Honours Bachelor of Interior Design-2025/2026
| Core Courses | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory (Core) Courses: The Minimum Cumulative GPA for Core Courses is 2.5 | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
| LEVEL 1 | ||||
| DESG-7035 | Interior Design Studio 1 | 5 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a virtual studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependent on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Interior Design Studio 1 is an investigation of both non-discipline and linked-to-discipline based problems where students will explore abstract solutions to two and three-dimensional problems analyzing the effects of sensory elements such as colour, light and manipulation of space. Emphasis will be placed on the design process, as well as on psychological factors such as colour, spatial quality and perception in development of the interior envelope. | ||||
| ENVR-7005 | Sustainable Practices 1 | 3 | ||
| This is the first of two courses investigating the issues and practices of sustainability and their relationship to interior design and architecture practice. Prior to investigating specific practices and implications, students will explore such topics as: the degrading environment, micro verses macro issues, sensitivity, leadership, ethics and accountability. Students will investigate specific issues in sustainable interior design including but not limited to: air pollution, urban sprawl, deforestation, environmental resource depletion, sick building syndrome, indoor air pollutants, off-gassing and CO2 emissions, global warming with respect to reduction, minimization, and alternative solutions, The course incorporates the employment of sustainable practices to support the psychological and physiological well being of occupants of built environments through ecological accountability. A focus on implementing sustainable practices in studio projects will be introduced, and commitment of the student as designer and facilitator will be stressed. | ||||
| DESG-7036 | Design Theory 1 | 3 | ||
| Design Theory 1 is the first of two courses to define and investigate components of visual and spatial awareness. It focuses on an analysis of design elements & principles: space, line, mass, shape, texture, scale, proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis, colour, harmony and variety. Colour theory, theorists, systems of classification, and colour perception and psychology will be investigated and analyzed as a significant portion of this course. Students will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to design elements and principles through written assignments, an essay, independent research, journal reflections, class discussion, colour plate assignments and a final group project. | ||||
| COMM-7023 | Design Communications 1 | 5 | ||
| This course is in the first in a series of six applied learning courses, the completion of which will culminate in a full scope interior design project presentation. The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that students and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. Design Communications 1 introduces techniques of freehand drawing, and sketching studies, as well as manual drafting practices as a tool to communicate ideas. A historical time line of drawing conventions will be investigated with short research assignments. The class sessions will be divided into specialties of the discipline such as manual drafting practices, model building, perspective drawing, and rendering. Practical modules will also be completed in and outside of class by the students to support information delivered in the lectures/demonstrations. This course introduces skills required to complete a studio project. | ||||
| INDS-7009 | Human Factors | 3 | ||
| This course examines human diversity which affect the development and success of design solutions. Students learn about factors as, proxemics, personal space, anthropometrics, ergonomics, as well as universal and inclusive design, culture, and varied abilities. Through research and analysis students develop more awareness, understanding, and critical thinking skills toward the interrelationships in the built environment, and occupant's overall quality of life. | ||||
Group 2 | ||||
| LEVEL 2 In addition to the following mandatory courses, please refer to the Non-Core Level 2 requirement below | ||||
| DESG-7012 | Interior Design Studio 2 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provide, but the direction of the class is dependant on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Students will explore the analytical, conceptual and developmental components of successful space planning. They will be expected to produce design solutions in response to specific criteria demanding behavioural, conceptual and contextual consideration. In this second in a series of studios, students will focus, individually, on utilizing small-scale design charettes of institutional and residential spaces under 1000 square feet. | ||||
| ENVR-7006 | Human Environmental Relations | 3 | ||
| This course examines foundational theories in Environmental Psychology that address human behaviour, sensations, cognition, and perception; which explore human interaction with the natural and built environments, as well as place identity, meaning, and attachment. In addition, students also study, research, and analyse, other factors such as: human conditions, psychobiology, wayfinding; that affect the development and success of design solutions. | ||||
| DESG-7013 | Interior Detailing 1 | 4 | ||
| Students will assess current trends and traditional and emerging materials prescribed in finishing interiors of built environments. The students will interpret associated technologies, properties, and liabilities of the designer in the use of finish materials. Small scope specification projects will relate properties and characteristics of materials discussed to interior design projects. Through investigation, research and discussion, students will employ a technical vocabulary, stressing the manipulation of these materials, in guest lectures (industry suppliers), site visits, labs and presentations. | ||||
