Contract Design

Course

The increasingly fierce international competition urges interior design firms to update their offer. Both management principles and production processes are continuously evolving to meet the quantitative and qualitative demands of the market. The goal is to provide products and services that are more and more aligned with the specifications of medium and large-scale projects. With the rising demand for tailor-made solutions, design plays a new role which is strongly focused on finding the balance between client needs and the technical and economic feasibility of supplies. The quest for a virtuous trade-off between these two factors requires specific skills and updated professionals.

The Executive Course in Contract Design is aimed at designers (both designers and architects), managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, professionals, retail managers, and installers. The primary objective is to analyze the dynamics behind the contract sector, its current state-of-the-art (particularly in Italy), and the main guidelines for targeted and integrated design. After identifying the intended uses of interior spaces and applicable design methodologies, the focus shifts to the functional contexts related to hospitality, retail, workplaces, and other areas representing the future scenarios of contemporary architecture.

The guiding thread of the educational program revolves around the relationships between the client, designer, and manufacturing companies, with a specific focus on the General Contractor – a figure with a pronounced understanding of the reference chain, technical and design dynamics, and logistical-organizational aspects. Below, a summary of the themes that will be investigated during the course:

• Introduction to Contract Design, defining the involved actors and customization levels
• Analysis of technical-economic factors and design constraints
• Definition of the product/solution development process
• Emphasis on the project execution phase

Didactics

Training objectives

• Gain fundamental knowledge of the Contract Design sector, its principles, and potentials.
• Enhance skills in the realms of integrated design.
• Learn and refine project management processes.
• Properly interpret data and technical specifications defined by the client.
• Improve the ability to manage costs and project execution timelines.

Didactic Modules

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical exercises, for a total of 36 hours across 17 days. In order to meet the needs of working people, classes are held both in person and online on Friday afternoons or Saturdays.

Module 1 | Hours: 6

Introduction to Contract Design and related sectors

Preliminary overview of technical-normative themes, processes, and activities involving designers in the contract sector.

Module 2 | Hours: 6

Stakeholders in the contract design system

Understanding the specific needs of the client: overview of the relationship between client, contractor, design studios, and companies.

Module 3 | Hours: 4

Different levels of customization

Analysis of potential customization levels of existing products and solutions to optimize economic evaluation in relation to the profitability of the required project.

Module 4 | Hours: 4

Technical and economic assessment

Managing the technical-economic analysis of customized products, services, and solutions to define the unique identity of the project. Focus on project management from a technological perspective and involvement of different strategic areas within companies (especially referencing financial management, procurement, and sales forces).

Module 5 | Hours: 2

Design constraints

Evaluation of project constraints and opportunities concerning the innovative potential of the project during the technical product development phase, particularly in relation to the defined budget.

Module 6 | Hours: 6

Product/solution development process

Introduction to tools for correctly understanding the initial briefing, assessing technical and economic feasibility, and identifying the industrialization process.

Module 7 | Hours: 4

Verification and regulatory validation phase of the project

Identification of the main reference standards in the sector at national and international levels.

Module 8 | Hours: 4

Execution phase

Creation of preliminary prototypes, preliminary compliance tests; verification of compliance with major international reference standards; any necessary technical adaptations to the project.

Title Released

Upon completion of the training program, participants will receive the open badge for the Course in Design for Contract from POLI.design.

Admission

Requirements

Admission to the course is subject to a preliminary selection process. Candidates must submit the following selection documents via this LINK:

• Admission application to the Course
• Copy of Tax Identification Code (Codice Fiscale) and identity document
• Brief CV outlining their professional profile

Price

The total fee of the course is € 1,400 + 22% VAT per student. This amount must be paid in a single installment upon signing the private agreement.

Attendance Benefits for Companies

For companies, partial exemptions of 20% are available for the second employee enrolling in the same course. The requirement to request this exemption is to submit a self-certification confirming that the employees are employed by the same company along with the documentation required for selection.

Enrolment in more than one POLI.design course

Additionally, discounts are offered for individuals enrolling in multiple POLI.design courses: 15% off the second course and 20% off the third course.

Faculty