Undergraduate

This program prepares graduates for a career as an Interior Designer or in related design fields such as set design or exhibition design. Most graduates enter directly into their design career on graduation, although a growing number go on to graduate education in Interior Design or in related fields such as Architecture. Many graduates go on to become registered members of A.R.I.D.O. (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) or of the Interior Design Associations in other provinces.

Our teaching is grounded in a commitment to experiential and hands-on learning using critical thinking, complemented by making. An internship requirement is an integral part of the preparation for entering the profession and is completed before graduation.

The first year concentrates on giving all students a common base of theory, knowledge and skills. In the second year, Interior Design is a key professional course conducted in conjunction with other supportive and developmental courses. From the beginning, students are encouraged to become self-sufficient with the guidance and assistance of the faculty.

The third and fourth years are very open, allowing students to obtain a broad range of design experience or to focus in an area of specialization.

The program is centred on the Interior Design Studios, a series of courses that involve the application and synthesis of all accumulated understanding and capabilities to develop competency in creative problem-solving.

Courses in Liberal Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and the History and Theory of Design provide intellectual depth and breadth and prepare the graduate for the legal, social and ethical responsibilities of professional practice. Communication skills, emphasized throughout the program, develop a high level of mastery in a wide range of professional visualization techniques as well as in writing and oral presentation. Technology studies cover principles and practice, regulations and standards of interior construction, material finishes, building services, sustainable design, barrier-free access and environmental health.

The optional co-op program assists students in becoming career-ready through direct engagement in professional design offices. This program begins after the second year of study. Students who do not elect the co-op option are required to complete 400 hours of a monitored and documented internship. Typically, this internship is undertaken by students in the summer between third and fourth years.

• To prepare students for world-leading careers in interior design, as well as for continuing and professional education in interior design and related fields.
• To develop both deep and broad expertise in the design of the interior while providing opportunities for students to develop expertise in design fields closely related to interior design.
• To develop strong skills in fundamental design, design communication and design fabrication.
• To develop a critical knowledge of the history and theory of interior design.
• To ground our teaching and learning in principles of social justice, in a sustainable imperative, and in emerging methods and practices.

The title “Interior Designer” is a protected title in Ontario, as outlined in Bill Pr6, and is granted by ARIDO to individuals who successfully meet the requirements for Registered Interior Designer status with ARIDO. There are currently two pathways to meet the education requirement: a CIDA-accredited degree or by successfully passing the Intern Competencies Review System.

Following the completion of the BFA degree, graduates may opt to pursue the Master of Interior Design degree at TMU. The combined BFA+MID pathway is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and therefore meets the education requirement to proceed to ARIDO internship. Graduates of the BFA who do not elect to complete the MID can still qualify to meet the minimum education standard required to become an intern member of ARIDO through ARIDO’s Intern Competency Review System (ICRS).

The BID program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).