Earn your Interior Design Professional Diploma and launch your career as a Interior Designer, Self Employed Interior Designer, Residential Space Planner, Kitchen Designer, or Commercial Interior Space Planner.
Business Technology 100
In order to survive and prosper, businesses must take advantage of the most appropriate technology available. Students receive an introduction to various business technologies including word processing and spreadsheets. The medium to achieve this knowledge will be the Microsoft Office Suite. Building on a foundational understanding of windows as well as internet browsers, students will learn the basic skills for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Leveraging the interoperability of these applications will also be explored.
Foundation of Art and Design
Foundation of Art and Design explores the evolution of imagery from primitive art through to today’s digital creations, with a focus on North American and European 20th century art and elemental themes in design, composition and content. Developing the oral and written skills with which to discuss or critique works of art, FAD enables students to understand the artistic direction demanded by future clients. Topics include colour, balance, perspective, social context and visual perception.
History of Architecture
This course looks at various types of architecture throughout history, including cultural and design characteristics evident in the architecture of each period, and demonstrates their importance for the understanding of good visual design based upon lasting styles. It also contributes as an essential foundation for successful Interior Design practice as a source of inspiration for visual and psychological impact.
Internet Publishing 100
This 100 level course in Internet publishing focuses on the origins of the World Wide Web and creating websites from the designer’s point of view. Using web design software students will be able to create basic web pages and integrate introductory level Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
Introduction to Computer Graphics
This introductory foundation course provides a solid background in vector and bitmap graphics creation, translation skills, graphic file management, scanning and format conversion necessary for every field of computer graphics. These applied skills get you under way in a variety of our core computer graphic applications which are used in ever increasing levels of integration.
Courses
Interior Design Studio 101
Students will explore, practice and apply the elements and principles involved in Interior Design. Students will learn to manipulate these essential elements in order to create strong resolutions and apply them to specific design challenges. By applying design basics, space development, and materials selection, students will be able to create effective interior design solutions. The students' understanding of what "interior design" is will be developed by an analysis of existing designs, lectures and hands-on projects. Various lectures and visuals will be presented to convey information relating to working as an interior designer.
Design History 101
Students will examine images, elements, and principles of design as they have evolved and developed through history. They will learn to recognize, develop, and combine these historical references as they relate to interior design. By studying and discussing history, students will come to understand the importance of design evolution and how these issues are interrelated in terms of physical, social, and cultural means. Appreciation of important elements of design will be obtained through reading, research, lectures, and discussion aimed at understanding and acquiring this information.
Graphic Communication Methods 101
This course will concentrate on exploring manual architectural drafting techniques as they pertain to interior design, beginning with equipment awareness, technical vocabulary, and lettering skills. Students will be able to produce drawings that are commonly used in the profession to communicate design solutions such as orthographic drawings of objects and furniture using accurate scale, dimensions, notes, and layout information. Students will also be introduced to the production of presentation-style floor plans, elevations, sections, and reflective ceiling plans of the built environment.
Traditional Representation Techniques 101
Students will explore the drawing techniques and imaging practices employed in the field of interior design. The student will learn to apply these techniques in order to create strong images that are a part of design presentations. By understanding the basics of drawing, students will be able to render sketches, create perspective views and design presentations required in professional presentations. Students' understanding will be aided by the analysis of existing presentation and drawing approaches. Lectures, demonstrations, and visual presentations will be employed in the delivery of this information.
Materials & Components of Interior Spaces 101, 102
The focus of this course is to aid students in developing the basic skills in understanding and selecting finishing materials and components commonly found within the practice of design. The essence of each material will be demonstrated through hands-on experimentation, independent and group research, visits to suppliers, and representative guest lecturers. Students will explore and discover the environmental and sustainable factors that are evident in the materials and components they will be studying, as well as implementing the basic building codes that go along with the use of such materials. Students will also embark on researching methods for the built environment.
Interior Design Studio 102
The objective of this course is to continue developing the overall design skills of the student by undertaking the design challenges of specific design projects. This course will cover some technical issues, such as plumbing and core services placement and design. As a part of this course, the student will be challenged by the design concepts of "universal/barrier-free" planning and space planning.
Design History 102
This course will focus on the study of architecture, object, and interior design from a historical and cultural perspective. Students will assess the relevance of these cultural objects and design styles in relation to design movements of specific periods in history. Students will learn how these styles evolved over time and how they are still applied in contemporary interior design practices today.
Digital Communication Methods 102
Computer-aided drafting and design is an integral part of this program, as it is of utmost importance for the interior design graduate to be capable of producing design projects with the use of architectural software. Students will learn the basic tools and commands of computer-aided software to create elevations, plans, and sections through in-class exercises and assignments.
