Ever since I was little, I have always been interested in arts and crafts. I loved drawing, doodling, and crafting sculpture pieces. And at the same time, I loved meeting new people, trying new things, and making changes. So, through counseling, talking to friends and schools, I realized that Interior design was my thing. That’s when I began visiting school websites and attending university/college nights to find more information about this profession because, after all, “interior design” is still a fairly new profession in this world.
Choosing The RIGHT School…
Based on my research, to be eligible for the program, you are required to have completed the basic courses such as English, math, art and/or technology design, and if the school specifies, physics.
With that understanding, I arranged course selections based on that outline. But most importantly, having a portfolio was the key. Since I knew I had to create an amazing portfolio for schools to judge my technical and artistic skills, starting in Grade 10, I began taking a wide range of art classes and creating pieces during my spare time. (This way, when you get to Grade 12 for the interview, you can select your favorite 10 pieces or more to show).
In Grade 12, I had to pay a fee to apply to schools online, after that, it was all up to me. I selected Humber, Ryerson, OCAD, Georgian, and Algonquin as my choices since Interior design specific schools were limited. Once you are accepted you will receive a letter with the interview date. The process goes from typical portfolio interview to writing and drawing tests that you must complete.
Surprisingly, I was accepted to all of them. However, I was required to choose only one school. Therefore, based on my thoughts on the program, positive experience during the portfolio interview, seeing the surrounding green atmosphere, and of course, Humber’s awesome entrance scholarship opportunities if you average over 80%, I chose Humber College.
The thing that appealed to me the most about Humber was the fact that it is a CIDA accredited university degree program.
The thing that appealed to me the most about Humber was the fact that it is a CIDA accredited university degree program. It is important to know that it is accredited because when you are in the job field or want to pursue further studying, it shows that you have completed the required curriculum as recognized by the Interior design profession. This ensures that you receive all of the technical, theories and real world experiences. So it was like hitting two birds with one stone.
And I Thought High School Was Hard…
The program began with questioning what is concept, art, what is surrounding human society… It was new and difficult. I had my first all-nighter to finish up studio projects and other course assignments. And yes… other courses! Other than studio, there are courses called Liberal Arts & Science, electives that complement your major. These courses vary depending on your field such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc. I didn’t know if these courses had anything to do with my major, however as the years went, I noticed they helped me on an intellectual level.
After freshman year, we were taught how to think conceptually, working as a team, communicating through visuals and then to technical programs such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD 3D, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketch Up. Towards senior year, we focused on improving our presentation skills, developing portfolios and understanding the world of business. We were also able to work on inspiring larger scale projects such as the Uganda Salama Shield Project and Winery Project where we were able to learn valuable life lessons as we designed. Out of the four years, I must say 3rd year and the beginning of 4th year were the most intense and stressful times for me. By the end of 3rd year, many events happen. Starting with an oversea trip to rich cultured Italy, a summer co-op internship and preparing a thesis, it was a year where time management and serious organizational skills became necessary skills to survive the program.
Co-op is a remarkable opportunity for you to obtain work experiences while earning credits needed to graduate.
Co-op Opportunity/Internship?
How is co-op in this program? I would say it is a taste of the real world! You are expected to find your own co-op internship opportunies, but Humber has a great career networking system. In addition, professors may recommend you to their own professional connections. Therefore, getting a job position won’t be that difficult.
As for myself, I began applying for internships early winter break because co-op would officially start in the summer. I interviewed with several firms however, and ended up choosing to do my internship in a commercial/retail interior design firm located in the York region. I began from assisting with copying papers, printing documents and cleaning the sample library. By the middle of co-op term, I gained more responsibility; starting from general office reception work, doing real CAD planning, meeting with representatives, greeting clients, attending meetings…you name it! I wasn’t perfect on every job, but I tried my very best until the end of my term.
At the end, I had gained experience as a Junior Interior designer with knowledge of how a real design firm actually worked. Because of this, I would definitely recommend co-op for students who are worried or wondering what co-op can do for you. Co-op is a remarkable opportunity for you to obtain work experience while earning credits needed to graduate. That’s not all! You will be able to build up your network. So don’t be afraid. Get yourself out there and learn!
Love and Hate…
The program definitely has its pluses and minuses. The fact that it is a University/College Degree program means that students will be able to absorb right amount of technical skills with intellectual theories and philosophies behind them.
Plus, with skills developing over 4 years, students will be ready to utilize them when they are in the job field. It is not easy, especially when a program such as this holds a degree. Expect the unexpected. It will be hard to keep up at times, with projects one after another, but it is for your own good.
Money Money Money…O_o
Well…no surprise here. Design programs are famous for being very costly. So besides tuition, it will cost you around $1000-2000/year for starting materials, textbooks, printing and transportation costs. By 3rd year, based on your choice and financial standard, you might want to save money for the annual international trip that costs about $2000-2500.
Small but Big Environment Comes with Benefits
Typically, our program is taught in small class sizes. With this size, professors are able to guide us personally to discover our own style and students can have close interactions with their professors and fellow classmates. Another special space other than the classroom is…our creative sample room! It contains work stations, printing/copying area, and of course, our own lounge to chill. This place promotes networking and a comfortable working area so when you need to pull an all-nighter at school, you can always head to this lounge. Other than our program specifically, there are places to hang out such as the recently renovated Cafeteria, Informal Student meeting space in Concourse, or the Library.
I would say it’s more like an ‘archi-interior design program’.
Stepping Into the World of Design…
Because of this program, I found what I was capable of. I was able to gain technical knowledge, find my design style, and learn how to think conceptually. And I would say it’s more like an “archi-interior design program”. I would definitely recommend this program to those who are not afraid to test and upgrade their abilities. It is such a fun and intense training ground to prepare yourself before getting out into the real world.
Right now, I want to enjoy my vacation before looking for a job. Four years in Humber went by way too fast and I need to catch a breath before I take the next step into the world of design. I have looked and have been introduced to some job opportunities, so I will be looking into those once I get back from my vacation. For one or two years, I am hoping to work as a part or full-time Junior Interior Designer, but once I have some work experience, I plan on pursuing a master in architecture or design related field.
For a sneak peak of my online video portfolio, visit my youtube page!
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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thank you for the review! :)