This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent research and recommendation of hard materials including a range of finishes and applies to a design and decoration retail, consulting or studio environment. These skills and knowledge are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority.

This unit requires employability skills in initiative and enterprise and problem solving in order to direct the research and selection of suitable hard materials. 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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify hard material requirements for project

1.1. Applicable OHS, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to researching and recommending hard materials 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 with client

1.4. Resources are selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness

1.5. Communication with appropriate personnel is established and maintained

2. Identify types and features of hard materials

2.1. Types of hard materials and their suitability to wall, floor, ceiling and stair applications is identified

2.2. Types of hard materials and their suitability to window and door applications are identified

2.3. Other hard material products and their features and applications are identified

2.4. Hard material requirements for application in a residential environment are analysed

2.5. Hard material requirements for application in a commercial or industrial environment are analysed

2.6. Environmental and sustainability considerations for hard materials are examined

3. Research hard materials

3.1. Aesthetic requirements of the space are assessed

3.2. New hard material technologies are researched and reported

3.3. Tactile requirements of the hard materials in relation to the design are researched

3.4. Application methods and available expertise for the desired effect are assessed

3.5. Manufacturing processes and available expertise for the desired material are assessed

3.6. Costs of hard materials are assessed and compared

3.7. Environmental impact of hard materials are assessed

3.8. Longevity and restorability of hard materials are researched

3.9. Hazards associated with the use and application of hard materials are researched

3.10. Quality of hard materials are assessed

4. Recommend hard materials

4.1. Elements and principles of design are used to examine the appropriateness of hard materials for client brief requirements

4.2. Hard materials are selected to meet client brief requirements

4.3. Presentation of research information is made, highlighting the findings and rationale for the hard materials chosen

4.4. Presentation includes a range of presentation strategies including one or more materials boards

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

State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to researching and recommending hard materials

organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for researching and recommending hard materials

elements and principles of design

aesthetic values

types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance

characteristics of materials, products and defects

computer programs

research techniques

effects of finishes and finishing techniques

storage systems and labelling

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 identification and resolution

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 and select hard materials to assist with informing the design process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements

Effectively apply design elements and principles to the research and selection of hard materials

Effectively research and select hard materials in accordance with the concepts and design brief

Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for researching and recommending hard materials

Communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area

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 finishes

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

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)

Hard materials

may include but not be limited to paints, waxes, lacquers, stains, pigments, oils, traditional finishes, plastic coatings, UV protected coatings, liquid coatings, synthetic coatings, synthetics, paper, glass, vinyls, textiles, laminates, plastics, stainless steel, metals, veneers, ceramics and stone based products

may also include but not be limited to solid timber (native and imported), manufactured timber products, reconstituted products, composite materials, plastic, metal, alloys, stone based products, glass, fibreglass, foam, synthetics, cardboard, paper products or any other manipulable substance

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, 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

Client

may include but not be limited to suppliers, manufacturers, private clients, colleagues, retailers or the public

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

Appropriate personnel

may include but not be limited to trainers, supervisors, suppliers, clients, colleagues and managers

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

Tactile

may include but not be limited to that perceived by the sense of touch and producing the effect of three-dimensional depth

Application methods

may include but not be limited to spraying, painting, applicators, gluing, vacuum wrapping, rubbing and bonding

Manufacturing processes

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

Environmental impact

may include but not be limited to how the making and use of finishes and materials effects the environment and how its continued use will effect those around you, energy consumption in applying the material, greenhouse gases created, waste levels and resource utilisation. Similarly what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the finish or materials

Longevity and restorability

may include but not be limited to an analysis of how long the finish or material is expected to last, while maintaining quality of aesthetic value and how readily the finish or material can be upgraded, repaired or replaced

Hazards

may include but not be limited to toxins and gases released by some finishes, glues and materials which may be harmful to people if not used correctly

Elements of design

may include but not be limited to line, shape, form (geometric or organic), texture and colour

Principles of design

may include but not be limited to balance, proportion (symmetry, asymmetry), harmony, contrast, pattern, movement, rhythm, unity, style, focus, scale, dominant, sub-dominant or subordinate relationship, emphasis, proximity, alignment, space, anthropometry, ergonomics, arrangement, aesthetic relations, tension and development methods

Unit sector

Interior decoration and design.

This unit contains employability skills.