Human Factors in Interior Design 101
This course focuses on the aesthetic goals relative to the health, safety, and well-being of the end user. Students will look at, discuss, and debate how buildings and interior spaces are designed and whether or not they meet the functional requirements and human dimensions required for human behaviour. The emotional and physical aspects of interior design will be explored and examined. Students will learn to distinguish what represents "good design" as it relates to special and daily needs. Gaining an understanding of these various issues will be aided by the analysis of existing designs, discussions, and hands-on projects. Lectures will aid in applying this information to interior design scenarios.
Interior Design Studio 201
In this course students will explore, practice, and apply the elements and principles involved in interior design. Students will learn to manipulate the elements in order to create strong solutions to specific design challenges. By applying design basics, space development, and material selection, students will be able to create effective interior design solutions. Students' understanding of what "interior design" entails will be developed by an analysis of existing designs, discussions and hands-on projects.
Theory of Interior Design 201
In this course students will be exposed to the design processes commonly used by interior designers when faced with design problems. Students will generate, develop, and implement design solutions required during the space planning process to solve design problems. Students will develop information gathering techniques that will be directly related to design processes such as programming and design considerations focusing on space allocations. Students will develop and utilize techniques of conceptually representing information through bubble and matrix diagrams.
Building Systems 201
This course will focus on construction techniques and systems such as: wood-frame, steel-frame, masonry, and concrete, and will discuss systems such as: floor, wall, ceiling, penetrations, stair, power distribution, data and voice communication, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and plumbing. It will explore in detail the construction methods and installation techniques of each system with regard to the building code and will provide students with a general understanding of sustainable methods and materials. The course will also look at specifications of lighting techniques and requirements.
Introduction to Lighting 201
The purpose of this course is to develop the basic understanding of lighting principles and establish communication in lighting for interior design. This course will focus on types of lamps, luminaries, and their applications. Students will learn lighting vocabulary in order to specify appropriate lamp and luminaries for a particular design application.
Graphic Communication Methods 201
The purpose of this course is to further encourage students in developing and perfecting a variety of rendering and sketching techniques that will better serve them as interior designers. Through drawing assignments and exploration of different mediums, students will develop a more personal and visually accurate representation of everything from interior surfaces to single furnishings, as well as large interior spaces.
Interior Design Studio 202
In this course, students will be introduced to commercial space planning. The project assigned will have clear goals and objectives and students will identify the project's problem and provide a definition of the problem in order to have a better understanding of the goals and objectives. The project will focus on the work environment and how the space planning affects productivity in the workplace. Students will also be introduced to a variety of commercial finishes and furnishings.
Digital Communication Methods 202
In this continuation of DCM102, students will advance their skills in AutoCAD by producing design projects with the use of this architectural software. Students will create a full set of working drawings in AutoCAD from elevations, sections, details, and floor plans such as reflected ceiling plans, furniture plans, demolition plans and construction plans. Students will gain an understanding of drafting techniques, line weights, and drafting standards that go along with the completion of a set of working drawings.
Graphic Communication Methods 202
Students will examine and explore image, language, and visual principles of design presentations. They will learn to manipulate these aspects in order to create strong presentations to given design challenges. By understanding the fundamentals of well-planned presentations, students will be able to set up design criteria to evaluate what is defined as "effective presentation". The students understanding of the material will be aided by the analysis of existing designs, discussions, and hands-on projects. Lectures will aid in applying this information to interior design presentation scenarios and designer promotional material.
Building Systems 202
Understanding design parameters related to technical building systems is essential in the interior design industry. This course will examine building systems for typical commercial spaces. It will enable interior designers to communicate more effectively with architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials. The course will focus on construction systems, including sustainable construction strategies, power distribution systems, mechanical systems including HVAC and plumbing, energy management, data and voice-communication systems, security, and acoustics.
Theory of Interior Design 202
In this course students will research and explore major influential designers and designs of the last century. This course will emphasize 'case study' examples and current trends in the design field from a global perspective. An emphasis will be placed on residential interiors and architecture focusing on the approaches used in featured projects. Students will work individually and in teams to utilize their research to discover how interiors have evolved over the years.
Practicum 100, 200, 300
Under the mentorship of an instructor, students will find a suitable project or work placement in interior design-related industries that are relevant to their interests, level of ability and the objectives of the program.
Interior Design Studio 301
Students will continue investigating residential and commercial projects. These projects will have clearly defined goals and objectives and students will identify the project's problem and provide a definition and solution to the problem. One project will focus on the space planning and designing of a 4,200 square foot house. Another project will focus on the space planning of an undefined office space. Students will improve their development of conceptual skills, refining their schematic design concepts, preparing final drawings, and improving their visual presentation techniques.
