Interior Design | Centre for Arts and Technology

INTERIOR
DESIGN

Overview

INTERIOR DESIGN DIPLOMA PROGRAM

CAT Partners with BCIT to offer Degree Pathway Programs

You don’t just want to design a functional space…your goal is to create a masterpiece. You see beauty and potential in every room…waiting for just the right blend of know-how and imagination (yours!). You understand that every line, every curve, every colour come together as a symphony to form the desired look and mood. Interior design is in your future, and the Centre for Arts and Technology, one of the leading interior design schools in Canada, will help take you there.

Receive interior design training from our industry experts at one of the leading interior design schools in Canada. Providing you with the tools and training you need to start a career in interior design.

The Interior Design program will get you ready for rewarding careers like these:

Interior Designer
Building Code Consultant
Office Space Planner
Space Management Consultant
Kitchen Designer
Retail and Residential Space Planner
Real Estate Staging Consultant

Interior designers create environments that bring beauty to everyday life, portray personality, and add sophistication and professionalism to reinforce the brand of a business or retailer. Offered at one of the leading interior design schools in Canada, our comprehensive interior design program will bring out your artistic side, familiarize you with the latest technology, and prepare you for a career as an independent designer, or employment with a respected design firm.

Here are just a few of the places you’ll find our graduates:

Yuge Design • MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architecture • Riddell Kurczaba Architecture • Apache Canada • Bergrand Fast Design • Jade Bay Constructors

The Interior Design program offers professional training through instructors who have enjoyed successful interior design careers of their own. You’ll learn from the best about every aspect of the interior design industry, from traditional drafting and rendering to 3D modelling software, to lighting and construction methods. You will also have the opportunity to make valuable connections and learn firsthand during several work placements.

With your advanced interior design diploma, you’ll be a master of Technical Drafting Techniques—AutoCAD and SketchUp—Building Technologies—Detailing—Business of Interior Design—Theory and Principles of Interior Design—Lighting—History of Architecture and Design—Graphic Communications—Representation Methods—Building Codes and Sustainable Design.

Centre for Arts and Technology has reached an articulation agreement with Yorkville University. Read our Press Release to find out how this could set you up for a Bachelor of Interior Design!

Interior Design Program News – IDC Membership, NCIDQ exam and Provincial Registration

“I chose the Centre for Arts and Technology because of their smaller class sizes and genuine interest in my success. The Interior Design program definitely prepared me for the career I always dreamed about.” – McKenzie Hedman

*The future path for Interior Design certification qualifications (NCIDQ) undergoes change often. Centre for Arts and Technology is following the professional Interior Design industry developments closely and will respond appropriately as the changes progress. All students should seek updated information as it is made available through the national association (IDC) and each individual provincial association. Find out more about the current status of NCIDQ Exam Eligibility Requirements. Currently, the Centre for Arts and Technology graduates qualify to write the NCIDQ exam upon the required post-graduate work experience. Please follow up with a Program Advisor to help guide you through this process at inquire@digitalartschool.com.

View our graduate portfolio lounge!

Campus

Kelowna

Program Length

18 or 24 Months

Delivery Type

On-Campus

Course Flow

Tab 1

In the first quarter, students explore foundational concepts in design theory and technical knowledge, beginning to apply this knowledge through project based work. Students will learn how to manipulate theories and concepts in order to create strong solutions in interior environments. This quarter provides an understanding of a global perspective on human achievements in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts and their relevance to modern life. Fundamental technical skills in drafting and digital programs will be introduced and by the end of the quarter, students will be able to draw on and apply your new knowledge and skills to projects in the upcoming quarters.

Tab 2

In this quarter, students will experiment with and apply design concepts to create effective solutions for residential interior environments. Courses focus on the various materials and components used in the industry, providing first-hand knowledge of how to implement them in design solutions. Students will be introduced to the quality, quantity and application of lighting in interior spaces and will explore various methods to visually represent design concepts to clients through drawing, rendering and computer drafting techniques. The primary focus of this quarter is developing an applied understanding of the design process used in the practice of interior design.

