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 and then monitor and supervise the installation. At completion, the Interior Designer evaluates the project and ensures it meets the client’s 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.
- 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.
- The Interior Design program has articulation agreements with Wayne State University, Michigan and Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland where students can transfer into the 4th year of both of these degree programs.
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
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. Visit the Credit Transfer & Pathway Agreements page for more information. This agreement is in effect starting January 1, 2019.
Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland - Students can transfer into the 4th year of this program and in 1 year earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design.
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:
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Interior Design (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (61833)
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.
