Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
A rewarding creative career
Explore the intersection of beauty and function with a career as an interior designer. Make the world better by transforming the spaces where we live, work, play and heal. If you're a creative person with a mind for technical details, you'll thrive in the accredited Interior Design program at VIU.
In this program, you'll learn to design built environments that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. You explore design and nature, and you explore how to design culturally respectful spaces.
And no matter what your learning style is, you'll find the theory courses engaging and effective.
Why choose VIU's Interior Design degree?
The VIU Bachelor of Design in Interior design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design (CIDA). This accreditation body ensures educational excellence and alignment with the ever-changing nature of the profession of interior design. We offer the only CIDA-accredited interior design program on Vancouver Island, and we are one of only three accredited programs in British Columbia.
In the VIU Interior Design program, you prepare for a career as a designer who can meet the challenges of the future. You learn to:
- provide all-inclusive access
- create a sense of place and a positive emotional response to the built environment
- support social innovation and sustainable communities
- contribute to a circular economy
- support human health and well-being
Sign up to learn more
Learn the regenerative design approach
Regenerative design is an approach that goes beyond eco-friendly design. Eco-friendly design avoids harm to the natural world. Regenerative design is about creating spaces that heal the natural environment and co-exist with it, making the world a healthier place for all.
What can you do with an interior design degree?
Interior designers work in all areas of the built environment including residential, office, retail, hospitality and institutional settings.
- interior designer
- space planner
- furniture or material representative
- design consultant
- facilities manager
- furniture designer
- educator
- lighting specialist
Practical hands-on learning
We have strong community ties, and that means you get unique opportunities to get involved with community projects. And you have more opportunities for mentorship and support.
Studios and labs
Gain practical experience in design studios and labs working on real-world projects.
Field trips
Take part in field trips that expose you to various aspects of the interior design industry.
Internship
Complete a 120-hour internship between third and fourth year.
About the Bachelor of Interior Design
This full-time program is cohort-based. You take classes with the same group of peers, which makes group study and collaboration easier. The program integrates Indigenous and other cultural perspectives into your learning experience. And your instructors bring expertise in architecture, material-based design and more.
You will learn through hands-on experience combined with lectures, critiques and computer lab instruction. You do independent and collaborative projects and presentations, and a final major project. You will also complete the 120-hour internship between the third and fourth years, gaining valuable industry experience.
Gain design skills and more
You develop advanced interior design skills as well as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. Design skills include:
- sustainable approaches to design
- professional practice of interior design
- integrated team design and working in groups
- history of design
- interior design industry and the arts
You cover theory and technical topics. And you learn to work with industry-standard communication and design tools.
Theory and research topics
- design theory
- research
- historical design
- design precedent
- professional business of design
Technical topics
- building systems
- codes and regulations
- construction drawings
- detailing
- materials
- workshop fabrication skills
Communication and design tool topics
- visual and oral communication to present design ideas and solutions
- design specific software
- sketching
- drafting
- 2D and 3D visualization
- graphic layout and professional presentation
You will use all the knowledge and skills you've developed in the Design Studio working on interior design projects.
Courses and Concentrations
The Bachelor of Interior Design is a full-time program comprised of nine semesters organized as follows:
The first three years of study (six semesters) begin with a Fall semester (September through December) followed by Spring semester (January to April). The seventh semester is an internship term, scheduled in the summer between third and fourth year. The final two semesters revert to the standard Fall/Spring format.
