LMFID4005A Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors

Revision Number: 1

LMFID4005A Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors

Modification History

Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor	This unit specifies the outcomes required to research and recommend soft furnishings for various decoration and design solutions to meet client and project brief requirements.

Application of the Unit

Application of the unit	This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent research and recommendation of soft furnishings which include curtains and window fittings, carpets, rugs and textiles used in upholstery, cushions and trimmings, in order to achieve integrated decoration and design solutions to meet a project brief. This unit requires employability skills in initiative and enterprise and problem solving in order to direct the research and selection of suitable soft furnishings. Communication skills are used to access and interpret information using information technologies and complete required documentation. Self management and learning skills are applied in the review of information and arrangements to ensure project needs are met.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Prerequisite units

Employability Skills Information

Employability skills	This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Assess soft furnishing requirements for the project	1.1. Applicable OHS, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to researching and recommending soft furnishings are verified and complied with 1.2. Project brief is reviewed to determine desired effects for interior space 1.3. Parameters for the project are assessed and confirmed 1.4. Resources are selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness 1.5. Communication with others is established and maintained
2. Research materials for soft furnishings	2.1. Aesthetic, visual characteristics and colour requirements of the soft furnishings are assessed 2.2. Intended applications for the soft furnishings are analysed and reviewed 2.3. New soft furnishing and material technologies are researched and assessed against the project brief 2.4. Tactile requirements of the soft furnishings in relation to the design are researched 2.5. Properties of the materials used in the production of soft furnishings are analysed and evaluated 2.6. Manufacturing processes and available expertise for the materials are assessed 2.7. Costs and availability of materials are assessed and compared 2.8. Environmental impact and benefits of materials are assessed 2.9. Durability, restorability and maintenance care quality of materials are researched and requirements for residential and industrial applications examined
3. Research and recommend decorative treatments for windows and openings	3.1. Range of window treatments, their application and fixing technologies are researched 3.2. New technologies in window treatments are researched and relevance for decorative project identified 3.3. The features, limitations and environmental impact of window treatments are identified 3.4. The types of openings and their requirements are identified and a range of possible creative solutions determined 3.5. Window or opening is measured and details recorded accurately for a range of window treatments 3.6. Fabric requirements are calculated, and manufacturing requirements determined for a range of window treatments taking into consideration pattern repeats 3.7. Window treatment is selected and specified to meet client requirements and minimise environmental impact 3.8. Fixing technology is specified appropriate to selected window treatment 3.9. Cost estimates are calculated and assessed against project budget
4. Research and recommend soft floor coverings	4.1. Range of floor coverings, their application and installation requirements are researched 4.2. The features, limitations and environmental impact of floor coverings are identified 4.3. Floor area is measured and details recorded accurately for flooring solution 4.4. Flooring solution is selected and details specified to meet client requirements 4.5. Cost estimates are calculated and assessed against project budget
5. Document and present decorative recommendations	5.1. Soft furnishings are selected to achieve parameters of design brief 5.2. Specifications are documented for all soft furnishing recommendations 5.3. Schedule is presented to support decorative solution 5.4. Sample board is created to enhance and support the decorative intention 5.5. Feedback and follow up is instigated and maintained with the client

Required Skills and Knowledge

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
collecting, organising and understanding information related to work briefs, basic plans and safety procedures communicating ideas and information accurately recording and maintaining information using computer operations for internet access and searches analysing performance characteristics comparing findings communicating with suppliers maintaining accurate records clarifying and checking taskrelated information carrying out work according to OHS practices recognising and responding to circumstances outside instructions or personal competence efficiently and safely contributing to innovative interior decoration and design processes using mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and volume, and estimate other material requirements maintaining current knowledge of interior decoration and design techniques using the workplace technology related to the use of tools including calculators, measuring and recording devices
Required knowledge
organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for researching and recommending soft furnishings elements and principles of design creativity and artistic relevance ergonomics, anthropometrics, proxemics and aesthetic values types of equipment and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance characteristics of materials, products and defects computer programs soft material types and textiles design themes and design development colours, furnishings and decoration options sketching and drawing techniques procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement environmental protection requirements established communication channels and protocols problem

