Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ARCH5239C

Course Title: Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5431 - Diploma of Interior Design

Course Contact: Jenny Crowley

Course Contact Phone: +61399254759

Course Contact Email: jenny.crowley@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers

Sarah Palliser

sarah.palliser2@rmit.edu.aau

Justin Compton 

justin.compton@rmit.edu.au 

Nominal Hours: 85

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess colour requirements, research and experiment with different colour options and create preferred colour schemes for presentation to the client.

This unit applies to interior decorators and designers.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSFID4016 Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces

Element:

1. Assess colour requirements for the project

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Evaluate project specifications, parameters and constraints, and confirm with client

1.2 Select work resources based on the needs of the project

1.3 Identify and assess the space, its light and continuing colours for impact on potential solutions

1.4 Identify key project stakeholders and establish required communication protocols

Element:

2. Research colour schemes for interiors

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research and analyse colour psychology in accordance with the needs of the project

2.2 Research and analyse cultural and historical influences on colour to inform the needs of the project

2.3 Research and compile information on the impact of specific colours on the interior space

Element:

3. Explore colour schemes

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use colour wheels to mix and match alternative colour schemes to determine suitability of colours to a space

3.2 Explore the use of additive and subtractive colour mixing to inform colour selections

3.3 Explore and test colour systems and colour combinations and/or juxtapositions against the brief

3.4 Assess effect of light against the impact of colours being proposed for use

3.5 Assess visual perception of colours in accordance with the project brief

3.6 Match samples using colour mixing techniques

3.7 Evaluate colour effect perceptions by use of light to mix and throw coloured light onto surfaces

3.8 Ascertain contrast and harmony of colours through selection of colours in accordance with the project brief

Element:

4. Finalise and present colour scheme

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Choose final selection of colours based on exploration and key objectives of the project brief

4.2 Prepare a visual representation that communicates the key aspects of the preferred solution using rendering media suited to the project

4.3 Present recommendations in a format and level of detail suited to the client and scope of the project

4.4 Seek client feedback on the proposed solution

4.5 Make adjustments to the final design solution based on feedback

4.6 Accurately document selection specifications


Learning Outcomes


Refer to the Elements and Performance Criteria. 


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place this semester with a blended classroom model using industry standard tools and resources. Some classes maybe scheduled to be on campus

Refer to your Course schedule and Canvas shells for specific information on how each of your courses is delivered this semester.

You will also be required to undertake independent study.

Reference mode of delivery for this course is a blended approach / studio-based delivery.

On campus class activities will include:

• Group discussion

• Teacher directed activities/projects

• Class presentations 

 

Out-of-class activities will include:

• Online investigation

• Independent project-based work

• showroom visits


Teaching Schedule

Week

    

1. Lecture On line 

    

2. Session (On campus) 

    

Assessments/ Learning Activity 

W.I.P's 

    

 

1


 

    

Introduction and overview of course (2Hours)

Project folders/templates

  • Resources, files management

 

    

 

Introduction and overview of course (2Hours)

 

Lecture: Introduction Designing Colour Scheme 
1. What is colour & more about colour? (Powerpoint)

 

Other

 

  • Discuss Week 2 activity (Material List)

Download Material List

    

Introduce

AT1 Knowledge 

    

The Townhouse  Project (1 hour)

Introduce White brick - the Scenario 

    

 Activity

Introduce yourself 

    

2


 

    

Chapter 1 Lighting Fundamentals

  • Colour Temp 
  • Colour Rendering 
  • Tunable white

 

    

Colour Mixing Exercise template

    

Activity 

Colour Mixing Exercise

    

Lecture: The role of a designer/decorator

    

Activity 

Client Profile

    

 

3


 

    

Chapter 1 Lighting Fundamentals

  • Circadian clock 
  • CRI
  • Illuminance v's luminance
    

 

Lecture: 1 Neutral Paint colours (power point)

Lecture: 2 Tonal chords & keys (in relation to colours (Power point)

