Course Description
Course Overview
Whether you are an aspiring designer, architecture student or working in the construction industry this programme provides you with a comprehensive approach towards communicating technical design plans for the interior design and architecture industry.
The comprehensive programme’s methodology ensures participants experience both the wider scope of design communication through exposure to case studies, and varied 2D/3D/ manual design tasks, and the specialised focus on industry level 2D CAD, namely AutoCAD®.
Part one covers architectural communication and explores technical draughting concepts and various CAD platforms, ensuring participants understand software as a tool and develop spatial thinking and problem-solving skills. It also includes an introduction to 3D space, site surveying, documentation, digitization, design standards and the foundation for CAD software workflow. A relevant practical assignment is assigned for this module.
In part two, participants focus on the proficient use of 2D CAD, moving up from focused tasks in Sketchup® 2D and basic 3D towards full architectural plans in AutoCAD®. This part leads learners to become proficient AutoCAD® interface users, working on different focused design tasks, site specific assignments, and a relevant final project.
Specialised focus on AutoCAD® 2D along with the wider knowledge covered, ensures participants become capable design problem solvers and proficient 2D CAD users. The course fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, preparing students to tackle architectural and design challenges effectively.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for complete beginners with no prior knowledge. Including:
- Interior designers, architects, and engineers looking to master 2D CAD for professional use.
- Drafters and technical professionals seeking to improve efficiency and accuracy in 2D design, particularly AutoCAD
- Students and beginners who want to develop a strong foundation in 2D CAD for interior and architectural applications.
- And anyone working in real estate, construction, or project management who needs to understand and interpret technical drawings.
Study mode: Project-based (exam free) | Duration: circa 30 hours (Lectures)
Entry requirements: Beginner course. No prior experience or knowledge required
Qualification: Award MQF 5 | 6 ECTS
What will you Learn after this course?
- Navigate the AutoCAD interface and customize the workspace.
- Create accurate 2D drawings using basic drawing tools.
- Analyse, Edit and modify drawings using advanced commands.
- Evaluate, Develop and present between different detailed design proposals.
- Understand AutoCAD’s drawing and editing tools.
- Learn annotation and dimensioning methods in AutoCad
- Explore fundamental and advanced 2D design techniques aided by CAD to produce consistent and iterative design documentation.
- Efficiently create and manage layers and properties in AutoCAD.
- Produce detailed 2D designs with accuracy, and be aware of the potential for eventual 3D design for advanced visualisation.
- Apply detailing to design features like sections, hidden detail, and schematic information to enhance 2D models.
- Present digital design proposals to potential clients and stakeholders.
Project-work
This course is 100% project-based. Throughout this course you will be challenged across different levels, technical and creative aspects through:
- Group Assignments:
Creating 2D design plan for a fictitious client which incorporates an existing site with a new development and/or aimed at an existing problem, situation or towards a solution.
2. Final Project: For their individual final project Students will be tasked with developing a Strategic and creative design document detailing the renovation of an existing site and including new proposals for its development into a different use. The project shall include accurate site plans, sections and emphasis on the new development and their impact on the complete project. Different design documents shall be delivered for different
Further project details and criteria will be discussed by the tutor during the course of the program.
Recognition and Certification
A certificate is presented to students who successfully complete the course. The criteria for a successful completion is based on
i. An active participation and attendance of not less than 70% of a course.
ii. High quality work and performance are reflected throughout the culmination of projects and creative tasks assigned throughout the course.
Further note: In adherence to our Recognition and Certification policy and upon feedback, students failing to meet the course completion criteria on their first attempt will be granted two re-submission opportunities. If criteria are not met after the second attempt, it will result in a failed status, necessitating a retake of the course.
Required: Workstation/ laptop that can handle AutoCAD
Students will receive a free copy of the latest software, which they can use for the duration of the course.
Upcoming commencement Dates:
April; July; Nov 2025
Times: 7-9PM
Mode of Study: PARTTIME
Christmas Break: Dec 24th 2023- Jan 6th 2024
Easter Break: 9th- 22nd April 2024
*Class schedules are subject to change during public holidays*
Stay tuned about upcoming Interior Design courses by subscribing below.
Kindly only register if you are interested in undertaking the Interior Design course and would like to receive early upcoming course announcements.
Program outline
Part 1 - Start-CAD 2D - Exploring the wider field of 2D Design towards 2D CAD (Sketchup + Adobe + Inkscape)
Session 1: Intro to Draughting, Sketch-to-Plan Exercise, Sketchup 2D Drawing
- Introduction to graphical communication, sketching orthographic views, and converting drawings into 2D views in Sketchup.
Session 2: Surveying Real Architecture, Tools for the Job
- Overview of CAD platforms, practical surveying exercises, and documenting a basic architectural feature.
Session 3: CAD Legacy – Turning Surveys into Real Plans
- Documenting survey information, creating detailed plans in Sketchup, and learning architectural detail communication techniques through real site architectural surveys.
