Honours Bachelor of Interior Design BID

Holland Code: A (Artistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy University level high school English is required. Drawing skills are an asset. High school courses in media arts or visual arts would be beneficial.

Math & Science University level high school math is required. Moderate math will be needed for drafting and measurements of design space.

Technology Moderate computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)). Computer-aided drafting (AutoCAD) is a major component of the program, along with other digital 3D modelling programs.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Creativity and imagination
• An interest and appreciation for attention to detail in the physical environment
• The ability to create and build 3D models with attention to detail
• Enjoy synthesizing information to develop plans and design concepts
• Take a methodical approach to work requiring precision
• The ability to work well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Good oral, written and graphic communication skills
• The ability to deal with the pressure of deadlines
• The ability to work on several projects in different stages of development at the same time

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Interior designer.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation.
• Frequently meet with clients, other consultants and contractors in clients' workplaces and homes, in interior design offices, in consultants' offices and at work sites.
• Work hours are sometimes long or irregular, and may include weekends and evenings.

Places you may find yourself employed include 

Interior design firms specializing in commercial and/or residential applications; architectural firms; institutions such as schools, universities and hospitals; building development companies; corporate planning offices; furniture and product or materials manufacturers and dealers; government planning offices; or property management companies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Plan new interiors and renovate existing ones in commercial buildings (for example; offices, institutions, stores, hotels and restaurants) and single and multi-family dwellings
• Identify and analyze client needs and goals, safety requirements, budget limitations and project schedules
• Prepare preliminary plans and design concepts for client approval
• Estimate costs and prepare budgets
• Develop presentations which may include drawings, sketches, renderings, perspectives, colour and material boards, photographs or models
• Prepare working drawings and specifications for non-load-bearing construction including materials, finishes, millwork and furnishings
• Prepare tender documents, co-ordinate the bid process and assist clients in awarding contracts
• Confirm that required building and other code permits are obtained
• Collaborate with professional and technical consultants (for example, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers, architects, audiovisual consultants)
• Conduct field reviews of construction and installation of furnishings, fixtures and equipment
• Review and evaluate projects on behalf of clients, during implementation and upon completion.
• Interior designers co-ordinate their work with other professionals and work closely with general contractors to ensure that their Drawings are interpreted correctly. They may co-ordinate the activities of trades (for example, painters, carpenters) when there is no general contractor.
• Interior designers are concerned with general and detailed planning, spatial arrangements, health and safety issues, detailing, constructability and technical considerations (for example, lighting and acoustics) as well as the aesthetics of a space.
• Interior designers are more involved with technical considerations than interior decorators are. Decorators focus on the ornamental and moveable aspects of interiors and fixed details  that easily can be added to an existing space.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• NCIDQ  Exam - National Council of Interior Design Qualifications
• Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)
• Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)
• Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC)

Opportunities for further development or education

• Students who complete the advanced diploma in Interior Design with a 75% GPA in their final year, will have the opportunity to transfer into our Bachelor of Interior Design by taking a Bridging Program.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024