Program Outline
Effective:
2007-2008
6 Semesters
Location:
Barrie
Ontario College
Advanced Diploma
Start:
Fall
Major:
IDES
Length:
3 Years
Delivery:
Credential:
Description
The Interior Design Program at Georgian College is dedicated to providing our students with a
broad-based proficiency in interior space design and physical space management that will enable
graduates to proceed to productive and rewarding professional careers in interior design. The 3Year Interior Design Diploma is recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of
Ontario (ARIDO). Graduates are eligible to become Intern Members of ARIDO. After the requisite
four years of experience, Interns who successfully complete the NCIDQ (National Council for
Interior Design Qualification) examination achieve Registered Interior Design status in Ontario.
Career opportunities in interior design are in such areas as corporate/office design, residential and
condominium design, historic preservation, retail design, exhibition design, health care design,
civic design, hospitality design, facilities management, project management and CADD
technology. Graduates also work in the fields of theatre and set design, as well as architectural
rendering and presentation.
The course of study develops students' research skills, analytical abilities, and independent
decision-making and communication techniques. These skills are directed towards analysis of
clients needs and goals and the synthesis of theoretical, technical, building code and practical
knowledge in the creation of interior environments that enhance the quality of life and protect the
health, safety and well being of the people who utilize the spaces.
The goal of design is to study the relationships of buildings to the people who inhabit them and
create integrated interior environments that support and enhance the well-being, health and life
safety of the people who use them. To this end, students receive a solid foundation in interior
design education. The program seeks to create an awareness of sustainable design practices.
Students study practices in the use of energy and resources to create human habitats that utilize
ecological design principles. The program encourages students to study the rich heritage of design
drawn from various eras and cultures.
The course of study will help students learn to identify, research and creatively solve design
problems to enhance the function and aesthetic quality of an interior environment. Courses stress
the planning and construction of interior environments and the coordination of interior elements.
Problem-solving studio classes involve the understanding and application of building codes, colour,
lighting, interior materials, as well as knowledge of universal and accessible design parameters.
COMPUTER SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:
Students have access to IBM-based CADD Labs with state-of-the-art CADD workstations and
printers for their project work. Computer skills development with current AutoCAD architectural
software is a primary focus every semester. Studies of two-dimensional CADD commands are
directed towards the production of interior construction drawings. Three-dimensional features of
the latest versions of AutoCAD and 3D design software are studied and applied in the third year of
study. Business software including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are used in the
production of research, design programming, specification writing, and budgetary documentation.
The final year of the 3-Year Program provides a digital presentation studio using Macintosh-based
software applications, i.e. Adobe Photoshop and illustrator as interior design communications tools.
The curriculum at Georgian College provides a solid technical focus comprised of computerassisted design, manual architectural drafting and building code compliance. Design and building
technology theory, as well as production of interior design contract documents, form an integral
part of the learning process.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the 2-Year Program may apply the knowledge and skills gained to work in the fields
of residential design, retail design, exhibit design, interior decoration, kitchen and bath design,
department and specialty stores in-house design, and small business design. They will be able to
assist professional interior designers, as well as apply additional construction knowledge to
residential and commercial interior projects.
Graduates of the 3-Year Program will qualify for employment as entry-level interior designers in
interior design firms, architectural firms, government agencies and institutional and corporate
facilities departments. Practice opportunities exist in contract, residential, retail, entertainment,
hospitality, healthcare, exhibit, historic preservation and specialty design. Interior design practice
opportunities in the hospitality sector include restaurant and lounge design, gourmet food shops,
private clubs and all areas of hotel design.
Sem 2
Sem 3
Sem 4
Sem 5
Sem 6
Calendar Term Fall 2007 Winter 2008 Fall 2008 Winter 2009 Fall 2009 Winter 2010
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSIS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
(OSSD 30 credits) at the general level, or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum
must have an OSSD or equivalent. Applicants following the OSIS curriculum require Grade 12
English at the general level.
Applicants following the OSS curriculum require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic
admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. Each applicant will
be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, College
Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience.
Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission.
Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students
and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such
as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence.
Selection Process
All applicants must submit a PORTFOLIO with a LETTER OF INTENT for review. Successful
graduates of the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program (AADF) at Georgian
College are exempt from this requirement. Should a portfolio not meet requirements, applicants are
considered for acceptance to the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program
(AADF) as an alternate program choice, provided space is available.
LETTER OF INTENT: A letter of intent should clearly outline reasons for your program choice,
your career goals, and a description of personal abilities and attitudes that will help you in
achieving your goals. The letter should be edited for grammar, spelling and clarity and should be
produced using word processing computer software. The letter of intent must be included in your
portfolio.
PORTFOLIO: A portfolio should demonstrate readiness to enter and succeed in the chosen
program. It should contain 12 pieces of your best original work, as outlined below. Please label
your artwork 1 through 12 and include a typed sheet that briefly describes the work and media used
(for example: Drawing #1 Still Life/Pen & Ink).
3 Drawings in Any Medium:
Choose from still life, figure, landscape, interiors and/or technical drawings.
3 Works in Colour:
Can include paintings, drawings and/or computer-generated work.
INTD3000
INTD3009
INTD1006
INTD2008
DRFT1002
INTD2005
Optional
INTD2013
INTD2014
Communication
COMM1000 COMM1001
INTD3007
INTD3010
COMP1015
DRFT2000
INTD1004
INTD2012
INTD3002
INTD3005
DRWG1009
INTD2009
APDE1004
HSTY2002
INTD3008
INTD3011
DRFT1001
INTD2010
COMP2031
COMM1004
COMM1006
COMM1007
BUSI3003
COMP3012
COMP2030
COMP1016
INTD2011
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that
some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that
need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite
requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for
further details.