Tab 3

Quarter 3 takes a closer look into the human, environmental, and “universal/barrier-free” aspects of Interior Design and space planning. Students will be challenged with 3D spatial problem solving and exploring the connections between interior and exterior spaces. Courses explore the environmental and sustainable factors that influence the selection and design of materials and components, and discover new innovations through hands-on experimentation, independent and group research, site visits and guest lectures. Students begin to develop a more personal and visually accurate style of visually presenting their projects while exploring construction systems, components and methods used in wood frame and residential construction.

Tab 4

The programming process is integral to the practice of interior design and this quarter familiarizes students with planning concepts, furniture and finish specifications associated with commercial design with a focus on hospitality concepts. Students will create computer generated 3D models and explore rendering techniques for conceptual design and presentation drawings. Courses explore construction and detailing of interior components such as floors, walls and ceiling systems, as well as millwork, developing an understanding of how to accurately draw and design details. Students will develop advanced lighting drawings for commercial spaces including details and specifications resulting in creative and functional solutions. Emphasis this quarter is placed on the application of concepts through the use of technical criteria, specifications, layout and building system coordination.

Tab 5

In this quarter, students develop tools and techniques to research and apply Building Code regulations and Universal Design regulations to interior environments. Students will also learn about current sustainable practices and rating systems such as: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Passive House and WELL Building and how to assess and apply strategies in design projects. Building systems for typical commercial spaces are also covered, enabling students to communicate more effectively with other design professionals such as; architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials, who are all partners in an integrated design process. Systems such as construction systems, sustainable construction strategies, power distribution systems, mechanical systems, including HVAC and plumbing, energy management, data/voice communication systems, security and acoustics will be studied. Students will advance their skills in various CAD software programs currently used in the industry by creating a full set of working drawings. Additional emphasis will be placed on the application of concepts in retail and healthcare design.

Tab 6

In this quarter, students will focus on improving and developing your conceptual skills, refining schematic design concepts, preparing final drawings and improving visual presentation skills. Courses explore the various theories, approaches and furniture applications implemented in the design of today’s small, medium and large corporate office. Students will examine business and professional practice relevant to interior design, concentrating on contracts, bidding, designer responsibilities, and professional ethics, as well as professional fees, billing and insurance. In this quarter, students start to compile and prepare a preliminary portfolio with the knowledge and tools required to complete a high-quality academic and professional portfolio in multiple formats. Under the mentorship of a Practicum sponsor, students will experience the first of two work placements in the interior design and related industries that are relevant to their interests and level of ability.

Tab 7

In the seventh quarter, students will expand their knowledge, practical use and application of the Building Code and Universal Design regulations to demonstrate their understanding of the interior designer’s responsibility to design with the health, safety and welfare of the public in mind. Students will prepare a plan review and code analysis for their Final Graduation Project. Students will undertake investigative research using evidence based-design techniques to prepare a report which will be the basis for your Final Graduation Project, all the while advancing their 3D Computer-Aided Design skills though the exploration of additional 3D software to construct and render interior spaces. Courses cover what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s market and allow students to create their own business plan and company identity. The seventh quarter contains the second Practicum/work environment within firms, trades and providers of services within the Interior Design profession to further student understanding of the profession.

Tab 8

A significant portion of the final quarter will be implementing research findings from quarter 7 into a design solution for a final graduation project that will coincide with areas of interest students would like to pursue in Interior Design. Student projects will address a real and tangible need within the community and students will present the final solution to the community, design industry and faculty members. Students will produce and coordinate a full set of drawings, demonstrating their understanding of the assembly of the individual parts of a project into one final cohesive drawing package. During this quarter, students also finalize their Interior Design portfolio, web site and social media, which will help in presenting their abilities to potential employers after graduation.

