Location
Start Dates

  • September 02, 2025
Duration

3Terms

Course Delivery

  • Face to Face - Synchronous
  • Online - Asynchronous
  • Online - Synchronous
  • Online - Synchronous - Asynchronous
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $8,926
International: CAD $20,738
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $1,870


Program Description

Build on your existing interior decorating, design, or architectural training and advance your career in the residential kitchen and bath design industry in this exciting new post-diploma program – the first of its kind in Alberta.

Learn about trends and challenges emerging for kitchen and bath designers. Specialize your abilities to analyze and respond to clients' needs by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing design solutions. Learn to consider durability and the environment, while working within building codes and kitchen and bath industry design standards. Refine your knowledge of technical and presentation documents. Increase your understanding of residential construction practices and industry specific materials and products.

Accelerate your career by adding a Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate to your credentials. Because you know the way to stand out is to be ahead of the crowd.

Learners in this program will need a laptop computer
Laptop specifications
  • Intel quad core CPU (i5 or i7)
  • 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
  • a 13 inch 1080p screen (15 inches recommended)
  • a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA or equivalent)
  • a 256GB solid state hard drive (512GB recommended)
  • a portable hard drive (for data backup)
  • Windows 10
  • 64-bit

You can find additional information about the program's technology requirements here

 

 

Related Links


Course Listings Request More Information Applying FAQ
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Admission Requirements

Academic requirements
  • Completion of a diploma or degree in interior decorating, interior design, architectural technology, or a related program by departmental approval
  • Education and work experience equivalencies will be considered on a case by case basis
English language proficiency requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Equivalency Assessment

You will receive an email requesting a portfolio submission after educational and English language requirements are reviewed and approved. The portfolio will include the following:  

Portfolio Submission

The portfolio must be personally produced, extremely well organized, and demonstrate artistic style and ingenuity. The portfolio must be in digital format (PDF or JPEG). Please include a cover letter.
Applicants should not submit hard copies and or original works.   
To be assessed, portfolios require:

  • A CV/résumé
  • Portfolio of work
  • Letter of Intent

CV/résumé
Highlight related personal and professional experience. Include details of experience with any or all of the following:

  • AutoCAD, Sketch-up, 20/20, Chief Architect, Revit, BIM or other drafting software
  • Hand drafting techniques, site measure experience, drawing to scale 
  • Product sales or estimating knowledge in residential construction materials, finishes or furniture
  • Residential renovation or construction experience 
  • Cabinetry sales or construction knowledge
  • Residential mechanical, plumbing, electrical product, and/or installation experience

Portfolio of work

Portfolio should showcase skills such as: space planning, drafting, working with scaled drawings, reading blueprints, working with materials and finishes, visual communication skills:

  • Evidence of personal or professional designing/decorating/drafting and artistic capability 
  • Label all work with name, date when work was executed, media used, original size, and a summary of the project/assignment
  • Good quality digital images are acceptable and desired

Letter of Intent

In 250 - 500 words indicate your motivation for taking this program and how the program relates to your personal, educational, and career goals.

 

Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Employment Rate

100%


Training Related Employment Rate

100%


Based on Bow Valley College's Graduate Outcome Survey 2024.

Course Listing


Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change. 

*Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change. Current students should confirm program requirements with their academic advisor.

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

In this course, learners use industry standard kitchen and bath design software programs to specify and document design concepts. Learners prepare technical drawings that define the scope of work, construction methods, and specifications for new and renovated kitchens and baths including plans, elevations, sections, details, and three dimensional drawings for project specifications and client presentations.
Prerequisite: CADD3601

In this course, learners define the scope of a residential kitchen project, design a functional and code compliant kitchen space, and specify equipment, fixtures, and cabinetry for that space. During their project work, learners apply the elements and principles of design, design philosophies, and aesthetics in the design of a functional, residential kitchen space that meets industry standards and client needs. The design process, the decision making process, and access standards underpin all course activities.

In this course, learners define the scope of a residential bath project, design a functional and code compliant bath space, and specify equipment, fixtures, and cabinetry for that space. During their project work, learners apply the elements and principles of design, design philosophies, and aesthetics in the design of a functional, residential bath space that meets industry standards and client needs. The design process, the decision making process, and access standards underpin all course activities.

