Interior Decorating

Program: INDC
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Delivery: Full-time + Part-time
Work Integrated Learning: 1 Field Placement
Length: 4 Semesters
Duration: 2 Years
Effective: Fall 2024
Location: Barrie

Description

Interior decorating is the art of creating distinctive interior spaces that respond to functional needs and address aesthetic perceptions. As a student, you focus on the use of space, beautification and furnishing of interiors, and the documentation of design concepts resulting in an overall package that conveys a sense of place. Using a variety of formats including lecture, studio and lab, you complete projects to interpret client requirements and create innovative interiors. You gain professional and entrepreneurial skills for industry and self-employment, as well as real life experience through participation in a field placement in the decorating field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment with large decorating firms offering a full range of consultancy services, building contractors, real estate agents, retailers, and specialty decorating centers. Graduates may also use their entrepreneurial skills to become a freelance interior decorator. Possible positions include interior decorating consultant, kitchen and bathroom designer, colour consultant, model home/condo finishes specifier, real estate staging consultant, lighting, flooring, furniture, window treatment and paint consultant/specialist/salesperson.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. analyze client's needs and goals to create a decorating solution;
  2. evaluate the effectiveness of the completed decorating project based on the specific requirements of the client;
  3. communicate using a variety of formats (such as verbal, written, visual, and digital to describe the decorating concept to the client and contractors;
  4. assess and select materials and finishes to be used in the decorating project, to meet the needs of the client;
  5. prepare technical documents as necessary for the implementation of the final decorating solution;
  6. collaborate with a variety of design and decorating professionals and other industry specialists for the implementation of the decorating solution;
  7. employ customer relationship management practices to maintain a positive reputation as an interior decorator that will encourage repeat business or referrals;
  8. apply project management practices to manage the time, resources and costs required to implement the decorating solution to meet the needs of the client;
  9. adhere to industry standard codes, regulations and by-laws when creating a decorating solution;
  10. employ environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the selection of materials and products used in the decorating solution.

External Recognition

This two-year program is recognized by the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA).

Program Progression

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

Fall Intake

  • Sem 1: Fall 2024
  • Sem 2: Winter 2025
  • Sem 3: Fall 2025
  • Sem 4: Winter 2026

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Graduation Requirements

19 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Field Placement

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

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 1Hours
Program Courses  
DRFT 1017 Hand Drafting and Design Technology 42
DRWG 1012 Drawing and Rendering 42
HSTY 2002 Early Design History 42
IDEC 1000 Studio Basics 42
IDEC 1001 Sustainable Materials, Finishes and Furnishings 42
Communications Course  
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration. 42
 Hours252
Semester 2
Program Courses  
COMP 1055 Computer Aided Drafting 42
IDEC 1002 Interior Decorating Studio 42
IDEC 1004 Global Issues, Materials, Finishes and Furnishings 42
INTD 1008 History of Furniture 42
Communications Course  
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration. 42
General Education Course  
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration. 42
 Hours252
Semester 3
Program Courses  
COMP 2127 Computer Aided Drafting Intermediate 42
IDEC 2001 Media Presentation Methods 42
IDEC 2002 Interior Decorating Studio Intermediate 42
IDEC 2006 Materials, Finishes, Furnishings, and Accessories Advanced 42
IDEC 2008 Professional Practice 42
IDEC 2009 Applied Studio 42
General Education Course  
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration. 42
 Hours294
Semester 4
Program Courses  
COMP 2128 Computer Aided Drafting Advanced 42
IDEC 2004 Professional Practice Advanced 42
IDEC 2005 Interior Decorating Studio Advanced 42
MKTG 2025 Selling and Merchandising 42
General Education Course  
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration. 42
Field Placement  
IDEC 2007 Field Placement 98
 Hours308
 Total Hours1106

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of two years (as stated above) may take a maximum of four 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.

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