Interior Design (Diploma)

Pacific design academy is one of the national kitchen & bath association (n. K. B. A) affiliated schools in canada. This program is approved by nkba and uses its standards.

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of the Government of British Columbia.

Why you should study with us:

• Our two-year interior design program is taught in a creative environment where technical knowledge merges with artistic inspiration.
• Graduates emerge as skilled interior designers capable of conceptualizing and crafting aesthetically pleasing and functional designs for diverse interior spaces. From residential homes to commercial complexes, cultural institutions, and industrial buildings, our graduates work in various sectors.
• Emphasizing a hands-on approach, our program equips students with practical skills to apply design techniques and construction theory effectively. Through a combination of coursework and real-world projects, students learn to translate their ideas into detailed drawings brought to life with computer rendering techniques. 

Students learn how to:

• Analyzing client needs and preferences, and safety requirements
• Creating detailed plans and 3-D computer models using industry software tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, Vectorworks, SketchUp, and Lumion
• Rendering to enhance visualization of interior designs
• Designing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces
• Advising on color, finish, lighting, and furnishings selection
• Drafting professional interior construction drawings
• Estimating costs and required materials accurately
• Collaborating with other professionals in various technical areas
• Coordinating with contractors and trades for installations
• Handling bids and contract documents as client representatives
• Reviewing and evaluating design solutions throughout the process

Individuals Who Are:

• Passionate about crafting beautiful, functional spaces as a career
• Interested in using the power of the latest design industry software to bring ideas to life
• Enjoying drawing, sketching, and manually drafting in our bright design studios
• Thriving in a collaborative environment, ready to connection with industry experts and peers

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of high school or equivalent (GED)
• Proof of education (transcript, diploma, letters of recognition)
• Completed Application Form
• Signature of a parent or guardian is required for students under the age of 19
• Non-refundable application fee
• Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID or birth certification
• Letter of intent detailing background and future goals
• If deemed necessary by the Registrar, a TOEFL score of at least 52, an IELTS score of at least 4.0, or a Duolingo score of at least 60.

Career Opportunities:

• Interior designer
• CAD technician
• Interior design project manager
• Kitchen and Bath designer
• Retail and office space planner
• Interior decorators and Colour Consultant
• Home stager
• Sales personnel
• Window display decorator
• Event Designer
• Entrepreneur owning their own interior design businesses

Year 1 Course Overviews?

Space Planning 1 & 2

Space Planning 1

This course establishes the fundamental knowledge of space planning through academic theoretical study and project-based practicum. The model of instruction involves the design process as practiced by leading professionals, and introduces a broad set of parameters, including but not limited to, the prerequisite research and planning process, programming models, the documentation and evaluation throughout design development, demonstration of efficient workflow, and introduction to the current study of neurasthenics of the built environment. 

Understanding the fundamentals of spatial composition, the integrated orchestration of visual elements and principles, and the measured value of human interaction within the built environment form the primary components of this course.

Space Planning 2

This course expands on the fundamental knowledge of space planning through the study and project-based application of the design process. The primary subjects are programming and documentation, programming models, the design phase and associated review procedures, and a continuation to current advancements of the study of neurasthenics of the built environment. 

Advancing the fundamental knowledge of the design process while establishing associated project management knowledge and practice is the primary subject of this course. 

Space planning at this stage of the Interior Design program will explore more comprehensive and sophisticated typologies, exploring commercial, institutional, and other developments, in addition to residential design.

CAD 1-AutoCAD

Students are introduced to computer-aided design.  They will learn to apply the most important elements of hand line drawing towards digital technical drawings.  Through the details required in line drawings, students will learn the basic code and accessibility issues as they apply towards a space.  The importance of line weight, composition, and figurative clarity for the visual communication of interior design will be emphasized.

Manual Drafting

This course teaches introductory-level manual drafting techniques and how to understand & read construction drawings. Line weight, hand lettering and dimensioning conventions will be taught as students produce a basic set of architectural working drawings including floor plans, site plans, elevations, sections, and plan oblique.  Students will focus on understanding Metric & Imperial units.

Design Fundamentals

Elements and Principles of design are the foundation for creating interior spaces that meet your client’s functional, aesthetic, and psychological goals. 