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Effectively research soft furnishings to assist with informing the decoration process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements Effectively apply design elements and principles to the recommendation of soft furnishings to achieve a minimum of two integrated decorative solutions Correctly calculate quantities and costings required to achieve decorative solution Visually present decorative ideas Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for researching and recommending soft furnishings
Context of and specific resources for assessment	The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements The following resources should be made available: workplace location or simulated workplace materials and equipment relevant to researching and recommending soft furnishings specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment	Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
Guidance information for assessment

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
OHS requirements	are to be in accordance with Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures. Requirements may include but not be limited to the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, fire fighting equipment, first aid equipment, hazard and risk control and elimination of hazardous materials and substances, manual handling including lifting and carrying
Legislative requirements	are to be in accordance with applicable legislation from all levels of government that affect organisational operation. Requirements may include but not be limited to award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, OHS, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, relevant industry codes of practice, duty of care and heritage
Organisational requirements	may include but not be limited to legal, organisational and site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility, quality assurance, procedural manuals, quality and continuous improvement processes and standards, OHS, emergency and evacuation, ethical standards, recording and reporting, access and equity principles and practices, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Project brief	may include but not be limited to client needs and objectives, client aims and objectives and criteria for evaluation, milestones, organisational or personal profiles and aims, image requirements and function, target market, budget, timeline, consultation requirements and colour requirements
Parameters	may include but not be limited to scope of brief, approval to make changes, effect or feel trying to be achieved, functionality (short and long term), budget restrictions and established timelines
Resources	may include but not be limited to computers, computer software, design software, computer aided drafting (CAD) software, colour boards, storyboards, swatches, Pantone Matching System (PMS), journals (directions magazines), artistic equipment and products and model making equipment
Communication	may include but not be limited to verbal and non-verbal language, constructive feedback, active listening, questioning to clarify and confirm understanding, use of positive, confident and cooperative language, use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences, control of tone of voice and body language
Aesthetics	may include but not be limited to the consideration of appeal to a large number of people; products are pleasing to the eye of many who view it
Colours	may include but not be limited to colour principles, psychology, fundamentals, coordination, perception, contrast, harmony, effects on space, formulas and colour wheels
Soft furnishings	may include but not be limited to window treatments, blinds, awnings, trimmings, bedding treatments, lampshades, carpet, rugs, cushions, upholstery and accessories
Tactile	may include but not be limited to that perceived by the sense of touch and producing the effect of three-dimensional depth
Properties	may include but not be limited to durability, level of fire retardancy, fibre make up, composition, textile use, quality, environmental sustainability, level of insulation, level of light control and useable width of fabric
Manufacturing process	may include but not be limited to the methods by which the product will be produced, these steps usually entail working from working drawings and specifications, producing components utilising machine operations, assembly of the components and finishing techniques
Materials	may include but not be limited to fabrics and textiles including sisal, coir, plant based products, natural flooring, wool, cotton, polyester, silk, nylon and blends
Environmental impact	may include but not be limited to how the sourcing and use of materials effects the environment and how its continued use will effect the area the material was sourced from, energy consumption in processing the material, greenhouse gases created, waste levels and resource utilisation. Similarly what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the material when applied to window fittings, environmental impact may include but not be limited to the amount of natural light made available from decorative solution in order to reduce requirements for powered light sources
Durability and restorability	may include but not be limited to an analysis of how long the material is expected to maintain its structure and colour, while maintaining quality of aesthetic value and how readily the material can be repaired or replaced
Window treatments	may include but not be limited to curtains, blinds, awnings
Pattern repeat	may include but not be limited to textiles or fabrics with a distinctive print and how often that pattern repeats within the applicable square metreage required for a project so as to meet conformity
Floor coverings	may include but not be limited to carpets and rugs
Cost	may include but not be limited to the cost of products and materials together with the cost of obtaining them either locally, interstate or overseas

Unit Sector(s)

Unit sector	Interior decoration and design.

Competency field

Competency field

Co-requisite units

Co-requisite units