| COMM-7013 | Design Communications 2 | 4 | ||
| This course is the second in a series of six applied learning courses, the completion of which will culminate in a full scope interior design project presentation. The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that students and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. In Design Communications 2, students will expand on techniques of manual drafting, perspective and rendering with investigation of techniques employed in the representation of materials and finishes in a variety of mediums. Introduction of computer-generated drawings for two-dimensional project documentation will be addressed. The class sessions will be divided into specialties of a discipline such as manual drafting practices and drawing. Practical modules will also be completed outside of class by the students to support materials delivered in lecture and studio. | ||||
Group 3 | ||||
| LEVEL 3 | ||||
| DESG-7014 | Interior Design Studio 3 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a 'virtual studio' environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependant on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. This course will lead students through studio projects, individually and in teams, in response to discipline-specific criteria demanding behavioural, conceptual and contextual consideration with a focus on workplace and healthcare settings under 2500 square feet. | ||||
| DESG-7015 | Design Theory 2 | 3 | ||
| This course presents a continuing examination of the theoretical and philosophical approaches to design. This course examines the practice of interior design through a variety of critical and historical perspectives. Different modes of thought and manners of questioning will be used to debate issues which may include gender, ethics, diversity, materiality, technology and representation and changing typologies. This seminar provides practical training in the interaction with theory that is necessary for students in Interior Design. It will assist them in reading, understanding, and integrating theory into their own projects. Students will be encouraged to pursue individual areas of interest. Chosen readings will provide an overview of issues relating to the development from Modernism to Postmodernism. | ||||
| DESG-7016 | Interior Detailing 2 | 3 | ||
| This course expands on the materials investigated in DESG-7013 - Interior Detailing 1 to include assemblies and components such as glazing, concrete structures, floor and ceiling assemblies, doors, frames and hardware. Specification and documentation of selected materials and finishes will be interpreted and employed. The application of the Ontario Building Code will reviewed and applied. | ||||
| COMM-7014 | Design Communications 3 | 4 | ||
| This course is the third in a series of six applied learning courses, the completion of which will culminate in a full scope interior design project presentation. The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that students and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. Expanding on the techniques and software introduced in modules one and two, this course will focus on computer-generate drawings for two-dimensional work with emphasis on integration of design project presentation and documentation standards. Further development of advanced perspective and rendering techniques and their use in expression of conceptual ideas and images will be explored and practiced. The class sessions will be divided into specialties of the discipline such as manual drafting practices and drawing. Practical modules will also be completed outside of class by the students to support materials delivered in lecture and studio. | ||||
| MATS-7002 | Building Technology 1-Lighting | 3 | ||
| This course is the first in a series of lecture and exploratory based studies on the mechanical and electrical components of a built environment. This course will introduce students to sources of light, their properties, liabilities and appropriate uses. Alternative and unique sources of energy and lighting qualities will be investigated and assessed by the students. Students will analyze lighting systems and their appropriateness, as well as the viability of emerging technologies in lighting. Energy consumption guidelines and calculation will be demonstrated through case studies, including a student project from Interior Design Studio. The importance of lighting as a component of the interior design process will be emphasized. | ||||
Group 4 | ||||
| LEVEL 4 | ||||
| DESG-7017 | Design Studio 4 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a virtual studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependent on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Students will produce design solutions individually and in teams, in response to specific criteria demanding behavioural, conceptual and contextual consideration with a focus on commercial spaces under 3500 square feet, from the domains of retail and low-rise rural residential design. | ||||
| COMM-7015 | Design Communications 4 | 3 | ||
| This course is the fourth in a series of six applied learning courses, the completion of which will culminate in a full scope interior designed project presentation, The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that student and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. Expanding on the techniques and software introduced in the introductory modules, this course will focus on advanced computer-generated drawings for two-dimensional work and three-dimensional support with emphasis on integration of design project presentation and documentation standards. Graphics computer media for three-dimensional presentation of design projects will be implemented with integration of manual and computer generated work to support design studio projects. Modeling techniques and the use of graphics in the interior design field will be explored. Further development of advanced perspective and rendering techniques and their use in expression of conceptual ideas and images will be explored and practiced. Practical models will continue to be completed outside of class by the students to support materials delivered in lecture and studio. | ||||
