Honours Bachelor of Interior Design

Description

Express your creativity and become a leader in the growing field of interior design. At Georgian College, we value the potential of our students and provide an innovative and collaborative learning experience with a focus on hands-on learning. Access to current digital technology, and a four-month Co-op semester offer exceptional job preparation that is well recognized by the professional community. Students in this program work closely with faculty who have extensive industry experience in a studio environment similar to a professional design office. You are challenged to rethink the built environment by advocating positive change in a rapidly evolving global context.

Explore and design sustainable interior environments that support and enhance human health, safety, well-being, performance, and experience. At Georgian, you construct sophisticated interior designs and document construction drawings and specifications to communicate concept development and design resolution and to celebrate creative vision.

Founded on the broader aspects of evidence-based research, professional practice, and design integrity, this ARIDO recognized bachelor’s degree program provides opportunities to explore your personal expression and establishes you as an innovator in the field of interior design.

Career Opportunities

There are numerous avenues to pursue for productive and creative interior design careers. These pathways include corporate/office design, residential and condominium design, hospitality design, retail design, exhibition design, health care design, civic design, and historic preservation. Many graduates enter directly into positions within established interior design and architectural firms. Career opportunities also include interior design positions in government, facilities space planning, and real estate development.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. using the design process apply the principles and elements of design in creating evidence-based, innovative interior environments using strategic analysis, synthesis, and freethinking;
2. analyze and manage complex design challenges associated with cross-disciplinary consultants, stakeholders, and target markets;
3. employ theories of human-centered design emphasizing diversity, inclusivity, sustainable practices, functionality, and aesthetic attributes in the creation of environments to support and enhance human performance and experience;
4. create designs of spatial quality by applying best practice protocols that meet regulatory guidelines, laws, building science standards, and construction methods as represented in industry standard contract documentation;
5. use appropriate visual communication technologies that employ industry standard graphic principles to develop design solutions and presentation products for various purposes and audiences;
6. communicate manually using a variety of techniques, including architectural drawing, rendering, and illustration employing various media and industry conventions;
7. produce integrated and comprehensive interior construction documentation using digital and immersive technologies that support 2D architectural drawing, 3D modelling, and rendering to meet industry standards;
8. assess functional criteria to select finishes, materials, and products in design projects to achieve technical and visual functionality while integrating cultural, inclusivity, socio-economic, and environmental considerations;
9. examine and apply assembly standards, building science, and regulatory codes, to the design of the built environment using best practices regarding environmental impact, design merit, and the promotion of human health, safety, and well-being;
10. collaborate effectively with professional and industry consultants within interdisciplinary teams, understanding that a variety of perspectives enriches the selection of systems and products and the problem-solving process;
11. critically analyze, and discuss the forces that have shaped change in the historical development of interior design, art and the built environment to the present day;
12. integrate global views, emerging trends, forecasting methodologies, and systems thinking to inform and improve the practice of interior design and society as a whole;
13. synthesize case study research and site study observations in reflective documentation to inform the development of design solutions;
14. assess the principles, processes, and responsibilities that underpin the interior design profession including legal recognition, regulation, professional responsibility, liability, and ethics;
15. examine, evaluate, and reflect upon the present and future attributes of man-made environments, interdisciplinary practices, and multi-cultural design teaming with a focus on career directions, lifelong learning, leadership, and self-fulfillment;
16. appraise and measure the interconnected complexity of global forces and environmental stressors when designing the physical environment with an awareness of the ecological impact of building construction and the value of environmental stewardship;
17. articulate reasoned evidence-based arguments employing critical thinking in topics both within and outside the discipline;
18. evaluate the appropriateness of qualitative and quantitative research methods in design decision-making processes.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes.  Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. Students are required to complete a Co-op and Career Preparation course scheduled prior to their first co-op work term. Students engage in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions posted by Co-op Consultants, and personal networking.  Co-op work terms are scheduled according to a formal sequence that alternates academic and co-op semesters as shown in the program progression below.

