Bachelor of Interior Design
The Bachelor of Interior Design (IDSN) program provides students wishing to pursue a professional career in interior design with a four-year intensive education focused on the built environment. KPU's well received Interior Design degree has been accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) since 2000. As the first accredited program in British Columbia, our CIDA accreditation continues to ensure that our curriculum meets and exceeds industry standards and helps students build the foundation to become a registered interior designer.
The Interior Design faculty team is dedicated to:
- Providing a design education that includes all facets of interior design with emphasis on experience and skills in theory, research, critical analysis, problem-solving, design concepts, working drawings and specifications, technology, presentation media techniques, professional business practices and procedures, and awareness of human needs in interior design and related environments
- Preparing students for work in interior design and/or architectural offices
- Providing a practical and theoretical knowledge base that conforms to the definition and practice of interior design as described by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and as endorsed in the North American definition of an Interior Designer
- Providing education in developing career readiness
The Interior Design program simulates a professional design environment. This "virtual design studio" offers integrated courses and curriculum, and emphasizes learning outcomes and essential skills throughout. These skills include: leadership, problem solving and creative thinking, teamwork, personal management, writing/oral/visual and interpersonal skills, research, visual literacy, mathematical and technological skills, citizenship, and an ability to view issues through a global perspective.
As part of the degree program students will:
- practice both oral and written communication skills
- study and apply technical knowledge of the field
- research and analyze design theory and history
- gain an understanding of professional business practices
- become a member of The Interior Designers Institute of BC
- gain industry knowledge through a practical experience in a design firm
- apply all learning through Design Studio projects
- visit design firms, suppliers, manufacturers, completed interior projects, museums, art galleries, and gain an in-depth understanding of the design industry
Interior Design information sessions are scheduled each fall in order to answer questions from prospective students and to allow applicants to view entry portfolios of current students. These sessions have been of great benefit to those interested in entering the program. For more information on the Interior Design program, you may view our department website at: kpu.ca/interiordesign.
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, time management skills, and an awareness of the interior design profession.
Career Opportunities
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'.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/design
Department's website: kpu.ca/interiordesign
Admission Requirements
In addition to the School of Design's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- Portfolio Review and Interview Session: Qualified applicants will receive an invitation to the required Portfolio Review and Interview session.
Portfolio Review and Interview
During the portfolio and interview process, faculty members evaluate each applicant for suitability for admission based on the contents of the portfolio and results of an interview (including prior learning assessments). For detailed information about Interior Design as well as the interview and portfolio review process, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/interior-design/portfolio
Continuance Requirements
The Studio courses (i.e., IDSN 1101, IDSN 1212, IDSN 2303, IDSN 2404, IDSN 3505, IDSN 3606, IDSN 4701) require a minimum grade of C+ in order to progress in the program. All other courses require a minimum grade of C in order to progress.
Students must complete and log 80 hours of practical experience in an interior design or architectural firm under the supervision of a registered interior designer. This practical experience can occur anytime during the program but must be completed before IDSN 4880 in Year 4 of the program (see below).
Seat availability is based on priority for students who continue in all courses as per the prescribed program plan. Students who are unable to meet course requirements to continue with the program plan or who decide to take a break from their studies, may be removed from program. Re-admission into the program will be based on seat availability and approval by the program.
Curricular Requirements
The Bachelor of Interior Design program requires the completion of 124 credits of coursework. For IDSN 1101, 1212, 2303, 2404, 3505, 3606, 4701 and 4802, a minimum grade of C+ is a graduation requirement.
In order to succeed in the second year of the Interior Design program, students should have proficiency in AutoCAD, and should complete ENGL 1100 prior to commencing second year.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | |
| IDSN 1101 | Studio 1 | 5 |
| IDSN 1121 | Building Technologies 1 | 3 |
| IDSN 1135 | Design Awareness 1 | 3 |
| IDSN 1141 | Construction Documentation 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| IDSN 1212 | Studio 2 | 5 |
| IDSN 1221 | Building Technologies 2 | 3 |
| IDSN 1235 | Design Awareness 2 | 3 |
| IDSN 1241 | Construction Documentation 2 | 3 |
| IDSN 1245 | Design Communication 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term 3 | ||
| IDSN 2303 | Studio 3 | 6 |
| IDSN 2325 | Building Technologies 3 | 3 |
| IDSN 2345 | Drawing and Rendering 1 | 3 |
| IDSN 2375 | Environmental Human Factors | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| IDSN 2404 | Studio 4 | 6 |
| IDSN 2425 | Building Technologies 4 | 3 |
| IDSN 2445 | Design Communication 3 | 3 |
| Select one General Education Elective from amongst Writing Intensive courses | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Term 5 | ||
| IDSN 3505 | Studio 5 | 6 |
| IDSN 3525 | Building Technologies 5 | 3 |
| IDSN 3546 | Design Communication 4 | 3 |
| Select one General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| IDSN 3606 | Studio 6 | 6 |
| DESN 3100 | Design Field School 1 | 3 |
| Select two General Education Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Term 7 | ||
| IDSN 4701 | Studio 7 | 6 |
| IDSN 4785 | Business and Professional Practice 1 | 3 |
| Select two General Education Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| IDSN 4802 | Studio 8 | 6 |
| IDSN 4880 | Business and Professional Practice 2 | 3 |
| Select one General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Select one General Education Elective numbered 3000 or higher | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 124 |
General Education3
The Interior Design degree requires 30 credits of coursework that fulfill KPU's and CIDA's2 general education requirements, including the following:
- 3 credits from IDSN 2375 Environmental Human Factors
- 3 credits from ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing
- 24 further credits of elective courses from the Faculty of Arts, or the Faculty of Science & Horticulture that include the following:
- at least three different academic disciplines
- at least 3 credits from a course designated as Writing Intensive (approved Writing Intensive courses are listed in the University Calendar with the attribute WI and all courses with the WI attribute can be found using Course Search)
- at least 3 credits from a course designated as Quantitative (approved Quantitative courses are listed in the University Calendar with the attribute QUAN and all courses with the QUAN attribute can be found using Course Search)
- at least 3 credits from a course at the 3000 level or higher
- 1
The Design Field School (DESN 3100) travel component typically takes place in the summer semester between year 3 and year 4 of the program, and the cost of travel is borne by the student. Therefore, applicants should factor in the cost of this travel at approximately $3500 -$4500 including air travel and program fees. (Not including tuition fees.)
- 2
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) stipulates that professional studies courses, such as those from the School of Business, Faculty of Health, or Faculty of Trades and Technology cannot be designated to fulfill the general education requirement because they are focused on skill development for specific purposes.
- 3
Students may take their general education courses prior to entering the program and/or during the summer semester in order to lighten their workload during terms. Many general education courses are offered during the summer semester.
Other Information
This program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that requires laptop computers, specific software, and good internet connections. Students are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to successful applicants.
The Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) program is part of the Zero Textbook Cost initiative.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Interior Design.
This Bachelor degree, followed by two cumulative years of work experience in the profession, qualifies graduates to write the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. This in turn, allows professional membership in the Interior Designers' Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC), the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), and various international interior design associations.
This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca
Back To TopPrint Options
-
Send Page to Printer
Print this page.
Download Page (PDF)
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.