Step into the world of commercial interior design with confidence

This power-packed mini course is designed for qualified interior designers who are ready to expand from residential design into commercial projects in the UK. Across 13 focused lessons, you’ll uncover the principles, processes and real-world considerations that set commercial projects apart; giving you the knowledge to approach every brief with confidence.

• 1: COMMERCIAL Vs RESIDENTIAL DESIGN Explore the key differences in regulations, workflow and expectations; understand why commercial spaces demand a more strategic, compliance-driven approach. 
• 2: COMMERCIAL SECTORS EXPLAINED Take a guided tour through hospitality, workplace, retail, leisure and more; learn the defining characteristics, priorities and challenges of each sector so you can recognise what’s required before you begin. 
• 3: DESIGNING FOR CLIENT, BRAND AND END USER Discover how to translate brand values into physical space; balance client goals with user behaviour and create environments that communicate, perform and resonate.
• 4: CREATING AN EXPERIENCE Learn how to move beyond surface-level aesthetics and craft meaningful experiences; from sensory cues and storytelling to emotional impact and operational flow.
• 5: THE CHAIN OF COMMAND Get clear on the project hierarchy; understand the roles, responsibilities and communication lines that keep commercial projects running smoothly and professionally.
• 6: THE TENDERING PROCESS Demystify the tender process; understand what tender packages include, what designers submit, how pricing works and how to position your work confidently within the process. 
• 7: THE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER UNDER CDM Break down the CDM regulations in practical terms; discover when they apply, what the Principal Designer must do and how to approach safety responsibilities with confidence.
• 8: SPACE PLANNING, ZONING & CIRCULATION Dive into the mechanics of efficient spatial design; understand your legal duties and key dimensions for safe effective layouts that support both experience and function.
• 9: COLOUR IN COMMERCIAL DESIGN Understand how colour guides behaviour, reinforces branding and enhances safety; explore practical applications from wayfinding to mood-setting environments.
• 10: SOURCING & SPECIFYING Discover what differentiates commercial procurement; understanding fire ratings like Crib 5, and how to specify responsibly.
• 11: LIGHTING ESSENTIALS Master the commercial lighting fundamentals; types, lux levels, colour temperature, safety and IP ratings; plus how to apply them to create atmosphere and meet regulations.
• 12: UNIVERSAL & ACCESSIBLE DESIGN Learn the core principles and legal requirements of inclusive design; from circulation paths to sensory considerations and layout decisions.
• 13: SUSTAINABILITY Explore how to embed sustainability and wellbeing into commercial schemes; from biophilic design and material choices to energy use, comfort and long-term environmental impact.