Faculty

JENNIFER YEO | BID RID, IDC, NCIDQ # 07266 | DEPARTMENT HEAD

Jennifer brings over 30 years of experience as a practicing Interior Designer to her role as Interior Design Department Head. She has extensive commercial design experience and her portfolio includes projects across Canada in the corporate office, educational, institutional, health care, ecclesiastical, financial, manufacturing, hospitality and residential sectors. Her experience working in various types of design environments, from manufacturing, to government project management; large architectural to small design firm, brings a varied perspective to the instruction and practice of interior design. She is the Principal of YDA planning + interior design (previously Yeo Design Associates) in Vernon, is a Registered Interior Designer, member of IDIBC (Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia) and IDC (Interior Designers of Canada). A believer that each of us is a steward of the earth, she is also a member of the CaGBC (Canadian Green Building Council). She has been an Executive Board Member of the PIDIM (Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba) responsible for the NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) portfolio and currently handles the Continuing Education portfolio for the Okanagan Community of IDBC/IDC. She has sat on several executive boards, chaired several non-profits and was President of the Morden Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer received a Bachelor degree (BID) in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture; holds NCIDQ certification and has an extensive background in teaching, leading workshops and speaking engagements on various aspects of design including a presentation to the USSR Winter Cities Architectural Delegation on “The Impact of the North on Interior Design” for the NWT Government in Yellowknife.

Jennifer has been recognized nationally for her award-winning designs, receiving a First Place Award for the Interface & Bentley National Design Competition at IIDEX, in Toronto and a Premier’s Award for Design Excellence.

Instructing at the CAT since 2012, Jennifer says, her love for design is eclipsed only by the enjoyment and passion she has for inspiring and mentoring future young designers. She and teaches various courses in Design Theory, Universal Design, Commercial Design, History of Architecture, Design History, Graphic Communication, Detailing courses and Advanced Design Studios.

To learn more about working in the Interior Design Industry, you can listen to our PODCAST with Jennifer on our Soundcloud Account.

MIKE BENTIEN | CLC, LS | INSTRUCTOR

Mike, an expert in both natural and artificial lighting effects, is a Certified Lighting Consultant and Lighting Specialist accredited by the American Lighting Association and recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society. He has more than 30 years’ experience in lighting design and is the Principal at Designing with Light in Kelowna. An experienced instructor, he is one of a handful of professionals certified to teach Lighting Design across North America. Mike focuses on, function, sustainability and design through lighting in both our residential and commercial lighting design courses at CAT.

KRISTA PAINE | RID, NCIDQ | INSTRUCTOR

Krista, is a Registered Interior Designer, a member of IDIBC, the Interior Designers Institute of BC, the Kelowna Women in Business, and she is an owner of Ian Paine Construction and Design. She specializes in Kitchen and Bathroom design, as well as high-end millwork. Her work has been featured in magazines and has received two Okanagan Tommie awards for excellence in Bathroom renovations. As well as being a judge for various building awards, she has recently participated in the control test group for CIDQ’s (Council for Interior Design Qualification) new computer-based NCIDQ exam. Krista’s energetic and playful personality makes her a much-loved instructor to aspiring Interior Design students teaching Residential Interior Design Studio and Building Systems courses.

ANDREA MULLER | DID, NCIDQ | INSTRUCTOR

Andrea’s passion is in unravelling design challenges. Her design background is varied with experience in medical, corporate, institutional, educational and protective service interior design sectors. She has worked for Dialog, an integrated architectural/design firm in Edmonton and is now, an Interior Designer with Hatch Interior Design Inc. in Kelowna. Andrea holds a Diploma in Interior Design Technology from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Andrea teaches varies courses at CAT with an emphasis on Detailing and Drafting, Technology and Millwork Detailing and Furniture Design.

KORYNN KROESKAMP |DID | INSTRUCTOR

Korynn is a practicing commercial Interior Designer at Begrand Fast Design Inc., a full service residential and commercial interior design firm in Kelowna. She is also a designer for DIRTT (Doing it Right This Time). In 2015, she graduated from the Interior Design Program at CAT. Her specialty is 3D rendering and she instructs students on how to create realistic 3D views and renderings. She loves technology, sustainability, intentional / functional design, the outdoors, and her dog, Milo.

