FAQ2011/12

Algonquin College Bachelor of Applied Arts - Interior Design program is one of the few interior design degrees offered in Canada, and is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Our students are taught to be creative strategic thinkers: an attribute that has resulted in a 93% employment rate.

SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND DESIGN

BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS

INTERIOR DESIGN

Program descriptionThe emphasis of Algonquin Colleges Interior Design 4-year degree program is on both traditional, professional interior design, as well as critical thinking and applied research. Students take part in a 14-week paid co-op work term in the summer following their third year of study, and are trained to become leaders in the rapidly evolving field of interior design. Upon graduation, students are eligible to become registered members of ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario), and are able to pursue postgraduate studies in interior design or allied fields.

The interior design profession is complex because it deals with three dimensional design solutions for the spaces in which we live and work. Designers create spaces which function for various groups and situations, are in conformity with relevant life-safety laws and Codes, and are aesthetically pleasing. Through a forward-thinking curriculum, specialization seminars, professional electives, and a focus on international interior design, students learn to be exceptional problem-solvers and professionals who can think clearly and effectively to create solutions that are nowhere near the box.

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A L G O N Q U I N I N T E R I O R D E S I G N FAQ 2011/2012

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is an interior designer?An interior designer is a person who designs the myriad of spaces which make up what we call the interior built environment. In essence, interior designers are part of a team who create all the built spaces which we inhabit and occupy in our lives. Other members of the team could include architects, lighting engineers, psychologists, structural engineers, landscape engineers, etc. Interior designers create spaces which func-tion appropriately, are in conformity with relevant life safety laws and which are aesthetically pleasing. You might think of it as interior architecture. It is a multi-faceted profession in which solutions are created from both a creative and technical perspective. Successful interior designers are problem solvers and creative thinkers.

What is the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer?The practice of interior design encompasses a much broader scope of reference and responsibility than that of an interior decorator. Interior decoration is the application of decorative finishes such as wallpaper, fabrics, furniture, etc. Interior decorators generally work in residential situations. By contrast, an interior designer is a professional who identifies, researches and creatively solves problems to interpret the function and quality of interior environment. A designer is responsible for performing services relative to interior spaces, including programming, design analysis, space planning and aesthetics, using specialized knowledge of interior construction, building codes, equipment, materials and furnishings. Designers are formally trained to prepare drawings and documents relative to the design of interior spaces in order to enhance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public (Source: NCIDQ website).

In Ontario, the title Interior Designer is protected under a provincial Titles Act. This means that it is illegal to call yourself an interior designer unless you have successfully completed your education at a recognized school, have passed a series of professional exams, and are a registered member of the Association of Inte-rior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).

What are the highlights of the program at Algonquin?Our program is focused on training students to become leaders within the interior design profession. Graduates are eligible to become registered members of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO). The BAA Interior Design program is a four year program of study which includes a strong critical thinking component and which is enhanced with a 14-week paid Co-op, a focus on international aspects of interior design and several areas of specialization within the field.

We offer students a strong design foundation in the first year of study followed by three years of study in specific design specialties such as corporate, healthcare, retail and hospitality design. At the end of your ed-ucation you will have a strong foundation in all aspects of design as well as an understanding of which area of specialization appeals to you specifically. Because we are an applied degree, we teach students technical skills as well as theory. As confirmed by principals of leading interior design firms, our graduates are ready to hit the ground running and are able to contribute in their place of employment immediately.

