Interior Design

Courses

• Space Planning I

  Explore the fundamentals of space planning through academic theoretical study and project-based practical learning. Examine parameters based on professional design processes such as prerequisite research and planning, programming models, and the documentation and evaluation throughout design development and demonstration of efficient workflows. Study documentation and evaluation through design development and the neuroaesthetics of the built environment.

  Learn about spatial composition, the integrated orchestration of visual elements and principles, and the measured value of human interaction within the built environment.

• Space Planning II

  Build upon the skills developed in Space Planning I. Participate in a studio design session where you will be guided through a series of design exercises and critiqued presentations, working within the constraints of client requirements, governing codes, and by-laws.

• Manual Drafting

  Study introductory manual drafting techniques. Learn to read and understand & read construction drawings in both Metric and Imperial units. Apply line weight, hand lettering, and dimensioning conventions while creating a basic set of architectural working drawings, including floor plans, site plans, elevations, sections, and plan oblique.

• Design Fundamentals

  Elements and principles of design are the foundation for creating interior spaces that meet your client’s functional, aesthetic, and psychological goals. Learn how to apply the design elements and principles in the built environment. Use design elements and principles in your own projects to affect human psychology, physiology, and behaviour.

• Adobe Photoshop

  Learn how to manipulate, enhance, and present interior design concepts using Photoshop. Through a combination of hands-on tutorials, practical exercises, and creative projects, develop a strong foundation in Photoshop tools and techniques tailored to interior design.

• History of Architecture & Interior Design

  The designs you will create as an interior designer communicate through style and other aesthetic considerations. Each chosen style comes with complex cultural and historical associations that shape how people understand a space and behave within it.

  Learn the language of important historical styles to describe existing spaces and create new ones. Practice applying key characteristics of these styles to project work.

• Collaborative Design Workshop

  Handle complex problems by thinking critically and creatively, communicating your ideas effectively, and applying your specialized skills in a collaborative environment. Whether you’re working on a large-scale building development, making a movie, contributing to an online magazine, developing an app, or taking a new fashion line to market, the success of the project relies on your ability to work with others. Learn to work collaboratively and use the methods of design thinking to respond to a brief presented by a real community client.

• CAD – AutoCAD

  Learn the basics of computer-aided design by applying the most important elements of hand line drawing to digital technical drawings. Study basic code and accessibility issues applicable to a space through the details required in line drawings. Use line weight, composition, and figurative clarity to visually communicate.

• CAD – Projects (Residential)

  Apply the tools and functions of AutoCAD for in the preparation of working drawings. Learn broader application of commands and techniques for drawing, editing, and annotating. Explore efficient methods to enhance productivity while using the software. Integrate learning activities and collaborative productivity into a drawing residential project.

• CAD – Vectorworks

  Study the fundamentals of Vectorworks 2D, including tool sets, layers, and classes while completing several projects. Learn how to generate floor plans and elevations using industry-standard guidelines, then incorporate these techniques into presentation renderings of residential homes. Upon completion, you will have the skills necessary to develop a residential set by criteria.

• CAD – SketchUp

  Use SketchUp to create 2D and 3D models that help visualize designed spaces or buildings. Learn how to develop both plan views and extruded models using either measurements or imported CAD files. Apply materials and textures to surfaces, explore special effects such as shadows, and render models using SU Podium for realistic presentations.

• CAD – Presentation I (SketchUp/Lumion)

  Combine capabilities of SketchUp with advanced CPU-based rendering engine Lumion. Learn how to reduce render times on SketchUp models by organizing SketchUp models efficiently while getting hands-on experience producing visually compelling designs, animations, and walkthroughs for architectural projects. Start with 3D geometry in SketchUp, then import it into Lumion where you’ll learn to apply textures, lighting, and various inbuilt visual effects (FX) to create visually compelling designs.

• CAD – Presentation II (SketchUp/Lumion)

  Build on the foundations established in Presentation I, refining SketchUp workflow and using extensions to create complex shapes. Explore the advanced architectural rendering software Lumion 10. Learn to create site models, interior and exterior renderings, and video renderings that can be presented to future clients.

• CAD – Revit

  Learn and understand the fundamentals of Revit and its use in the modern construction industry. Explore the tools and techniques used in Revit to create a 3D model of any structure or component. Discuss Revit’s uses from early project conception in the design phase to final close-out. Develop the necessary skills to start designing your own projects.

• Digital Photography

  Learn about different camera features as well as concepts of exposure, composition, and perspective. Practice operating a camera and build an understanding of using photography to enhance your design work.