Digital Communication Methods 301
Students will become comfortable and familiar with the basic commands in SketchUp and use it as a medium to create 3D models of projects for conceptual and presentation purposes. Students will also explore computer-generated rendering techniques for conceptual and presentation purposes.
Business and Professional Practice 301
This course will focus on project management practices, as well as small business development and management. Students will learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in today's market and will create their own business plan as well as a company identity.
Theory of Interior Design 301
Students will examine the processes and principles of commercial design. They will learn to outline these in order to create strong solutions to given design situations. By understanding the basics of design theory, students will be able to set up design criteria to evaluate what is referred to as 'effective' or 'good design'. The students understanding of the material will be aided by the analysis of existing commercial designs and assigned hands-on projects. Lectures will aid in applying this information to commercial interior design scenarios.
Interior Construction and Detailing 301
In this continuation of BS201 and BS202, students will concentrate on understanding how to accurately draw details of objects, furniture, and building systems. This course requires a basic knowledge of materials, finishes, and construction methods. It will also focus on building code and planning standards that are required in the field of interior design. Students will look at millwork in order to understand the complexity of cabinetwork, joinery, and different types of wood, hardware, and other types of materials that are used to construct particular pieces of millwork. This course will also explore the construction methods and means of floor, wall, and ceiling systems.
Interior Design Studio 400
In this course, students, in coordination with their instructor, will find a project within the community and develop the best design solution working as a team. This 400-level studio course will put an emphasis on group work and community involvement. Students are expected to improve their development of conceptual skills, refining their schematic design concepts, and preparing final working drawings.
Business and Professional Practice 400
Students will examine business and professional practice relevant to interior design, concentrating on contracts, bidding, designer responsibilities, and professional fees, as well as professional ethics and insurance.
Final Graduation Project 400
In this course, students will choose a final project that will suit their area of interest in the field of interior design. Students are encouraged to choose projects that have real and tangible needs within the community. The overall concept of the final graduation project is to demonstrate an ability to incorporate the knowledge acquired during the program and give back to the community by contributing a final design solution. During this part of the course, students will define their final project, develop a program document, gather information, analyze the information, and determine the overall needs to be solved in the project.
Building Code and Sustainable Design 400
This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and key resource tools and techniques to research and acquire building code regulations as they apply to their final graduation project. This course will focus on building code and barrier-free regulations and requirements as they relate to the built environment. Students will evaluate and discuss specific areas of an interior space where barrier-free regulations can be applied. This course will also put an emphasis on sustainable design methods and materials. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) will also be a major focus of this course. Students will research the sustainable properties and methods of production and distribution.
Final Graduation Project 401
In this course, students will choose a final project that suits their area of interest in the field of interior design. Students are encouraged to choose projects that will address real and tangible needs within the community. The overall idea of the final graduation project is to demonstrate an ability to incorporate the knowledge acquired during the program and give back to the community by contributing a final design solution. During this course students will complete their final project, developing a full set of working drawings, and present the final solution to faculty members and the "client". Students will be required to include floor plans, elevations, sections, and details as part of the working drawings.
Portfolio Production Workshop Interior Design
Portfolios show the world what you can do. Academic portfolios are the final demonstration of acquired learning and are a requirement for graduation at Centre colleges. Portfolios are also one of the most important tools you have for initially getting noticed and landing an interview for a job or contract. This course provides the knowledge and tools required to complete a high quality academic and professional portfolio in multiple formats and media (e.g. print, Web, DVD, tape).
Professional Development 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 (This is a mandatory course in several quarters)
The Professional Development Program consists of a series of modules spread throughout the academic program that focus on the personal and interpersonal aspects of employability skills required for success at work and in life. Through a combination of instruction and activities including scenario training, individual and group activities, discussions, and reflection, students are given the opportunity to discover and develop lifelong values, personal definitions of success and mission statements, and to investigate best practices in achieving their personal and career goals. Awareness of expectations and consequences of actions within business and social situations will be emphasized providing opportunities to develop into the kind of people that others want to know and work with, whether employers, business partners, or fellow workers. This includes behavioural awareness and skills in resolving personal and interpersonal issues, and letting go of schemas that don't support success as personally defined. Practical job skills are also included in the program such as industry research, portfolio criteria, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and employment negotiations. Because the acquisition of soft skills requires a significant amount of exposure and practice in diverse situations, each module will build on the core skills, principles, and tools based on individual and group needs as determined by the facilitators in each module.
