Interior Design

Interior design is a creative art form, a technology and a business. Interior Designers design for human use and enjoyment of a multitude of different uses and spaces where functionality and aesthetics interact as one. The Interior Design diploma program at VanArts creates a vital learning environment where all these elements come together to create your gateway to the profession.

At VanArts you will be studying in a multi-disciplinary learning environment with exposure to and interaction with a variety of media and applied arts educational streams. The Interior Design program encourages and develops both linear analytical thinking as well as the development of individual creativity

Interior design is a challenging a rewarding profession. Among the career possibilities open to you upon graduation with your diploma are working within design and architectural firms, working as consultants for retailers and merchandisers, working in specialty fields such as hospitality, kitchen or bathroom designers, or working as a private design consultant.  In addition the Interior Design diploma offers a springboard in which students can augment their studies and move into related career streams such as marketing or project management.

For more information on interior design visit the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) at www.idibc.org

The diploma program is divided into two 9 month terms. During the first term students learn the foundations and elements of design and their applications to a variety of design exercises and projects.  Students will begin with foundation studies of computer drawing, drafting art and design and will progress to increasingly more complex digital arts and computer application throughout their learning experience. 

Design studios in the first term will focus on learning the fundamentals of design including colour, form and volume.  Studio design projects will begin with residential applications and progress to hospitality design.

In the second term design studios built on first term foundations and deal with more complex commercial applications such as retail, restaurant and office design. 

Design studies will include furniture design, working drawings for cabinetry and fixtures and related construction documents and specifications required to take design creativity and concept into design reality.

The professional practice stream at VanArts develops the student’s knowledge of office and business practice, creates a foundation for self confidence and job hunting skills along with the creation of a professional resume and design portfolio. Upon graduation students, should they wish, can become eligible to write the National Council for Interior Designer Qualification (NCIDQ) exams towards becoming a registered Interior Designer.  See www.ncidq.org for specific requirements.

You graduate with:

• a diploma
• a professional portfolio
• demonstrated proficiency as a designer
• a professional portfolio and resume
• contacts to the profession and job search strategies