CATC Course Guide

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Explore

OPEN SESAME

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

BEGIN

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 1 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Play,
explore,
develop.

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 2 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

It’s time to

HELLO 04
WHY CHOOSE US 10
ME WE 12
CHOOSE YOUR CAMPUS 14
ONLINE LEARNING 17
STUDENT AWARDS 18

GRAPHIC DESIGN 20

The Graphic Design Course STUDY PATHWAYS 50
Program Managers ENROLMENT INFORMATION 52
Graduate Spotlight

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 54

INTERIOR DESIGN 30 OVERSEAS STUDENTS 56

The Interior Design Course FAQS 58
Program Managers

Graduate Spotlight

PHOTOGRAPHY 40 APPLICATION FORM 64
The Photo Imaging Course FEES 66

Program Managers
Creative Digital Photography

Graduate Spotlight

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 3 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

explore

ONWARD

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 4 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Hello...
…and welcome to CATC Design School. We are really looking forward to
being able to showcase what we do and why we are doing it. But first of
all, we should probably begin with a brief introduction of who we are.

We began teaching design 30 years ago What we do
and we love what we are doing now just
as much as we did when we started. We What we do is provide an environment where
have four campuses1 – one in Brisbane, you can learn to become the best designer
one on the Gold Coast, one in Melbourne or photographer you can be. We’ll give
and one in Sydney. This adds up to a crazy you the stepping stones to get you there.
number of graduates enjoying a wide range We believe studying to be a designer or a
of successful careers. It also makes us one photographer is all about developing your
of Australia’s leading education providers own unique set of skills. Our job is to help
in graphic design, interior design and you do this. It’s all about you, not us.
photography. But all this is not what really
excites us the most. What really excites us What we also do is vocational education
is what we do and why we are doing it. and training (VET). This is really important
to us. Vocational education and training is
skills-based and industry focussed. It’s very
hands on. In some ways it’s similar to the
days of masters and apprentices where you’d
learn a trade and develop your skills under
the watchful eye of a master craftsman.

HELLO 1 Actually it’s five campuses with our ‘virtual
campus’ for our online students.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 5 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

It provides an environment which encourages Why we’re doing it
deliberate practice and experimentation.
It’s a place where if you put the work in you It’s a job.
can’t technically fail. It’s an environment where
the worst that can happen is it might take Only kidding. We’re doing it because we love
more work to get the result you’re after2. It’s a what we do. We all come from industry and
place where it’s OK to make mistakes. In fact, we enjoy helping others who want to join us.
we celebrate mistakes because it’s through We love seeing the progress our students
trial and error that you’ll usually learn the make and we really love it when they graduate
most. Our students are encouraged to jump and start turning their ideas into reality.
right in and actively look for ways to improve
their knowledge and skills. We do it because we believe in the
hands-on nature of vocational education.
We understand that being creative is all about Designers and photographers get out
original thinking and coming up with ideas. of bed each day because they want to
Because of this, we will teach you how to create things. You probably enjoyed art
think creatively and practice constructively. and design at school – well, think of your
time with us as one non-stop art class.
2 Vocational training doesn’t have grades. When it comes to
assessments you’re either ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’. It’s like most things in life: when you love
It’s just like the real world. When you present your ideas what you do, chances are you’re going to
to your clients they won’t give you a grade. They’ll give you become good at it, which in turn reaps its
feedback which is something you’ll always learn from. own rewards. Our graduates are both highly
regarded and sought after. They regularly
win prizes in the most prestigious design
competitions, from the Design Institute of
Australia (DIA), Australasian Student Design
Competition and the Graduate of the Year
Awards (GOTYA) to the Dulux Colour Awards
and Desktop magazine’s Create Awards.

