September

2019

Interior Design
Bachelor Degree Program
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Want to become an Interior Designer?

INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

What is Interior Design ?

Interior Design is a multi-

faceted profession that
combines creative and
technical solutions to
interiors.
Interior design defined
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

What is the career potential for

graduates?
The career potential for this field is strong.
When the economy is strong, building construction
increases, which means jobs for interior Designers.
Graduates of our program have the potential to be
employed in a variety of fields of design including...
 Architecture
 Corporate
 Residential
 Retail
 Healthcare
 Restaurant
 Education

Credit: KPMB + Public –

Wilson School of Design
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Related Fields
Graduates may also work in design-related
positions with:
 wholesale firms
 manufacturing agents

With suitable experience, graduates may

become independent practitioners
and /or develop their own firms.
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Professional Interior Designer

Degree
+
Experience
+
Examination
=
Professional
Interior Designer
 Why choose our
Bachelor of Interior Design ?
 Bachelor of
Interior Design

 Active support from our

profession = connections and
currency of the curriculum.

 Faculty active in the profession =

ensure high level of preparation for
our graduates.

 International opportunities = expanded design

knowledge and experiences.
 Bachelor of
Interior Design

 CIDA* accredited program =

program is rigorous and meets
standards of the profession
(accredited since 2000).

 Small class sizes (20) = individual

attention.

 Integrated curriculum = contextual

learning.

*Council for Interior Design Accreditation

INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Program Model
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Program Costs

Tuition and fees are charged per credit and based on domestic
and international student status. In addition, students also
pay fees set by the Kwantlen Student Association. Here is an
example based on 32 credits (including electives) over two
semesters:
Base Tuition (32 credits) $4628
Studio fees $396
University Student Fees $324
Kwantlen Student Association Fees $273
ESTIMATED TOTAL $5621

*Please note all costs are approximate and subject to change.

INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Program Costs
In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with the
program applicants should consider:
 Equipment – All interior design students should have access to a
personal laptop for the duration of the program. Laptops enable
students to access online course material and to complete projects.
Laptop specs and recommended software are listed on our website.
 Supplies & Textbooks – We are currently working toward a framework
of zero textbook costs. In the meantime, students should factor in the
cost of supplies/textbooks which tend to be higher in the first two years
of the program (+/- $1000).
 Design Field School – Because we believe in the power of experiential
learning and global experiences, a Design Field School is required for the
degree. Please factor in the cost of flights plus the program fee (+/-
$3,000) as these are in addition to tuition.
The interior design process follows a
systematic and coordinated methodology,
including research, analysis and integration of
knowledge into the creative process, whereby
the needs and resources of the client are
satisfied to produce an interior space that
fulfills the project goals.
INTERIOR DESIGN Program Information

Application Process

 Apply online to KPU’s Interior Design Program

kpu.ca/admission
 Meet KPU Admission requirements
 Meet English proficiency requirement (C+ in
English 12*)
 Submit Portfolio online for review
 Complete Interview

*Or equivalent
INTERIOR DESIGN Application Information

Application Process

Portfolio Submission
The Wilson School of Design at KPU uses SlideRoom, an online software tool,
to collect, evaluate, and store portfolios online.

As part of this submission, you will be asked to:

1. Answer a Questionnaire *
2. Upload a Résumé / CV
3. Attach Unofficial Transcripts (if applicable)
4. Submit Letter(s) of Reference
5. Upload your portfolio
The submission details…

Communication Skills
Designers require strong oral and written communication
skills to present their ideas.

For the written portion, please provide us with:

• A completed questionnaire*
At the interview, we will assess your ability to speak comfortably
and clearly.
Awareness of the
Interior Design Profession
Designers must have a clear understanding of the
profession in which they practice.
We want to see your passion for design and evidence
that you understand the “profession” of interior design.
Show us you understand the difference between a
registered professional interior designer and a decorator.

Show us the results of your research in the completed

questionnaire.*
Problem-Solving

Designers need to be creative, flexible, and able

to problem-solve. We are looking for your
thinking process, your ability to problem-solve,
your process and methods, and your curiosity.

In the questionnaire* we will ask you to explain the process you

use to solve a problem and/or the process you use to work
through a project (of any kind).
At the interview, we may ask you to elaborate by explaining an
example of taking on a problem, evaluating issues, identifying
potential solutions and applying those solutions.
Life Skills
Life skills are an ability to problem-solve, be self-aware,
and think critically. Professional interior designers work in
teams as well as independently.
Interior designers require strong time-management skills,
teamwork, and organizational skills.

As part of your online submission, please provide:

 Letter(s) of reference (employer, family friend,
teacher, etc.)
 Your Résumé/CV with any work history, volunteer
history, skills and abilities, etc.
 Photocopies of transcripts or credentials (as applicable)
INTERIOR DESIGN Portfolio Information
Portfolio Submission
What CAN be included
in your portfolio?
Most importantly, we
want to see a collection
of work that represents
YOU.
 Any creative work that expresses you
 Drawings and sketches
 Drafting (digital or hand drawn)
 Paintings or photography
 3D models, sculptures, or pottery
 Events / products you have organized,
worked on, and documented
 Videos or even websites you created
Visual
Communication
An eye for design is important as is your ability to draw.
Designers use various visual communication skills to
understand, translate, interpret, and communicate design
concepts and solutions.

Show us examples of your drawing and/or 3-dimensional skills.

You may want to include sketches, sketchbooks, drawings,
model-making, painting, drafting, etc. Show us anything you
have that shows your ability to communicate visually.
Craftsmanship

Designers need to have the ability to build and create

sample boards, models, and other visually expressive
items. Good craftsmanship is important.

Show us your production skills. We want to see your approach

to making things, and your attitude towards your work and
attention to details. We want to see how you put things
together. You may want to include models, visual boards,
prints, pottery, furniture making, layouts, etc.
Creative Work

Designers need to be creative, flexible, and able

to problem-solve. We are looking for your
thinking process, your ability to problem-solve,
and your curiosity.

Show us a variety of creative work such as drawings, paintings,

photography, jewelry, models or sculptures or anything else
you have ‘designed’. Have you created a video, film, or
website? Include it. Most importantly, include written
descriptions along with your creative work.
INTERIOR DESIGN Interviews

Interview Process

 Faculty will review your completed on-line submission.

 If you qualify, you will be invited for an in-person interview.
 Prior to the interview, we will have you do some on-site drawing
exercises.
 You will then be interviewed together in groups of 4-5.
 Plan to bring 3-5 pieces from your portfolio to the interview as you
may be asked to explain something in your portfolio or about the
profession.
INTERIOR DESIGN Seat Selection

Candidate Selection
 Interior Design faculty will submit all seat recommendations to
Admissions by the end of March at the very latest.
 You will be required to pay a deposit in order to secure your seat
in the program.
 You will only receive a seat offer once you have submitted all
required documentation to Admissions. (Check your KPU
account regularly to ensure you have completed your checklist.)
Faculty will begin reviewing portfolios in January 2020. Want an early
seat offer? Submit your portfolio by February 1st, 2020.
INTERIOR DESIGN

Have Questions?

Have more questions? Please contact our

Future Students Office at 604-599-3030 or
study@kpu.ca for further information or for
upcoming events.

kpu.ca/interior-design