Whitehouse Institute Of Design

SUMMARY

Established in 1988 by Leanne Whitehouse, the Whitehouse Institute of Design is a private Australian institution renowned for its specialised education in design disciplines such as fashion, interior design, and creative direction. With campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Whitehouse offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the Bachelor of Design and Master of Design, as well as vocational courses. The institute is distinguished by its high-contact teaching model, providing students with extensive face-to-face learning hours and strong industry connections that facilitate real-world experience and career readiness.

HISTORY

The Whitehouse Institute of Design was founded in 1988 by Leanne Whitehouse in Sydney, Australia, with the aim of providing specialised education in design disciplines. In 1992, the institute began offering accredited courses in fashion design, marking its commitment to formalising design education in Australia. By 1996, Whitehouse expanded its curriculum to include accredited courses in interior design, further broadening its educational offerings.

In 2004, the institution underwent a rebranding, changing its name from The Whitehouse School to the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia, to reflect its expanded scope and recognition in the design education sector. The following year, in 2008, Whitehouse opened its Melbourne campus in the historic Royal Mail Exchange Building, positioning the institute at the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant fashion community. This campus later gained additional prominence by serving as the set for Australia’s first season of Project Runway.

Also in 2008, Whitehouse introduced the Bachelor of Design program, offering specialisations in fashion design, interior design, and creative direction & styling. This program was designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing them for careers in the dynamic design industry. By 2010, the Sydney campus relocated to Surry Hills, a move that aligned with the area’s creative and artistic community.

In 2013, Whitehouse celebrated its 25th anniversary in design education, marking a quarter-century of contributing to the development of Australia’s design industry. The institute continued to expand its international presence by forming partnerships with institutions such as Bunka Gakuen University in Tokyo, Japan, in 2017, fostering global connections and exchange opportunities for students and faculty alike. By 2018, Whitehouse commemorated its 30th anniversary, reflecting on three decades of commitment to excellence in design education. Throughout its history, the institute has maintained a focus on nurturing creativity, innovation, and leadership in its students, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving design industry.

VISION

Leanne Whitehouse, the founder of the Whitehouse Institute of Design, envisioned an institution that would offer specialised, industry-relevant education in design disciplines. Her goal was to create a learning environment that combined academic rigor with practical experience, ensuring students were well-prepared for professional careers in the design industry. Under Whitehouse’s leadership, the institute has remained committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The integration of industry partnerships and real-world projects into the curriculum reflects her dedication to providing students with opportunities to engage with the design industry directly.  Whitehouse’s vision extends beyond education; it encompasses a commitment to shaping the future of design through sustainability, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

JOB INTEGRATION RATE

Whitehouse Institute of Design places a strong emphasis on employability, integrating industry engagement throughout its programs to ensure students are well-prepared for the workforce. The Bachelor of Design program, for instance, includes 22–24 hours of face-to-face teaching each week, approximately double the amount offered by many other higher education providers in Australia. This intensive approach allows for greater interaction with industry professionals and more opportunities for practical experience.

Additionally, Whitehouse’s curriculum incorporates atelier-style workshops and small class sizes, fostering a personalised learning environment that encourages individual growth and creativity. Students are also provided with access to exclusive national and international industry opportunities, guest lectures, and competitions, further enhancing their readiness for employment. The institute’s strong industry connections and focus on practical education suggest a positive trajectory for graduates entering the job market.

TOP COURSES

Whitehouse Institute of Design offers programs catering to various aspects of design education. The Bachelor of Design is a flagship program that provides students with a comprehensive education in design principles, with specialisations available in fashion design, interior design, and creative direction & styling. This program is structured to be completed in two years, offering an accelerated path to entering the design industry.

Bachelor of Design in Creative Direction and Styling completes six industry-focused projects that mirror the real briefs faced by today’s leading creative directors and stylists. Each trimester you’re given a client, a concept, and an industry challenge to solve — spanning fashion, photography, content creation, visual storytelling, food styling, and event design. Working alongside teachers and collaborators, students push their creativity further than they thought possible and graduate with an industry-ready portfolio.

In he undergraduate certification of Design, students build strong foundational skills in design through an exploration of illustration techniques, greyscale rendering, tonal variation, and the essential elements and principles of design. Master a proven design formula that will set you on a path toward creative success. Learn industry-standard digital design tools including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to enhance your digital skills and expand your creative potential. All this practical knowledge will be underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of design context, including design history, influential movements, significant periods, and the key figures who shaped the world of design.

For those seeking to further their expertise, Whitehouse Institute’s Master of Design balances design research with inter-disciplinary studio practice enabling socially responsible and innovative outcomes. The course will develop students’ existing knowledge and skills to achieve mastery in their chosen discipline, whilst encouraging interdisciplinary engagement. In addition to degree programs, Whitehouse offers vocational education and training (VET) courses, including certificates and diplomas in design fundamentals. These courses are designed to provide foundational skills for those interested in pursuing a career in design or enhancing their existing knowledge and capabilities in the field.

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