FAQs
Thank you for your interest in our program!
The way our process works, first you need to apply and be accepted into the Interior Design program. This means a formal application, as well as portfolio review and interview. Once you are accepted into the program, you become an Interior Design student.
Unfortunately, we cannot assess certificates (or other credentials) independent of the portfolio review and candidate selection process. Our determination is based on the skill sets of the individual applicant, as evidenced by their portfolio. Each student must apply to the program and meet the admission requirements. During the interview process in May, we make recommendations for advanced standing/transfer credit, based on the merits of the portfolio, as well as the students' responses to questions about their portfolio.
We do not assess/determine course-to-course transfers on an institutional basis because of the highly integrated nature of our curriculum. This means that we assess each candidate on a case-by-case basis, and where they are placed in our program depends on their combination of course work, design experience, and portfolio.
Applicants' first need to apply to the program and meet the admission requirements as outlined on the on-line calendar: www.kwantlen.ca/admission.html. Qualified applicants are then invited to come for a portfolio review and interview during the May interview process. Our determination is based on the skill sets of the individual applicant, as evidenced by their portfolio.
Again, please note that we cannot assess your work or your transcript for transfer credit or advanced standing until you have 1) applied and 2) been accepted into the program.
If you click on the link below, it will take you to our information package which provides more details about the structure of our program. www.kwantlen.ca/calendar/2011-12/design/interiordesign-deg.html
INFO SESSION:
We encourage all potential applicants to attend our information sessions. Important information is shared during these sessions – please check the following link www.kwantlen.ca/design/info_sessions.html for upcoming dates and times. Sessions are held at the Richmond campus.
During the information sessions, we go over some material posted on our website as well as more detailed descriptions of the program and its structure. We also inform you of the admissions requirements and answer any related questions.
The most important component of applying to the program is your portfolio. During the session we will have several current first year students on hand to showcase their portofolios and answer questions about the program. Current students are your best source of information. This does not mean that our program endorses any particular sample portfolio — this is just a way for you to use them as a "benchmark" in terms of what you need in order to be competitive.
Some of the instructors will be on hand, so you will be able to meet them, and tour some of the studio spaces.
We do not have a printed information package, but rather, if you click on the link below, it will take you to our online information package which provides details about the structure of our program.
www.kwantlen.ca/design/interior_design/courses.html
FAQ's
I was wondering about how many students apply for this program and how many are accepted?
We take applications from November 1st to March 31st each year for full-time start in September. We intake applicants once per year and have 20 seats available. Generally we have 90 to 150 applicants apply each year. Of these, approximately 90 are invited to attend the interview and portfolio review process. Typically we interview 70 applicants. The program runs from September to the end of April.
What kind of salary am I looking at upon graduation?
The career potential for this field is strong at the moment. When the economy is strong, there is lots of building construction, which means jobs for interior designers. The career potential clearly depends on the individual, their portfolio and work experience after they have graduated, and their own initiative. Some of our graduates ultimately go on to start their own firms or become senior partners in other firms, but clearly this takes some time.
Based on our informal information, the salary range for a starting junior designer is in the neighborhood of $32,000 - $36,000.
You could find more information from BC stats regarding the economic prospects for this field.
Any other information you can tell me on this program would be greatly appreciated.
The profession is changing very fast; you should be informed about new standards for education that will affect the ability to practice interior design in the future.
We urge you to also visit other websites that have a lot of information about the profession:
www.ncidq.org/exam/examreq.html - In order to become a registered Interior Designer, prospective candidates have three options, all of which are clearly explained on the NCIDQ website.
We would also recommend that you visit the web site of the Interior Design Institute of BC (IDIBC) and also of the Council for Interior Design qualifications (CIDA). These are all listed on the Interior Design page of the Kwantlen Library: www.kwantlen.ca/library/internet/intdesign.html.
Another website of interest is: www.careersininteriordesign.com
I understand that this is a full time program but was wondering if you knew of any institution that offers a part time program for students who work full time?
We are a full time, day program, Monday to Friday. We have a single intake, and courses run from September to end of April.
This profession is changing very fast; you should be informed about new standards for education that will affect the ability to practice interior design in the future.
Visit these websites below that have a lot of information about the profession:
www.ncidq.org/exam/examreq.htm: In order to become a registered Interior Designer, prospective candidates have three options, all of which are clearly explained on the NCIDQ website.
NCIDQ's research shows that at least six years of combined college-level interior design education and interior design work experience are essential to prepare you for the examination and professional practice.
We also encourage you to visit the web site of the Interior Design Institute of BC (IDIBC) as well as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). These are all listed on the Interior Design page of the Kwantlen Library: www.kwantlen.ca/library/internet/intdesign.html
Another website of interest is: www.careersininteriordesign.com
What does the program have to offer compared to others such as BCIT?
The main difference between our program and another university is that Kwantlen's Interior Design Program is currently the only program in British Columbia accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and we are a 4 year Bachelor Degree (BCIT does not offer a degree).
If you click on the link below, it will take you to our information package which provides more details about the structure of our program. www.kwantlen.ca/design/interior_design.html
Is preference given to early application?
No, not as far as recommendations for admission; but should we have more applicants who meet the requirements than we have seats available, applicants that are waitlisted will be sorted by date of application; so in that case, early application would come into play.
Because I am from out of province, if qualified, how would I participate in the interview and portfolio review?
After you have received an invitation from us inviting you to attend the interview and portfolio review you would simply get in touch with our Program Assistant (all stated in a letter you will receive in the mail) and schedule a telephone interview.
I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you could provide.
If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Shahnaz Rauf in Admissions at 604-599-2585 or contact the Interior Design Program Assistant, Debbie Bjerke at 604-599-2755.
Please visit the Kwantlen website for up to date information at: www.kwantlen.ca/design/interior_design.html