In this introductory course, you will learn how to apply the design elements and principles in the built environment. Working on your own projects, you will learn how the elements and principles of design effect human psychology, physiology, and behaviour and learn how to manipulate elements to achieve desired effects.

Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is the industry standard Graphic Design tool used to modify, manipulate, and enhance photographic and other images. 

Term 1 is a hands-on course that will introduce students to the possibilities offered by this application and prepare them to work in print in terms of image quality, resolution, and colour space. 

On completion of this course students should have reached a level of competence that allows them to scan, manipulate and combine several images, work effectively with type, apply basic photo retouching and enhancement techniques, and save work in different file formats. An understanding of good image quality and design will be achieved through class critiques and the comparison of different images.

Collaborative Design Workshop

The complex problems you’ll face in the workforce will require you to think critically and creatively, communicate your ideas effectively, and apply 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 will rely on your ability to come together with others. 

In this team project-based course you’ll use the methods of design thinking to respond to a brief presented by a real community client.

History of Architecture and Interior Design

The designs you will create as an interior designer or building technologist will use style and other aesthetic considerations to communicate. Every style you might choose to deploy brings with it a complex network of cultural and historical associations that will shape how people understand a space and behave within it.  

This course focuses on using the language of historical styles to describe existing spaces and create new ones. You’ll learn the key characteristics of important historical styles and practice applying these styles to project work.

CAD 3-Presentation 1 (SketchUp/Lumion)

This course dives into understanding of Lumion live sync with SketchUp. Learn advanced post processing of SketchUp model to create photorealistic images of the rendering. 

CAD 3-SketchUp

Creating 2D and 3D models using SketchUp is a great tool for visualizing a space or building. This course shows how to develop both plan views and extruded models quickly, using either measurements or imported CAD files. Materials and textures applied to surfaces, and the application of special effects such as shadows will be explored. Models will also be rendered using SU Podium for realistic presentations.

Digital Photography

This course in an introduction to basic photography where students will learn about different camera features as well as concepts of exposure, composition, and perspective. Focus will be placed on making sure students are comfortable operating a camera and understand how they can use photography to enhance other aspects of their graphic design work.

Kitchen & Bath Design 1 , 2

K&B 1

This course introduces the knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design – the first of three Kitchen & Bath Design courses of the program – and the NKBA standards and practices that govern the industry. 

Planning and design, products and specifications, construction methodologies and the associated multi- disciplinary trades and systems, project management, and drawing and presentation tools are the primary disciplines that will be established in this introductory course.

K&B 2

This course advances the knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design. It is the second of three Kitchen & Bath Design courses of the program, and it works to establish the NKBA standards and practices that govern the industry.

Planning and design will integrate the advancement of material and product knowledge, cabinetry fabrication, construction and installation, and multi-disciplinary trades: lighting, electrical, plumbing, and smart and automation technologies.

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

Materials and Specifications

The interior design profession is broad in its domain of specializations and employs an expansive series of materials and products. As such, knowledge of materials and products, the associated technical and performance qualifications, and the assessment of value is essential training for the interior design student.

This course will introduce the interior design student to the skills and aptitudes employed in the selection, evaluation, sourcing, and procurement of off-the-shelf and bespoke materials and products.

This course is an introduction to interior finishes as they apply to floors, walls, furniture, lighting, natural materials vs. manmade materials, plumbing, etc. Students will learn about local suppliers and manufacturers through guest lectures and field trips.

Lighting

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of Designed Lighting Systems for interiors of residential and commercial spaces, with a primary emphasis on lighting design for technically intensive zones like kitchen, bath, work, and display areas.

The course is intended to overlay with Space Planning to allow the student to fully develop Design Development phase documents for a basic interior design project.

Design Projects (Tiny Homes)

This course is an introduction to the project-based practice of consolidating a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Students will use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a Tiny Home project.

Sustainable Design

This course develops student’s ability to consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Students will use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project.

This class will 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, students are expected to complete a Work Experience component that will reinforce skills, create connections, and provide meaningful practical experience.

This course prepares students to complete their first Work Experience block by addressing workplace norms and leading students through the processes of creating a resume and cover letter, job searching, completing applications, and preparing for interviews.

Year 2 Course Overviews?

CAD – Projects (Residential)

This course continues to explore the tools and functions of AutoCAD for the preparation of working drawings. In addition to the broader application of commands and techniques for drawing, editing, and annotating, more efficient methods to enhance productivity will be examined.  The objectives of this course are aligned with the drawing residential project, thus allowing for more efficient integration of learning activities and collaborative productivity.

