Interior Design
VCAD’s Interior Design program provides industry-relevant training that will prepare you for this highly rewarding profession

72 weeks
vancouver Campus
72 weeks
vancouver Campus
Space, lighting and design can influence how people feel, think, work, and relate to each other. Interior design is a rewarding and creative career that allows you to bring beauty and function into the lives of others.
VCAD's Interior Design program allows you to develop a skill set that compliments your creative vision so you can excel in interior design. The program introduces students to design principles, colour theory, space planning, drafting and industry-standard software.
Students learn to create beautiful and effective residential, commercial, industrial and public space designs and layouts. Graduates of this program will have developed a portfolio to showcase their designs and will be prepared to enter a career as an interior designer, planner, project manager or design consultant.
Job Opportunities
- Interior Designer
- Residential Designer
- Furniture Designer
- Decorator
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Develop an interior design project
- Integrate trends into interior design
- Produce interior design sketches
- Draw objects and spaces to scale
- Produce drawings using a computer-assisted drafting system
- Understand colour theory and use colour to influence mood
- Suggest finishes and materials for a project
- Specify the accessories, furniture and equipment for a project
- Use interior architectural and construction elements
- Create an interior design concept for a residence
- Create lighting concepts
- Produce working drawings and specifications
- Plan a layout for an industrial commercial or public building
- Create an interior design concept for a commercial, industrial or public building
- Promote your interior design services effectively
Admissions Requirements
High school graduation or equivalent (From an English language teaching institution)
Or
Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes, and pass college’s admissions test
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Colour & Design

Understanding colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied design genres. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science as well as a diverse range of colour theories, and how to employ them creatively. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises, and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into functional, purposeful design.
Photoshop I

Understanding the application and importance of image editing and construction as a universal skill in all design genres. This course introduces the students to raster image-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. Through this 'hands-on' course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features, and tips, to prepare images for digital output as well as for print. Emphasis will be placed on technical skills, however conceptual development, and creative thinking and approaches will also be considered in all work. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create, modify, and enhance sophisticated images using raster editing tools, and features; craft special effects; work in 3D space; and prepare files for export to various applications in web, mobile, print, and manufacturing.
Drafting

This course explores the fundamental concepts of drafting. Students will learn the tools, symbols and conventions of drafting and how to use them to create simple orthographic and paraline drawings.
An introduction to Interior Design

This course provides the student with an overview of the field of Interior design and how it is practiced. Students will learn about interior design as a career, the process of interior design, the basic principles of design and the areas of expertise required for a successful career in interior design.
Drawing I

This course will focus on development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques and subject matter. Through this course you will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing, be able to demonstrate an understanding of contour line, positive & negative space, perspective, sighting of angles and measurements of relationships in drawing, master basic skills and to encourage experimentation with techniques and materials, both traditional and non-traditional, and explore creative expression beyond preconceived boundaries.
Design History

This course provides the student with an overview of the history of design from the days of early Egyptian civilization to present day movements and influences. Students will learn about the characteristics and features of design that marked each period and style. For each period or culture, students will learn about the design of residential dwellings and interiors, art, furniture, and architecture as well as the design influences that distinguish each period.
Illustrator I

Understanding the application, and importance of vector editing, and construction as a universal skill in a multitude of design genres, and applications. This course introduces the students to vector image-editing software such as Adobe Illustrator. Through this 'hands-on' course, the student will learn the fundamentals of vector design, as well as advanced features, and tips, to prepare files for the digital output as well as for print. Emphasis will be placed on technical skills however conceptual development, and creative thinking, and approaches will also be considered in all work. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create, modify, and enhance sophisticated vector artworks, and design using vector editing tools, and features; craft special effects; work in 3D space;, and prepare files for export to variations applications in web, mobile, print, and manufacturing.
AutoCAD I

This course is an introductory level course that will explore the fundamental features of AutoCAD design software. Students will learn to use the tools, features and commands of this popular CAD software to create simple drawings. Students will learn the basic commands, set up and organize drawings, work with layers and text and print and plot diagrams.
Space Planning

This course provides the student with an introduction to space planning. Students will learn to use various types of diagrams and matrices to visualize the layout of the space they are working with and then plan the space effectively. The course will also introduce the additional considerations such as building code and environmental factors that affect spatial composition. Students will learn to work with bubble diagrams, block plans, matrices and CAD templates.
Drawing II

This course builds upon Drawing I. In this course the student continues to explore the use of more complex shapes and drawing techniques in drawing more complex objects. Topical coverage includes drawing styles, observation of reality, plans, elevations and projections, perspective views, shading, forms and structure, drawing architecture and working with colour and black and white drawings.
Architectural Design and Detail

This course will explore the common construction techniques in use today. The course provides an overview of the building process from site fundamentals to the building and integrating of the various systems and components. Student will study the different building techniques and materials as well as the detailing of the interior components and finishes. Topical coverage includes the common building construction systems: wood frame, steel, concrete and masonry as well as the various systems that make up a building.
Architectural Model Making

This course will explore the use of architectural models as a means of expressing a design or concept. The course will study the physical architectural model as an integral part of the design process. Students will learn how models are capable of generating information accurately by allowing the viewer to see the form in physical space. Topical coverage includes the equipment and materials, preparation and assembly techniques used in model making. Students will also study several case studies which highlight the use of models in design.
AutoCAD II

