Interior Design

Through this course students will explore research methods applicable to the field of interior design. Students will review and explore established and emerging research tools, techniques and methodologies relevant to the development of thesis statement(s), design programming and concept development. Students will investigate existing case studies, critically analyzing and interpreting data, and discussing possible applications. Students will explore systems of inquiry through presentations, journal entries, class discussions and written reports. This subject will address quantitative vs. qualitative research methods as well as explore the role of common paradigms and design philosophies. Students will apply ethical practices as it pertains to research. This course will explain the differences between research and information gathering. In developing the students' analytical skills, this course will motivate students to utilize scientific modes of research to develop evidence-based design.
Prerequisite(s):

• Acceptance into the Bachelor of Interior Design

This course will advance students' level of understanding of the various building systems, such as mechanical, electrical, structural and architectural. Concepts will be discussed within the context of the types of contractual agreements that interior designers will need to understand. Students will gain practical knowledge about what needs to be considered when executing construction drawings. Learning methodologies will involve guest lecturers and site review, as well as collaboration with professional consultants and BCIT Trades departments. The student can then apply the knowledge gained in this course to studio projects, construction drawings, as well as in interactions with other consultants and trades in the field. This course will interface with BCIT departments such as: Carpentry, HVAC & Steel Trades, Architectural, Construction Management, Electrical, and Piping.
Prerequisite(s):

• Acceptance into the Bachelor of Interior Design.

​The Interior Design Studio course is the core of each term of the degree. Students will apply knowledge gained from prior years in the program. This studio covers Inclusive Environments with a focus on an aging population in an intergenerational residential community. Students research and design spaces and explore aging in place. They study the full continuum of senior care, working on independent supportive housing for the studio project. The concepts taught in studio will be integrated into projects in other courses during the term. Students will produce creative, green and socially sustainable solutions for their projects after critical analysis of evidence-based design. Collaboration and presentation are key components of the studio environment. The course will include field trips, presentations and discussion delivered by the instructors and/or by guests in their area of specialization.​
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 5100* and INTD 5110* (*may be taken concurrently). Corequisite: INTD 5310** (**must be taken concurrently).

​This course will provide students with the skills required to progress from concept to detailed design. This stage is required prior to the preparation of construction drawings, which are used to communicate complex design solutions to consultants and trades. The detail sketching process develops the student's ability to turn design aspirations into practical results, while the student freely explores both idea and application. The focus is on the development of key design details taken from the students' own work, including sections, elevations and plans, in the preliminary presentation stage from INTD 5300 Degree Studio A: Inclusive Environments. Then, through in-class lectures and labs, those preliminary designs will be taken to the next level of freehand-drawn details. This course advances and integrates the students' understanding of components and systems, such as materials, doors, windows, integrated ceiling design, acoustics, floor transitions and built-in millwork. Key concepts will be discussed, including detailing theory, articulation, expression, the relationship between the part and the whole, structural principles and material selection.​
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 5100 and INTD 5110
• INTD 5300^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)
• INTD 5100* and INTD 5110* (*may be taken concurrently). Corequisite: INTD 5300** (**must be taken concurrently).

This course will focus on the relationship between culture and the natural and built environment. A study of the local culture in British Columbia will be compared and contrasted with the attitudes and values of other cultures. Topics may include the impact of religion, socio-economic conditions, human behaviour, human psychology, life stages, climate, geography and values of different peoples. The theme of global sustainability, regenerative design and how it is approached within different cultures will be explored through the research and design of the project(s). Open discussions on prevalent attitudes and values of diverse cultures will be used as a means to explore broader ideas and solutions related to the built environment. Students will employ research, debate, analysis and creative innovation to generate solutions for their project(s). Through the study of select cultures, and specific geographic regions, a contextual base will be established in order to implement an appropriate and rational design solution. Previous teachings of theory and concepts of design will be assimilated within the process. Students will apply research methodology to guide design development.
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 5100 and INTD 5110 and INTD 5300 and INTD 5310

Students will be provided with an opportunity to travel to and explore a location of interest through on-site lectures, seminars and guided visits to a variety of design studios, galleries, museums, and other significant centres. Seminars and discussions will be held with individuals prominent in their fields, such as designers, artists, historians and entrepreneurs. This form of study nurtures global citizenship and may offer opportunities for study, volunteering and possible work experience. Prior to the visit, students will work collaboratively to prepare for an intensive field experience. This will involve research, travel logistics and preparation for pre-reading and study. The on-site study of diverse locales is mandatory for a student's greater comprehension of different civilizations and cultural histories. Students will record their observations of cultural differences including topics such as sustainability, aesthetics, local materials and methods of construction using sketches and detailed notes. Through reflection after the field study has taken place, students will analyze and debate their observations based on first-hand knowledge of the location. This travel experience will influence students' design aesthetics and contribute to more global future design solutions.
Prerequisite(s):

• Acceptance into the Bachelor of Interior Design.