| MATS-7006 | Building Tech 2-Mech & Safety | 2 | ||
| The second in a series of lecture and exploratory based studies on the mechanical and electrical components of a built environment, this course examines commercial building services including HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), plumbing, safety communications and security systems. Emphasis is placed on ecologically responsible choices. Way-finding and fire suppression and emergency systems will also be investigated. | ||||
| MATS-7007 | Design & Material Culture | 3 | ||
| This course will explore the cultural significance and purposes of the material culture of western civilizations up to the Enlightenment. Students will explore these periods through various critical strategies with the expectation of developing a critical facility in addition to an understanding of the evolution of design through history. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the many connections between the cultures themselves and the cultural production of architecture, interior design, painting, sculpture and furniture design. The course is organized as a matrix of the specific histories of ideas, spatial design, art, furniture, finishes and textiles across historical development in four chronological units: Ancient and Classical; Medieval; Renaissance; and Baroque. | ||||
Group 5 | ||||
| LEVEL 5 In addition to the following mandatory courses, please refer to the Non-Core Level 5 requirement below | ||||
| DESG-7019 | Interior Design Studio 5 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribe project scenarios are provided, but he direction of the class is dependent on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. In this course, students will manipulate processes studied in preceding studio and theory classes to produce sophisticated design solutions, individually and in teams, in response to specific criteria demanding behavioural, conceptual and contextual consideration with a focus on hospitality and healthcare spaces under 5000 square feet. | ||||
| DESG-7020 | Interior Detailing 3 | 3 | ||
| This course further explores the materials and components addressed in previous detailing classes with application and documentation of custom designed pieces such as millwork and furnishings. Construction details, schedules and specifications for commercial and residential projects will be documented in drafting labs. | ||||
| HIST-7012 | Contemporary Design-Origins & Issues | 3 | ||
| This course will explore the development of contemporary design approaches and issues from the Enlightenment to the 21st century. The many critical issues that have evolved during this time period will be analyzed and connected to the work of contemporary designers. Insights into the very real connections between students studio work and relevant historical design approaches will be encouraged. Students will become familiar with specific works of the many important and relevant designers who have advanced the fields of Interior Design, Architecture, and Furniture Design, as well as advancements in painting and sculpture. The course is organized as a matrix of the specific historical development in four chronological units: The Enlightenment; The 19th Century; The 20th Century; and Contemporary Design, 1990-Present. | ||||
| ENVR-7007 | Sustainable Practices 2 | 2 | ||
| This is the second of two courses investigating the issues and practices of sustainability and their relationship to the interior design and architecture practice. Students will collaborate and share accounts of successful adoption of sustainable practices in interior design studio courses, as well as current industry events or projects demonstrating leadership in sustainable practices. Students will further define specific issues in sustainable interior design including but not limited to: air pollution, urban sprawl, deforestation, environmental resource depletion, sick building syndrome, indoor air pollutants off-gassing and CO2 emissions, global warming with respect to reduction, minimization, and alternative solutions. Theo course incorporates the employment of sustainable practices to support the psychological and physiological well being of occupants of built environments through ecological accountability. Through class discussion, films, guest speakers and selected readings, students will explore the branding and images of sustainability, define objectives, determine systems and articulate cohesion of responsiveness, accountability and viability. | ||||
| COOP-1021 | Co-Op Educ. Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
| DESG-7018 | Case Studies in Design | 3 | ||
| Case Studies in Design provides students with a platform for discovery and application of principles and elements of design by published and award winning designers as well as local projects. Student will develop awareness of and will critically investigate contemporary trends, employment of accepted theories and bodies of knowledge and human responses using case studies of built environments for observation. Students will link theoretical issues across chronological, cultural, geographical, and socio-economic parameters. Case studies will be explored in a series of presentations, guest lectures, site visits and interviews. | ||||
Group 6 | ||||
| LEVEL 6 In addition to the following mandatory courses, please refer to the Non-Core Level 6 requirement below | ||||
| DESG-7021 | Interior Design Studio 6 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a virtual studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependant on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Modelling a project team from a commercial setting, students will engage in a full semester project in collaboration with cross discipline students within the college. The project will also require industry mentorship from a recognized professional in either interior design or architecture. Research, analysis, programming and preliminary planning for a major design project forms the bulk of this studio course. | ||||
