Assessor Resource

MSFID4005
Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers researching and recommending soft furnishings for various decoration and design solutions to meet client and project brief requirements in order to achieve integrated decoration and design solutions.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assess soft furnishing requirements for the project

1.1

Applicable work health and safety (WHS), 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

Interpret work orders and locate and apply relevant information

Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Identify materials used in the work process

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

maintain required production output and product quality

Research soft furnishings to assist with informing the decoration process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements and effectively apply design elements and principles to the recommendation of soft furnishings for a minimum of two (2) integrated decorative solutions

Correctly calculate quantities and costing required to achieve decorative solutions

Visually present decorative ideas

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area/volume and estimate material requirements

Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, presentation of design/colour concepts, the reporting of work outcomes and problems

Initiate new ideas and work techniques

Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage

Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for researching and recommending soft furnishings

Elements and principles of design, including liveability and accessibility

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

Relevant 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

Relevant problem-solving techniques

Assessors must:

hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors

have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification

be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.

Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Access is required to materials, equipment and specifications relevant to researching and recommending soft furnishings.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assess soft furnishing requirements for the project

1.1

Applicable work health and safety (WHS), 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

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Unit context includes:

WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes, and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures, Liveable and Accessible Housing Design guidelines, and organisation insurance requirements

work requires individual to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving, plus self-management and learning skills

Project brief includes:

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

timelines

consultation requirements

colour requirements

Clients include:

suppliers

manufacturers

private clients

colleagues

retailers

the public

Parameters include:

scope of brief

approval to make changes

effect or feel trying to be achieved

functionality (short and long term)

budget restrictions

established timelines

Resources include:

computers

computer software

design software

computer-aided design (CAD) software

colour boards

storyboards

swatches

product based colour systems, such as Munsell or similar

colour matching system, such as Pantone Matching System (PMS)

journals (directions magazines)

artistic equipment and products

model making equipment

Aesthetics include:

the consideration of appeal to a large number of people; products are pleasing to the eye of many who view it

Colours include:

colour principles

psychology

fundamentals

coordination

perception

contrast

harmony

effects on space

formulas

colour wheels

Soft furnishings include:

window treatments

blinds

awnings

trimmings

bedding treatments

lampshades

carpet

rugs

cushions

upholstery

accessories

Tactile includes:

that perceived by the sense of touch and producing the effect of three-dimensional depth

Properties include:

durability

level of fire retardancy

fibre make up

composition

textile use

quality

environmental sustainability

level of insulation

level of light control

useable width of fabric

Manufacturing processes include:

the methods by which the product will be produced, these steps requires working from working drawings and specifications, producing components utilising machine operations, assembly of the components and finishing techniques

Materials include:

fabrics and textiles, including sisal, coir and plant-based products

natural flooring

wool

cotton

polyester

silk

nylon

blends

Environmental impacts include:

how the sourcing and use of materials effects the environment and how its continued use will affect the area the material was sourced from

energy consumption in processing the material

greenhouse gases created

waste levels and resource utilisation

what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the material

when applied to window fittings, environmental impact includes:

the amount of natural light made available from decorative solution in order to reduce requirements for powered light sources

Durability and restorability include:

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 include:

curtains

blinds

awnings

Pattern repeats include:

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 include:

carpets

rugs

Cost include:

the cost of products and materials together with the cost of obtaining them either locally, interstate or overseas

Information and procedures include:

work instructions, including plans, drawings and designs

workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

manufacturer specifications and operational procedures

Interpret work orders and locate and apply relevant information

Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Identify materials used in the work process

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

maintain required production output and product quality

Research soft furnishings to assist with informing the decoration process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements and effectively apply design elements and principles to the recommendation of soft furnishings for a minimum of two (2) integrated decorative solutions

Correctly calculate quantities and costing required to achieve decorative solutions

Visually present decorative ideas

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area/volume and estimate material requirements

Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, presentation of design/colour concepts, the reporting of work outcomes and problems

Initiate new ideas and work techniques

Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage

Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for researching and recommending soft furnishings

Elements and principles of design, including liveability and accessibility

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

Relevant 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

Relevant problem-solving techniques

Assessors must:

hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors

have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification

be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.

Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Access is required to materials, equipment and specifications relevant to researching and recommending soft furnishings.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Applicable work health and safety (WHS), legislative and organisational requirements relevant to researching and recommending soft furnishings are verified and complied with 
Project brief is reviewed to determine desired effects for interior space 
Parameters for the project are assessed and confirmed 
Resources are selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness 
Communication with others is established and maintained 
Aesthetic, visual characteristics and colour requirements of the soft furnishings are assessed 
Intended applications for the soft furnishings are analysed and reviewed 
New soft furnishing and material technologies are researched and assessed against the project brief 
Tactile requirements of the soft furnishings in relation to the design are researched 
Properties of the materials used in the production of soft furnishings are analysed and evaluated 
Manufacturing processes and available expertise for the materials are assessed 
Costs and availability of materials are assessed and compared 
Environmental impact and benefits of materials are assessed 
Durability, restorability and maintenance care quality of materials are researched and requirements for residential and industrial applications examined 
Range of window treatments, their application and fixing technologies are researched 
New technologies in window treatments are researched and relevance for decorative project identified 
The features, limitations and environmental impact of window treatments are identified 
The types of openings and their requirements are identified and a range of possible creative solutions determined 
Window or opening is measured and details recorded accurately for a range of window treatments 
Fabric requirements are calculated and manufacturing requirements determined for a range of window treatments taking into consideration pattern repeats 
Window treatment is selected and specified to meet client requirements and minimise environmental impact 
Fixing technology is specified appropriate to selected window treatment 
Cost estimates are calculated and assessed against project budget 
Range of floor coverings, their application and installation requirements are researched 
The features, limitations and environmental impact of floor coverings are identified 
Floor area is measured and details recorded accurately for flooring solution 
Flooring solution is selected and details specified to meet client requirements 
Cost estimates are calculated and assessed against project budget 
Soft furnishings are selected to achieve parameters of design brief 
Specifications are documented for all soft furnishing recommendations 
Schedule is presented to support decorative solution 
Sample board is created to enhance and support the decorative intention 
Feedback and follow up is instigated and maintained with the client 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSFID4005 - Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSFID4005 - Research and recommend soft furnishings for interiors

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: