I don’t know when I made up my mind on what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to design the hotels and restaurants that you see in magazines. In my search for schools that offered interior design programs, I found that Algonquin College was the only one that offered it as a Bachelor of Applied Arts. This really was an advantage because if you’re like me – hands on, technical, but still looking for theory – this is the place to be.

The yearly tuition is $6,000 as stated by the school, but what you will not find in the fine print is you will need to dish out roughly $300 a semester for books, supplies and printing. If you don't mind used books or supplies keep an eye on the notice board outside the office for students selling used books and supplies.

I started the program in 2006 and since then it has gone over a restructuring to benefit the students. In the span of four years – with each year being two semesters and a co-op between the third and forth – they will teach you everything you need to know to make it in the industry. Starting from basic drawing and drafting in year one, you will further build on these with knowledge in CAD and presentation drawings. On top of all this, every semester you’re given a design project to complete and by the end of your studies you will have experienced each sector of interior design to help you choose where you want to go after graduation. The program really prepares you for the workforce and all the teachers have or still work in the field, which I found is great as they know firsthand what is expected of you in your job.

In my year we have 25 -30 students per semester. Small classes mean more critique time which is essential. The class is broken into two sections which is great because you get to spend more time with the professors discussing and reviewing your projects as they will help you iron out any wrinkles that you have.

Students of the program have 24hr access to computer labs, a model making workshop and classrooms giving them the opportunity to take full advantage of the school’s faculties. The school also has a printing center, which is critical for those final projects. Everything you need is at your finger tips.

In your fourth year during the summer, you will get to use what you have learned and experienced in the field during a 16 week paid co-op. The schools co-op office will help you find work through an online co-op site, but be ready to search for yourself. The majority of posting they offer are government positions while others have no relevance to interior design. Begin emailing and selling yourself to firms you are interested in months in advance, as they fill their co-op positions early. During my co-op I worked with the RCMP and project management firm in charge of the new NHQ for the RCMP. While there I learned a great deal about the document side of design – from drawing reviews, to change requests – they kept me busy during my stay.

When you are ready for graduation, the program will have prepared you for everything you should expect in the field. All of the projects completed through the years should be at a level quality that you can showcase in your portfolio. If you are considering working in Ontario, you will need to become ARIDO certified. To do this you will need to become a paying ARIDO intern and log 3500 hrs of work before you can write your NCIDQ exams.

“Be prepared for all-nighters!” The students in years above you are not trying to scare you when they state this; they’re giving you a heads up. You will have to pull a few of these in your time here. And start your homework yesterday. Besides having a major design project to do throughout the course of the semester, you will have other work piled on top as well. It’s important not to fall behind as things move fast, so keep on top of the work.