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 6 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Our

Helmut Lueckenhausen is an internationally Most recently, Helmut was Pro Vice
recognised leading expert in the fields of Chancellor Internationalisation at Swinburne,
studio furniture and design for wood and providing senior academic leadership and
has lectured in 3D Design. He has lived and advocacy including curriculum developments,
worked across the world and presented at staff capability, graduate attributes, and the
many international and national conferences research endeavour. Before this role, Helmut
and industry forums. As the former Dean, was Pro Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive,
Faculty of Design at Swinburne University, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
Helmut helped the Faculty become a
significant international force by setting
up programs in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and
Singapore and increasing international
student numbers. He has also worked
with Billy Blue College of Design and led
the establishment of the National Institute
for Design Research, the development
of new policies and programs for design
practice-led research, and re-introduced the
Swinburne School of Film and Television.

GLOBAL

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 7 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Dean
At Think Design we are training the designers of tomorrow:
individuals who collaborate with communities to generate
ideas which solve a wide range of problems.

Helmut Lueckenhausen, Executive Dean, Faculty of Design

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 8 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

We are flexible

We said at the start that a 30-year
history wasn’t what really excites
us. That’s only because we’ve
never really thought of history
as being ‘exciting’. We started
doing what we’re still doing now
in 1982 and we’re pretty proud of
that. We think it makes us one
of the oldest privately owned
design schools in Australia.

We also referred to our four
campuses – although as we’ve
already said, it’s really five if
we include our online students
whose campus might be their
kitchen table – either way its about
flexibility. One of the benefits of
studying with us is that even if you
live in Melbourne you have the
opportunity to study on the Gold
Coast for a while if that is your wish.

We also understand that you have a
number of demands, which is why
we provide flexible study options.
We have multiple intakes and offer
full-time, part-time or online study
options. And even if you’re studying
with us full-time, our hours give
you a great deal of flexibility to
help you manage your time.

WE ARE

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 9 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 10 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Why choose us

We’ve already talked a bit about vocational education
and why it’s important to us, but there is a whole
bunch of things to consider when you’re thinking
about where to study. It’s a big decision.

We believe our Diplomas provide the best To get this, you need two things. You need to
foundation study there is – an intensive and study a course that’s industry relevant and
focussed learning experience that’s completely you need teachers who come from industry
centred around practicing, making and doing. so they know what they’re talking about.
But there are quite a few things to think about
when it comes to choosing where to study We’ve got both these things well
design or photography. You’ll find out a lot and truly covered.
more as you keep reading this course guide.
First up, all our courses are fully accredited
But to start with, it’s all about you and nationally recognised. But that’s really
only the formal housekeeping. What’s really
We’ve said this before and it’s true. It starts important here is that they’ve all been put
with our selection criteria. You don’t need a together with a great deal of input from
qualification to enrol in any of our courses. If some of the leading people in graphic
you’ve already got a qualification or had some design, interior design and photography.
industry experience that’s great, but what Each discipline has its own specialist course
we’re really interested in is you, your individual advisory committee which meets on a
creativity, and what you’re looking to get out regular basis. These committees include
of your studies. We’re excited about what our some of the leading practitioners in their
students bring to CATC and we actively support field, so our courses remain contemporary
the idea that life’s experiences and cultural and industry relevant. We also make
diversity should be part of the building blocks sure we engage with local designers and
of you becoming a designer or a photographer. photographers. We sometimes go to their
studios. We sometimes have them in to give
Industry relevance talks, and we certainly involve them in our
Graduate Exhibitions and industry events.
The whole point of learning about design or
photography with CATC is to exercise your Secondly, as we’ve mentioned before, all our
practical skills and creativity ready for work teachers come from industry. With diverse
in the industry. It’s really important to know industry background our teachers provide
what the industry standards are so that you you with first-hand experience of what it’s
understand what employers are looking like to work as designers or photographers.
for and what your future clients expect. They absolutely know what you’ll need to
know so you can take on the world knowing
you’re as ready for it as you can be1.

1 A lot of ‘knows’ but studying with us means you’ll get
to know a great deal of industry relevant stuff.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 11 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

“CPcoarnsetsaaitgtiivooinut”ys.is
ALBERT EINSTEIN
CHOOSE

... believe that being creative is as good
as it gets. It’s exciting, challenging,
ever-changing, sometimes frustrating,
sometimes enlightening and always fun.

