Students will be introduced to the world of commercial interior design with a focus on restaurant and hotels. They will learn about the ergonomics and theories behind both spaces with an emphasis on materials and specifications. Students will additionally have the opportunity to visit a showroom in this course.

Course Outline

• Topic 1
  • Final project review
  • Difference between commercial and residential design
  • Contract fabrics
  • Contract wallpapers
  • Floor coverings
• Topic 2
  • Restaurant interior design
  • Trakhees space requirements
  • Basic requirements for restaurant design
  • Restaurant ergonomics and standard dimensions
  • Hot and cold food display
  • Cafe design review
  • Activity 1: Cafe design
• Topic 3
  • The psychology of restaurant design: Color
  • The psychology of restaurant design: Scent
  • The psychology of restaurant design: Lighting
  • The psychology of restaurant design: Acoustics
  • The psychology of restaurant design: Architecture
  • The restaurant design narrative
• Topic 4
  • The psychology of hotel design: Color
  • The psychology of hotel design: Lighting
  • The psychology of hotel design: Acoustics
• Topic 5
  • Hotel plan and design case study
  • Hotel design comparisons
  • Hotel floor plan example
  • Typical furniture sizes in a hotel
• Topic 6
  • ​​​​​​​Test & feedback
  • Project presentations
  • Hotel budget guidelines & showroom visit

Internship & Work Opportunities

The end goal of the training is to secure work in the industry, which is facilitated through internship opportunities at design companies and showrooms such as Pottery Barn, Ethan Allen, Crate & Barrel, and more. Work shadowing is also organized for top students during holiday breaks. Great care is taken to match the student's aspirations and abilities with a suitable practice.