Interior Design
As a profession, Interior Design plays a key role in planning and designing solutions for interior spaces. Not unlike an architect, interior designers must create and plan interior architectural elements that are not only creative, aesthetically-pleasing, and functional, but also safe.
Interior designers are involved with many important aspects of designing interiors including preparing construction documents, floor and furniture layouts, millwork details, and lighting plans.
To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of those who occupy interior spaces, interior designers must have the appropriate amount of education, practical experience, and complete extensive examinations (NCIDQ certification). Those within this profession must understand building structures and complicated building codes, as well as many other technical aspects of the built environment.
Interior Design is a multi-faceted profession that includes many different types of spaces such as retail stores, restaurants, hotels, corporate offices, multi-unit residences, spas, and much more.
For more information on this profession, please go to the Interior Designers of Canada website.
Who Studies Interior Design?
Interior Design students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and vary in age and experience. What they have in common is a passion for sculpting interior space. Often our students have explored other art forms including photography, drawing, illustration, painting, pottery, jewelry making, model making or other kinds of design-focused work.
Applicants may come directly from high school, from other post-secondary institutions, or they may be former graduates of design, fine arts, or other related programs. They may also be mature adults who want to make a career change or may have experience in the interior design industry and want to upgrade to a degree.
We strongly recommend that interested applicants have solid communication skills, computer and word processing experience, ability to measure and draft, and an awareness of the interior design profession.
Department's website: kpu.ca/interiordesign
The career potential for this field is strong. When the economy is strong, building construction increases, and this in turn results in jobs for interior designers. Of course the career potential clearly depends on the individual, their portfolio, and work experience upon graduation. Graduates of the interior design program may work on hospitality and retail design projects, exhibition, theatre/television, and set design, the design of office/corporate or residential projects. Over time, some of our graduates become senior partners in design/architectural firms, and may also go on to start their own firms.
You may find more information on the field of Interior Design and salary outlooks on the National Occupational Classification located on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website at 'NOC-Interior Design' OR on the WorkBC website under 'Occupations'.
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
IDSN 1101 5 credits
Studio 1
Students will experiment with and make discoveries about the principles and elements of design. They will develop their problem-solving skills by creating potential solutions for two- and three-dimensional design exercises. They will work individually and in teams, with a focus on critical analysis, interior design process, and personal progress. They will develop and apply design vocabulary to various sizes and types of assignments related to spatial definition and organization.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1121 3 credits
Building Technologies 1
Students will learn about fundamental materials for the built environment and their associated technologies of processing, fabrication and installation. They will learn about material properties and explore conventional and potential applications of a variety of materials, with emphasis on understanding history, characteristics, applications, and selection criteria. They will be introduced to basic building systems.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1135 3 credits
Design Awareness 1
Students will acquire a critical awareness of the importance and impact of design through the study of the evolution and development of the global built environment from prehistorical, precolonial, ancient, and medieval eras. They will research architectural public and private buildings and interior design, to compare and contrast contextual and cultural issues. They will learn and employ the vocabulary of interior design.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1141 3 credits
Construction Documentation 1
Students will be introduced to professional interior design drawing conventions and graphic standards. They will practice the fundamental skills of manual drafting such as line weight, line quality, line type, scale, lettering and dimensioning. They will produce drawings and document two- and three-dimensional objects, furniture and spaces through various drawing types such as plans, elevations, sections and paraline drawings.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1212 5 credits
Studio 2
Students will explore and apply the principles and elements of design to more complex interior design projects. They will analyze and experiment with spatial definition and organization, light and colour, and heighten their ability to use space as a design tool. Students will continue to research project requirements, contemporary social issues, develop personal design criteria as design drivers. They will utilize and document interior design processes to create iterative design solutions that are appropriate to purpose and how people interact with the built environment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1101 (C+)
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1221 3 credits
Building Technologies 2
Students will learn about composite materials, components, and products of the built environment and their associated technologies of processing, fabrication and installation. They continue to learn about material properties, and explore conventional and alternative applications, with an emphasis on understanding characteristics, applications, and selection criteria. Students will learn about products relevant to interior design and explore fundamental building systems. Emphasis will be on understanding history, sustainability, characteristics, applications, and selection criteria.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1121
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1235 3 credits
Design Awareness 2
Students expand their analysis of the evolution and development of the global built environment from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Students continue to explore various contextual, social, political, and physical influences affecting historical changes in design. They will discuss and relate issues across chronological, geographical, cultural, and sociological frameworks. They will continue to build their design vocabulary through research and problem-based learning.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1135
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1241 3 credits
Construction Documentation 2
