Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate

Participants learn how to combine technical aspects in layout, material choices and technology, with contemporary decoration and design elements, translating the ‘identity’ of a fashion brand, business, or individual, into a sophisticated project within the home collection sector. Experimentation with contemporary interiors is encouraged; by analyzing the current discipline participants learn how to challenge traditional design styles, and take risks with innovative new proposals. They look at new attitudes in the industry that are evolving today including influences in sustainability and innovative new materials and technologies.

Throughout the course participants manage the development of complex projects coordinating fabrics, colors, patterns and furnishings in harmony with both contemporary trends, and client needs using advanced technical design skills (CAD). They work on the interior design of living spaces within domestic settings, choosing furniture and styles for public spaces in hotels and restaurants as well as yacht interiors, and create design proposals that represent the leading companies of fashion and luxury décor. The course syllabus is strongly oriented towards the working relationship between the designer and the client; the ability to negotiate design style proposals, or overcome problems, requires client involvement in every step of the design process. Communication skills further provide a professional approach in the presentation of ideas to businesses and new clients while a final graduation showcase event gives participants the opportunity to showcase their work and build a network of contacts within the industry.

Educational Aims

• to develop flexible approaches to program delivery and student support which reflect the needs and expectations of our students;
• to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment which will enable success for all learners;
• to encourage the development of students’ intellectual and imaginative powers, creativity, independence, critical self-awareness, imagination and skills that will enhance global employment opportunities on graduation in all programs;
• to establish a culture of constant improvement in learning, teaching and assessment that is anticipatory, enabling, supportive, rewarding and fully aligned with the Institutions vision and strategic objectives;
• to provide a learning experience that is informed by research, scholarship, reflective practice and engagement with the industry and the professions.

Program Aims
Train skilled professionals capable of developing a project for the Interior Design of Homes, Hospitality spaces, Restaurants and Yachts using products that can best represent in a sophisticated and creative way, the style and identity of a Fashion Brand. Students will be able to elaborate textures, colors, materials, interior décor, styles, and incorporate those aspects to create collections for the luxury market.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of their course of study students will be able to:

• acquire the technical knowledge and feel for home furnishing fabrics and materials;
• recognize the styles and identities of Fashion Brands contemplated for the luxury market;
• analyze the evolution of living and the contemporary aesthetic in design;
• interpret and translate the style of a Brand in a project for Interior Design;
• manage the development of a project to undertake for a client with proposals that are coordinated with fabrics, colors, patterns, and furniture, reflecting contemporary trend;
• interpret the space of the assigned project and represent it visually.

The Master’s course will focus on the following areas:

• Design for residential spaces
• Client expectations and brief
• The luxury industry
• Professional portfolio
• Innovative materials and surfaces
• Illustration and color techniques
• CAD design 3D rendering
• Fashion influence in home collection
• Creative research methods

Course teaching methods are mainly based around formal lectures, workshops, seminars and self-directed study and within this structure a range of approaches to learning and teaching is employed as appropriate to the situation. Industry experienced specialists and visiting specialist Lecturers (industry professionals) make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional practice.

Self-Directed Study plays a major role in this program, where students are expected to spend time researching and analyzing subject matter independently to support and substantiate taught material.

Formal Lectures form an integral part of the program and with formal delivery of key information to the whole cohort. At this level it is expected that students will use the lectures as a stimulus for further study/reading.

Seminars are used to build on themes taken from the lecture program. Students are encouraged to make an active contribution by sharing in the argument and debate.

Visiting Lecturers are invited to deliver specialist lectures to enhance the delivery of the units.

Individual Tutorials are used when individual student work is being discussed or the guidance required is specific to one particular student. It is especially important in the dissertation phase and may be face to face, over the telephone, via e-mail or Skype.

Small Group Tutorials enable students to discuss and plan their work in greater detail than is possible with larger groups. It encourages quieter students to develop their interpersonal and communication skills and helps consolidate leadership skills in others.

Video Presentations are used to give a more in-depth understanding of a specific issue.

Case Studies are used for detailed discussion of real-life situations.

Demonstrations are normally of a technical nature and are necessary in certain subject areas. Studio / Workshop / Laboratory / Practical Sessions > may be used to enable the creative and practical skill development of the student in an environment which simulates that of industry.

Group and Team Work requires students to operate as a member of a group or team and they usually have clearly identified roles. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, individual responsibility to the group and joint decision-making.

Study Trips give students the opportunity to go outside the institute’s environment to enhance their understanding of specific subject material. If assessment is dependent on information collected whilst undertaking the study trip, the trip would be considered mandatory. The cost of study trips can be either the responsibility of the student or on occasion included in the annual study fee. If the visit is within the city students pay for public transport. This will be outlined at the beginning of any unit where such a trip is foreseen.

*prices are subject to change

This is an SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!

• Istituto Marangoni Certificate indicating completion of Master’s level course
• Program tuition
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• SAI orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Assistance with student visa application
• Assistance with financial aid and loan processing
• Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
• SAI alumni network

Housing is not included in SAI Select Services Programs. However, your SAI Admissions Counselor will be happy to provide you with information and recommendations for local housing agencies, as well as school-provided apartments. Students who do not have prior housing arrangements should begin speaking with their Admissions Counselor as soon as possible.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.