Courses

This is the heart of the curriculum.

The studio is a place to define, search for and produce solutions to the problems of interior design and becomes a basic method for critical thinking.

The studio is not so much a place for receiving instruction – although there is instruction given in a studio, but more like a laboratory, It is the place where experimentation – search and discovery – takes place.

In the studio the learning process is learning by doing. The studio projects form a foundation of building blocks, which are expanded, elaborated upon, and reinforced throughout the curriculum.

This stream enables the students to acquire technical skills, vocabulary, and a body of technical knowledge specific to the profession of Interior Design and the built environment, which enables students to formulate, validate, and communicate design intentions.

Ultimately the design is intended to give or make form and become part of the built environment.

Seeing, thinking and drawing are intimately interrelated. In the study of making both large and small scale interiors, students should understand that the drawing process is inextricably connected with the design process.

Design ideas that are not externalized remain thoughts only. Design is a visual and physical activity; design ideas must be made visible - understandably visible.

Students are individuals with unique learning, thinking, and doing styles, and will develop this aspect of their design process naturally from their own personalities.

This stream provides for students "in situ" observation and presentations by non-faculty, the profession, projects in process and competed & resources pertaining to the profession of interior design.

In a variety of work experiences, over several semesters, students have the opportunity to experience first-hand the working environments of the interior design and other built-environment professions.

These provide opportunities for observation and application of previously studied theories and methodologies, and assist with the transition of the graduated student from school to workplace.

Interior design projects are commercial ventures requiring the knowledge and application of office procedures and financial management, client and public relations.

Matters of business ethics, global issues, sustainability and legal matters must be understood and integrated with practice.

This component of the Degree responds to Kwantlen's intended learning outcomes:

1. That students become culturally literate.

2. That students be prepared to make better informed and more carefully considered decisions in their future lives.

3. That students acquire the ability to see things in context.

(Refer to Program literature for complete text.)