Programs may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, strong communication skills, industry specific certifications, and ability to travel. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to complete the program progression as shown below. Please refer to Georgian College Academic Regulations for details.   

International co-op work terms are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements.

Further information on co-op services can be found at www.GeorgianCollege.ca/co-op

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Fall 2026
• Sem 4: Winter 2027
• Sem 5: Fall 2027
• Sem 6: Winter 2028
• Work Term: Summer 2028
• Sem 7: Fall 2028
• Sem 8: Winter 2029

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, mature student status 
• Minimum overall average of 65 per cent
• Six Grade 12 U or M level courses including:
• Grade 12 U English with a minimum grade of 65 percent
• Grade 11 or Grade 12 U or M level Mathematics with a minimum grade of 60 percent

Note: applicants who meet the above admission requirements may be conditionally accepted pending submission and scoring of the digital portfolio as outlined below. Failure to provide the portfolio and/or meet the required portfolio score by the first day of classes may result in an offer of admission being revoked and withdrawal from courses.

Mature applicants may also be considered for admission to this program providing their previous school performance and/or recent work record suggests a strong possibility of academic success. In order to qualify, applicants must be 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program and must have been away from formal education for at least one year immediately prior to beginning studies. Mature applicants must meet subject prerequisites prior to registration.

Applicants should be aware that first-year enrolment is limited; satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

Digital Portfolio

There are a total of four creative pieces plus one written document that need to be submitted. The following five pieces must be submitted as they are described:

1. Perspective line drawing of a chair: black line with construction lines to show proper perspective methods are encouraged. You may use your choice of medium (by hand).
2. Perspective line drawing of an interior space or building façade. This should be from an actual space or building and not from your imagination or an abstract method. You may use your choice of medium (by hand).
3. Colour still life study demonstrating your use of colour and composition must include the following: teacup and saucer (the cup must not be placed in the saucer), a book, a transparent glass vessel and a silver candlestick. You may use your choice of medium. (All in one drawing.) Note: It is essential that these drawings be created from looking at actual objects and buildings, not from your imagination and not from a photograph. Submissions are reviewed specifically to assess your ability to draw with realistic and accurate depth, perspective, and proportions, as well as to assess your representation of texture, reflection, shade, and shadow.
4. A work of your choice which may include a three-dimensional object you have designed or created, a subject or type of work which is not included in the list above, or work related to interior design.
5. A written document of 350 words, which describes your interest in and knowledge of the interior design field. We strongly recommend you research and refer to current issues in the interior design profession and include any influences affecting your decision to pursue a career in the interior design discipline.
6. Provide a description of each image included in your portfolio (i.e., Date, Medium, Image/Concept, etc.)
7. Include the following on the Cover Sheet:
   • Full Name
   • OCAS and/or Georgian College Student number (both if available)
   • Address including City/Town
   • Telephone number
   • E-mail address

Submit portfolio to Honours Bachelor of Interior Design Co-ordinator, Design and Visual Arts at portfolios@georgiancollege.ca.

File name: The entire portfolio must be submitted as one multiple-page file in Adobe .pdf file format. The file name must include your name and your 9 digit Georgian College student number. For example, yourname_student#_interiordesign.pdf. It is suggested to create your portfolio in a PowerPoint file and save to a .pdf file for submission.

Note: This electronic application copy will be kept on file in the department.

Portfolio Due Date: Portfolios are due within two weeks of application. Offers are extended on a ‘first come first served’ basis and therefore it is in an applicant’s best interest to submit all required documentation promptly.

Additional Information

The college has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting December 8, 2023. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Non-core courses are required in all degree programs to meet the Ministry of Colleges and Universities benchmark for depth and breadth in degree-level learning. These courses are designed to give students the tools to develop interdisciplinary perspectives that inform their approach to their own discipline, their continued education and their life outside work.