• Kitchen & Bath Design I

  Learn the knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design. Explore the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) standards and practices that govern the industry. Study planning and design, products and specifications, construction methodologies and the associated multi-disciplinary trades and systems, and project management.

  Explore how to use drawing and presentation tools in kitchen and bath design.

• Kitchen & Bath Design II

  Advance your knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design practices in the second of three courses of the program built on NKBA standards and practices. Integrate planning and design into material and product knowledge while studying cabinetry fabrication, construction, and installation. Explore multi-disciplinary trades including lighting, electrical, plumbing, and smart and automation technologies.

  Graduates of the Interior Design program will be prepared to undertake preparations for the NKBA certification exams.

• Kitchen & Bath Design III

  Broaden the foundational knowledge of the Kitchen & Bath Design I and II to include advanced learning and practicum of planning and design, products and specifications, and construction methodologies. Study multi-disciplinary trades and systems, project management, and the drawing and presentation tools that are required for successful work.

• Materials and Specifications

  Achieve intelligent and compliant solutions by consolidating interior design concepts and skills. Learn to design with an environmentally conscious purpose and apply sustainability standards in buildings. Use foundational skills and software knowledge from other classes to study various construction materials.

• Lighting

  Study the fundamental principles of Designed Lighting Systems for interiors of residential and commercial spaces, emphasizing lighting design for technically intensive zones like kitchen, bath, work, and display areas.

  Apply Space Planning skills to create Design Development phase documents for a basic interior design project.

• Design Projects (Tiny Homes)

  Learn through the project-based practice of consolidating a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a Tiny Home project.

• Design Projects (Sustainable)

  Develop your ability to consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project, focusing on applying sustainability standards and designing with an environmentally conscious purpose.

• Design Projects (Single-Family)

  Build on design skills taught during the design project course. Participate in a studio design session consisting of guided exercises for home design, working within the constraints of client requirements and governing codes. Present your work for critique as part of the course.

• Design Projects (Commercial)

  Get hands-on practice with commercial Interior Design for concepts like programming and space planning, schematic design, and conceptual, and design development. Explore materials selection, mood board creation, fixtures selection, specification packages, and construction floorplans including reflection ceiling plans and elevations. Meet the demands of an actual project brief by working on an existing property, updating the spatial layouts, materials, and finishing selections that no longer meet client objectives.

• Design Projects (Hospitality)

  Apply the design skills learned in Space Planning I and II in a studio design session. Complete a series of guided design exercises, working within the constraints of client requirements, governing codes, and by-laws. As with other studio design sessions, this includes creating presentations for critique.

• Sustainable Design

  Develop your ability to consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Build upon the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project. Focus on designing with an environmentally conscious purpose and the application of various sustainability standards in building.

• Job Readiness

  As part of the Interior Design program, you will complete a Work Experience component that reinforces skills, create connections, and provides practical experience. Prepare by examining workplace norms, learning how to create a resume and cover letter, search and apply for jobs, complete applications, and prepare for interviews.

• Construction Methods I

  Get foundational knowledge of the construction industry, including the use of basic construction terminology and tools. Develop a clear understanding of the construction process from initial design development through to building occupancy. Explore essential aspects of construction documentation, including contracts and other critical project documents. Learn to estimate construction costs, prepare sample budgets, and develop construction schedules to support construction project management.

  Get hands-on experience with documentation, costing, and tool operation. Create and interpret working drawings and sections to develop knowledge of building design and planning.

• Construction Methods II

  Develop your understanding of construction’s build processes and changing industry standards. Get more hands-on experience with using construction materials and power tools.

  Learn about building design and planning, create and interpret working drawings and sections, and learn to apply construction standards to projects.

• BC Building Code

  Study regulations and standards within the BC Building Code that govern the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings to ensure safety, accessibility, and structural integrity. Emphasizing Part 9, examine the purpose of maintaining the safety, health, and welfare for building occupants. Learn how to apply and interpret the building code in your projects.

  Discuss sustainable building practices, inspections and enforcement, zoning and permits, and energy efficiency through case studies and real-world applications.

• Sales and Promotion

  Develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively market and sell design services or products. Study core principles of marketing, client relationships, and promotional strategies, incorporating best practices from the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). Examine the sales and promotion of interior design through three perspectives: designer, customer, and the brand.

• Project Management & Estimating

  Learn core concepts and techniques required for successful project management. Study essential aspects of planning, managing, and organizing projects to completion emphasizing time, cost, and resource management.

• Professional Practice

  Become familiar with the fundamentals of professionalism within the Interior Design industry. Learn about contract documentation, approaching and retaining clients, creation of a business plan, and accounting practices. Explore the distinctions between an interior and commercial interior designer while learning good business practices for both.