Interior

Design
  • Program Credential

    Diploma

  • Program Duration

    73 Weeks

Program Overview

Shape the Future of Interior Spaces with VCAD.

If you are passionate about creating beautiful, functional environments, VCAD’s Interior Design program is the perfect place to start! This immersive program at our VCAD Calgary campus blends creativity with technical expertise, equipping you with the skills to bring stunning interiors to life.

With optimal class sizes and hands-on training, you will work on real-world projects and master industry-leading design software. Build a standout collection of curated, professional-level work in your final portfolio to showcase your talent to future employers!

Who should apply?

  • Interior Design Enthusiasts: Fascinated by the impact of well-designed indoor environments? This program is for you.
  • Creative Thinkers: Turn your ideas into visually appealing, functional designs.
  • Tech-Driven Innovators: Learn cutting-edge tools to elevate your design skills.
  • Eco-Conscious Interior Designers: If you dream of creating sustainable spaces that inspire, this is your path forward!

Start your exciting journey towards a vibrant career in interior design with VCAD today!

Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.

Industry-Standard Tools You’ll Master

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe InDesign

  • PowerPoint

  • Excel

  • 3DsMax

  • AutoCAD

  • Revit

  • SketchUp

Find the right learning method for your needs.

Do you long for live collaboration and real-time feedback?

Our Hybrid Learning Model brings the energy of the classroom to you! Connect with instructors, bounce ideas off classmates, and refine your skills with instant feedback. Engage in regular live sessions for interactive learning and real-time feedback.

60%

Live Classes

40%

Self Study

Do you need a schedule that works for you?

Our Self-paced Learning Model gives you 24/7 access to course materials, so you can learn when inspiration strikes—while balancing work, life, and everything in between. Take control of your learning with an independent, self-paced experience, plus access to live support.

5%

Live Classes

95%

Self Study

Open the Door to New Creative Connections

Explore Future Career Opportunities

Your skills can take you in countless directions within the world of interior design.

Here are just a few exciting career paths you can pursue:

 

  • Interior designer
  • Interior consultant
  • Space specialist
  • Residential and commercial designer
  • Furniture designer
  • Decorator

These are just some examples...the opportunities are almost limitless!

 

Gain These Competitive Skills for the Industry

  • Interior Design
  • Advanced Drawing
  • Draw objects and spaces to scale
  • Colour Theory
  • Hand Drafting
  • 3D Modeling
  • Draw Layout for public buildings
  • Environmental interior design
  • Create lighting concepts
  • Portfolio Development
  • Business Communication

Start your creative journey today.

No prior experience. No waitlists.

Learn from experienced instructors in a studio-like environment.

Why Students Want to Study with Us

Personalized Flexible Learning

Take control of your learning with different online and on-campus delivery models that fit your lifestyle.

Cutting-Edge Tools

Work with industry-standard software and technology, equipping you with the tools you’ll need in the professional world.

Professional Portfolios

Build a portfolio at the end of your studies showcasing your skills and preparing you for the creative industry.

Course Timeline

Every masterpiece starts with a plan! Our course timelines guide your creative journey, taking you from concept to career-ready.

Student Success Strategies

This course will cover the importance of goal setting, prioritizing tasks, and managing time and stress from study and work situations — accomplished through the exploration and practice of active participation. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Enriched Academy© program, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to save, budget, and manage their money and time.

Drawing I

This course will focus on the development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques, and subject matter. Through this course, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of contour lines, positive and negative space, perspective, sighting of angles, and measurements of relationships in drawing. The course will encourage experimentation with techniques and materials, both traditional and non-traditional, and explore creative expression beyond preconceived boundaries. Students will learn the principles of perspective drawing and how to apply them.

An introduction to Interior Design

This course provides the student with an overview of the field of Interior design and how it is practiced. Students will learn about interior design as a career, the process of interior design, the basic principles of design and the areas of expertise required for a successful career in interior design.

Photoshop I

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the application and importance of image editing and construction as a universal skill in across diverse design genres. This course introduces students to raster image-editing software, Adobe Photoshop. Through this 'hands-on' course, students will acquire skills with workflow fundamentals, as well as advanced features, and tips, and acquire the skills to prepare images for digital output and print. Emphasis will be placed on technical skills, however conceptual development, and creative thinking and approaches will also be considered in all work. By the end of this course, students will be able to create, modify, and enhance sophisticated images using raster editing tools, and features; craft special effects; and prepare files for export to various applications in web, mobile, print, and manufacturing.

Colour & Design

This course will build students’ understanding of colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied practice. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science and theory and teach them how to apply these principles. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into functional and purposeful design.

