CORE 4 INTERIOR
DESIGN DIPLOMA
Program Duration: 1 Year - 4 Months (56 Weeks/1120hrs)
Your Instructors: Nikki Renshaw, Hector Alvarez
Prices: Domestic $18,995.00
Prices: International $21,995.00
Start Dates: January, May, September.
Program Overview
The Interior Design Core 4 Diploma introduces students to the essential principles and practices of the interior design profession. This program establishes a strong base in both residential and commercial design, preparing students to move confidently into more advanced studies or begin exploring professional design pathways.
Throughout the diploma, students engage with key areas of the discipline, including spatial organization, lighting fundamentals, sustainability considerations, and design theory. They also develop technical proficiency through 2D and 3D visual communication, construction documentation, and an introduction to architectural millwork.
Under the guidance of instructors with industry experience, students learn through hands-on projects, creative exploration, and practical application. By the end of the program, graduates will have a solid academic and technical platform that supports further growth in the interior design field.
Develop Your Skill
Interior Design Foundations: Build a clear understanding of how form, colour, scale, and lighting work together to shape functional and inspiring interiors.
Space Planning & Layout Strategy: Learn to organize residential and commercial spaces that balance flow, purpose, and user comfort.
Materials, Finishes & Textiles: Explore how to select and specify surfaces, fabrics, and finishes that enhance style, durability, and sustainability.
Technical Drafting & Digital Visualization: Strengthen your ability to communicate ideas through hand-drafting, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3D visualization techniques used across the design industry.
Professional Presentation & Portfolio Readiness: Develop polished concept boards, technical drawings, and 3D renderings while assembling a career-ready portfolio that highlights your unique design strengths.
Career Paths
Graduates of the Core 4 Fashion Design Diploma can pursue careers as:
Interior Designer: Assist in creating design concepts, floor plans, and material selections for residential or commercial projects.
Home Staging: Help prepare homes for real estate listings using layout planning and styling techniques.
Retail Showroom or Product Specialist: Work with furnishings, finishes, or décor companies to guide clients in selecting materials and products.
Visual Merchandising: Contribute to store layout, display design, and branded environments.
CAD/Rendering Technician: Produce drawings, models, and visualizations for design studios or architectural firms.
Program Structure
See below for the timeline options available:
Program Timeline
Duration: 56 Weeks (20 hours/week: 8 hours lecture + 12 hours lab)
Modules:
TERM 1:
Introduction to Interior Design
Materials and Textiles
Drafting
AutoCAD 1
TERM 2:
Commercial Design (Retail)
Presentation Techniques
Lighting
SketchUp
TERM 3:
Commercial Design (Hospitality)
History of Interior Design and Architecture
AutoCAD 2
Building Systems and Building Codes
TERM 4:
Business of Interior Design
Commercial Design (Corporate)
Residential Design
Portfolio and Career Prep
Admission Requirements
High school diploma or mature student status (19+)
Admissions interview (in-person or via Skype)
Letter of Intent (250+ words outlining career goals)
English Proficiency (if applicable): IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 57+ or equivalent
Program Costs
In addition to tuition, the following fees apply:
Application Fee (Domestic): $250
Application Fee (International): $500
Assessment Fee: $100
Material Fee: Free
Textbooks: $2,236.44
Why Choose The Cut
Design Foundations: Establish a strong grounding in interior design principles, including colour theory, scale, proportion, and spatial organization, to create cohesive and purposeful environments.
Applied Studio Experience: Work through projects from initial concept to final presentation using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, supported by hands-on drafting and material exploration.
Professional Skill Development: Build confidence in real-world practices—project
management, budgeting, client communication, and documentation—while developing a refined, industry-ready portfolio.
Pathway to Advanced Studies: This diploma provides the foundational knowledge required for continued education in advanced interior design programs, offering a seamless transition for students pursuing further professional qualifications.
Industry-Ready Preparation: Explore the diverse sectors of interior design, from residential and commercial projects to retail, hospitality, staging, and product sourcing. Gain the skills needed to enter a wide range of design-related roles in a growing industry.
Ready to Apply? Contact our admissions team today!
Enroll now and get up to $5,000 in student scholarship, for the first six.
Meet your professors
Nikki Renshaw
Nikki started her design career in her native London, UK where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Central Saint Martin’s school of Art. After moving to Vancouver, BC, she enrolled in BCIT where she completed the Interior Design program, and has been teaching a variety of design courses at several institutions for the past decade. Nikki has extensive experience in television, where she hosted numerous shows back in London, as well as hosting a radio show for over a decade here in Vancouver. She is an expert in marketing as she has been running her own design company for many years and has a large social media presence with over 118,000 Instagram followers. She regularly contributes to design magazines on both sides of the globe and Elle France magazine included her Instagram account @englisheccentrichome in their feature on influencers to watch in 2024. Her work has been featured in Elle Canada, UK Cosmopolitan, Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and The Vancouver Sun as well as other publications. Currently, Nikki is the Program Director for the Costume, Global Fashion Marketing and Interior Design courses at the Cut, as well as running her design business and studying for a Master’s Degree at the Arts University of Bournemouth in the UK.
Hector Alvarez
Hector, a seasoned Architect hailing from Mexico, boasts over 18 years of experience in designing and constructing his own projects. In 2012, he and his family relocated to Florida, USA, where he pursued managerial roles in Healthcare Facilities across various cities in the state. By 2015, Hector had moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to further his education in Interior Design, earning a Bachelor of Applied Design in Interior Design from LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV). During his time at LCV, Hector consistently achieved Honour Roll status each quarter, won the Best Portfolio Award at the Portfolio Show, and was chosen as the Valedictorian of his class. A month before his graduation, Hector secured a position at Urban Design Group Architects Ltd., a prestigious Architectural and Interior Design Firm based in Vancouver with over 40 years of comprehensive Architectural practice. He is currently involved in numerous Multi-Residential and Commercial Projects, with the BCCS Flagship Store, featured in National News, standing out as a hallmark of his portfolio. Throughout his career, Hector has been committed to nurturing and developing new talent in the design industry. As a College Instructor, he teaches Software (AutoCAD, Sketchup), Design (Residential, Commercial), Senior Project, and Portfolio Development.
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Vancouver, BC V6J 1G5 - Tel: +1 (604) 736 0897
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This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The Cut Design Academy is designated with PTIB