Students will continue to hand-draft technical drawings, communicating ideas, objects, and interior spaces. They will begin to explore material specifications, construction methods, and produce a simple set of construction drawings.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1141
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 1245 3 credits
Design Communication 1
Students will be introduced to manual drawing and rendering skills as a tool for design communication. Using various media, they will visualize design concepts and ideas, sketch, and communicate design intent for the built environment. They will begin to develop their design communication process through annotation and analysis of their work.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2303 6 credits
Studio 3
Students will study fundamental principles and processes involved in creating design solutions for domestic environments. They will study the functional and experiential spatial theories for entering and arrival, socializing and relaxing, working at home, sleeping, cleansing, cooking, and eating. Students will produce, individually and in teams, original designs that respond to specific, conceptual, behavioural, and contextual criteria for temporary and permanent dwelling spaces. They will focus on meeting the complex needs of individuals in the built environment.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2325 3 credits
Building Technologies 3
Students will learn about technical aspects of built environment systems, such as structural, electrical, and mechanical. They will learn about the constituent subsystems of floor, wall, ceilings, penetrations, comfort systems, lighting, water, and waste. Students will produce freehand technical drawings, applying this knowledge in concurrent courses. Emphasis will be on understanding current building techniques and exploring sustainable strategies.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1221
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2345 3 credits
Design Communication 2
Students will expand their technique depicting objects in context to environmental conditions. They will investigate design process communication through drawing and ideation exercises. They will be introduced to digital drawing software, will manipulate drawings using digital programs, and experiment with a range of drawing and rendering techniques using manual and digital means.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 1245
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2375 3 credits
Human Factors
Students will study how humans relate to the built environment and how it affects behaviour. Students will develop an understanding of human factors research methods and their application to interior design. They will learn how to apply knowledge of anthropometrics, ergonomics, proxemics, universal design and human behavior to the design of interior spaces. Students will actively engage in problem-based learning (PBL) modules.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2404 6 credits
Studio 4
Students will investigate and summarize design theories, issues, principles and precedents for dwelling spaces with a focus on visual analysis and design communication. They will continue to produce, individually and in teams, original designs that respond to specific conceptual, behavioural, and contextual criteria for single and multi-unit dwelling spaces. They will focus on process, space planning, spatial volume development, and connect ideological concepts with their own interior design solutions.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2425 3 credits
Building Technologies 4
Students will explore technical aspects of building environments. They will learn about and draw various standard assemblies found within building systems to expand their understanding and application of building code principles. They will study lighting design systems, acoustics, energy management, and sustainable systems, applying this knowledge in concurrent courses. They will focus on understanding multi-unit built environments and communicate knowledge through construction drawings.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 2325
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 2445 3 credits
Design Communication 3
Students will continue to develop design process communication, drawing, and rendering skills to effectively visualize design concepts and ideas within the built environment. They will further develop their ability to communicate design intent and deliver effective visual presentations, practicing manual drawing, rendering, and digital manipulation skills, focused on colour and materiality.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 2345
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 3505 6 credits
Studio 5
Students will study public space typologies by researching theoretical, contextual, and practical design considerations for specialized areas of practice in interior design. They will explore, discuss, and debate social, political, and physical influences affecting historical changes in specialized areas of interior design practice, as well as current and future development of commercial interior design practice. Students will expand their design skills, refine their process and design methodologies. They will apply knowledge by producing creative and effective design solutions for various commercial projects such as retail, workplace, and public spaces.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 3525 3 credits
Building Technologies 5
Students will research and communicate how and why materials and components are connected through drawing technical details. They will study common construction types for multi-story buildings; as well as building systems, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, and fire suppression distribution systems for commercial buildings. Students will design custom building details and produce a set of digital millwork and furniture drawings incorporating appropriate specifications and interior design industry drafting standards.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 2425
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 3546 3 credits
Design Communication 4
Students will apply a variety of two- and three- dimensional techniques in both manual and digital media to communicate design intent, and effectively communicate the built environment visually. They will produce presentation material to confidently express interior design solutions, projects, and portfolio work. They will exhibit their skills in both digital and real time presentations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 2445
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 3606 6 credits
Studio 6
Students will continue to develop their design skills, refining their individual design process by producing creative and effective design solutions for various public spaces project types such as hospitality, institutional, and health care. They will study theoretical, contextual, and practical design considerations for specialized areas of practice informing the design of their studio projects. Students will continue to explore, discuss, and debate interior design and building environment issues. They will collaborate with team members and present comprehensive human-centered design solutions using evidence-based design incorporating inclusive design and sustainability.
