Interior Decorating FAQ

If you're interested in decorating new homes and offices or redecorating existing ones, this may be the program for you. This program will teach you all of the skills you'll need to get your first job, whether it's in home decorating, the home furnishing industry, working in a retail home décor setting, or assisting designers. After a few years experience, you may decide to open your own decorating business. The certificate is the first year of the Interior Decorating Diploma. This means that graduates have the option of entering the workforce after their first year or continuing their education by completing the diploma. The diploma can be completed immediately or after gaining a few years of work experience.

What is the difference between Interior Decorators and Interior Designers?
The design profession requires Interior Designers to write exams and have seven years of combined education and experience to work in the field. You may work as an Interior Decorator when you complete your certificate and do not have to take additional exams.

Besides a certificate or diploma in Interior Decorating, what other skills will I need to be successful in this profession?
Creativity and strong interpersonal skills are the two most important skills you will need. In addition, your clients want to work with someone who is professional, listens carefully and can communicate well, both verbally and in writing.

Where do I study?
This program is taught at Bow Valley's downtown Calgary campus.

What is the expected growth in this industry?
As part of the retail salespersons occupational group, the expected growth in this field in Alberta is from 2.0 to 3.0% each year from 2006 to 2011. It is also forecasted that over 600 NEW positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

What can I expect for a salary range?
Salary varies with years of experience and the employer's salary scale. Currently Albertans working in the Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks occupational group earn from $12,400 to $140,600 a year. The average salary was $27,600 a year. (2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.)

Do I need to have a talent for drawing or special artistic ability?
Artistic ability or talent is helpful but not necessary for success. You do need to have a willingness to learn as drawing techniques and skills will be taught and practiced during your program.

Can I transfer any of these credits towards a degree?
Certificate courses are transferable to the Interior Decorating Diploma. The Diploma courses are transferable to Athabasca University. Please refer to the Alberta Transfer Guide at http://www.acat.gov.ab.ca, or for more information contact the Registrar's Office at (403) 410-1400.

How long will it take me to complete this program?
The Interior Decorating Certificate takes 36 weeks to complete. The Business Studies Diploma in Interior Decorating takes two years or four semesters to complete.

Will I need to complete a work experience component?
Those individuals pursuing the certificate option will have a compulsory four week work experience at the end of their program. The work experience component will provide you with the opportunity to put your skills to work in an area of special interest to you. Work experience officers will work with you in order to ensure a suitable work placement. If you complete the certificate program and then go into the diploma you can use your practicum as part of your second year electives.

Where is this program taught?
The program is taught at Bow Valley's downtown Calgary campus.