| BUSI-7002 | Professional Practices 1 | 2 | ||
| This course introduces students to professional values, attitudes and traits with a focus on corporate structure and culture, ethics, standard forms of agreement, marketing and professionalism. Emphasis is placed on the project portfolio and written communication. Students will work in teams modeled on industry standards to explore project documentation from marketing services through to close-out in a series of case studies. | ||||
| COMM-7016 | Design Communications 5 | 3 | ||
| This course is the fifth in a series of six applied learning courses, the completion of which will culminate in a full scope interior design project presentation. The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that students and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. Expanding on the techniques and software introduced in a previous modules, this course will focus on advanced computer-generated drawings for two and three-dimensional presentations with emphasis on the integration of design project presentation and documentation standards. Graphics computer media for three-dimensional presentation of design projects will be implemented with integration of manual and computer generated work. As the studio project is a collaborative effort with students from other disciplines, utilization of digital media for online collaboration will be employed. The exploration of modeling techniques and the use of graphics in the interior design field will be continued from Design Communications 4. Students will employ various software packages including AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and other platforms in three dimensionally animating a design studio project. | ||||
| DESG-7022 | Interdisciplinary Design Practices | 3 | ||
| This course recognizes that the role of the interior designer is continually expanding and that the work undertaken is becoming increasingly sophisticated, transdisciplinary, and collaborative. It aims to foster thoughtful consideration of the built environment through sensory experiences and personal interpretations of spatial volume and built form. The course of study will provide an exploration of related disciplines that support and are supported by the interior design field. Students will undertake two major projects demonstrating the processes associated with collaborative projects and the intersection between emerging technologies and human experience. Project based learning and hands-on workshop experiences will explore materiality, technology, and fabrication techniques as well as their impact on design and construction. | ||||
Group 7 | ||||
| LEVEL 7 | ||||
| DESG-7023 | Interior Design Advanced Studio 1 | 4 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependent on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Students will be expected to utilize all theories and resources developed in preceding courses to produce an advanced space planning solutions and skilled problem solving. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative skills, research, critical analysis and incorporation of sustainable practices. | ||||
| EDUC-7005 | Interior Design Thesis-Research & Prog | 3 | ||
| Interior Design Thesis 1 provides students with the application of numerous facets of interior design research and investigation processes introduced in Research Methods. Opportunities will be created to allow students to explore quantitative and qualitative research as part of this course and to tie the knowledge obtained into their individual thesis projects in Interior Design Advanced Studio I and II. This course will support the students development of a thesis topic and breadth of project through exercises of self-reflection, critical awareness and analysis. By actively participating in projects, students will be able to understand the importance of interior design research and thus contribute to the interior design body of knowledge. Upon completion of this course, students will fulfill their developed and approved project proposals in an effective, viable and unique project solution in Advanced Studio 2. Students will seek and establish an industry mentor for support of their research and studio thesis project with the assistance of faculty. | ||||
| DESG-7024 | Interior Detailing 4 | 4 | ||
| The course covers advanced detailing, specification and scheduling of projects in support of design studio projects. Guest speakers, field studies in manufacturing facilities and investigation of emerging technologies affecting the scope of interior design will be examined. | ||||
| COMM-7024 | Design Communications 6 | 3 | ||
| This course is the final in a series of six applied learning courses, culminating in a best practices studio where students implement the manual, digital and software tools utilized in the previous courses. The multi-practice nature of the Design Communications series emphasizes that students and professionals must be proficient in all types of communication. All presentation aspects of the Design Studio Project will be analyzed, explored and styles defined and even exploited to uncover individual palettes of style, medium and expression. Works of respected artists, architects, designers and other innovative examples will be sourced and assessed for method and support of design ideas. | ||||
Group 8 | ||||
| LEVEL 8 | ||||
| DESG-7037 | Interior Design Advanced Studio 2 | 10 | ||