JULES GALLOWAY | BSC | INSTRUCTOR

Jules has an extensive background in design beginning in the UK and continuing with her varied practice in Canada. Her specific expertise is in feasibility studies, ergonomics, spatial planning, project and construction management, office furniture and is currently studying a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology at University of London. She is the owner of Evolve Design Build Inc., HUB Office Furniture, Space Measuring Services and MOVE office installations. She is a guest lecturer to the interior design program and instructor for the Human Factors in Interior Design Course.

RACHEL CLARIDA | RID, BARCHSCI, IDC, NCIDQ | CRIT

As a Principal of Hatch Interior Design, a past instructor and valued guest lecturer at CAT, Rachel brings with her vast experience in Interior Design and her Architectural background drives her to search out intelligent and creative solutions for her clients. She is a Registered Interior Designer and a graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Science program at Ryerson University, Toronto. Rachel is a critique for our advanced design workshop.

JESSICA MUDALIAR | RID, IDC, NCIDQ, EPT, LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE | CRIT

Jessica is the Principal of Enliven Design + Consulting. She is a Registered Interior Designer with an extensive background in interior design and a passion for sustainability and energy efficiency. She graduated from CAT in 2011 and has worked for firms in Vancouver, Kelowna and Vernon, BC prior to opening her own practice. Jessica is a critique for our advanced design workshop.

BRIAN HARVEY | B. TECH., ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST AIBC | INSTRUCTOR

Brian teaches the introductory computer drafting classes in Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit. As an Architectural Technologist, at Thinkspace Architecture Planning Interior Design in Kelowna, he is responsible for the management of projects from schematic design through to completion including client consultation, conceptual design, construction drawing and model production, contract administration, facility reviews and everything in between. Brian has extensive experience in highly detailed health care design as well as educational, institutional, office and industrial. Brian continues to seek further inclusion of responsible design in projects including such programs as WELL, LEED, Living Building Challenge, and Passive House.

HELENA BROOMHAM | BOABC, RSE.C. | INSTRUCTOR

Helena is a City of Kelowna building official reviewing building permit applications for compliance to all applicable building and safety codes and zoning bylaws. She started her career as a journey woman carpenter and has held roles as a project manager, construction estimator and quality manager. Helena is an expert in building constructability and observance of Building Codes and she loves sharing this knowledge with students in CAT’s Building Code courses.

GABRIELLA MILGROM | BID, PMP | INSTRUCTOR

Gabriella is an Interior Designer and Project Manager with over 7 years of Interior Design experience and 6 years of Project Management Experience. She has worked on a diverse range of projects within the hospitality, commercial, residential and healthcare sectors; specializing in hospitality, restaurant/ commercial kitchen, and healthcare design. Her passion is solving the functional problem and creating opportunities for intricately designed spaces through effective detailing. She is the Principal of JEENGI Design and Construction where she brings her design and project management experience together to seamlessly execute projects from start to finish. Gabriella holds a Bachelor of Interior Design through Kwantlen Polytechnic University and a Project Management Professional designation from PMI. Gabriella teaches various courses at CAT.

JENI WOLSEY | INSTRUCTOR

Jeni is the Principal and Owner of Gloss Design Inc with over 19 years experience. Following her passion has led her to design a variety of interior spaces in the Corporate, Hospitality, Healthcare, Exhibition and Residential sectors in Western Canada.

She was educated in the Interior Design Program at Lethbridge Community College where she earned her DID with Honours. Jeni’s design philosophy is “Image, product and environment should always be fluid extensions of the client. A total experience that exudes their identity at every level.”

Graduate Success

“CATO introduced me to so many amazing industry professionals from which I’ve learned so much from, those connections continue to be invaluable moving forward in my career”

– Bethany Friesen, Interior Design Alumni

“CAT really pushes you to present your best work. It taught me to always keep reaching for more creative solutions, innovate with new materials and to put the clients’ needs above everything else.”

– Cassidy Stober, Interior Design Alumni

“Centre for Arts and Technology is the one place where you will actually get one-on-one time with your instructors. It’s the only place where everyone is there to help and make this the best experience possible. If I were to go back in time, I would totally do it all over again. CAT is one big happy family and it was my pleasure to be a part of it!”

– Nada Almessery, Interior Design Alumni