CAD 2 Vectorworks

This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of Vectorworks 2D including tool sets, layers, and classes. Students complete several projects, learning how to generate floor plans and elevations using industry standard guidelines. These techniques are incorporated into presentation renderings of residential homes. Upon completion, students have the skills necessary to develop a residential set by criteria. 

Design Projects (Sustainable)

This course develops student’s ability to consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Students will use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project. 

This Design Projects class will focus on designing with an environmentally conscious purpose and the application of various sustainability standards in building. 

Kitchen & Bath Design 3
 
K&B 3

This course will advance the knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design, and the NKBA standards and practices that govern the industry. 

The material broadens the foundational knowledge of the ID 127 and ID 137 Kitchen & Bath Design I & II, to include advanced learning and practicum of planning and design, products and specifications, construction methodologies, the associated multi-disciplinary trades and systems, project management, and the drawing and presentation tools that are required for successful achievement of work.

Construction Methods 1 ?2

Construction Methods 1

Core construction concepts will be introduced to the students which will enable them to understand the changing industry standards and give deeper understanding into the process to build. 

Construction Methods 2

This course is focused on the development of knowledge and skills related to construction industry. Core construction concepts will be introduced to the students which will enable them to understand the changing industry standards and give deeper understanding into the process to build. Students will gain hands on experience using a variety of construction materials and power tools; learn about building design and planning; create and interpret working drawings and sections; learn construction standards and apply it to the projects.

Design Projects (Single-family)

This course develops student’s ability to consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent and compliant solutions. Students will use the foundational skills and software knowledge developed in other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project.

Design Projects (Commercial)

This course provides an overview of commercial Interior Design for the hospitality industry, including programming and space planning, schematic design, and conceptual development (materials selection and mood board creation), design development (fixtures selection and specification packages), and construction floorplans (including reflection ceiling plans and elevations). The project is based upon real-world criteria and is intended to challenge students to meet the demands of an actual project brief, by working on an existing property, updating the spatial layouts and materials and finish selections that no longer meet the lifestyle objectives desired by the Hotel Property Owner.

CAD 3-Presentation 2 (SketchUp/Lumion)

This course will help you fine tune your SketchUp workflow, use extensions to create complex shapes and learn the advanced architectural rendering software Lumion.

Professional Practice

The objective of this course is to provide students with sufficient knowledge to enable them to enter the market with a professional approach to commercial and residential Interior Design.

Design Projects (Hospitality)

This course provides an overview of commercial Interior Design for the hospitality industry, including programming and space planning, schematic design and conceptual development (materials selection and mood board creation), design development (fixtures selection and specification packages), and construction floorplans (including reflection ceiling plans and elevations). The project is based upon real-world criteria and is intended to challenge students to meet the demands of an actual project brief, by working on an existing property, updating the spatial layouts and materials and finish selections that no longer meet the lifestyle objectives desired by the Hotel Property Owner.

BC Building Code

An introduction to the fundamentals of The BC building Code. Students will get and understanding of the purpose of the code and how it applies. Focusing on Part 9 students will learn how to apply and use the building code.

Sales and Promotion

Knowing and understanding sales is crucial for using newly learned Interior Design skills in the working world. Using NKBA materials, this course examines the sales process and several sales techniques to give students the skills necessary to obtain work whether working for a company or self-employed. 

Portfolio

Portfolio preparation is the process of taking stock of the work inventory and incorporating it into an organized, cohesive, visual record of your education and experience. Through self-assessment, open evaluation, and exploration of graphic and organizational components, you will be guided through a progression of steps that allow you to identify a visual direction to assist in the process of creating your portfolio.

Project Management & Estimating

This course is focused on concepts and techniques of successful project management. It will cover planning, managing, and organizing aspects for successfully completing a project.

CAD 4-Revit

This course will focus on understanding and learning the fundamentals of Revit and its use and application in the modern construction industry. The primary focus of the course will be to introduce the tools and techniques used in Revit to create a 3D model of any structure or component. We will also discuss the uses of Revit from the early conception of a project in its design phase to its final close out phase. The fundamentals covered in this course will provide you the necessary skills to start designing your own projects.