Description
Turn your passion for design into a rewarding career with our Interior
Decorating Certificate Program. You will develop the knowledge and skills
required by interior decorators and apply these to hands-on projects and during
practical experience in this creative and exciting industry. You will explore
design principles and processes when creating designs to enhance the
functionality, accessibility, and quality of interior spaces. To prepare you
for this collaborative environment, you will practice refining communication
skills and sales techniques to enhance your work with clients and industry
professionals.
As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to work-integrated learning, you will gain 270 hours of real-world experience, honing your skills alongside professionals and establishing industry connections that will help you reach your employment goals.
For more information, please contact Michelle Eskow at meskow@rrc.ca
Grade 12
Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
If you provide proof of enrolment at the time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter.
If you are
required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your
transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs)
for more information.
and
English Language Requirements (ELRs)
Have you successfully completed the equivalent of three years of full-time secondary (high school) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction? To view a list of ELR-exempt countries,click here.
If yes, you appear to meet English
language requirements. Submit your transcripts for verification purposes.
or
If no, you are required to submit proof
of meeting an English language requirements option. If you choose to complete an
English language assessment, review this program's approved
assessments and required levels.
or
If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but did not complete three years of high school, submit your transcripts for review.
Applicants
with related business experience will be considered, and an interview may be
required.
Mature Student Admission Requirements -
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at the time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.
1. Academic Requirements
Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2 (English Language Requirements) if required
| Location | Start Date | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame Campus | Aug 25, 2025 | Apply Now |
This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills necessary to produce 2D technical drawings using hand sketching and computer aided design (CAD) methods. Students will gain an understanding of construction drawing conventions, annotation methods, scaling, and the fundamental tools and techniques using Autodesk AutoCAD software. Furthermore, students will examine how to add and modify objects, text, dimensions, hatching, and blocks through the completion of moderately complex, two-dimensional working drawings using both imperial and metric units. This course is a prerequisite for detailing and drawing courses throughout the program.
Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
This foundational course focuses on essential communication skills for entering and advancing in industry. Students will develop skills for effective resumes, cover letters, and job interviews that are tailored to the specific needs of prospective employers. Additionally, students will enhance their interpersonal skills and digital fluency while applying speaking, writing, and collaboration techniques crucial for job searching, adapting to new roles, and achieving long-term career goals. Students will also develop strategies for continuous learning to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.
This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of interior decorators and designers. Students will explore the design process and how to plan, create, cost, and execute effective design solutions. Students will recognize that the role of the decorator is very collaborative and they are required to build relationships with both internal and external team members. Students will examine the elements and principles of interior design and how these contribute to the development of functional and esthetically pleasing spaces. Finally, students will discuss the importance of universal design, accessible design, and sustainability when preparing solutions for the diverse needs of clients.
Throughout this course, students will explore the various interior design styles and how to incorporate them into the decorating process. Students will study historical architecture and how the features connect with design and furniture styles to create balance and cohesion in an interior space. Students will compare common furniture types within the various furniture classifications to meet client preferences. Then they will evaluate furniture quality by looking at joinery, construction details, and the process for constructing upholstered furniture. Finally, students will be introduced to interior accessories and recognize how they can bring harmony and decorative appeal to a staged space.
In this course, students will explore the complexities when designing kitchen and bathroom layouts. They will use the elements and principles of design, the National Kitchen and Bath (NKBA) design and drafting guidelines, and the principles of Universal Design to layout efficient, usable spaces for the diverse needs of clients. Students will select the appropriate cabinetry, countertop, and backsplash material for these spaces. Students will practice drafting floor plans, elevations, mechanical and countertop plans to for these complex spaces to use when collaborating with the client and industry professionals.
In this course, students will explore the materials, finishes, and products available for designing indoor and outdoor spaces. Students will study the physical and acoustical properties, performance and maintenance, and visual characteristics of materials that contribute to the privacy needs and style preferences of the client. They will acknowledge the considerations to make when selecting finishes and materials for a given climate, budget and lifestyle. Students will calculate the costs of materials for a given surface and adapt as necessary to meet the client’s budget. Finally, students will recognize the importance of including green and sustainable materials when designing environmentally healthy spaces.
A skilled decorator can plan functional and welcoming spaces in various sizes of residential, semi-commercial and retail environments. In this course, students will summarize attributes of well-designed furniture arrangements and analyze lifestyle choices that require multi-functional, small spaces and home automation. Students will identify traffic and circulation patterns in public, private and work zones as they prepare layouts for a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces to meet client preferences. Students will explore the basics of selecting appropriate plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and appliances for residential spaces to make them both functional and appealing for the client.
In this course, students will explore software applications and technologies used within the decorating and design industry. They will research and practice using various software applications to create 3-dimensional (3D) interior and exterior spaces. Students will demonstrate their ability to manipulate digital drawings by adding and removing features and design finishes. They will also practice using virtual reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology to support the planning of spaces and creation of digital drawings for design projects. By the end of this course, students will be able to prepare a rendering to visually express a design concept based on client needs and preferences.
The Interior Decorating Field Placement is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the Interior Decorating Program to the local design industry. Students will job-shadow an experienced industry professional to observe their daily workflow, support existing projects, and network with other design professionals. There will be opportunities for feedback throughout the placement to ensure that the student has the best chance for success. The field placement is a structured opportunity for students to use the skills developed throughout the program to build confidence for the workplace.
This course develops the math and applied thinking skills needed for working effectively in the construction trades. Applying Building Thinking Classrooms Methodology, students will develop key problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills while learning arithmetic operations, ratio, proportions, percent, exponents, radicals, concepts in measurement, basic algebraic manipulations, and introductory trigonometry. This course focuses on construction related math problems in a dynamic environment that replicates the applied math and teamwork needs of the workplace and in further courses of professional program.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Students must complete their program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline.
A program GPA of 2.0 (60%) is required to graduate.