Out of all the art forms that exist in our world right now, interior design is perhaps one of the most underrated. This is most probably because it never really occurred to people to pay attention to the details in a particular interior space. So, a lot of the times, it never really occurs to them that the design of an interior space actually matters. But it does, and that’s why the field interior design exists in the first place.
10 Schools in Canada that Offer Classes in Interior Design
If you’re unaware, interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building. The main purpose of this is to achieve a much healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people who are using the space. This field is very multifaceted as it deals with conceptual development, space planning, and the execution of the design. With this, it is safe to say that interior design is an art of its own. And it shouldn’t be surprising that nowadays, more and more people have started showing interests in it.
But if you’re someone who is genuinely interested in interior design, you must be wondering how to expand that interest. How do you get to learn more about this field? And how do you get to hone your skills to become a competent interior designer someday?
The answer to these questions is simple: attend an interior design school.
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
- Location: 205 Humber College Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
- Program(s): Interior Decorating (Diploma), Bachelor of Interior Design (Honors Degree)
- Length: 4 semesters (Interior Decorating), 8 semesters (Bachelor of Interior Design)
- Tuition: $4,012.72 (Interior Decorating; per two semesters), $7,240.12 (Interior Design; per two semesters)
The Interior Design programs offered in Humber College balance creativity with sensitive, pragmatic design thinking. Once they’ve finished with the semesters, the students will be able to problem-solve, investigate, and explore design environments where people thrive.
The Bachelor of Interior Design specifically offers observational field trips for the students. In these field trips, they will be able to connect classroom theory, such as the perception of space and human interaction, with built environments.
Additionally, the students will work with organizations such as Furniture Bank, Toronto District School Board, youth and women’s shelters, and many more to be able to connect their passion for design to the community and the design industry.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Location: Richmond, British Columbia
- Program(s): Bachelor of Interior Design
- Length: 8 semesters
- Tuition: $2,444.28 (per semester)
The Bachelor of Interior Design program offered in Kwantlen Polytechnic University provides its students with 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, technology and many more.
The program also simulates a professional design environment. And this “virtual design studio” offers integrated courses and curriculum, emphasizing on learning outcomes and essential practical skills throughout.
Mount Royal University
- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Program(s): Bachelor of Interior Design
- Length: 4 years
- Tuition: $6,600 (per semester)
The Bachelor of Interior Design program in Mount Royal University aims to provide an open, supportive, and collaborative learning environment with a focus on engaged student learning, and graduating interior designers who are prepared to enter professional practice. In this program, students will learn to combine theory and studio-based projects, so that they’ll be able to work whether individually or with a team.
Ryerson University
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Program(s): Bachelor of Interior Design
- Length: 4 years
- Tuition: $7,644-$8,387 (per year)
This Interior Design program at Ryerson University is one of the best programs in the world, according to AZURE magazine. It aims to expand personal horizons through rigorous, scholarly, and thought-provoking education. Heavily based on theory, history, and studio-based projects, this program includes a lecture series, field trips, and intensive in-studio collaborative projects.
University of Manitoba
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Program(s): Interior Design, with professional master programs in Landscape Architecture, City Planning, and Architecture
- Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $2,480.82 (per semester)
In the University of Manitoba, the program that they offer for Interior Design is a Professional Masters one, and it requires a Bachelor of Design degree for admission. This program is two years long and is affiliated with the departments of City Planning and Landscape Architecture. Moreover, this program focuses on strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, and research. There is also a focus on ethical and environmentally sustainable interior design.
Fanshawe College
- Location: London, Ontario
- Program(s): Honors Bachelor of Interior Design (degree), Interior Decorating (diploma)
- Length: 9 semesters (Interior Design), 4 semesters (Interior Decorating)
- Tuition: $4,263.76 (Interior Design; per semester), $2,343.31 (Interior Decorating; per term)
The programs on Interior Design offered in Fanshawe College cover both commercial and residential designing. Additionally, they also provide a comprehensive treatment of all facets of interior design such as research, problem analysis, concept development, design communication, technology, construction, business practice, and many more.
The courses will be able to help develop students’ skills to formulate, propose, and execute creative design solutions for the physical, social, and psychological needs of a changing society. The courses also embed the principles of environmental sustainability and socially responsible design.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Location: Alberta, Canada
- Program(s): Interior Design Technology (diploma)
- Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $1,883 (per semester)
In this Interior Design Technology diploma program, students will get to learn about the relationships between functional, technical, and aesthetic elements in interior environments with an emphasis on commercial spaces. They will also receive training in space planning, the use of products and materials, the preparation of construction drawings, specifications and estimates, industry practices, and project procedures.
Algonquin College
- Location: Ottawa/Pembroke/Perth, Ontario
- Program(s): Bachelor of Interior Design, College Diploma in Interior Decorating
- Length: 4 years (Interior Design), 2 years (Interior Decorating)
- Tuition: $14,250 (per year)
These two programs of Interior Design prepare the students to pursue a professional career related to the design of the built environment. In their curriculums, professional and general studies with an emphasis on critical thinking and applied research are integrated. And these studies are further enriched with an additional focus on international perspectives in interior design.
Moreover, these two programs also contain a strong experiential component that includes simulated studio experiences and community-based design initiatives.
George Brown College
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Program(s): Advanced Diploma in Interior Design Technology
- Length: 3 years
- Tuition: $13,520
With this program of Interior Design Technology, students learn all about the application of interior design theory, with principles and practices in architecture. They will also learn how to effectively communicate the applied and technical principles of interior design. In other words, this program will prepare its students to become an Interior Design Technologist, a valuable member of the design team.
St. Clair College
- Location: Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Ontario
- Program: Advanced Diploma in Interior Design
- Length: 3 years
- Tuition: $13,904.42 (per year)
With an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design program, students will have numerous opportunities for field study in the community and internationally. They will also get to learn about the advanced technology that offers computer-aided drafting and design, animation, 3D imaging training, and application. And they will also have an integrated design studio where an architect, a landscape designer, and lighting designer will help train them.
Essentially, the graduates of this program will receive credit towards a 4-year Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree. Or they can also apply for a Masters of Arts in Visual Arts program.
Takeaway
Interior design is a fascinating art form on its own, so of course, it’s natural that a lot of people are interested in it. But though that is the case, it is not easy to master interior design. An aspiring interior designer must be able to hone a number of skills before they’re ready. That is why, if you really want to pursue a career in this field, you have to study it first. You’re lucky that there are numerous reputable interior design schools out there that offer affordable art classes. The ten mentioned in this list are only some of them. So, what you need to do is to research and pick the school that feels right to you. Once you’ve picked the school, it’s time for you to begin your interior designer journey.