This course is an advanced level course that will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD design software. Students will learn advanced commands and features that will allow them to draw and modify more complex designs as well as explore the capabilities of AutoCAD in the design of models of 3D solids and surfaces. The course will begin by exploring the advanced draw and modify commands and techniques before moving onto the advanced drawing and modeling of 3D solids and surfaces.
Residential Design

This course explores the processes needed to complete a residential design project. Students will perform all the key steps required to take a design project from its initial idea stage through to completion. Students will design a residential interior based on criteria provided and then will prepare the appropriate design plans and documents. Students will present the design and modify the design based on client feedback. Students will incorporate the principles and techniques of design while producing the design documents for the common residential spaces.
Lighting Techniques

This course explores lighting as one of the fundamental elements in the design of interiors. Students will learn the fundamental principles and techniques of working with lighting to create a desired impact on an interior space. The course will explore light sources, daylight, lighting, the layer approach to lighting and the different types of lighting applications for residential, office, and other specialty institutions.
Human Factors in Interior Design

This course explores how human behaviour and requirements influence the design of interior spaces. Students will study ergonomics and anthropometrics and the role they play in the design of interior spaces. The course will also examine the considerations that need to be addressed when designing interior spaces for specific human conditions or situations such as people with disabilities, limited mobility, children, elderly and multi-generation challenges.
Architectural Rendering I

This course is introduces the student to architectural rendering software. Students will learn to use AutoDesk Viz to render basic interior design and effects. Students will learn to use the tools and features of the software and then apply the rendering techniques to produce final renderings of designs. The course will cover modeling techniques, materials, lighting and basic animations.
Materials and Fabrics

This course introduces the various materials and fabrics that are commonly used in interior design projects. Students will explore the historical, cultural and architectural uses of a variety of materials including concrete, stone, glass ceramics, wood and products, plaster metals, synthetics and fabrics. Students will also learn about the common finishes that are typically used with the various types of materials.
Office Design

This course will explore the design of commercial interiors with a focus on office design. Office design is the backbone of commercial interior design. Students will learn how to extract details for the specific office type that will be designing and translate those details into effective designs that promote the functional requirements of the office space. Students will learn about optimal office layouts and spatial organizations based on the type of office. By the end of the course students will be able to design an office layout with appropriate space allocation and furniture layout.
Interior Detailing

This course will continue with the design of interior spaces. In this course students will continue to develop their design skills by focusing on the design details of the interior spaces and its elements. Students will learn to incorporate the more detailed design elements such as trim and mill-work elements, cabinetry, window and door trim, wall, ceiling and floor details. This course is practical in nature and will require the students to produce the appropriate design documents and plans as they progress through the course.
Furniture Design

This course will explore the processes of furniture design. The course will offer an overview of the classifications of furniture and uses of furniture over historical periods and how furniture has evolved as a design element. Students will gain an understanding of the design principles that apply to furniture design, the materials used as well as the fabrication processes and methods.
Architectural Rendering II

This course is an advanced course in architectural rendering. Students will continue working with AutoDesk Viz to render complex interior designs and effects. Students will use advanced tools and features of the software and then apply the rendering techniques to produce final renderings of complex designs. The course will cover advanced modeling techniques, mapping of materials, and complex lighting effects.
Building Codes

This course will explore the basic residential, commercial and public building, fire and safety codes that must be respected within the scope of interior design. Student will learn how each of the codes and standards impact the design process and how they must be applied to ensure that the final design is compliant with all applicable municipal, provincial and federal regulations in effect.
Commercial Design

This course will explore the design of commercial interiors with a focus on public, retail and institutional facilities. Students will learn how to extract details for the specific commercial space type that they will be designing and translate those details into effective designs that promote the functional requirements of the commercial space. Students will learn about optimal layouts and spatial organizations based on the type of space. By the end of the course students will be able to design commercial space layouts with appropriate space allocation and furniture details.
Studio

This is a problem based course designed to allow students to propose project ideas. Course emphasis will be on developing solutions for design projects. Students will be required to work in teams in applying concepts, theories and design processes to a significant and unique design problem. Successful solutions will be included in the students’ final portfolios
Eco Design

This course will explore the emerging trend to green and sustainable design. Students will learn how to integrate “green” practices into the design through the choice of materials and procedures. Students will learn the importance of the green shift and benefits of designing with consideration for this greening process. The course will also explore the common construction and building materials and their properties and how they can be used in a sustainable and environment friendly manner. Students will learn about alternative materials and energy sources that can be used in design.
Professional Practices and Communication

This course is designed to introduce the importance of professional business conduct and attitude. Students will learn the importance of preparing themselves properly for the job search process and how to prepare and present the proper marketing collateral. In this course the student will learn the techniques that will help them to properly market themselves to potential employers. Topical coverage includes Résumé and cover letters preparation, professionalism and appropriate conduct, written and oral communication, career planning, interviewing techniques and presentation strategies.
Architectural Working Drawings

This course will explore the architectural working drawings that are commonly used in the interior design sector. Students will learn to read and understand the details of the various drawings and plans as well as create a set of construction drawings. Students will work with floor plans, electrical plans, elevations, sections schedules and other detailed specialty drawings.
Portfolio

This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world, allowing the student to place the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry in the format of a job interview. All portfolio components should demonstrate the student’s mastery of the programs core competencies while highlighting the uniqueness of their work. Selected pieces should reflect a standard of quality evidenced by additional time spent polishing applied skills. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral.