Interior Decorating Schools in Canada
Interior decorating and design schools in Canada provide students with professional training and award graduates with either a diploma or a degree. Interior decorating and designs schools must meet eligibility requirements set forth by The Council for Interior Design Accreditation, a national accrediting agency that accredits both online and offline interior decorating and design programs.
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Schools
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Some of the most well-known interior decorating schools in Canada include: Dawson College in Quebec, The International Academy of Design and Technology in Ontario, the Humber Institute of Advanced Learning and Technology in Ontario, Mount Royal College in Alberta, the University of Manitoba in Manitoba, St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, and Algonquin College in Ontario. Some of these schools offer diploma and bachelor's degree programs, while others only offer a Masters program.
Agencies and Accrediation
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Every interior design school in Canada is accredited by different professional organizations and associated with various agencies. These organizations and agencies include: the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), Interior Designer's Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC), The American Society of Interior Designers - New York Upstate/Canada, and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC).
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation -- formerly the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) -- is the national accrediting agency for interior decorating schools and design schools in Canada. -
Programs
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Interior decorating schools in Canada provide professional hands-on training for aspiring interior decorators and interior designers. Degree programs typically consist of general courses integrated with specialized courses in interior design and interior decorating techniques. Diploma programs typically consist of only specialized courses in the field of interior decorating, and are designed for those who wish to pursue entry-level positions after graduation.
Some interior decorating schools in Canada, such as the Humber Institute of Advanced Learning and Technology, offer graduate programs that prepare students for leadership roles and teach business management skills so the student can run their own interior decorating or design firm.
Admissions
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Citizens of the United States may attend an interior decorating school in Canada as an international student. International students must meet certain eligibility requirements and prove that they can afford to live and study in Canada for the length of their diploma or degree program. Native Canadians or permanent residents of Canada may apply as regular students and will need to meet certain eligibility requirements such as completing high school in Canada, and providing proof of financial eligibility.
Degree Requirements
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Typical degree requirements for an aspiring interior decorator attending school in Canada include: strong creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills; working knowledge of sustainable and global interior design issues; knowledge of different types of fabrics, furniture and decor; strong visualization skills; computer-aided design (CAD) skills as applicable to interior design and decorating; and basic customer service skills.
Some interior decorating schools require the completion of a co-op program or internship as part of their degree requirement, and this element of training gives students hands-on, "real world" experience in all of these key areas.
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