Combining online and in-class components, this course assists students in researching, writing, and presenting a formal proposal that forms a base for the Capstone Project (INTD 8500). Students will also focus on building a professional persona through effective business communication. They will learn interviewing skills and apply them in an interview with a chosen advisor(s). They will report on best practices in the proposal process during a seminar with peers. Students will seek approval for the project topic and outline their proposed program in professional communications with their Interior Design and Communication faculty. Students will use research methodologies and compile evidence to support the success of their design solutions. They will summarize their research findings and sources and will also incorporate reflections on their professional practice during the research process. Students will also choose appropriate graphics and visual media to illustrate their proposals in consultation with the Interior Design and Communication faculty. Students will deliver a formal presentation on their design program and concepts, to be developed further in COMM 8520 Professional Communication Skills for Interior Design and INTD 8500 Capstone Project. As a co-requisite with INTD 7500 Capstone Proposal, including shared assignments, this course provides instruction and critique specific to the structure, wording, and format of the various topics.
Prerequisite(s):

• 65% or better in INTD 5100 and INTD 5110 and INTD 5300 and INTD 5310 and INTD 6300 and INTD 6370. Corequisite: INTD 7500** (**must be taken concurrently).

This course will familiarize students with the required process involved in implementing and managing an interior design project. Students will review the necessary steps from a project management perspective, taking a design project from a conceptual idea to a physical reality. This will include creating a timeline for the project and preparing a budget. Team management and leadership styles will be discussed. Students will learn how to use the necessary standard forms to facilitate the management of an interior design project. Students will recognize responsibilities and duties of the various consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, designer, and clients. The significance of conducting site visits, generating deficiency reports and undertaking post-occupancy evaluations are some of the topics that will be covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 6300

In this course, students produce a comprehensive, well-documented research and design proposal for an interior space of approximately 25,000 sq. ft., which will become the basis for a multi-purpose capstone project of social merit. Students begin with research, to develop an original thesis statement on a specific topic related to contextual issues of interior design that may include environmental, social, cultural and economic concerns. In consultation with faculty, and mentorship with a registered interior designer or architect, and advisor(s) related to their topic, students will apply a variety of research methodologies to evaluate the needs of a specific target market and demographic. The student will develop parameters for an innovative and feasible design solution aligned with the thesis statement. The course will conclude with a final written, verbal and visual presentation that will be presented to peers, faculty, mentors and advisor(s) that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the individual research topics. As a co-requisite with COMM 7520 Proposal Writing for Interior Design, this course provides instruction and critique specific to content, relevance and program development.
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 6300 and INTD 6370. Corequisite: COMM 7520** (**must be taken concurrently).

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

In conjunction with INTD 8500 Capstone Project, and following on from the work produced in COMM 7520 Proposal Writing for Interior Design, in this course students prepare their formal Capstone Project presentation and polish their communication skills for their entry into the workforce as design professionals. The role of nonverbal communication in leadership, client presentations, and during collaboration is explored. Students learn best practices for meetings, including planning, conducting, and recording meeting results. Students also prepare a professional résumé, job application letter, and professional online profile, as well as consider ways of managing and marketing their online personas. They will also focus on effective workplace writing and communication strategies, including short project progress reports, informational interview skills, and formal business emails. Students experiment with current trends in formal presentation methods and software applicable to the design field and discover the best ways to organize and illustrate their Capstone Project presentation, including consulting with media experts. They deliver two presentations: one showcasing their design concept progress and the other showcasing their final Capstone Project to faculty and/or advisor(s) (both graded in conjunction with INTD 8500 instructors). Students will have the opportunity to practice handling questions and objections, and use recordings for feedback and improvement.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 7520. Corequisite: INTD 8500**(**must be taken concurrently).

