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Interior Design Program (NTA.1K) A.C.S.
Learn how to create residential and commercial interior designs from scratch, using the latest software and digital tools. Express your creativity, develop the technical skills employers want, and get real work experience before you graduate.
This program leads to an Attestation of Collegial Studies (ACS) recognized by the Minister of Education and Higher Education of Quebec.
Herzing College Montreal is a post-secondary institution recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning (permit number 749758) and a secondary vocational studies institution (permit number 534501)
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
Many people confuse interior design with interior decoration. An interior designer does much more than decorate a space. They actually design spaces from scratch, based on the client’s needs, budget, and style preferences.
This process includes:
- Consulting with clients to develop a concept
- Creating technical drawings and blueprints for the new space
- Considering lighting, electrical systems, acoustics, and architectural details
- Selecting materials and finishes
- Selecting paint colours, furnishings, and accessories
- Ensuring the space is safe and meets any special accessibility requirements
- Overseeing builders to ensure designs are carried out correctly
Herzing College Interior Design Program
Herzing offers an accelerated Interior Design program, which fully prepares you for work in just 18 months. Training focuses on practical, hands-on design projects, combined with real work experience.
- 18-month diploma program
- 20 class hours per week
- Hands-on training in AutoCAD and Adobe design software
- 8-week internship
- Multiple program start-dates throughout the year
- Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify
- Career support to find your first interior design job
“Students really love the hands-on design projects, where it’s all about creativity. We do kitchens, bathrooms, homes, commercial spaces…each student discovers their own style and it’s really exciting.” (Matthew Salmaso, Instructor)
What Skills Will You Learn in The Interior Design Program?
Herzing’s Interior Design program teaches you to how to make safe, creative, and functional designs, using the latest AutoCAD design software.
In this program you will learn:
- Adobe Photoshop for manipulating images, and creating interior design presentations
- AutoCAD software for drafting professional interior designs and drawings
- 3D application software (such as SketchUp) to create 3D design models
- Principles of safe, functional space planning
- Colour theory
- How to select light fixtures and make a good lighting plan
- How to select materials and finishes
- How to select furnishings, textiles, and accessories
- Special design techniques for kitchens and bathrooms
- How to create complete residential and commercial designs from scratch
- How to present and “sell” your design ideas to clients
Find out what to expect in class: What’s it Like to Take Interior Design Training at Herzing College?
Career Outlook
There is steady demand for talented interior designers in Montreal. Herzing graduates have a range of career options, including working at:
- Interior design firms
- Architectural firms
- Retail establishments
- Construction companies
- Airlines
- Hotels
- Restaurant chains
- Your own interior design company (self-employed)
Areas of specialty and job options include:
- Kitchen design
- Office space planner
- Interior designer
- Retail space planner
- Interior design technician
- Interior design project manager
Who Hires our Interior Design Grads?
Graduates of our Interior Design program have been hired by:
- Delta Furniture
- Cuisine Royale
- Le Chateau
- Ruscio Studio
- IKEA
- Primo International
Study Topics
Study topics for the Interior Design program include interior design and decoration, color theory, space planning, AutoCAD software, textiles and materials, furniture and accessories, lighting, residential and commercial designs.
Click to see detailed course descriptions:
029A To analyze the job functionBefore joining session A, the students will take this introductory course. Students will be subject to create reports & presentations using MS Office products such as Word & PowerPoint. They will be introduced to certain career paths, social and historical influence, professional tasks and responsibilities in a safe environment. They will research and examine the field of interior design & decoration. Students will be provided with product catalogs in both hardcopy & electronically. Fields trips may be arranged for visits to manufactures/suppliers, exhibitions & retail stores.
029D To produce sketches.This course teaches students how to communicate design ideas through visual media. It will include drawing media, freehand sketching, interior perspective, shade and shadow, color, design graphics, rendering, presentation formats, and exposure to digital imaging. Freehand sketches will then be scanned and imported into Photoshop for editing.