We believe the creative process is all
about the individual. Creativity starts
with an individual (you) and in its final
form is interpreted in a myriad of ways
depending on the individual who’s
looking at what you’ve created.

We believe creativity affects the way
individuals work, rest and play. It affects
how individuals think and feel. It affects
our physical and emotional environment.
It can often change people’s lives.

M CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 12

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

M e13 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL
COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Whichever way you look at it, being
creative is centred entirely on the
individual – and in this case, that’s you.

Being creative is not something you can
really control. It’s something that helps you
get out of bed each day, wanting to take on
the world and make it a better place. It’s an
innate drive that makes you want to create
order out of chaos and to do so in a way that
makes sense to you, in a way that makes
you feel like you’ve made a contribution.

Creativity is what makes the world
(and this page) go round...

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 14 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Explore our

Melbourne

Our Melbourne campus opened in 2011.
The interior fit-out was designed especially
for us so it’s completely custom built,
with plenty of space spread out over three
floors. We share the space with our sister
college, Billy Blue. The campus is located
close to the heart of the city at the Spencer
Street end of Little Collins Street.

The feeling on the campus is a creative ‘buzz’.
Mimicking the world that awaits beyond
graduation, students studying photography,
interior design and graphic design mingle
and share innovative ideas and projects.

The campus is easily accessible by bicycle
or on foot, is a short walk from Southern
Cross Station which is part of the city loop.
Trams also run along Spencer Street and
there are commercial car parks nearby.

We’ve mentioned this before but one of the great things
about having five campuses is you can choose where you’d
like to study. This includes being able to move to another
campus during your studies if you feel like a change.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 15 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

campuses

Gold Coast ALL OVER

What can we say about the Gold Coast
that you can’t already imagine? It’s warm,
laid back and couldn’t be closer to the
beach if it tried. It’s Australia’s sixth
largest city and its fastest growing.

We’re located in Southport just up from
Surfers Paradise. The campus is designed
around open plan studios1. Like everything
else on the Gold Coast, it’s colourful, light and
airy. It’s really easy to get to by bus or car or
bicycle and is close to Gold Coast beaches.

In terms of student numbers it’s our
smallest campus, which gives it a special
sense of community and keeps it very
relaxed - pretty much in keeping with
how everything else is on ‘the coast’.

1 By studios we mean they’re big open plan spaces as opposed to
traditional classrooms. In other words it’s a bit more like working in
the industry.

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 16 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Brisbane Sydney

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Our Sydney campus is located on the fringe
Brisbane River, our Brisbane campus of Sydney’s bustling central business
captures the Queensland architectural style district in Ultimo. As cool as inner Sydney
our Sunshine State is famous for, while itself, this converted, heritage building
maximising views of the city and the iconic is close to many well-known creative
Storey Bridge. Billy Blue shares this campus studios and marketing agencies.
with six other colleges of Think Education.
Spanning three levels, high ceilings, lots of
Expect three levels of live green walls, light- light and creative pods scattered throughout
filled atriums and swags of collaborative mean this open plan building is perfect for
learning spaces. In fact, if it wasn’t so learning, collaboration and entrepreneurship.
jam-packed with the latest technologies,
the contemporary resort-style vibe may Facilities on the Sydney campus are
see you wondering, “Seriously, am I accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
hanging out on an island here?” The days of rows of desks lining darkened
classrooms are gone. Today’s teaching and
Brisbane campus is open 24/7, so you can learning spaces need to fit unique tasks, so
study when it suits you. If you want to chill out we’ve designed buildings with a combination
between classes, there are break out zones of open spaces, traditional classrooms
with media charge docks, and an on-site cafe. and specialist studios. Need to access
specialised technology or tools? Head to
Students also have access to a range of a digital media lab, photo imaging studio,
support services including learning labs with craft workshop or fashion studio. Working
the latest audio-visual technology as well as on a collaborative project? Between the
spacious breakout zones for group work. cafe, library, the pods and each building’s
open feel, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Brisbane enjoys a warm climate, extensive
riverside parks, a passion for sport, culture Sydney has emerged as a key global
and outdoor events, and is just one hour away design centre with a dynamic creative
from the beautiful Sunshine and Gold Coasts. community. It has established its position
With a great climate, safe environment and a as Australia’s leading city for commercial
relaxed outdoor lifestyle, it is easy to see why design. This provides Billy Blue students
Queensland is a popular study destination. with access to great internship, project and
employment opportunities in some of the
1 By studios we mean they’re big open plan spaces as opposed to country’s most dynamic creative agencies.
traditional classrooms. In other words it’s a bit more like working in
the industry.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 17 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Online Experience

