Interior Design Technology is a two-year, full-time program that gives you the practical skills to plan, design, and build interior spaces for homes and businesses. You will learn how to balance aesthetics with structural requirements, building systems, and client needs. Working in both the Benchlands and Mercer Street campuses, you will use industry-standard software and materials to create detailed drawings, models, and project plans.
Career outcomes
- Interior designer
- Space planner
- Residential design consultant
- Commercial fit-up coordinator
- Furniture and fixtures specifier
- Visual merchandiser
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%
- Grade 11 or 12 Geometry or a Grade 12 Pre-Calculus or Foundations of Mathematics course
- Portfolio or design sketchbook (submitted after you apply)
Tuition
Domestic tuition is $4,110 per year for 2026–27, plus ancillary fees of $1,125 per year.
Courses
- ARCH 1650 Interior Space Planning
- ARCH 1950 Interior Materials and Finishes
- ARCH 2130 Advanced Interior Design
- ARCH 2280 Furniture and Fixtures
- ARCH 2440 Interior Project Management
- ARCH 2640 Specialized Interior Systems
- BLDG 1140 Interior Design Fundamentals
- BLDG 1270 Building Systems Overview
- BLDG 1570 Residential Interior Design
- BLDG 2190 Lighting Design Technology
- GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
- GNED 1820 Digital Information Literacy
- GNED 2510 Technical Report Writing
- MATH 2740 Statistics for Health Care
What you will learn
In this program, you will move beyond basic drawing to master the full design process. You will study how people interact with spaces, how light and colour affect mood, and how to select materials that are durable, sustainable, and safe. You will learn to read architectural blueprints, model spaces in three dimensions, and produce the technical documents that contractors need to build your vision. You will also learn how to manage a design project from the first client meeting to the final installation. Through hands-on studio work, you will gain proficiency in industry-standard software for drafting, rendering, and project management, ensuring you can hit the ground running in a professional office.
How the program runs
The Interior Design Technology program is delivered full-time over two years, four terms. You will spend time on both the Benchlands Campus and the Mercer Street Campus, taking advantage of the design studios in the Market Square Studios building downtown and the building technology labs in the Kingfisher Building on the main campus. Classes, studio work, and software labs are scheduled during the day, but you should plan for extra hours outside of class to work on projects. There is no co-op work term built into this program, but you will complete a capstone project that simulates a real client commission. You will also participate in guest lectures from local designers, site visits to active construction projects, and critiques where you present your work to industry professionals.
Admission
To join this program, you need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent qualification. You must have completed Grade 12 English at the college or university level with a final grade of at least 60%. We also look for a Grade 11 or 12 Geometry course, or a Grade 12 mathematics course. Because design is a visual field, we ask every applicant to submit a portfolio of sketches, photographs, or previous art projects after you submit your application. The admissions committee reviews these materials to see your creative potential and attention to detail. If you are 19 or older before classes start, you may apply as a mature student. International applicants must submit an English proficiency test score or equivalent documentation.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $4,110 per year. This covers your classes, studio access, and software licences. You will also pay ancillary fees of $1,125 per year, which support student services, the library, and campus facilities. International students pay $17,600 per year. We recommend budgeting an additional $800 to $1,200 for textbooks, printing, and physical model materials. If you need financial assistance, visit the Student Financial Aid page to learn about grants, loans, and work opportunities. You can also set up a monthly payment plan through the Pay your fees page.
After you graduate
Graduates of this program are ready to work immediately in residential design firms, commercial contracting offices, furniture retailers, and architectural practices. You will have the skills to help clients choose layouts, finishes, and furnishings that meet their budget and lifestyle. Many graduates go on to start their own design consultancies or transfer to a four-year applied bachelor's degree to broaden their qualifications. The program's focus on project management and building systems also makes you a strong candidate for roles in construction administration and facilities management.
How to apply
Applications for the September intake open through the provincial college application service. We accept applications on a rolling basis, but we strongly encourage you to apply by the equal consideration date of March 1, 2027, to secure a spot in the program. Once you apply, you will receive instructions on how to upload your portfolio through the myWrenford portal. For part-time or continuing education options, please visit our Continuing Education page. If you have questions about the application process, contact the Admissions office at 519-555-0171 or Admissions FAQ.