00PG To process digital imagesAdobe PhotoShop is an industry-standard tool in graphics, animation, video, and new media production. Students learn how the program relates to the production of today’s interior design applications. Students develop basic image manipulation skills using Photoshop. Topics include the fundamentals of color management, scanning, photo retouching, imaging, special effects, and filters and masks. Skills acquires in Photoshop will be used to create presentation materials in the following courses.
029H To create a mood, using colorThis course will develop in the student a sense of the theories of color: its properties, psychology, and impact within a designed interior. The elements of light, space, harmony, and assimilation as they pertain to the use of color in design will be covered though lectures, in-class demonstrations and exercises. An understanding of the use of color in interior spaces will translate to the students’ own color application projects.
029C To develop ideas.029D To produce sketches.This course introduces fundamental concepts and methods for planning, organizing, and arranging spaces in the interior environment. Students examine space in terms of human needs, activities, and priorities and apply design processes to making the best functional and aesthetic use of space.
The course reinforces methods of graphic communication; to solve design problems through conceptualization, three-dimensional thinking and planning; and to teach the design elements and the functional requirements of various single-room spaces and axonometric drawing as a presentation technique. Topics include ergonomics, circulation, and dividing areas into functional zones when planning spaces.
029F To produce drawings using a computer-assisted drafting system.This course introduces basic computer-aided design and drafting skills and techniques within interior design applications. Emphasis is placed on the most common computer commands used in architectural drafting and design to draw, edit, manipulate layers, and create reusable drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use specific computer applications to complete drawings and plot/print.
029J To suggest finishes and materials for a projectTextiles are probably the most utilized elements in interior design installations because of their variety of applications. Students will examine the technical and visual qualities of fabric: its manufacture, weave, texture, color, and versatility, and will learn how textiles are used as wall coverings, window treatments, upholstery, and accessories.This course also covers soft and hard materials for flooring, walls, ceilings, and furnishings, as well as equipment, millwork, and cabinetry. Photoshop will be used throughout this course.
To specify the furniture, accessories and equipment for a project. This course introduces students to the design process as it applies to furniture, addressing furniture ergonomics, materials, construction techniques, manufacturing, and design. Students will research selected topics, and design seating, work/service pieces, and cabinetry. Emphasis will be placed on furniture precedents, research, design process, human factors, accessibility, detailing, documentation, and presentation techniques.
029F To produce drawings using a computer-assisted drafting system. This is an introductory course of Trimble’s 3D software SketchUp. In this course, students will learn to use the software to create 3D models. These tools will then be used in the rest of the semester allowing students to create computer renderings and walkthroughs of rooms in residential or non-residential projects.
029E To draw objects and spaces to scale029F To produce drawings using a computer-assisted drafting system.029L To use interior architectural and construction elements
The Architectural Drawing course will provide students with a broad knowledge about construction Building Codes of Quebec and Canada. The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with typical interior detailing for construction. The content will cover: detailing and standards of doors and windows, construction methods of straight and spiral stairs, custom cabinetry in kitchens or bathrooms, lighting plans, electrical legends, fixtures, specification of finishes and equipment. In addition, this course will familiarize students with fundamental theories of environmental systems and how they affect the interior design of residential and commercial spaces.
029M To design custom elements. This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of residential kitchens and bath designs. Issues such as space planning, ergonomics, plumbing basics and storage solutions will be addressed. Students will become familiar with plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinet options, and applications of materials and finishes. Professional practices such as specifications and documentation will be reviewed. Through projects and critiques of layouts, students learn to optimize kitchen and bathroom components and arrangements. 2D drafting and colour presentation techniques will be developed.
029Q To create lighting concepts. This course introduces lighting design for interior environments. Students explore human visual perception, properties of natural and artificial light, lighting devices and controls, energy issues, and visual communication of lighting designs.Students will learn to analyze interior lighting installations, calculate lighting levels for interiors, select appropriate light fixtures, and prepare a lighting plan based on one of their studio projects.
