I want to become an IDstudent for multiple reasons. I recently finished high school and during my final two years I did ATAR hoping to get into Uni for interior design... but then I messaged the owner or 31 interiors (A past student of the interior design institute). She told me that she didn’t go to University or tafe and instead did the interior design institute online course. After hearing her recommomdation I quickly looked up the course and fell in love with the structure of it, and how detailed it was. When searching for a uni/tafe it is very hard to understand what is actually included in the course and what you will be learning, however with IDI the whole course was laid out and it had everything I wanted to learn about before becoming an interior designer, in extreme detail. I also love how there are advanced modules, this is essential to expand ones knowledge. I would much prefer working online as I am then also able to maintain my casual job and enjoy time with my family and friends too, while i work towards the career i belong in. I have always loved interior design, most of my family work in careers that are to do with housing. My sisters a painter, my brother in laws an electrician and my dads a carpenter, so i have always been around houses... and I always used to imagine the beautiful interiors that could become of them after my dad has finished putting the roof on top. Youre always pushed as a child to be a mainstream teacher, doctor, lawyer.... but i never fitted into any of those fields, the arts were more my style.... and when I found the interior design institute I felt complete because I knew that was the only pathway I wanted to take to become an interior designer.

I'm so glad I asked for ideas! It really opens up my options. I'm starting to think using the front verandah as an entry is an option. 'oklouise' we have ample parking away from the house, and I like your idea of enclosing part of the smaller verandah. We will be covering the ugly concrete (euphemistically called 'alfresco' in the real estate plan) with paving probably. I'm thinking that a 2.4 metre wide verandah across the front of the house would provide enough shelter for an entry, but not enclosed.

Hi How2Girl, I appreciate your follow up! The Reece document is good - thanks - I wish there was something concrete in the Standards though. Worth notiing is that a shower over the bath needs the same wall-sheeting details as if it was a shower base. Also wall framing in the bathroom needs to be done to AS 1684.2-2010 Residential timber-framed construction - Non-cyclonic areas (Which the James Hardie 'wet area design book' is based on) Very frustrating that the Australian Standards are not readily available - ie FREE- or at least, latest copies at local libraries. How are we meant to build to standards when they are inaccessible. Another factor in determining the overall quality of the Australian construction industry Also what I've found frustrating in this instance is that other trades in my small town are unwilling to agree that the work is of very poor quality - there is an unstated 'brotherhood' at work. So Im going to have to engage an independent Building Certifier, probably from out of town. Of course,the cost for this will come off the builder's fees on a pro-rata basis for below-par work

TAKE YOUR TIME before you commit to plan. Don't rush and don't let others rush you. The section will talk to you and tell you what it needs - if you are prepared to take the time to look and listen to it. Where does the sun rise and set? Does the site face North, South, East or West? Where are the views? What direction do the prevailing winds come from? Are there any water courses that might cause flooding issues? What direction do you approach the site from? Are there existing trees or other natural features that need to be included and considered. What soil type are you dealing with - rocky, volcanic, boggy, clay etc. Make a list of all the things that you think will be important to know about the site itself for ever starting picking out floor plans. Once you have the answers to those questions, the type of floorplan you require will begin to automatically narrow a little, making your job a lot easier. When you have a good picture of where you feel your basic rooms might be best located, then work out a budget. Build in a contingency amount that you will not go above. THEN go and talk to an architect. I know, the idea of employing an architect sounds expensive and it can be but it can also be the best money you ever spend. Friends of ours have just built an architecturally designed home on a very modest budget and it is just the most wonderful wee house, with loads of unique features that had they gone for a standard 'off the plan' house, they would have missed out on. I'm not going to suggest the type of house you should have. You don't need to know that from me. Formulate what design types you like. Make a scrap book of colours and styles you like. When I read your letter, your thoughts seemed to me, to be all over the place. You are excited - I get that but start to control you enthusiasm and begin to narrow your focus just a little..... actually, quite a lot. I get that this is your dream home but if you don't focus, you can make it your nightmare and that would be such a shame. Start with the basic approach above. Listen to others by all means but once you know the basis of design you are going for, stick with it - and that's why I say to use an architect. A good architect will help you to focus. Best of luck. It will be nice to see the progress.