| Interior Design Studio is the core of the curriculum. It provides students with a virtual studio environment where industry practices and design theories are integrated into simulated projects. Collaboration, ideation, guided questioning and critical analysis using a recognized design process are emphasized at all levels of the studio. The studio learning environment provides a foundation for this practical experience. Short lectures on key design criteria of prescribed project scenarios are provided, but the direction of the class is dependant on the critical path defined by individual and team approaches. Synthesizing skills from all resources, practical and theoretical, developed throughout the program. Students will focus on development, refinement and presentation of a thesis project which will address all aspects of a non-residential or group use facility. This is an individual advanced strategy studio project requiring industry mentorship. Students will continue the relationship(s) established in Thesis 1. Students will work towards candidacy for thesis. | ||||
| MATS-7004 | Site Studies | 3 | ||
| This course will provide students with two distinct learning experiences. First, it will provide an opportunity to assess the use of design theory, methods, materials and practices employed by local designers and/or contractors in area projects. Students will visit a site at various stages of completion then present a synopsis of their research to peers using film, illustration and site documentation. Secondly, the students will have an opportunity to experience spatial quality and its manipulation, scale, presence, quality and relation to aid in research and site observation. | ||||
| BUSI-7003 | Professional Practices 2 | 2 | ||
| This course is a continuation of Professional Practices 1, with emphasis on project management and documentation. Portfolio management and personal/professional goal setting will be redefined as a follow up to the work placement experience. | ||||
| EDUC-7007 | Independent Study Project | 2 | ||
| Students will seek out an opportunity to work on a project of social merit that relates to their final thesis. Faculty will assist in coordination of new projects where necessary. Documentation of work will include communication with a client, a proposal, critical path, journal of experience and a presentation to peers and faculty. Appropriate ventures may include, but are not limited to: creating design projects that support vulnerable populations' needs, volunteer design services for a not-for-profit venue, workshops or teaching assistants in a high school programs or college linked to interior design or creating innovations that reinforce sustainable in history preservation and or product repurposing. | ||||
Group 9 | ||||
| Co-op Requirement Students Must Complete 1 Co-op Work Term | ||||
| COOP-BID1W | BID1 Co-op Work Term | 1 | ||
| Non-Core Courses | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory (Non-Core) Courses: The Minimum Cumulative GPA for Non-Core courses is 2.0 | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
| LEVEL 2 | ||||
| COMM-7018 | Professional Comm. in a Diverse World | 3 | ||
| This course teaches students the fundamentals of intercultural and diverse communication; topics examined include identity, ethics, and multiculturalism issues, and are studied in the form of case studies and thematic readings. Students learn how to craft effective communications (written, nonverbal and verbal) that are sensitive to issues involving geographic, cultural, gender and ability diversity. These issues are examined through the lens of professional communications. Assessments in this course encompass both written assignments and presentations (individual and group). | ||||
Group 2 | ||||
| LEVEL 5 | ||||
| METH-7011 | Research Methods 1 | 4 | ||
| The purpose of this course is to equip the students with a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and methodologies associated with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis and research design. The course will focus on the fundamental skills required to assess data generated and collected. It will provide a process for applying the basic steps required in sorting, organizing, summarizing and describing variables as well as testing and measuring different sorts of linkages and associations between and among variables. Additionally, the course will analyze experimental designs, which are most effectively utilized in confirmatory research studies where the subject under investigation is well formulated, a theoretical paradigm exists to guide the research and testable hypotheses can be developed. These designs attempt to establish casual relationships between interventions and outcomes. The course will also investigate and interpret surveys, which are research designs used to asses and quantify the predominance of problems and needs within the community or client populations/cohorts, utilization of patterns of service delivery and consumer satisfaction. Measurement, sampling and statistical techniques relevant to both surveys and experimental design will be addressed. In addition to covering ethical protocol in research, the course will investigate the interpretation of results, the writing up of findings and effective communication of data. | ||||
Group 3 | ||||
| LEVEL 6 | ||||
| METH-7012 | Research Methods 2-Statistics | 4 | ||
| This is an introductory course in statistics for degree students. Emphasis is on the application of statistical methods in design. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Students are introduced to multiple regression and time series as a significant application of statistics in design. | ||||
Group 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives. Take 6 General Education Elective Credits at the Introductory Level from two of the following subjects - Humanities (HUMA), Social Science (SOSC), Math (MATH), Science (PHYS), Global Culture (GBLC) - Normally taken in Levels 3 and 4 | ||||
Group 5 | ||||
| Take 9 General Education Elective Credits at the Upper Level (Non-Introductory) - Normally taken in Levels 5, 6, and 7 | ||||
Group 6 | ||||
| Take 6 General Education Elective Credits at either the Introductory or Upper Level - Normally taken in Levels 4 and 8 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students must complete a minimum of 39 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||