Program Overview
Interior designers work with clients to develop design solutions that are aesthetic, technically sophisticated and functional. They are the design architects of interior space. Work settings include residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. The Interior Designer assesses a client’s needs and creates solutions. They design technical drawings then monitor and supervise the installation. At completion, the Interior Designer evaluates the project and ensures it meets the clients’ objectives along with all building, fire and safety codes. This program targets students who are imaginative and have a passion for creating environments that enhance the quality of living. Basic drawing skills, along with math ability are essential. Students must be both independent thinkers and able to work in a team environment.
Program Highlights
- Numerous opportunities for field study in the community and internationally.
- An active student chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Design) and ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario)
- Advanced technology offering computer-aided drafting and design, animation, 3D imaging training and application.
- Integrated design studio offering training by an architect.
- A design-build component offering hands-on furniture construction.
- Interior Design graduates can also apply directly to Griffith University to gain direct entry into their Master of Arts in Visual Arts program. Articulation agreements with Wayne State University, Michigan and Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland are also available.
Career Opportunities
The program offers very strong job placement with international opportunities. With their highly developed technical and creative skills graduates find work as designers for architects, lighting contractors and furniture designers. Diverse training allows for designing opportunities in the retail, hospitality, medical, commercial and entertainment sectors.
Degree Completions
Interior Design graduates can apply directly to Griffith University to gain direct entry into their Master of Arts in Visual Arts program. Please see www.griffith.edu.au/credit. Visit the College-University Transfer Guide website for information on additional agreements.
Students who complete their Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, qualify to enter Wayne State University to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design with a concentration in Interior Design from Wayne State University, College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts with just one additional year of study. Visit the Credit Transfer & Pathway Agreements page for more information. This agreement is in effect starting January 1, 2019.
Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland - Students can transfer into the 4th year of this program and in 1 year earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level qualify for admission to this program.
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Past Cohorts:
Semester 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH101MT | Math For Drafting & Design I | 2 |
| CAD130A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design | 2 |
| IND107A | Design Illustration I | 3 |
| IND115 | Drafting And Design I | 5 |
| IND120C | Interior Design Fundatmentals I | 6 |
| IND600 | Environmental Design | 3 |
Semester 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAD230A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design II | 3 |
| IND207A | Design Illustration II | 3 |
| IND215 | Drafting And Design II | 5 |
| IND220C | Interior Design Fundamentals II | 6 |
| IND200G | Art History | 3 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
Semester 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAD330A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design III | 3 |
| IND307 | Design Illustration III | 3 |
| IND317B | Specification & Estimation I | 3 |
| IND315 | Drafting And Design III | 4 |
| IND320 | Interior Design Intermediate III | 5 |
| IND308G | Art History II | 3 |
Semester 4
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BDT200 | People In Motion | 3 |
| CAD430A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design IV | 3 |
| IND410 | Contract Business Procedures | 2 |
| IND417 | Cost Estimating II | 2 |
| IND415A | Drafting & Design IV | 4 |
| IND420B | Interior Design Intermediate IV | 4 |
| IND430 | Lighting Fundamentals | 2 |
Semester 5
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAD530A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design V | 3 |
| IND500 | Portfolio & Marketing I | 3 |
| IND517A | Health Safety And Code Practice | 2 |
| IND515 | Drafting And Design V- Building Systems | 4 |
| IND530 | Design Detailing | 2 |
| IND520B | Design Studio / Advanced V | 4 |
Semester 6
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAD630A | Computer Aided Drafting And Design VI | 3 |
| IND610 | Project Management | 2 |
| IND611 | Portfolio & Marketing II | 3 |
| IND620A | Design Studio Advanced V1 | 6 |
| IND103 | Professional Partnerships | 3 |
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Interior Design (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (61833)
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze a client's needs and goals by using research methodology and techniques.
- Prepare a design proposal.
- Analyze design components by using the creative process.
- Prepare an appropriate design concept* of three-dimensional form* which meets the criteria of a given design project by using the creative process.
- Execute appropriate presentation techniques to communicate the design concept.*
- Prepare a design which reflects the concept by using current and relevant information.
- Communicate to the client the proposed design solution for approval.
- Prepare documentation needed for the implementation of the design.
- Collaborate as part of the management team, as the client's agent, in the implementation of a design project to ensure that the project reflects the design solution.
- Evaluate completed design solutions.
Effective Fall 2022
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Adhere to building and accessibility codes, regulations, standards and practices that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
- Produce accurate construction and detailed drawings with accompanying specifications to fully convey the design proposal.
- Employ principles of sustainability in the specification of new and conventional materials, equipment and technologies to create objects, interiors and assemblies.
- Develop design solutions considering the use of space, the physical environment, accessibility needs, and preferences to meet client needs.
- Employ the principles and elements of design, and the relationship between form and function to create the design solution.
- Communicate design ideas, concepts and trends for various projects, reflecting the use of theory and contemporary practice in the design solution.
- Develop plans for design objects and space using appropriate volumetric manipulation conventions and technologies to create design solutions.
- Effectively manage time, budgets and workloads to achieve the desired design solution.
- Employ business ethics and professional practices in all design work for establishing and maintaining organizational and practitioner reputation.
- Employ verbal, written, visual and digital communication skills to formally present well articulated design proposals and solutions to a client, and/or other involved parties.
- Employ professional communication practices in interaction, negotiation and collaboration with coworkers, consultants, contractors, clients, end-users and others.
- Evaluate designs on the basis of concept, appropriateness, effectiveness, sustainability, codes and regulations, accessibility, user experience, and cost for the development of design solutions that will meet client needs.