This course gives students hands-on industry experience with an interior design related firm. Students will observe and participate in regular activities at an industry sponsor's place of business. Students will conduct prior research of their assigned design firm. In preparation for their industry experience, the student will create a portfolio to present to the firm to view. Students will document their findings of the firm’s operations in a comprehensive written report that will be presented orally to a peer group.
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 7340 and INTD 7500 and COMM 7520 and General Education Electives (9 credits).

This course is the final design studio of the Capstone Project where students independently find and research space for a multi-purpose project of social merit. The purpose of this course is to test the implementation of knowledge, skills and students' overall ability to execute a design. This course is the self-directed design component in which students will implement the research and thesis statement proposed in INTD 7500, to produce a design solution of approximately 25,000 sq. ft. that includes presentation drawings, material selection and digital media. Students will also develop contract documents, such as construction drawings and specifications, to provide the optimal amount of information necessary for the successful project execution. Students will present and defend their completed project to peers, faculty and mentors and advisors.
Prerequisite(s):

• 65% or better in all INTD level 5, 6, 7 courses and successful completion of all other level 5, 6, 7 courses. COMM 8520* (*to be taken concurrently).

This course will give students an in-depth understanding of how internet marketing can be used to build on the success of virtually every business, with special emphasis on the student's chosen profession. A key outcome of this course is to give students digital marketing skills that will help them excel in their careers. Students will research, critique, assess and develop online campaigns to build client relationships, grow revenues and attract new clients. The course will give students the knowledge and confidence to communicate and apply current trends and best practices in the evolving digital marketing landscape. The course covers internet-specific strategy development and campaign planning and tactical execution in many areas including: online professional branding, website design, content creation, search engine optimization, paid search, advertising, social media marketing, mobile marketing, e-mail marketing and online lead generation. A key outcome of the course requires students to apply all concepts learned to develop and manage their own online professional brand in their chosen profession. This final project will be an excellent portfolio piece for students to showcase their digital marketing capabilities, which will be invaluable in the job search process and in industry.
Prerequisite(s):

• INTD 5100 and INTD 5110 and INTD 5300 and INTD 5310

​This course introduces human aural perception and the notion of acoustic ecology to set a framework for architectural acoustics. The course focus is the fundamentals of building acoustics, acoustical criteria for buildings, evaluation methods and the use of form and materials to meet performance criteria. Topics include: environmental analysis, use of equipment to measure sound, sound propagation, room acoustics, mechanical system noise control, acoustical characteristics of materials, and sound transmission through interior walls and the building envelope. Labs include experiential lessons from the campus environment and empirical measurement of sound. The final studio project applies the course lectures and focuses on embedding acoustical design into a whole building system integrated design process.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT Diploma

Cooperative Education (Co-op) involves enhancing the educational experience by integrating traditional academic studies with relevant work experience. The student is working at the employer's work site for the duration of the Co-op Work Term placement period. The Co-op Work Term is a paid position where the student completes productive tasks that relate directly to the core competencies of the Interior Design program. The Co-op position is approved by the Co-op Coordinator in consultation with the Interior Design Program Head. Students in the program attend workshops to enhance their employability prior to their Co-op placement and compete for job postings during the academic term prior to placement. During the work term, students are monitored by BCIT. Credits for the Co-operative Workplace education component are in addition to the required academic credits in the program. Students will receive a notation on their graduating diploma indicating completion of the Co-op component.
Prerequisite(s):

• Registration in the full-time BCIT Bachelor of Interior Design Program. 70% or greater in all level 5 and level 6 INTD courses.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) involves enhancing the educational experience by integrating traditional academic studies with relevant work experience. The student is working at the employer’s work site for the duration of the Co-op Work Term placement period. The Co-op Work Term is a paid position where the student completes productive tasks that relate directly to the core competencies of the Interior Design program. The Co-op position is approved by the Co-op Coordinator in consultation with the Interior Design Program Head. Students in the program attend workshops to enhance their employability prior to their Co-op placement and compete for job postings during the academic term prior to placement. During the work term, students are monitored by BCIT. Credits for the Co-operative Workplace education component are in addition to the required academic credits in the program. Students will receive a notation on their graduating diploma indicating completion of the Co-op component.
Prerequisite(s):

• Registration in the full-time BCIT Bachelor of Interior Design Program. Successful completion of INTD 6990.