Illustrator I

This course presents Illustrator as an industry standard tool for the production of professional quality illustrations such as technical illustrations, mapping, illustrating from photographic reference, and colorizing bitmapped images. Students will not only learn how to create precise, organized and professional illustrations that will meet the demands and standards of art directors and advertising agencies, but they will also learn to express their creativity in design by using the advanced distortion, blends, fills masks and effects tools offered by the software. Students will understand how the production of graphics ties in within the overall design process.

AutoCAD I

This course is an introductory level course that will explore the fundamental features of AutoCAD design software. Students will learn to use CAD software tools, features, and commands to create simple drawings. Students will learn the basic commands, set up, work with layers and text and print and plot diagrams.

Drawing II

This course builds upon Drawing I. In this course, the student continues to explore using complex shapes and drawing techniques. Topical coverage includes drawing styles, observation of reality, plans, elevations and projections, perspective views, shading, forms and structure, drawing architecture and working with colour and black and white drawings.

Space Planning

This course is an introduction to space planning, where students learn various types of diagrams and matrices to visualize the layout of the space they are working with and plan space effectively. The course will also introduce building codes and environmental factors of spatial composition. Students will learn to work with bubble diagrams, block plans, matrices and CAD templates

Drafting

This course explores the fundamental concepts of drafting. Students will learn the tools, symbols and conventions of drafting and how to use them to create simple orthographic and paraline drawings.

Design History

This course is an overview of the history of design from early Egyptian civilization to contemporary movements and influences. Students will learn about the characteristics and features of design that marked each period and style. For each period or culture, students will learn about the design of residential dwellings and interiors, art, furniture, architecture, and the design influences that distinguish each period.

AutoCAD II

This course is an advanced level course that will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD design software. Students will learn advanced commands and features that will allow them to draw and modify more complex designs as well as explore the capabilities of AutoCAD in the design of models of 3D solids and surfaces. The course will begin by exploring the advanced draw and modify commands and techniques before moving onto the advanced drawing and modeling of 3D solids and surfaces.

Lighting Techniques

This course explores lighting as one of the fundamental elements in the design of interiors. Students will learn the fundamental principles and techniques of working with lighting to create a desired impact on an interior space. The course will explore light sources, daylight, lighting, the layer approach to lighting and the different types of lighting applications for residential, office, and other specialty institutions.

Materials and Fabrics

This course introduces the various materials and fabrics that are commonly used in interior design projects. Students will explore the historical, cultural and architectural uses of a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, glass ceramics, wood and products, plaster metals, synthetics and fabrics. Students will also learn about the common finishes that are typically used with the various types of materials.

Furniture Design

This course will explore the processes of furniture design, classifications of furniture, uses of furniture over historical periods, and how furniture has evolved as a design element. Students learn the design principles that apply to furniture design, the materials used, fabrication processes and methods.

Architectural Design and Details

This course will cover the principles and practices of building construction, the technology, materials, and procedures utilized in building small-scale structures, the impact of the environment, and the significance of material selection. Students will work through actual structural modelling activities and acquire a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of structures both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Architectural Model Making

This course will explore the use of architectural models as a means of expressing a design or concept. The course will study the physical architectural model as an integral part of the design process. Students will learn how models are capable of generating information accurately by allowing the viewer to see the form in physical space. Topical coverage includes the equipment and materials, preparation and assembly techniques used in model making. Students will also study several case studies which highlight the use of models in design.

Building Codes

This course will explore the basic residential, commercial and public building, fire and safety codes that must be respected within the scope of interior design. Student will learn how each of the codes and standards impact the design process and how they must be applied to ensure that the final design is compliant with all applicable municipal, provincial and federal regulations in effect.

Interior Detailing

This course will introduce the phase that follows the design phase. After the architectural objective of a building has been determined and approved, precise technical drawings are produced. Students will learn how to convert the design into a series of technical understanding of building procedures.

Human Factors in Interior Design

This course explores how human behaviour and requirements influence the design of interior spaces. Students will study ergonomics and anthropometrics and the role they play in the design of interior spaces. The course will also examine the considerations that need to be addressed when designing interior spaces for specific human conditions or situations such as people with disabilities, limited mobility, children, elderly and multi-generation challenges.

Residential Design

This course explores the process of completing a residential design project. Students perform the required steps to take a design project from its initial idea to completion by designing a residential interior from appropriate design plans and documents. Students will present the design, modify the design based on client feedback, and incorporate the principles and techniques of design while producing the design documents for residential spaces.

Architectural Working Drawings

This course will cover the process of creating construction drawing documentation. Students will gain familiarity with the steps involved in creating the first portion of the documentation, including drawing lists, drawing contents, formats, sheet numbering, labelling, annotations, and procedures in accordance with standards used in the construction industry. The course will emphasize the importance of understanding the legal implications of precise documentation. Drawings and technical representation are essential for success in the design sector.