029F To produce drawings using a computer-assisted drafting system. The Perspective & Rendering course is to instruct the student in methods of graphic black and white and color presentation, including perspective drawings and renderings as a means of visual communication. This course builds on the 3D Application software for Interior Designers course and emphasizes more advanced illustration techniques. Students will prepare detailed perspective renderings to help sell their design proposals. Material renditions and shade and shadow techniques will also be acquired. Students will also add overall project layout and presentation techniques using the Trimble software Layout.
029L To use interior architectural and construction elements. This course includes principles of interior design for various residential design solutions. Emphasis is placed on visual presentation and selection of appropriate styles to meet specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to complete scaled floor plans, elevations, specifications, color schemes and fabrics, finishes and furniture selection.
029L To use interior architectural and construction elements029. To plan a layout for a commercial, industrial or public building.This course introduces commercial/contract design including retail, office, institutional, restaurant, and hospitality design. Emphasis is placed on ADA requirements, building codes and standards, space planning, and selection of appropriate materials for non-residential interiors. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and design introductory non-residential projects using graphic presentation concepts.
029G To interact with clients, resource-persons and colleagues Afterward, students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in school during their internship. Internships are 8 weeks in duration and take place within the industry. Students will reinforce design concepts learned in school; learn new technologies, learn time management, build a professional and positive attitude, learn to work independently as well as in a team and build rapport with colleagues and customers. Students will be expected to document their work and submit it for evaluation.
029N To create an interior design concept for a residence.029P To present a design project students will work on a 3D project in residential interior design. Students will be asked to work with a mandate provided by the instructor. The focus will be on space layouts of a space, furniture arrangements, accessories, materials, lighting, rendered perspectives and walkthroughs. This project will be part of the student portfolio.
029U To create an interior design concept for a commercial, industrial or public building029P To present a design project Students will work on a 3D project in Commercial interior design. Students will focus on space layouts of a space, furniture arrangements, accessories, materials, lighting, rendered perspectives and walkthrough for a commercial building. This project will be part of the student portfolio.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Quebec issued high school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of two consecutive terms OR One school year interruption from full-time studies OR Minimum of one year post-secondary education
- Pass a general admissions entrance test
- Meet any additional program specific entrance requirements
HERZING COLLEGE MONTREAL
1616 Boulevard Rene-Levesque Ouest
Montreal, QC
H3H 1P8
Phone: (514) 935-7494
Fax: (514) 933-6182
Email: mtl-info@herzing.ca
Overview
RELATED DESIGN PROGRAMS:
CAMPUS
INDUSTRY
Design
PROGRAM LENGTH
18 months (20 hours/week)
OR 24 months (12 hours/week)
Includes 8 week internship
LEARNING MODALITIES/
LANGUAGE
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
English and French
EXPLORE CAREERS
TRY OUR CAREER EXPLORATION KIT
Our online kit takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
2022 Overall Graduate Employment Rate
98% of available Herzing College Montreal graduates were employed in a related field.
*statistics based on most recent available
Your Next Steps
Ready to learn more the Interior Design diploma program? It’s easy to get started. It’s easy to get started. Choose from the following options:
- Fill out the form to ask questions via email
- Chat live with an Admissions Advisor to get your questions answered now
- Click Request Information to get your application started today!
- An Advisor will explain tuition costs, financial aid options, course schedules, start-dates, how to apply, and any other questions you have
Why Choose this Program?
- Accelerated 18-month program gets you to work faster
- Learn the practical design skills employers want
- Get real work experience with an intensive 8-week internship
- Learn from expert instructors with years of professional interior design experience
- Study in small classes where every student gets step-by-step support
- Do a wide range of design projects using AutoCAD and Adobe
- Develop a portfolio to showcase your skills
- Enjoy the Herzing Open Education Program (HOEP), which lets you take additional courses after you graduate, tuition-free!
- We have an amazing Career Development team, who helps create your resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for interior design jobs
- Herzing has a 55-year track record of successful career training