Download Neutral paint colour exercise

    

Activity template:

Neutral paint colour exercise

    

The Project (1 hour)

Introduce White brick - the Scenario 

    

Activity 

Interview the client

    

 

4


 

    

Chapter 2 How we see light

  • RGB
  • Software
    

Lecture: 1

1. Colour Theorists

2 12 Major Colour groups

Week 4 Evidence of Participation (This is the 12 Major Colour Groups)

Evidence of engagement / participation

    

WIP_01

12 Major colour Groups

    

 The Project (1 hour)

    

WIP_02

Return Brief 

    

 

5


 

    

Chapter 3 Lighting Tools & surfaces

  • Lighting Kit 
  • DLOR Light distribution
  • Position 
    

Lecture: 1 Neutral Paint colours

General & Reverse Rule

White Brick Studio Logo

    

Activity Template:
Colour Proportion Exploration

    

 The Project (1 hour)

    

Activity 

Work flow

    

6


 

    

Chapter 4 Measure of light

  • Uo  | UG | LRV |
  • IP rating
    

Additive and Subtractive colour mixing/Colour systems/Rendering

Importance of light

Design Colour Knowledge Questions discussions

    

WIP_03

Changing Appearance of colour 

    

 The Project (1 hour)

    

Activity 

Over all concept

Mind Map

    

7


 

    

Chapter 5 Lamps & Daylight

  • Lamp, ballast, control & bases
  • Dayligh
    

Trend and Trend forecasting

Design Colour AT1 Knowledge Questions discussion (part 2/2)  

Activity: Your Trend Forecasting (group work

    
 

 The Project (1 hour)

Concept design for the Townhouse 

    

 

Activity 

Concept image 

    
8

Chapter 6 Specify & Suppliers

  • Projection
  • Theatre kit 
    

Ensure all Activities, Questions and ColourTools  Process folio AT1 dead line

    

AT1 Knowledge  due

 

    

Finding colour scheme inspiration. Creating mood boards/mind mapping

    

 

Activity 

Mood bards

    

9

 

    

Creating a master palette
Task: Creating master palette (of colours) for your project

    

The Project (1 hour)

Your Colour Palette for the The Town House Project 

    

 

    

10

 

    

Chapter 8 RCP Documentation 

  • Offset
  • Dimensions
  • Distribution
    

The Project 

Lighting research _ Excursion to lighting showroom

    

 

    

11

    

 

 

On line classes Session 1 finished

 

 

 

    

The Project 

Checkpoint #1: AT2 Assessment Task_Design Colour Schemes for Interior & Exterior Spaces
- Client communication (return brief)
The importance of light in colour scheme development & spatial planning

Activity: Natural light analysis

 

    

Activity 

Lighting Sketches and images

    

12

    

The Project 

  • Lighting documentation 
  • schedules 
  • Data sheets/specification sheet
    

Activity

Complete 1 x Data sheet in Indesign 

    

13

    

The Project 

  • Prepare Paint Schedule
  • Refine Client Letter (return brief) 
  • Activity: First Materials Board
  • Paint Schedule_Example.pdf 
  • Paint Schedule_Template.docx 

Lighting

  • Reflected Ceiling plan
  • Lighting Control numbers
    

WIP_04 - WBS product sheets (Lighting)

6 x Data sheets + Manufacturing Data sheets 

    

14

    

The Project 

Overview clarification

Tips on Public Speaking

How to record over your PPT

Studio time working on project – one to one sessions

    

 

    

15

    

The Project 

Reviews

    

AT2 Product Due

    

16

    

The Project 

Presentation and submissions

    

AT3 Presentation  Due

    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Library support

The University Library has extensive resources for InteriorDesign and Decoration students

The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies https://rmit.libguides.com/interior-design  

The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing 

resources :   https://rmit.pressbooks.pub/colourtheory1/    Recommended books:Living with Pattern:Color, Texture, and Print at Home Atwood, Rebecca 2016   Farrow&Ball® How to decorate Studholme, Joa, author.; Cosby, Charlotte, author.; Farrow & Ball.2016

 

Study and Learning support

Would you like to get better at studying, writing, or researching for your assignments? 