Level: UG
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4701 6 credits
Studio 7
Students will deepen their understanding of interior design by working individually or in teams on various project types to produce creative, experiential interior design solutions with an emphasis on all impacted parties and user needs, public health and safety issues, and sustainability. They will critically evaluate evidence-based, topical, and relevant global interior design and built environment issues. They will expand and refine their design process and methodology focusing on originality, creativity, and innovation.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 3606 (C+)
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4785 3 credits
Business and Professional Practice 1
Students will learn about project management of the contract documentation and administration phases in the practice of interior design. They will study professional interior design construction documents, such as drawings, specifications, addenda, and change orders. They will prepare and coordinate contract documents that meet applicable building codes and industry regulations. They will identify the relationship between contract documents, the interior designer’s scope of services agreements, and the phases of a design project.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 3525
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4802 6 credits
Studio 8
Students will consolidate their learning and deepen their understanding of interior design by working individually or in teams on interior design project(s), focusing on the complex and comprehensive nature of creating a complete design solution. They will investigate and analyze relevant interior design and built environment issues as they apply to their personal design philosophy. Students will continue to expand and refine their design process and methodology to create innovative and experiential design solutions. They will disseminate their design solutions through verbal, visual, and graphically cohesive presentations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 4701 (C+)
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4880 3 credits
Business and Professional Practice 2
Students will expand their knowledge about business and professional practices for interior design. They will prepare to enter the interior design profession through improving communication skills such as interview techniques and business writing. Students will report and reflect critically upon their required industry experience. They will discuss business procedures such as fee proposals, project management, contracts. Students will debate legal and ethical issues in interior design.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 4785
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4900 3 credits
Self-Directed Study
Students in their final years of study will have the opportunity to explore and integrate personal areas of interest and career objectives within the interior design profession (subject to faculty approval). They will gain proficiency in career knowledge and skills required for entry level employment, as well as hone independent learning through research, planning, and presenting a project related to a negotiated area of study.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 3500
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4990 8 credits
Honours Project
Students will advance their design knowledge through research and critical evaluation of personal interest topics and relevant global issues in the creation of design programming. They will develop a deeper understanding of historical, current, emerging, and future interior design and built environment issues. They will consolidate their learning and broaden their understanding of interior design by working interdependently on an individually focused honours project. Students will propose a project topic and a specific building for adaptive re-use, and initiate a comprehensive, distinct interior design project. Note: This course is only available to student in the Honours program. The Honours Project is developed over two consecutive semesters and will appear on the transcript as IDSN 4990 and IDSN 4995.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 3606 (C+) and faculty acceptance into the IDSN Honours option and permission of the Interior Design Honours Committee
Attribute: DESN
IDSN 4995 8 credits
Honours Project - Synthesis
Students will continue to work interdependently on an individually focused honours project concentrating on enrichment, design development, and the presentation of a comprehensive, distinct, creative, and detailed interior design solution. They will enhance their design knowledge through research and critical evaluation of relevant topics of interest, and will investigate and analyze built environment issues that apply to their personal design philosophy. Note: This course is only available to students in the Honours program. The Honours Project is developed over two consecutive semesters and will appear on the transcript as IDSN 4990 and IDSN 4995.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): IDSN 4990 (C+)
Attribute: DESN
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