Students are required to take: at least one first year interdisciplinary course (INTS1xxx); two introductory courses in their choice of disciplines outside their main field of study, which may include psychology (PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1001), social science (SOCI 1000), humanities (HUMA 1012), or science (SCEN 1000); one advanced course in a discipline (ex. PSYC3xxx, SOSC3xxx, HUMA3xxx), and; one upper level interdisciplinary course (INTS4xxx). These courses and any remaining non-core course requirements to be selected from the program list.

Graduation Requirements

34 Core Courses
4 Non-Core Courses
6 Elective Non-Core Courses
1 Co-op Work Term

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60 percent or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester, and have an overall average of 65 percent in core courses and 60% in non-core courses.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Core Courses
INDE 1001	Design Communications	84
INDE 1003	Sustainable Practices	42
INDE 1009	Interior Design Studio 1	84
INDE 1010	Design Theory	42
	Hours	252
Semester 2
Core Courses
INDE 1004	Interior Design Studio 2	84
INDE 1011	Digital Communications 1	42
INDE 1012	Interior Technologies: Materials and Finishes	42
INDE 1013	Design History and Material Culture	42
Mandatory Non-Core Courses
INTS 1007	Interdisciplinary Modes of Communication	42
INTS 1002	Introduction to Multidisciplinary Research	42
	Hours	294
Semester 3
Core Courses
INDE 1008	Contemporary Design History: Origins and Issues	42
INDE 2000	Interior Design Studio 3	84
INDE 2002	Building Technologies: Wood Frame Construction	42
INDE 2009	Digital Communications 2	42
INDE 2010	Professional Practice and Ethics 1	42
Non-Core Elective
Select 1 of the following courses: SOCI 1000, HUMA 1012, SCEN 1000 or PSYC 1000		42
	Hours	294
Semester 4
Core Courses
INDE 2004	Interior Design Studio 4	84
INDE 2007	Building Technologies: Lighting and Electrical Systems	42
INDE 2011	Digital Communications 3	42
INDE 2012	Special Topics in Design	42
INDE 3004	Regulatory Codes	42
Non-Core Elective
Select 1 of the following courses: SOCI 1000, HUMA 1012, SCEN 1000 or PSYC 1000.		42
	Hours	294
Semester 5
Core Courses
INDE 3000	Interior Design Studio 5	84
INDE 3010	Digital Communications 4	42
INDE 3011	Building Technologies: Steel and Masonry	42
Mandatory Non-Core Course
STAS 3004	Quantitative Methods and Statistics	42
Non-Core Elective Course
Select 1 course at the 3000-level from the available list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 6
Core Courses
INDE 3002	Building Technologies: Mechanical, Safety and Acoustical Systems	42
INDE 3008	Interior Design Studio 6	84
INDE 3012	Digital Communications 5	42
INDE 3013	Digital Communication 6 Presentation	42
INDE 3014	Case and Site Studies	42
Mandatory Non-Core Course
RSCH 2000	Qualitative Research Methods	42
	Hours	294
Semester 7
Core Courses
INDE 3007	Interdisciplinary Practice	42
INDE 4000	Interior Design Studio 7	84
INDE 4003	Interior Design Thesis 1	42
INDE 4007	Community and Industry Interface	42
INDE 4008	Professional Practice and Ethics 2	42
Elective Non-Core Course
Select 1 non-core INTS 4000-level elective from the available list during registration		42
	Hours	294
Semester 8
Core Courses
INDE 4009	Interior Design Thesis 2	84
INDE 4010	Digital Communications 7	42
INDE 4011	Building Technologies: Advanced Interior Detailing	42
Elective Non-Core Courses
Select 2 courses from the available list during registration.		84
	Hours	252
	Total Hours	2226

Plan of Study Grid

Co-op Work Term		Hours
COOP 1035	Bachelor of Interior Design Degree Work Term	560
	Hours	560
	Total Hours	560

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of four years (as stated above) may take a maximum of eight years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.