Flexible learning options

One of the great things about creative industries is that
one way or another they permeate our lives, whether we
live in the city, the suburbs, a country town or in the middle
of nowhere. There are no set rules about where learning
should come from and even fewer rules about who can and
can’t do it.This is why we offer all our courses online.

We recognise that not everyone can study at Each subject will take between 48-72 hours
one of our campuses and/or wants to organise to complete, which means if you stay up for
their lives around set timetables. As we’ve two days straight for each one you’ll get
said before, we totally get the flexibility thing. everything nailed pretty quickly. We’re only
kidding. We actually recommend you study
We have recently introduced new online around 8-10 hours a week. In fact, experience
learning platform, Blackboard. Blackboard teaches us that about an hour a day is a
is an amazing, innovative technology much better way to learn than doing seven
for learning that provides the students or eight hours straight. You send everything
with more interaction with classmates, in to us online and receive everything back
teachers and industry than ever before. (including feedback) the same way.

So how does it work exactly? Come meet us

First up, we have 7 online intakes throughout Even though you might be considering
the year, so you can start at the beginning studying online, you are always welcome
of on-campus term or in the middle of it. to come in and meet the team on campus.
In fact, our new campuses in Sydney
Online learning with us is facilitated which and Brisbane are open 24 hours, 7 days
means there will always be a teacher each week, so if you want to work on
available to answer your questions or campus sometime, feel free to visit.
take you through each subject. All your
learning materials will be availlable in
Blackboard, and you will interact with
your peers and teachers and submit your
assignments through Blackboard as well.

ALL CATC’S DIPLOMA PROGRAMS ARE DELIVERED ONLINE.

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 18 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Student

The creative process is a difficult one to pin down. It

can sometimes be a lot of hard work and it can certainly

be a lot of fun. We know it when we see it and we

know that when it works, it’s immensely satisfying.

We also believe that creativity and success
can be measured and recognised in a
myriad of different ways. To reflect this, we
have a number of Awards, each of which
recognises and celebrates success in a
number of significant areas. The diversity
of our Awards is also their strength. This is
really important for us because we know that
there are many pathways to successful and
rewarding careers in the creative industries.

The Awards are not listed in any order of
priority. We’re as proud to give them as we
hope the winners are to receive them. Winners
of the Da Vinci Award and the Square Peg
Award are selected by our teachers. Winners
of the Push Award are selected by their
classmates. The winners of the Fibonacci
Award are selected by people from industry
and the winners of the People’s Choice Award
are selected… you guessed it… by the people.

AWARDS

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 19 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Awards

The People’s Choice Award their studies looking like a deer caught
in the headlights, but who have quickly
This Award is exactly what it says it is. grow in skills and confidence, and who
Everyone attending one of our Graduate have shown no signs of slowing down.
Exhibitions is invited to vote for their
favourite piece of work. At the risk of stating The Square Peg Award
the obvious, the student with the most Being creative is very much about finding
votes is the winner. It was first launched the right solution and sometimes it takes
at our Gold Coast campus and proved to a lot of searching and experimenting
be so popular that it’s now included with before you find it.This award goes to
our other Awards at all our campuses. those students who don’t give up, but
Although it’s a lot of fun, it’s actually not as instead keep looking for the big ideas - the
indulgent as it might appear. It’s a strong thinkers. The world needs more thinkers.
reminder to all of us that if our work is to
be successful, it has to survive under the The Push Award
(sometimes critical) gaze of public scrutiny. The creative process is more often than
not all about teamwork. Very rarely will
The Fibonacci Award you start and finish a job working solely by
yourself. This Award celebrates students
This Award is named after the 12th century who consistently go out of their way to
mathematician who established the only shape support and motivate other students. These
known to man whose ratio of proportions are the Creative Directors of the future.
remain exactly the same irrespective of size
– a ratio that amongst other things gave the The Professional Encouragement Award
world one of the foundations of aesthetics. As much as design and photography are all
We use these proportions every day in the about creativity, they’re also businesses and
form of A4 paper. The Award recognises you’re never going to get anywhere without
and celebrates students who inspire their being professional. This Award encourages
teachers and stop them in their tracks those students who act in a professional way
with their imagination and creativity. throughout their studies. These students
are going to do well when they start working
The Da Vinci Award because people will want to work with them.