Architectural Rendering I

This course introduces students to architectural rendering software as they learn to render interior design and effects on AutoDesk Viz. Students learn to use the tools and features of the software and apply the techniques to produce final renderings of designs. The course will cover modeling techniques, materials, lighting and basic animations.

Studio

This course allows students to propose project ideas by emphasizing the development of solutions for design projects. Students will work in teams applying concepts, theories and design processes to a significant and unique design problem with the intention of successful solutions being final portfolio pieces for the students.

Office Design

This course will explore the design of commercial interiors with a focus on office design. Office design is the backbone of commercial interior design. Students will learn how to extract details for the specific office type that will be designing and translate those details into effective designs that promote the functional requirements of the office space. Students will learn about optimal office layouts and spatial organizations based on the type of office. By the end of the course students will be able to design an office layout with appropriate space allocation and furniture layout.

Eco Design

This course explores the emerging trend of green and sustainable design, construction and building materials, their properties and their sustainable and environment-friendly use. Students learn to integrate these practices through materials choice and procedures, the importance of the green shift and the benefits of designing with consideration for this greening process and alternative materials and energy sources.

Portfolio

This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world, allowing the students to place the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry in the format of a job interview. All portfolio components should demonstrate the student’s mastery of the program's core competencies while highlighting the uniqueness of their work. Selected pieces should reflect a standard of quality, as evidenced by the additional time spent polishing applied skills. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral.

Architectural Rendering II

This course is an advanced course in architectural rendering. Students will continue working with AutoDesk Viz to render complex interior designs and effects. Students will use advanced tools and features of the software and then apply the rendering techniques to produce final renderings of complex designs. The course will cover advanced modeling techniques, mapping of materials, and complex lighting effects.

Professional Practices and Communication

This course introduces the importance of professional business conduct and attitude. Students learn the importance of preparing themselves properly for the job search process and how to prepare and present the proper marketing collateral, and the techniques to market themselves to potential employers, by including résumé and cover letter preparation, professionalism and appropriate conduct, written and oral communication, career planning, interviewing techniques and presentation strategies.

Commercial Design

This course will explore the design of commercial interiors with a focus on public, retail and institutional facilities. Students will learn how to extract details for the specific commercial space type that they will be designing and translate those details into effective designs that promote the functional requirements of the commercial space. Students will learn about optimal layouts and spatial organizations based on the type of space. By the end of the course students will be able to design commercial space layouts with appropriate space allocation and furniture details.

Learn about our University Pathways

VCAD partners with leading institutions to empower graduates into pursuing a Bachelor's degree.

Click here to learn more.

Testimonials

Interior Design is not only about art; it is also about technology and details. It is the perfect combination.

Junfei S.

Interior Design Graduate

My instructors are very knowledgeable and informative. I am really looking forward to my next semester at VCAD and can't wait to get started!

Kaitlin S.

I have come across the best instructors who are down to earth and kind, have the patience for different understanding levels and have vast industry experience. The team at Student Services is very helpful. I love the in-depth course content, and I feel that by the time I graduate, I will be truly equipped with all the right skill sets. Thanks VCAD!

Sushmita D.

The instructors and staff here are very supportive and knowledgeable. I do not have any background in interior design; therefore, learning AutoCAD, 3D Max, drawing, and many other programs was very challenging for me in the beginning. But the teachers helped a lot. They made me feel at ease and taught me a lot of helpful techniques that I can use in the future.

Stephanie R.

STUDENT PORTFOLIOS

Our Instructors

Behind every great mind is an inspiring mentor. Meet the creative visionaries who will spark ideas, fuel your passion, and uplift your talent.

FAQ's

How long does the program take?

You can find the length of your program on our website under programs! If you have further questions regarding the length and hours of any of our offered programs, please click HERE to speak to an admissions representative.

What is the cost of my program?

To learn more about tuition in BC and Alberta, click here. For international student tuition, click here.

Online Studies

Programs may be available in various modalities. Please refer to the specific program page to learn more.

Loans and Grant Information

Our experienced Student Financial Planners can provide further information on program funding, such as available scholarships. You may also refer to your provincial funding webpage for more information. 

Start Dates

Our campuses offer a variety of start dates. To learn more about our upcoming start dates, please reach out to your campus of choice.

School and Program Accreditation

VCAD Calgary offers vocational training licensed under the Private Career Colleges Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.

VCAD Vancouver programs were reviewed and approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, which regulates private training institutions in British Columbia. British Columbia's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is Canada's first and only provincial brand of quality for post-secondary education. VCAD's EQA designation is recognized globally as a symbol of quality education and consumer protection.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Click below to learn more or apply today. Our team is here to help you start your journey.

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