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Is the Interior Design program at Algonquin College accredited? The Council for Interior Design Accreditation only accredits those programs which have met rigorous stan-dards with regard to professional interior design education. More information about the Council can be found at: http://www.accredit-id.org/

Why should I come to a college rather than a university to complete a baccalaureate degree? Colleges have only recently been given ministerial Consent to offer baccalaureate degrees. In addition to offering a baccalaureate degree since 2004, we have been in the business of preparing highly qualified, employment-ready graduates for over 25 years. We know what training our industry expects and we have the faculty to deliver it. Some other specific reasons to complete a degree in interior design here include: Valuableco-opworkexperienceandhands-ontrainingaswellasastrongfoundationin theoretical knowledge. Adegreeinwhichboththeoryandapplicationistaughtenablinggraduatestogain immediate employment and rapidly advance in the interior design profession. A93%graduateemploymentrate*intheinteriordesignindustry.Smallclasssizeswith individual, hands-on attention to each and every student. A highly nurturing environment where faculty and students work together to gain knowledge. Extensivestudiolearningwithemphasisonunderstandingthefundamentalsofdesign. Afacultywhichconsistsofbothexpertsintheoryandresearchandpractitionersworkingin the field. Anextraordinaryteamoffull-timeandpart-timefacultywhoarereadytoworkwithstudents beyond the classroom structure to ensure their success. AhighlyactiveAdvisoryCommitteeofprofessionalsworkinginthefieldwhoareactively engaged in helping to educate our students.

Student growth and exploration in all areas of design is encouraged. We are a small program offering personalized attention to each student. Where would you get that at a university?

*Source:KeyPerformanceIndicators2011,AlgonquinCollege

Frequently Asked Questions continued

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For questions regarding the Bachelor of Applied ArtsInterior Design program (curriculum, transfer credits, portfolio requirements, etc.) contact: DanaTapak,Coordinator,BAA-IDProgram 613-727-4723ext.5761 tapakd@algonquincollege.com

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Portfolio RequirementsThe Purpose of a PortfolioThe portfolio submission is extremely important in terms of your overall assessment. The purpose of the portfolio is to provide a sampling of your best pieces of art/design demonstrating your conceptual, problem solving, technical skills and personality. Your portfolio will be reviewed and evaluated by Interior Design faculty and will allow us to determine your suitability for the education available within the Interior Design program.

Applicants are encouraged to incorporate evaluation feedback and resubmit their portfolios a second time should they initially fail to meet the programs requirements.

A) 10 to 15 examples of your own workChoose your best work that features your wide range of skills. Such as, but not limited to:

A L G O N Q U I N I N T E R I O R D E S I G N FAQ 2011/2012

PencilandinkdrawingsMultimediapresentationsSketchesofongoingworkshowingyour ideas, observations and imaginationAutoCADdrawingsTechnicalmanually-produced architectural drawingsPhotography(thisisphotographyasan art form rather than personal photos)Examplesofgraphicdesign3Dcompositions.(Anyworkwhichyouincludewhichis3-dimensionalinnature must be photographed)

What goes into an entrance Portfolio for this program? CandidatesapplyingtotheBAAInteriorDesignProgrammust include all of the following in their portfolio. This applies for digital and hard copy submissions:

A) 10 -15 examples of your own work (see below)B) Completed Home Test (see below)C) A short essay of 300 500 words ( see below)

Sample of portfolio case

hDescription of the piece

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A L G O N Q U I N I N T E R I O R D E S I G N FAQ 2011/2012

Portfolio Requirements continuedExamples of student work

B) The Home TestThe requirements for the Home Test are indicated below. It is comprised of two components. Your name, the date and the title of the piece must be printed on each submitted piece of work. Clearly identify the home test component when you are labeling and organizing your portfolio.

1.Asequenceorseriesofseparateelementsdepictingjourney*withsevenormorepointsofreflection.*Thejourneycouldbeanykindofjourney(e.g.narrative,imaginary,fictionalorliteral)

2. A hand sketch of an interior of a public space with a view depicting what is seen in both the foreground and the background of the space.

C) Essay InformationTheessayisalsoarequiredpartofyourportfoliopresentation.Itistobeapproximately300-500wordsthatdescribe your interest and knowledge of Interior Design as a profession. Introduce yourself and explain why youwishtobecomeaprofessionaldesignerandhowyouhavebeeninfluenced.

