This isn’t your typical “welcome” module. Shirley breaks down why this course exists, who it’s really for, and how to approach it to actually see results. She shares common blind spots from real job sites, mindset shifts most designers don’t learn in school, and how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen. It’s part orientation, part wake-up call—consider it your blueprint before the build.

Before you fall in love with finishes, you need to nail the bones. This module covers space planning essentials—from furniture layout to circulation patterns—with a focus on function-first design. Shirley walks you through how she thinks about scale, sightlines, and usability so that your floor plan works from day one (not after three costly revisions). You’ll learn how early planning decisions impact everything that comes after.

What’s behind the walls matters just as much as what’s on them. This module unpacks the realities of structural framing, wall placement, ceiling bulkheads, and how to make design decisions that work with the construction—rather than against it. Avoid rookie mistakes that cost thousands by learning what to watch for, when to push back, and how to communicate clearly with your contractor.

Lighting can make or break a design, but it’s more than picking fixtures. Learn how to plan for electrical from the start—where to run power, how to anticipate outlet placement, and what questions to ask before it’s too late. Shirley explains how lighting layouts interact with cabinetry, furniture, and ceiling design—and why designers who think ahead avoid headaches down the road.

Plumbing is messy—and expensive—when done wrong. This module helps you avoid costly change orders and awkward layouts by teaching you how to design with the plumbing in mind. From vanity configurations to kitchen sink placement, Shirley shares the rules of thumb and overlooked details that separate functional from frustrating.

Tiles, counters, paint, and flooring—this is where design gets real (and real expensive). But it’s not just about looks. Learn how to specify finishes that are both beautiful and durable, when to consider maintenance and longevity, and what to never forget when planning edge profiles, grout lines, and transitions. Shirley also shares how she pairs materials for cohesion across a full home.

Cabinetry isn’t one-size-fits-all. This module dives into what actually works in the real world—from toe kicks to touch latches. Learn how to brief your millworker properly, avoid proportion issues, and think through functionality (hello garbage pull-outs and pantry drawers). Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or built-in, Shirley teaches you how to avoid costly re-dos and missed opportunities.

A good floor plan falls apart without smart furniture choices. Here’s where you’ll learn how to source, scale, and style pieces that support the space—and the people using it. Shirley explains how she thinks through layering, mix-and-match approaches, and creating spaces that feel designed, not decorated.

This module is a goldmine. Learn how to handle tricky conversations, set boundaries from the start, and keep clients aligned on scope, budget, and timeline. Shirley shares her real scripts, tactics, and lessons learned from years of experience managing high-end residential projects. This is the stuff no one teaches—but every designer needs.