work on creative projects to add to your wider portfolio using the tools you learn on the course. Create moodboards, layout plans and in depth design schemes.
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2 Guest Speakers: Live online classes will be led by your expert instructor, yet you’ll also enjoy 2 guest speakers covering topics as diverse as Biophilic Design, and Ethics & Social Responsibility in Sustainable Interior Design
INSTRUCTOR

Nicola Watkins
- Co Founder & Principal of Interiors - byWatkins
- Has worked and designed internationally in Los Angeles, Mexico, Italy and London
- Design Lead for hotel projects including the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale and the Belmond Moroma in Mexico
- Spent almost 10 years as Founding Partner, Studio Director and Design Lead
- Tutored for the British Academy of Interior Design
SYLLABUS
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00
Welcome Lesson
Gain a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Interior Design course, understanding its structure, key learning outcomes, and expectations.
- Introduction
- Sustainable Interior Design Course Structure
- Projects & Assignments
- Q&A
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01
Tuesday 6th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Introducing the Key Pillars of Sustainable Interior Design
Get introduced to the process of Sustainable Interior Design and its essential pillars
- Recognise the impact of Sustainable Interior Design on both environmental health & societal well-being
- Explore the concept of regenerative design strategies that emphasise the life cycle of materials
- The Pillars Sustainable Interior Design
- Comprehend the strategic aspect of sustainable interior design, enabling you to incorporate these practices and philosophies into future design project
- 3 case studies including hotel, restaurant and residential examples
Toolkit: Sustainable Interior Design Strategy Template
Project A - Assignment #1: Sustainable Interior Design Transformation
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02
Thursday 8th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Sustainable Design Standards & Regulations + Workshop
- Grasp the key standards and regulations within Sustainable Interior Design
- Understand the importance of compliance and become familiar with the main regulatory bodies and the role of sustainable audits
- Practice evaluating and modifying design projects to ensure they meet sustainability standards and regulations
Workshop: Assessing & Transforming Projects to meet Sustainable Design Standards & Regulations
Project A - Assignment #2: Compliance & Sustainability
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03
Tuesday 13th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Biophilic Design + Guest Speaker
- Explore the concept of Biophilic design and its core elements
- Understand the relationship between natural environments and human well-being in interior spaces.
- Integrate and execute Biophilic design strategies within various settings to promote health and comfort.
- Gain insights into the practical application and transformative potential of Biophilic design in real-world contexts
Case Study
Guest Speaker
Project B - Assignment #1: Biophilic Design Integration: Moodboard Creation
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04
Thursday 15th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Space Planning & Adaptability
- Understand the importance of effective space utilisation, optimisation and future-proofing - ensuring interiors are prepared for evolving needs
- Delve into the principles of Universal Design and accessibility, understanding how these concepts underpin inclusive and enduring environments.
- Synchronise sustainable strategies with meticulous space planning, and appreciate the essence of timeless interior architecture.
Project B - Assignment #2: Harmonizing Space and Nature: Biophilic 2D Layout Plan Creation
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05
Tuesday 20th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Sustainable & Renewable Materials + Workshop
- Gain insightful knowledge about sustainable and renewable materials and their critical role in eco-friendly design practices.
- Understand the imperatives of responsible and sustainable sourcing of materials, specifically focusing on the use of sustainable and renewable upholstery and fabrics.
- Deepen your comprehension of the Materials Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), emphasising the cradle-to-cradle concept, and the importance of selecting non-toxic and non-polluting materials and products for healthier, more sustainable interiors
Case Study
Toolkit: Life Cycle Assessment & UK Materials and Finishes suppliers list
Project B - Assignment #3: Materializing Sustainability: From Sample Board to Spatial Render
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06
Thursday 22nd February at 6:30pm UK Time
Waste Reduction, Recycling & Resource Efficiency + Workshop
- Master the 5Rs fundamental to Sustainable Interior Design, grasping strategies to minimise waste and efficiently use resources.
- Identify avenues for recycling and upcycling furniture and gain insights into reputable UK suppliers specialising in vintage and reclaimed pieces.
- Comprehend the various end-of-life alternatives available for furniture, ensuring a circular and sustainable lifecycle.
Workshop: Designing Furniture and Fittings using Recycled or Repurposed Materials
Project C - Assignment #1: Crafting Sustainability: Bespoke Furniture Design and Scheme
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07
Tuesday 27th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Water Consumption & Conservation
- Understand the critical nature of water consumption and conservation within interior spaces
- Become familiar with water-saving fixtures and appliances and learn about innovative systems like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
- Incorporate water conservation considerations into the entire design cycle, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.
Demo: Working with Water Management Plan
Toolkit: Water Management Plan Template
Project C - Assignment #2: Sustainable Flow: Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures in Design
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08
Thursday 29th February at 6:30pm UK Time
Energy Efficiency & Thermal Comfort + Demo
- Comprehend the importance of energy efficiency and thermal comfort in interior spaces
- Explore the use of sustainable materials that enhance energy efficiency and provide thermal comfort, contributing to more sustainable living spaces.
- Explore smart home systems, learning how technology can be leveraged for optimal energy use.
No Assignment
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09
Tuesday 5th March at 6:30pm UK Time
Indoor Environment ‘Health & Wellbeing’ & Air Quality + Workshop
- Understand the pivotal role of sustainable design in enhancing indoor environmental quality, focusing on the health and well-being of occupants.
- Explore the importance of natural lighting and acoustics in creating comfortable living and working environments.
- Learn to identify sources of indoor air pollutants and implement strategies to minimise them.
Workshop: Transforming Interior Space to Improve Indoor Environment
Project C - Assignment #3: Breathing Light: Enhancing Interior Environments
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10
Thursday 7th March at 6:30pm UK Time
Client Acquisition, Collaboration & Management
- Recognise the significance of client acquisition, collaboration and management within the context of Sustainable Interior Design.
- Learn effective strategies for attracting new clients while understanding the value of building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships
- Gain insights into the specifics of project management tailored to Sustainable Interior Design
Demo: Project Management for Interior Design Cycle
Toolkit: Project Management Plan for Interior Designers Template
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11
Tuesday 12th March at 6:30pm UK Time
Ethics, Social Responsibility & Certifications + Guest Speaker
- Integrate ethical considerations, social awareness and certifications into design practices
- Seek to promote responsible and socially conscious interior design solutions.
- Understand the criteria and requirements for achieving certification
Guest Speaker: Ethics & Social Responsibility in Sustainable Interior Design
Bonus Assignment: Compile Portfolio
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12
Thursday 14th March at 6:30pm UK Time
Advocacy & Future of Sustainable Interior Design
- Identify and understand the role, and the power to change, that advocates have in propelling Sustainable Interior Design forward
- Explore emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies, including the role of AI algorithms, that are shaping the future of sustainable interiors.
- Contemplate the long-term trajectory of Sustainable Interior Design, preparing you to be a pioneer in the field.
Toolkit: Portfolio & Resume Template
Bonus Assignment: Portfolio & Resume Review
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13
Tuesday 19th March at 6:30pm UK Time
Project Showcase
- Project Showcase
- Discussion
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14
Thursday 21st March at 6:30pm UK Time
Project Showcase & Wrap-Up
- Project Showcase
- Discussion
- Course Wrap-Up
APPLY
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