Named after the man himself who started
from very humble beginnings and went
on to become perhaps the greatest and
most inventive artist ever. This Award is
given to students who may have started

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 20 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Bowl
Spur

Leading D

Line Height Tracking
Spine
Stem

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 21 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Ascender Height
Cap Height

Ascender

Serif

Descender Base Line
Descender Height

Ear
X-Height

Counter
Space

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 22 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Graphic Design

MATT LEACH The way in which we teach is also innovative
and intuitive, focused on discussion and
Head of Academic Studies, context to enable you to understand the
many directions your career could take2.
Graphic and Communication Design
We like to focus on what you bring with
There’s never been a better time to study you as well as your life experiences and
graphic design at CATC Design School. 2012- opinions. This way we are able to cater the
2013 saw the launch of our new curriculum, learning to fit your perspective and allow
which was put together by some of the you to follow your interests further.
leading minds of Australian graphic design.
Graphic design influences almost everything
The curriculum now offers the most up- we see, with effective communication
to-date industry competencies needed and creative thinking consistently
by today’s graphic designer. Along with topping the ‘must have’ lists of potential
your traditional subjects in elements and employers. The world needs more creative
principles of art, design and typography, thinkers and graphic designers are
there are innovative subjects exploring perfectly situated to answer this call.
industry trends, new media and career
planning. The Diploma ensures you complete
your qualification with a solid knowledge
base and preparedness for industry1.

1 Billy Blue College of Design is another such school and all 2 There are so many different jobs that fall under the graphic
of our students can continue their studies with a full one design umbrella. Take a look at a cereal box next time you’re
year credit into their two year associate degree and three having breakfast and try and count all the things that have been
year degree program in Communication Design and Interior designed on it (logo, graphics, box design, the fonts, barcode, the
Design. See the Study Pathways page for more information. recycling icon to name just a few). Then there is the advertising
for the cereal and the shop that you bought it in. The other great
thing is the skills learnt can be applied in many other careers,
making you a better communicator and creative thinker.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 23 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Career Outcomes

As a graduate, you’ll be equipped Grads often find work in graphic Start a career in:
for a role as a graphic artist, design and advertising companies • Graphic Design
designer or illustrator within as concept designers with • Junior Art Direction
specialist multimedia companies, interactive gaming companies, • Brand and Identity Design
design studios, print and industrial design companies • Illustration and Concept Art
publishing houses, marketing (visualisation), information • Packaging Design
and promotions companies, design companies, electronic • Corporate Design
educational institutions, publishing companies, desktop • Advertising Design
government departments, publishing companies and • Magazine Design
stop animation or audio visual/ magazine publishing. • Computer Finished Art
video production companies.

