Interior Decorating and Design

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

 

Safety and Environmental Issues

• Follow manufacturer recommendations and other information regarding product use, including storage and disposal of hazardous materials
• Select procedures for reporting and handling accident, safety, and security incidents
• Identify issues involving fire safety, including appropriate use of extinguishers and flame retardant fabrics
• Operate, maintain, and store trade equipment and tools safely

 

Elements and Principles of Design

• Identify key elements and principles of design
• Model the application of design elements and principles in interior design
• Interpret color elements and how color impacts design
• Describe the psychological effects of color
• Differentiate between hue, value, and intensity

 

Textiles, Fibers, and Fabrics

• Assess the elements and principles of design utilized in textile products
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of fibers and fabrics
• Identify characteristics of fabrics with various yarn constructions
• Evaluate fabric finishes and color application methods for specific interior purposes
• Select appropriate fibers and fabrics for specific end users
• Interpret labeling information to determine care procedures for various fabrics

 

Interior Materials and Products

• Evaluate floor coverings and wall and window treatments
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of various fixtures, materials, equipment, and surfaces in kitchen and bath design
• Integrate guidelines in selecting appropriate lighting considering safety, function, and design
• Assess the environmental impact of interior materials and products

 

Furnishings and Accessories

• Evaluate upholstered furniture and explain criteria for assessing quality
• Describe factors to be considered when coordinating furniture and accessories
• Compare function, aesthetics, and durability of home furnishings
• Compare function, efficiency, and durability of home appliances
• Appraise space and functional requirements for equipment and furnishings

 

Art Periods and Design Styles

• Compare art periods and their influence on design styles
• Identify cultural, technological, and economic influences on design styles
• Describe characteristics of different design styles

 

Visual Presentation

• Demonstrate hand drafting skills for interior design
• Create scale drawings
• Employ computer aided drafting (CAD) for interior design
• Recognize steps in the design process by producing a presentation board

 

Technical Knowledge

•   Research and compile appropriate information sources regarding interior design/graphic standards
• Perform measuring and layout skills
• Demonstrate estimating, ordering, purchasing, and pricing skills

 

Retail Operation Procedures

• Apply concepts of retail management
• Communicate receiving, inspection, and inventory procedures
• Express appropriate customer service skills
• Evaluate billing procedures and fee structures
• Demonstrate various selling techniques
• Model design consultation skills
• Identify professional and youth organizations, certifications, and career options in the Interior Decorating and Design field

 

Marketing Skills

• Identify and evaluate effective marketing procedures
• Create visual merchandising and anticipate its impact
• Determine the role and effectiveness of advertising
• Evaluate promotional activities used to market products and services
• Utilize ethical and legal behavior in marketing

 

Housing Issues

• Determine individual and family needs, goals, and resources
• Examine the landscaping, geographical, and environmental effects on housing
• Support trends in housing, including elements of Universal Design
• Identify various national building and housing codes

Written Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours
Number of Questions: 172

 

Areas Covered:

Safety and Environmental Issues: 7%

Elements of Principles of Design: 14%

Textiles, Fibers, and Fabrics: 10%

Furnishings and Accessories: 8%

Art Periods and Design Styles: 6%

Visual Presentation: 6%

Technical Knowledge: 6%

Retail Operation Procedures: 14%

Marketing Skills: 13%

Housing Issues: 9%

 

Sample Questions:

 

An analogous color scheme uses

1.  colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel
2. a primary color from the color wheel with white or black
3. two or more colors that are next to each other on the color wheel
4. three colors that are equally distant from each other on the color wheel

Which of the following upholstery covering is the most durable?  

1. jersey knit
2. microfiber
3. leather
4. chenille

 

Frank Lloyd Wright is associated with which period style?  

1. Arts and Crafts and Mission
2. Art Deco and Art Nouveau
3. Roccoco and Baroque
4. Victorian and Gothic

 

How many square feet are in one square yard?  

1. 3 square feet
2. 6 square feet
3. 9 square feet
4. 12 square feet

 

Professionals who make recommendations to home sellers in order to make their homes more appealing to buyers are called

1. zoning inspectors
2. design assistants
3. title agents
4. home stagers