In addition to the 96 specialized credits in Interior Design and 6 required credits in English, students must complete 21 elective credits, of which a minimum of 6 credits are from upper-level courses. Students must obtain a minimum "C" grade in each Interior Design course to graduate from the program.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTI 105 - (Applied Drafting I) | 3 |
| ARTI 107 - (CAD for Interior Designers) | 3 |
| ARTI 119 - (History of Art and Design II) | 3 |
| ARTI 128 - (Design Process) | 3 |
| ARTI 132 - (Interior Design Materials) | 3 |
| ARTI 134 - (Illustration and Communication I) | 3 |
| ARTI 195 - (Design Studio I) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| One general elective* | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTI 203 - (CAD for Interior Designers II) | 3 |
| ARTI 225 - (Building Codes and Specifications) | 3 |
| ARTI 251 - (Building Systems I) | 3 |
| ARTI 254 - (Illustration and Communication II) | 3 |
| ARTI 269 - (Research Methodology) | 3 |
| ARTI 285 - (Design Studio II) | 6 |
| ARTI 295 - (Design Studio III) | 6 |
| One general elective* | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTI 304 - (Interior Design Detailing I) | 3 |
| ARTI 307 - (CAD for Interior Designers III) | 3 |
| ARTI 340 - (Internship Preparation) | 3 |
| ARTI 351 - (Building Systems I) | 3 |
| ARTI 385 - (Design Studio IV) | 6 |
| ARTI 395 - (Design Studio V) | 6 |
| Two general electives* | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 3 - Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTI 350 - (Summer Internship/Seminar) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Year 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTI 405 - (Major Project Construction Documentation & Detailing) | 3 |
| ARTI 429 - (Professional Practice for Interior Designers) | 3 |
| ARTI 440 - (Major Project: Research Stage) | 6 |
| ARTI 442 - (Major Project Presentation) | 6 |
| ARTI 454 - (Professional Presentation Skills) | 3 |
| Three general electives* | 9 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Total Credits, Bachelor of Interior Design | 123 |
Note: Students are reminded of VIU’s breadth requirement as outlined in Policy 33.13.
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade for students enrolling in English 115.
- A minimum "C" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 11.
- Bachelor of Interior Design candidates must submit online the following:
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession;
- A resume;
- A portfolio demonstrating aptitude as described below:
- A minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
- 2 - 3 Original black and white drawings in a variety of media.
- 2 - 3 Original paintings or illustrations in a variety of media demonstrating the use of colour.
- And a variety of examples from the following to make up the balance:
- Original collages or mixed-media pieces exploring specific themes.
- Photographs, slides, and/or digital files of three-dimensional artwork such as installation, sculpture, and pottery.
- Traditional and digital photography utilized as a means of personal expression and/or communication.
- Graphic print work such as linocuts, woodcuts, silkscreens, etc.
- Photographs of mural art.
- Photographs or originals of various crafts such as quilting, stitchery, fashion design, or jewelry design.
- A minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
Notes on Admission
- Due to the nature of the contemporary work place, students should be familiar with fundamental computer skills such as word processing before considering an education in Interior Design, to ensure they can complete course work.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Admission to the Bachelor of Interior Design at the second and third year levels (Advanced Standing) may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institution and/or PLA. If you are seeking Advanced Standing and have further questions, please contact the Program Chair.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 2,700.00 |
| Cost for field trips per year (approximate costs) | 500.00 |
| Total | 9,150.74 |
* In Year 3 students have the option to take either a Summer Internship course (ARTI 350), or 3 Liberal Studies Abroad courses. Additional fees will apply.
Students must own a laptop computer suitable for running CAD software.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 2,700.00 |
| Cost for field trips per year (approximate costs) | 500.00 |
| Total | 28,531.94 |
* In Year 3 students have the option to take either a Summer Internship course (ARTI 350), or 3 Liberal Studies Abroad courses. Additional fees will apply.
Students must own a laptop computer suitable for running CAD software.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
September 2, 2025. The Bachelor of Interior Design has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Katarina Litva Email: Katarina.Litva@viu.ca
Comments:
Applicants seeking advanced standing into 2nd or 3rd year are to contact the Program Chair. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Chair Contact:
Name: Katarina Litva Email: Katarina.Litva@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Beyond the Interior Design degree
With a Bachelor of Interior Design, you can go on to graduate studies in areas like city planning, architecture, business and more.
Visit the department site
For more information about this program, visit the department site.