Diploma of Graphic Design CUV50311

INTAKES: SYMBOLS AND BRANDING

On-campus: Develop graphic designs for branding and identity
February, May, September
Online: FINISHED ART
7 intakes each year
Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS:
ILLUSTRATION
Full-time, Part-time, on-campus, online
Develop professional illustrations
DURATION:
ADVERTISING
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Create mass print media advertisements
OVERSEAS STUDENTS: Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills

Full-time on-campus PUBLISHING

LOCATION: Design and manipulate complex layouts

All campuses DESIGN INDUSTRY

CRICOS CODE: Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs

076751K WEB

VISUAL COMMUNICATION Develop complex web page layouts

Research visual communication history and theory PACKAGING
Develop and extend design skills and practice
Refine 3-D design ideas and processes
DRAWING AND COLOUR
INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
Research and apply light and colour Author interactive media

DESIGN SOFTWARE CAREER PREPARATION

Create and manipulate graphics Present a body of own creative work
Provide services on a freelance basis
TYPOGRAPHY
SPECIALISATION
Produce typographic design solutions
Extend expertise in specialist field

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 24 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Program Managers

PAUL TATHEM MICHAEL TOMKINSON

Brisbane Gold Coast

Paul has 18 years of experience in the Prior to becoming the Gold Coast campus’s
graphic and advertising industry with highly- Graphic Design Program Manager,
esteemed advertising agencies such as Michael spent the previous 13 years
Garnsey Clemenger, Le Grand, McCann working for a range of diverse businesses.
Erickson and Young and Rubicam (Y&R). Michael’s industry experience has seen
During his role as Senior Art Director him positioned within design studios,
at Y&R, he was recognised for his work advertising agencies, publishing houses and
locally, nationally and internationally. private companies around the world. Since
completing his degree in Graphic Design,
Since 1995, Paul has been involved in Michael has had the pleasure of working
vocational education and heads up the on corporate advertising campaigns for
Graphic Design department at CATC the Bank of Queensland, Telstra, Tourism
Brisbane. The CATC team maintain a Queensland, Griffith University and Mantra
relaxed, creative environment, where Hotels and Resorts. Michael maintains
each student is encouraged to be the strong industry ties through his freelance
very best that they can be in preparation business and services the graphic needs
for entry into their chosen career. for a range of Gold Coast-based clients.

At the commencement of 2010, Michael’s
passion for learning led him back to university
where he gained his Graduate Diploma of
Education. With a love of design and a strong
belief in lifelong learning, Michael embraces
the challenge and responsibility of successfully
developing future generations of graphic
designers at CATC’s Gold Coast campus.

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 25 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

IAN BROWN LAURIE GOODRIDGE

Melbourne Sydney

Ian began his career with SiebertHead, Laurie completed his graphic design studies
one of London’s leading packaging in the early 1990s with a mix of hand made
design companies. He has extensive and computer assisted design skills. It was
experience working as a designer for here that he became inspired by the likes of
small to multi-national companies Ken Cato, Neville Brody and David Carson, all
specialising in brand identity, packaging, of whom had a great influence on his style.
advertising and direct mail.   Graphic Design has never stopped fascinating
Laurie. He’s passionate about creating
Ian began teaching at Billy Blue in and enjoys the sense of accomplishment
1999 and became a Program Director. that meeting a deadline brings.
He then moved to the Karl von Busse
Institute of Design in the role of Head Teaching gives Laurie the privilege of helping
of Graphic Design, before returning to to prepare people for exciting careers in
CATC Design School in Melbourne.  graphic design, sharing and magnifying his
own enthusiasm with the diverse and talented
Ian is a committed creative practitioner students and teachers at the college.
and educator who is passionate about
sharing what he knows and inspiring Laurie’s goal at CATC is to help students
future designers. He continues to work as develop their technical skills and
a designer alongside with his teaching. creative talents to allow them to produce
work they’re proud of and help them
confidently approach challenges armed
with the skills the market demands.

WHO

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 26 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Cover: Jamie Carruthers Cover: Milos Krstic Cover: Chris Nguyen

Advertising: Marianna Dobos-Smrk

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 27 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Poster Design: Julia Heltai
Poster Design: Christa Thornburn

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 28 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Graduate Spotlight

SARA SMITH

Designer, Little Peach Co.