Session 4: Hybrid Design Communication and Annotation through 2D CAD/Touch Devices and Image/Layout Editors
- Using Adobe Sketchbook Pro and Inkscape (vector and image editing software) for design communication, annotation, and project submission.
Part 2 - Professional 2D CAD with AutoCAD
(All instances referring to ‘AutoCAD’ are representative of Autocad® from AutoDesk®)
Introduction to AutoCAD and its applications
- Introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and its importance in variousindustries.
- Overview of AutoCAD software
- Explanation of the main uses of AutoCAD in architecture, construction and more.
- Demonstration: Launching AutoCAD, exploring the interface, and basic
navigation.
Understanding the AutoCAD workspace
- Overview of workspace elements; drawing area, viewports, status bar.
- Introduction to workspace customising tool palettes and workspace layouts.
- Creating and saving custom workspace configurations.
Drawing tools and techniques
- Explanation of basic drawing tools, line, circle, arc, rectangle, polyline.
- Introduction to precision techniques, object snaps, polar tracking etc.
- Introduction to advanced drawing commands, ellipse, polygon, spline.
- Exploring additional drawing techniques: offset, fillet, chamfer.
Editing and modifying drawings
- Overview of editing commands: move, copy, rotate, scale, mirror.
- Explanation of selection methods and grips editing.
- Introduction to advanced editing techniques, trim, extend, offset, array.
- Exploring object properties modification: colour, linetype, lineweight.
- Exercises with given site examples.
Annotation and dimensioning
- Overview of text and annotation tools; single-line text, multi-line text, text styles.
- Explanation of annotative objects and annotation scaling.
- Introduction to dimensioning tools; linear, aligned, angular, radial dimensions.
- Exploring dimension styles and setting for consistent dimensioning.
- Further development of design exercises with dimensioning, publishing and layouts.
- Drawing symbols, standardisation, BS Standards, Legends and keys.
Detailing, Block editing and Sectioning
- Introduction to sectional views, section planes, hatching and conventions.
- Annotation and further application of sections in real design situations and case studies.
- Creation and use of Blocks to facilitate use of repeated components (AutoCAD Blocks)
- Block Editing, manipulation and combined editing.
- Block exportation and referencing across different drawings.
Layers and properties management
- Introduction to layers and their role in organising drawing elements.
- Explanation of layer properties: colours, linetype, lineweight.
- Advanced layer management techniques: freezing, locking, layer states.
- Best practices for layer naming conventions and organisation.
Importing objects and different media
- Image(bitmap) import for integration of visual media in drawings, considering export limitations (reference portability).
Reference image (e.g. site plans, maps, geographic imagery, surveys and topology) import and editing.
- Organising and editing .pdf imports and vector imports.
Printing, Publishing and using Layouts in AutoCAD
- Preparation for publishing, print and sharing design documentation. Publishing and Layout Scale configuration.
- Importing from .pdf format into AutoCAD drawings and exporting to pdf mantaining Layers and scale.
- Exports and document organisation.
- Presentation drawings and integration of further design information (annotated photos, part lists, legends and keys)
Real-World Projects and Final Assessment
- Introduction to real-world design projects and scenarios.
- Integration of drawing standards in drawing symbols and annotations as per industry (Architectural, Light, HVAC, etc.), use of cross referencing and Keys/ Legends.
- Students work collaboratively to tackle real-world design challenges, applying their AutoCAD skills.
- Preparation for the final project assignment, ensuring understanding of project requirements and expectations.
Final project assignment and assessment
- Students work on completing their final design project, applying all skills learned throughout the course.
- Preparation and presentation of the final design proposal, showcasing creativity, innovation, and proficiency in AutoCAD and application of design communication and presentation skills.
Qualification

This ExpertSkillset program is an MQF Level 5 Award (6 ECTS) titled ‘Award in 2D CAD for Interior Design’ officially accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). The Award certificate will be presented to delegates upon successful attendance of all modules and completion of relative assessment (Project). — This continues to confirm the industry relevance of our programs.
Program funding options

GET QUALIFIED SCHEME
Students following the ‘Award in Interior Design’ study programme can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (ie. €276.50 will be refunded back for this course).
Frequently asked questions
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid under the Get Qualified scheme. Students who attend any of the eligible study programmes can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme upon successful completion which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred.
The Get Qualified scheme is only eligible for Accreditation courses. Certificate level courses are ineligible for funding.
I'd love to enrol but my budget is limited. How can I go about this?
ACM offers students the chance to schedule 3 interest-free payments which gives them the freedom and flexibility to invest in their studies and still do the things they love.
EasyPay Scheme – Students may also opt for the EasyPay plan for longer instalment payments. For more info visit here
Funding – Students also have the chance to get 70% of their course fees back thanks to the Get Qualified Scheme.
In which countries will my certification be recognised?
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