Includeanyarchitectural/designinfluences,books,designers/architects(ortheirwork),mentorswhohaveinfluencedyou,oranyinteriordesignprojectsthathaveinspiredyou.Youmightwanttoresearchon various interior design-related web sites such as ARIDO, IDC, CIDA or NCIDQ.

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NOTE:Ifsubmittedinperson,viaCanadaPostorviaprivatecourier, please label your portfolio BAA - Interior Design Portfolio on the outside of your submission. If submitted digitally, please label your disc BAA - Interior Design Portfolio and include your name, email address, telephone number, etc.Pleasenotethatthereisa$40.00fee(payablebychequeor money order to Algonquin College) to have your portfolio assessed. Candidates can only be considered for acceptance once all admission requirements have been met.

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How to present your workA well-organized, well-executed presentation is extremely important. It is your only method of communicating who you are to us. Your work can be presented in a standard portfolio case or submittedonlineasaPDF.ThesizeoftheportfoliocaseandthePDFsubmissionwilldependuponthesizeoftheworkbeingpresentedbutshouldbenolargerthan11x17.

Where do I send my Portfolio?IMPORTANT: It must be clearly labelled as follows: BAA Interior Design Program Portfolio Send your portfolio to: Algonquin College School of Media and Design 1385WoodroffeAveRoomN215 Ottawa,ONK2G1V8

Assessment of portfolios specific to the Interior Design program will commence weekly from February 1, 2012 until June 1, 2012. After June 1, 2012 portfolio assessments will continue monthly until the program reaches itsmaximum enrolment.

Be sure to organize your work into a cohesive presentation, labelling each item. This may be achieved by mounting all work on stiff cardboard (black, white or grey) and by organizing it by category (ink drawings, pencil drawings, etc.) You should also label your work and include a very brief description if you think it appropriate.

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Pleasenotethatthereisa$40feepayablebychequeormoneyorder,toAlgonquinCollegetohaveyourportfolio assessed. This applies to applicants only. Send your portfolio by courier or priority post together withfullidentification.Pleaserequestatrackingnumberfromyourserviceprovider.Youmayalsohandsubmit the portfolio in person. Candidates will only be considered for acceptance once all admission requirements have been met.

ApplicantswillbenefitfromourPortfolioWorkshopsandOpenHousesbyreceivingtipsonhowtoproducesuccessfulportfolios.CheckoutthewebsiteforOpenHouseandPortfolioWorkshopdates.

Applicants who are not accepted because of their portfolio will receive feedback on how to improve their presentation and work, and will be permitted to resubmit a second time for an additional fee.

To find out more about the Information Sessions, contact the School of Media and Design as follows: Telephone:613-727-4723ext.7563 Email: design@algonquincollege.com To view Information Session info sheet visit: http://www2.algonquincollege.com/mediaanddesign/files/2011/12/2012-Portfolio-Workshp-Info-Sheet.pdf

Bridging CoursesAlgonquin College is proud to offer a new opportunity for designers who wish to stay professionally com-petitive in the marketplace and/or are interested in pursuing graduate studies.

This opportunity is particularly important because beginning January 01, 2015, a four year bachelors degree will be the minimum standard of accreditation for both intern and registered membership categories within the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).

Ifyoualreadypossessa3-yearadvanceddiplomaininteriordesignandarelookingtoupgradeyourcurrentcredential to an applied degree, we now offer a series of bridging courses which will enable graduates with this diploma to upgrade to a baccalaureate credential in interior design. Successful completion of these entirely online courses will enable you to then enter the BAA Interior Design program with our Co-Op work term at the end of the third year of study.

The online bridging courses cover areas of the curriculum which are not normally part of a diploma program and include topics such as: history and theory of design, sustainable issues, critical thinking and academic writing, social responsibility and cultural diversity in design.

For detailed information about the bridging program please go to:http://www2.algonquincollege.com/mediaanddesign/bachelor-of-applied-arts-interior-design-page/bridg-ing-program/ or contact:DorothyStern,ProfessorBAAInteriorDesignProgram6137274723ext.5747orsternd@algonquincollege.com

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Other information

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