With a background in public relations and By the time Sara graduated she was
marketing, Sara was feeling the itch to up- completely prepared for the next new and
skill and further develop her eye for design. exciting chapter in her life. “I left CATC
A creative thinker for as long as she can with a personal brand identity, a working
remember, she had always felt inspired to website, resources to create my own briefs
document her experiences through imagery, and invoices, work experience that led to
seek out new cultural experiences, and play a full-time position, and most importantly,
with hand-lettering. After moving to Brisbane the confidence to back myself. There’s no
from the US and discovering CATC, Sarah doubt that CATC has given me a significant
knew it was time to take her artistic urges to competitive advantage in the design industry.”
the next level. As Sara explains, “I had taught
myself a little bit of Illustrator and Photoshop Sara now works at Little Peach Co. – a
and was soon picking up design projects along boutique vintage letterpress studio –
the way. It wasn’t until I realized that design where she designs custom stationery
was a true passion - and could be an amazing pieces and regularly explores the concept
addition to my marketing experience - that I that graphic design can make complex
decided to pursue a design course full-time.” messages digestible for everyone. “It’s
a unique challenge but good design can
Coming to CATC as an international student seamlessly communicate. I cherish solving
gave Sara the chance to connect to a vibrant these riddles in my everyday work.”
creative community. She quickly made close
friends who inspired her and pushed her to Sara encourages new students to immerse
collaborate and think outside the box. She themselves in life at CATC. “Some of the
says she also benefited from CATC’s career events I attended really invigorated me and
preparation course and the close mentoring helped me realize that you don’t have to ask
she received from her lecturers. “I was guided permission to be creative and create new
step-by-step about how to present myself in and interesting things. I discovered that
an authentic way and learned all the nitty- all the artists and designers I admire had
gritties about entering the design industry humble beginnings that required ridiculously
or starting my own freelance business.” hard work and self-belief. It’s always so
inspirational to hear about those journeys.”

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 29 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

“It’s a unique
challenge but good
design can seamlessly
communicate. I cherish
solving these riddles in
my everyday work.”

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 30 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

InDteersiigonr

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 31 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 32 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Interior Design

Michael O’Brien

Head of Academic Studies, Interior Design

The awareness and interest in interior design They will also explore the relationship
and decoration has grown enormously over of interior design to decorative styles,
the last decade and the interior design architectural styles, materials and finishes,
and decoration industry is thriving. There technology and environmental considerations.
are career opportunities emerging in Confidence is generated through wide
areas such as design consultancy, colour ranging groundwork in the practical and
consultancy, CAD operation, 3D operation technical aspects of the subjects, and
and sustainability that sit alongside coverage of professional practice. Projects
the designer and decorator roles. include residential and commercial work
and academic content is used to develop
During the course, students will learn to students’ understanding of context for the
evaluate, formulate and implement creative design projects that are undertaken.
design solutions to meet the functional
and aesthetic needs of the client.

RELATE

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 33 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

Career Outcomes

You can look forward to working Possible roles include: • Interior designer or decorator
in interior design studios, • Assistant Interior Designer for: decoration consultancies;
architects studios, on film sets, • Colour consultant furniture, furnishings and
in interior consultancy firms • Interior stylist fabric suppliers; furnishing
and with building companies. departments of retail
stores; shop fitters.

Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration MSF50213

INTAKES: DESIGN PROCESS 2

On-campus: Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
February, May, September Determine occupational health and safety
Online: implications of interior effects
7 intakes each year
COLOUR AND LIGHTING
AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS:
Research, analyse and apply colour for interior spaces
Full-time, Part-time, on-campus, online Assess interior light and recommend light fittings

DURATION: CONSTRUCTION AND CAD

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time Identify materials, construction techniques and methods
used in building interiors
OVERSEAS STUDENTS: Produce computer-aided drawings

Full-time on-campus MATERIALS AND FINISHES

LOCATION: Research and recommend hard materials and finishes for interiors
Apply resources sustainably
All campuses
FURNITURE AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CRICOS CODE:
Research architectural styles and movements
077182G Research furniture styles and movements
Organise and communicate information
DESIGN PROCESS 1
DESIGN PROCESS 3
Explore and apply the creative process to 2D forms
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
Prepare a materials board for client presentation Originate and develop concepts