The Library has everything you need to develop your academic skills, improve your marks and save time.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub  


Overview of Assessment

In order to be deemed competent for this unit, students need to satisfactorily complete two (2) assessment tasks including a knowledge assessment task and a presentation task.  


Assessment Tasks

This unit is clustered with:

MSFID4016 - Design Colour Schemes for interior and exterior Spaces

 

AT1 Knowledge - Due week 8

AT2 Product - Due week 15

AT3 Presentation - Due week 16

Note: full briefs, assessment details and rubrics for each task are available in Canvas All assessment information for this course can be found on the course’s Canvas shell, in conjunction with assessment information communicated in class by the teacher.

All assessment information for this course can be found on the course’s Canvas shell, in conjunction with assessment information communicated in class by the teacher.

Compulsory WIP (Work in Progress)

Throughout this course there are associated learning activities or exercises that are compulsory.

They will be identified as a Compulsory WIP.

These exercises/activities must be completed in a timely manner as indicated in the weekly schedule to allow you to build knowledge and progress to the formal assessment.

Even if you complete and pass the formal assessment, if you haven’t completed the WIP you are unable to pass this course overall.

 

Assessment / Late Submission

All assessment information for this course can be found on the course’s Canvas shell, in conjunction with assessment information communicated in class by the teacher. This course is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment.

 

CA: Competency achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment

SEC: Stopped engagement in course

WDR: Withdrawn from course

 

All work for Assessable Tasks is required to be submitted on the due date and time as outlined in the Assessment Briefs. Exception to this is where an approved ELS plan, an application for Special Consideration or an approved Extension of Time is in place, submitted before the task’s due date with appropriate documentation.

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension of time for your assessable work. Please see following access for the details on applying for extension of time to assessments;

Special consideration; 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/specialconsideration

Application for extension of time;  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-forsubmission-of-assessable-work

Equitable assessment arrangements (EAA); https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/equitableassessment-arrangements--eaa

 

Submission Cover Sheet

All digital submissions must be accompanied by a digital RMIT coversheet downloadable from:  https://www.rmit.edu.au/content/dam/rmit/au/en/students/documents/my-course/assessment-results/assignment-cover-sheet.pdf

All physical submissions must have the same RMIT coversheet printed and attached to the physical work. This form is to be signed and dated by your teacher in acknowledgement of receipt of work, please retain a copy of this form signed by both you and the teacher. All physical submissions are to be handed in to your teacher in class. If you are unable to attend on the due date, please arrange for another staff to be there to collect and sign the form on your behalf. Students dropping off work to the staffroom without prior arrangement will not be accepted.

Extensions

Application for Extension must be submitted at least one working day before the assessment deadline.

Resubmission

You are allowed one resubmission for each assessment task. Resubmission period is 2 working days from the time your initial assessment result is released.

Late Submission Penalties

Work submitted late without medical certificate or approved extension will not be allowed the resubmission.

 


Assessment Matrix

An assessment Matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of competency is available from the course contact person (stated above)

Other Information

Attendance

The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production.

It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to be successful in this course.

Canvas

Use Canvas to access your course content and announcements, submit assignments, and receive your grades and feedback; 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas

Student feedback at RMIT:

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

The following link is an outline and ways that you will receive your feedback at RMIT;

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/feedback-mechanisms

Student Progress Monitoring

Academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Please see following access to the Student progress policy webpage; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress

Submitting Assessments onto Canvas

Here is a guide to submitting assessments on Canvas; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/submitting-assessments-in-canvas

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.

Please see following access for more information on Academic Integrity at RMIT; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

 

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

 

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course:

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

 

IT orientation

It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide Get involved in student life at RMIT

Course Overview: Access Course Overview