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STUDY LEVEL
Diploma
TUITION
$27,609 CAD
DURATION
1.5 years
INTAKES
September
DELIVERY MODE
On campus
about the course
What will you learn?
Interior decorators affect our daily lives through the designing of spaces. In the Interior Decorating Diploma students learn how to design living and working spaces and manage interior decorating projects. Students will also become exposed to business environments, playing a number of roles related to interior decorating.
Careers in the industry include roles as an interior decorator, color, furniture or lighting consultant, stylist, or stager. In this program students are taught a variety of skills relevant to the industry. After completion, you can extend your knowledge by completing a Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate.
Nationally-recognized course
This course is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA).
Gain a wide range of skills
Pursue opportunities for advancement in different areas in interior decorating.
course structure
term 1
Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills
Through practice and reflection, learners nurture personal and professional relationships using interpersonal communication skills. With a focus on other-oriented communication, learners demonstrate how inequities and power dynamics influence relationships.
Colour and Light in Decorating
This course examines the principles of colour theory and its relationship with interior space, light, and materials. Learners apply this knowledge in their consultation with a client, to create and present a lighting plan that addresses spacial requirements and clients’ needs.
Principles & Elements of Design
This course focuses on the role of the interior decorator as a member of a project team including interior designers and allied professionals. Learners apply the principles and elements of design in the creation of client profiles and decorating solutions addressing the requirements of an interior space and client need.
Space Planning and Drafting
This course focuses on the planning and creation of furnishing arrangements. Learners apply the principles and elements of design as they analyze, plan, and present decorating solutions. During the process, learners address technical concerns such as blue prints and architectural drawings as well as ergonomics and building code.
Drawing and Sketching
Interior decorators create visualizations of interior spaces to communicate ideas to clients and other stakeholders. In this course, learners develop sketching and drawing skills to create visual perspectives and render finishes for interior spaces.
term 2
AutoCAD 1
This course focuses on producing and presenting two-dimensional (2D) drawings on a Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) program: AutoCAD. Learners build on foundational skills by creating objects in AutoCAD using a variety of commands and system variables.
History of Decorating Styles
Learners explore the characteristics of major historical decorating styles including atmosphere, colour scheme, lighting, background coverings, furniture, window coverings, and accessories. Learners develop a practical understanding of furniture construction techniques and differences in quality of materials and workmanship. Learners apply their knowledge of historical decorating to address client requirements.
Textiles & Furniture
In this course, learners apply foundational knowledge of historical and contemporary textiles and furniture. Learners create solutions to address clients’ needs, spatial requirements, and financial restraints such as budget and availability while considering construction methods, finishes, and design.
Surfaces & Backgrounds
This course provides learners with foundational knowledge of how surfaces and backgrounds impact the creation and presentation of a decorating solution. Learners apply the elements and principles of design to a selection of walls, floors, countertops, ceilings, and fireplaces in decorating a space. Decoration solutions reflect considerations of sourcing, budget, specifications, and clients’ needs.
Interior Decorating Studio 1
This experiential offering builds on previous courses and provides learners the opportunity to solve practical decorating issues using principles and elements of design and current interior decorating trends. Using various mediums, the latest technology, and inspiration from professionals in the field, learners explore the world of decorating with colour, lighting, furniture, finishes, and other essential elements to meet client needs and deliver decorating solutions.
term 3
AutoCAD 2
This course builds on skills learned in CADD1101. Learners further develop two-dimensional (2D) drawing techniques and are introduced to high-level 2D commands and basic three-dimensional (3D) commands. Learners build on foundational skills to create, modify, and edit 3D solids, manage views, and print files.
Freelancing and Entrepreneurship
This course examines the challenges and opportunities for the freelancer or entrepreneur. Learners develop practical strategies to write a business plan, fund, and market freelancing and entrepreneurial business ideas.
Window Coverings
In this course, learners focus on the process of creating a window covering solution. The process includes evaluation of window types and styles, soft and hard coverings, as well as the tools and documents used in the preparation of quotations and presentations. Course activity includes techniques for creating and delivering a professional decorating solution as a member of a project team.
Presentations and Illustrations
Communication with clients is essential for the professional interior decorator. Communication rests upon the basic skills of drawing, sketching, rendering, and model making. Skills acquired in the prerequisite course are honed and new visual communication techniques are practiced. Learners compile ongoing project work in the construction of a professional portfolio.
Interior Decorating Studio 2
Building on Studio 1 and the first year courses in the Interior Decorating Program, this course provides learners with authentic opportunities to solve decorating issues using furniture, finishes, and equipment. Using various mediums and research skills, learners explore and apply the design thinking process in the creation of professional decorating solutions.
term 4
Universal Design: Spaces for All
Learners examine the needs of individuals using strength-based language to recommend products, materials, technologies and services to support the individual. In their recommendations learners consider various limitations such as physical space, building codes and familial circumstances.
Sustainable Interiors
This course addresses the use of sustainable materials, furniture, and finishes to decorate a residential space. Learners apply the principles of sustainability and evaluate the implications of the carbon footprint in a project. Projects combine considerations like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Canadian Green Building Console. These standards influence the carbon footprint, livability, and budget of the decorating solution.
The Business of Interior Decorating
Business skills are essential for the interior decorator working either as an employee or as an entrepreneur. This course examines the essential components of a successful interior decorating business including business plans, operations, sales and marketing. Learners will plan their career path, explore project management principles and examine conflict resolution.
Staging & Redesign
In addition to creating design solutions for residential renovations, a key activity in the decorating industry is the preparation of residential properties for sale. This course focuses on the role of the decorator as part of an inter-professional team preparing a property for the market. Emphasis falls on the aesthetic principles of presentation considering matching furniture and accessories with spatial attributes like color and light and analyzing costs of repair, redesign, and staging.
Interior Decorating Studio 3
This course builds on Studio 1, Studio 2, and previous learner experience in the Interior Decorating Program. Learners establish a decorating project, determine client wants and needs, design a decorating solution, and present the solution to project stakeholders. Learners analyze and evaluate current industry technologies and incorporate them into the preparation and the selling of decorating solutions.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
How to apply to this course?
- Credit in English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent.
- Minimum final mark of 60% in Math 10C or equivalent.
- OR
- Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test.
- OR
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test.
- AND
- English language proficiency.
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