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Select and apply drawing techniques and media to Develop and extend design skills and practice
represent and communicate the concept Source and apply industry knowledge
Produce and prepare photo images
CAD MODELS AND DOCUMENTATION
DESIGN DRAWING
Use CAD applications to complete models and
Produce technical drawings documentation for interior design projects
Produce ideation drawings
INTERIOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
Evaluate site for interior design brief
Research and recommend furniture and accessories and apply creative methodology to interior space
Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors
COMMERCIAL DESIGN
RESIDENTIAL DECORATION
Develop a decoration proposal for a complex site.
Decorate residential interiors

CATC DESIGN SCHOOL 34 COURSE GUIDE 2014-15

Program Managers

BERNIE THOMPSON ELAINE ROBERTS

Brisbane Gold Coast

Bernie is fortunate to be able to merge his Elaine has qualifications in education,
hobbies, work life and his chosen study into teaching, social sciences, librarianship,
one field - Design Education. Bernie believes, management, marketing & design. She
spatial design has always been an integral had a successful career in education
part of him, since he was a 5 year old living both in Australia & overseas locations.
in New Guinea, playing with cantilevered Deciding it was time for a change, Elaine
platforms as an expression of residential trained in Interior Design and opened
architecture to his current day role as Interior her own consultancy through which
Design Program Manager in Brisbane. she undertook a range of commissions
including commercial, residential, small
Bernie runs his own interior design business and many heritage projects.
business and has worked across the
interior design industry in many roles: At CATC Design School, Elaine has combined
from working in a variety of architectural her education background with design training
firms as a CAD technician to designing and experience to develop an engaging
rugs for a small importing business, to Interior Design and Decoration program. She
working for internationally acclaimed is proud to be part of an establishment of
interior designer Monica Blinco. such unparalleled growth and development.
At CATC, students’ exposure to the Interior
Bernie holds a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration teaching team
Technology, a Bachelor of Adult & provides opportunities for them to achieve,
Vocational Teaching and is currently engage and ultimately change the world.
studying a Master of Education (Global).

Bernie’s favourite part about teaching and
managing a teaching team is the opportunity
to develop students and teachers. In his daily
work, he ensures his team and his students
are encouraged to explore, take risks and
work collaboratively towards a shared vision.

Bernie believes that everyone has potential
and with support, encouragement
and guidance, they can achieve their
dreams (even if they are sometimes
not sure what their dreams are).

COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 35 CATC DESIGN SCHOOL

EMMA FENTON MELISSA O’BRIEN

Melbourne Sydney

Emma studied Architecture at the University After completing a BA in Interior Architecture,
of Sydney, and has spent almost 10 years Melissa was involved in a wide variety of
post-graduation in large, award winning Interior and Architectural jobs, including
architectural & design firms, on public, commercial, heritage and residential
educational, interior and master planning projects. She has also created lighting
projects. Most recently Emma lead the design installations for many projects, notably the
team with FJMT in Sydney for a cultural Arnhem Performance Art Festival in the
and community centre upgrade, currently Netherlands and 100% Design in London.
under construction in the Blue Mountains.
Taking a break from practising Interior
Defining experiences in her design career Architecture full-time, Melissa embarked on
include travelling and working in developing an architectural tour of the world, influenced
countries, in particular an extended working by Harry Seidler and Kevin McCloud. Six
stint in Delhi, India. Innovation, re-use of months and four continents later, she
materials and overwhelming community returned to Australia and made the decision
spirit within informal settlements embedded to make academic work her focus.
her strong commitment to environmentally
and socially responsible design. In 2011, Melissa accepted the role of
Interior Design Program Manager at
Emma believes that being a designer comes CATC Sydney, and while working in this
with great privilege and responsibility in wonderful environment she also finds time
creating the environments within which for developing installations and projects for
people live their lives. Through her role across events such as the Milan Furniture Fair.
the Billy Blue & CATC Interiors Programs,
it is her goal to uncover in each student
their true design flair and help nurture and
grow a lasting passion for interior design.

Having recently moved to Melbourne
to pursue independent practice and
academic work, she is loving the strong
creative communities at the city’s vibrant
core. And also the excellent coffee.