This course addresses construction methods for residential building systems and the building code for kitchen and bath projects. Focus falls on the integration and specification of proprietary elements and fixtures for cabinetry as well as the relationship between materials and surface finishes during construction and assembly. Learners delve into site evaluation and communication methods, documentation standards, and industry installation procedures.

In this course, learners practice estimating techniques and prepare itemized bills of quantities based upon kitchen and bath design specifications. In the kitchen and bath workplace, focus falls on the preparation of comprehensive lists of material quantities together with cost estimates for construction materials, design components, equipment, and fixtures, and estimated labour costs for construction, installation and alterations. In addition, learners estimate contingency sums and provisional sums.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

Learners advance their study and practice of two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer aided drafting conventions using industry standard software. Techniques to develop a comprehensive set of kitchen and bath design construction drawings and three-dimensional renderings are applied.
Prerequisite: CADD3601

This course examines the design and evaluation of new and existing building systems, including the study of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) as well as plumbing and electrical requirements. Learners follow regulatory codes for plumbing, power, and lighting components. In addition, learners apply sequential coordination of the trades to address industry practices, specification standards, and installation methods.

Learners identify sustainable issues relating to kitchen and bath design including the efficient use of energy and water. Materials, finishes, and equipment such as plumbing, cabinetry, hardware, appliances, shower inserts, baths, sinks, and basins are evaluated for sustainability.

This course explores the importance of organizing and managing a professional Kitchen and Bathroom Design practice and provides learners with the information required to successfully and efficiently run a design business as well as a design project from conception to completion. It covers project and financial management procedures together with the theories and strategies underpinning the development of client relations and the management of client expectations. It explores the significance of goal and decision-making process, time management and timekeeping skills, service and ethics in professional practice. Learners analyze marketing techniques, explore industry trends as well as evaluate sales forecasting and current economic conditions.

In this course, learners create functional, spatial solutions for kitchens and baths to meet a variety of design criteria and project scopes. During the development of these design solutions from concept to
documentation, learners necessarily address project elements like design access standards, sustainable applications, and regulatory codes.

Pre-requisites: CADD3601, DESN3201, DESN3202, DESN3301, DESN3302
Co-requisites: CADD3602, DESN3303, DESN3304, DESN3401

Term 3

Work ExperienceFour weeks/160hours

This course provides learners with professional work experience during which they apply the practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes fostered by the kitchen and bath program. In consultation with a faculty advisor, each learner conducts a job search and secures a work experience placement. During the placement, learners record and document their experience and professional development as well as develop both personal and career goals.

Prerequisites: CADD3601, DESN3201, DESN3202, DESN3301, DESN3302 (can be a co- or prerequisite), DESN3303, CADD3602, DESN3304, DESN3401, DESN3998 (can be a co- or prerequisite)

Program FAQs

Learners in this program will need a laptop computer.

Laptop specifications

  • Intel quad core CPU (i5 or i7)
  • 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
  • 13 inch 1080p screen (15 inches recommended)
  • A dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA or equivalent)
  • 256GB solid state hard drive (512GB recommended)
  • a portable hard drive (for data backup)
  • Windows 10
  • 64-bit

You can find additional information on the program's technology requirements here.

The program is completed over 3 terms. There are 10 courses and a mandatory work experience to be completed before graduation. 

Kitchen and bath designers do the following:

  • Work with computers, photocopiers, faxes, and other office equipment
  • Work with clients to analyze needs and goals to create a safe environment
  • Formulate preliminary design concepts
  • Develop and present final design recommendations to clients or supervisors
  • Manage outgoing and incoming communications with clients and industry professionals
  • Filing; assembling binders
  • Prepare working drawings and specifications
  • Prepare and administer bids
  • Internet research
  • Shop for products and materials for projects
  • Collaborate with tradespeople and suppliers
  • Review and evaluate design solutions from implementation to completion of a project
  • Measure site for projects 
Kitchen and bath designers work in the following workplaces or industries:
  • Residential designers or builders
  • Cabinet manufacturers
  • Architectural mill work companies
  • Product sales
  • Manufacturer sales representative
  • Interior design firms
  • Interior drafting offices 

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