Interior Decorating at Algonquin College

Using modern and traditional techniques, develop your creative talent for a career in commercial and residential interiors.

The two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program develops your creativity and artistic flair in residential and commercial interiors. Recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA), this program prepares you with the essential design and client relations skills needed to succeed as an Interior Decorator.

Develop your creativity through hands-on projects using modern digital techniques as well as traditional skills. Create appealing atmospheres, discover current trends, choose effective colour palettes, understand complex kitchen and bath design, and manipulate elements such as furnishings, finishes and lighting. Work with individuals and/or businesses to improve residential and commercial spaces to enhance the users` experience.

The program provides an opportunity for you expand your real-world experience through competition and real community projects. Moreover, you are able to gain valuable industry experience and contacts as well as apply your skills during your 42-hour field/work placement during your final semester.

There are many career opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a:

• residential or commercial decorator
• kitchen and bath designer
• set decorator
• staging and colour consultant
• exhibit designer
• sales/product representative
• window display and merchandising consultant for retail spaces or photo shoots

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are imaginative and enjoy solving problems.
• Think visually and creatively.
• Are planners and enjoy putting plans into action.
• Possess good communication skills.
• Are comfortable with technological expression.
• Are committed to work 40 to 60 hours per week (including class time).

Careers

Graduates may initially be employed as residential and commercial decorators, as well as hold many other industry-related positions.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze the client`s needs and goals using research techniques and taking psychological, sociological and physiological needs into consideration.
2. Collaborate in the preparation of a design proposal/contract to define the scope of services for the decorating project.
3. Analyze existing space conditions and decorating components in order to determine what modifications are required to meet the client`s needs.
4. Prepare a design concept which meets all the criteria (i.e., historical context, accessibility) of a given decorating project using the creative process.
5. Communicate the design concept to the client in verbal and written formats.
6. Use a variety of media and rendering techniques to communicate the character of the space.
7. Prepare technical documents (i.e. plans, elevations) needed for the implementation of the decorating solution.
8. Collaborate with a variety of design and decoration professionals for the implementation of the decoration solution.
9. Evaluate the effectiveness of the final decoration solution.
10. Develop strategies and plans to implement and maintain a decorating business.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Successfully complete a home test. Please contact the Program Coordinator directly for detailed information.
• Submit a portfolio showing evidence of creative ability as well as some basic drawing skills.(Basic drawing skills, although an asset, are not required).
• Interested applicants are welcome to address any portfolio-related inquiries to design@algonquincollege.com.
• Portfolio submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
• Applicants who have a colour blindness condition will not be able to work effectively in this profession.
• Computer/software skills in MS Word and Excel are an asset but not required.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.