What you will learn
Throughout the program, you will study theoretical concepts and learn to:
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Develop and interpret construction documents and drawings to industry standards
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Use CAD software such as AutoCad, Revit, and 3D modelling for technical drafting and modeling
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Fundamentals of space planning
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Selecting appropriate materials and finishes
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Research and apply various codes, standards, products and materials, and building systems used in design and construction
Upon successful completion of the Interior Design Technology program, students will be able to:
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Participate in all aspects of the design process
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Design solutions individually and as part of a team
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Produce professional documents and perform file management tasks
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Provide written and oral business communication that complements contract documents
Interior design technologists have excellent presentation and communication skills in order to present drawings and plans to clients, consultants, and management teams. Throughout the program, you will develop your word processing, visual presentation and business communication skills.
Career Outcomes
Job Opportunities
- Architect Assistant
- Engineer Assistant
- Interior Design Assistant
- Interior Design Technologist
Industries
- Building contractors
- Home design companies
- Building component manufacturers and suppliers
- Interior design firm
- Architectural firm
- Construction companies
- Millwork companies
- Product and material suppliers
Median Starting Salary
The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Interior Design Technology Diploma is $41,600.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Further education at NAIT
Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.
Further education at other institutions
Graduates can also further their education and earn a Bachelor in Interior Design by continuing at Mount Royal University in Calgary or Yorkville University online.
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
The following courses are available for PLAR credits in this program. Please select the specific course for more information on the required evidence.
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $550
Level 1 Term 2: $550
Level 2 Term 1: $700
Level 2 Term 2: $700
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
- 63% in each of:
- Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (Math 30-2 or Applied Math 30)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
Additional requirements & considerations
Post-admission requirements
Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.
- Computer Requirement - General
Students are required to have laptop computers for the duration of their studies at NAIT. This is referred to as BYOD (bring your own device). Exact laptop specifications will be provided to the students upon acceptance.
NAIT provides a wireless environment for all students to use. NAIT students can also utilize the virtual environment (VDI) to access coursework and program-related software both on and off campus.
Additional options
This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.
Learn more about Open Studies
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Aug 01, 2024
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
Pathway to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility and $10,000 Award
International students who complete the Interior Design Technology program and meet all GPA entrance requirements can transition into NAIT’s 2-year Bachelor of Technology in Management (BTech) degree program and recieve a $10,000 award to support your studies. Graduates of the BTech program are eligible to apply for a PGWP.
Learn about the BTech International Pathway
