Student Experience

What to Expect

Program Philosophy
Operating within the framework of a community college, the philosophy of the program is to provide students with the most comprehensive, responsible and enriched education possible, both in terms of a professional and liberal arts education. Additionally, our philosophy is to educate our students to seek a broad worldview, considering cultural diversity, quality of life and sustainability as the foundations for socially responsible design.

Program Mission
The mission is to begin the process of responsible life-long learning for interior design graduates. Students benefit from a highly relevant, multi-disciplinary curriculum which remains focused upon design research, technological advances, and human-centered design practice within the framework of global citizenship, a respect for cultural and social diversity, and a respect for the natural environment.

Program Goals
The program goals are to educate graduates who are competent designers able to work within the legal and ethical guidelines governing interior design practice and who are able to proficiently design environments which are consistent with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, our goal is to graduate designers who are able to think critically and creatively, be effective collaborators, and provide leadership on interdisciplinary and multi-cultural teams across cultural, social, political and geographical contexts.

Student Success & Testimonials

“I had a job one week after graduation. The faculty did an excellent job preparing us for our career. It was definitely an education of a lifetime.”

-Amanda, Interior Design graduate

The interior design profession is complex — it deals with three dimensional designs of spaces in which we live and work.

Designers must create spaces which function for various groups and situations, are in conformity with relevant life-safety laws, and are aesthetically pleasing.

You could become part of a team which creates the built spaces which we inhabit. Other members of the team may include architects, engineers, psychologists, trades people and landscape architects.

Through future-oriented courses, specialized seminars, professional electives, and a focus on international interior design, you can prosper in a profession in which solutions are created from creative and technical perspectives.

Work-Integrated Learning

It’s about getting exposed to real-world challenges in your profession.

A central aspect of the program offers you the opportunity to engage in ten hours of volunteer public service each semester.

This volunteerism is comprised of two streams. The first design stream (five hours) is carried out within the Bachelor of Interior Design program, Algonquin College, and the interior design industry.

The second community stream [five hours] helps you get involved with the broader community. For instance, recently, students took part in activities with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Glebe Long Term Care Facility, Canadian Blood Services, Algonquin College’s Sustainability Committee, Doors Open Ottawa, Relay for Life, and Perth Works.

“The knowledge gained within the halls of Algonquin has carried me from Ottawa, across the pond, to a great position in a London-based design firm. Because of the strong foundation of skills I acquired through this program I am now being sought by more than one firm.”
– Matthew, Interior Design graduate

“The Interior Design program is great because it offers a bridging program to accommodate people who already have a diploma in the field but want to obtain a degree.”
– Allessandra

Student Work

See the work that was done by our 2020 Seniors.