Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate

Program Overview

This Post-Diploma Certificate in Kitchen and Bath Design provides specialized skills and knowledge for individuals with interior design or architectural backgrounds. The program focuses on analytical planning, documenting, and designing functional and aesthetically pleasing residential kitchen and bath spaces. Graduates can pursue careers in residential design, cabinetry manufacturing, architectural millwork, product sales, and interior design firms.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a Post-Diploma Certificate in Kitchen and Bath Design. It is designed for individuals who have already completed a diploma or degree in interior decorating, interior design, architectural technology, or a related program. The program aims to provide learners with specialized skills and knowledge in the residential kitchen and bath design industry. The program's objectives include:

• Building analytical, planning, and documenting skills specific to the kitchen and bath design industry.
• Learning about trends and challenges emerging for kitchen and bath designers.
• Specializing abilities to analyze and respond to clients' needs by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.
• Learning to consider durability and the environment, while working within building codes and kitchen and bath industry design standards.
• Refining knowledge of technical and presentation documents.
• Increasing understanding of residential construction practices and industry-specific materials and products.

Outline:

The program is delivered over 3 terms and includes 10 courses and a mandatory work experience.

Term 1:

• CADD3601 - Computer Aided Drafting for Kitchen and Bath Design (3 credits): Learners use industry-standard kitchen and bath design software programs to specify and document design concepts.
Prerequisite: CADD3601.
• DESN3201 - Residential Kitchen Design (3 credits): 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.
They 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.
• DESN3202 - Residential Bath Design (3 credits): 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.
They 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.
• DESN3301 - Residential Kitchen and Bath Construction Methods (3 credits): 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.
• DESN3302 - Estimating Processes for Kitchen and Bath (3 credits): Learners practice estimating techniques and prepare itemized bills of quantities based upon kitchen and bath design specifications.
In addition, learners estimate contingency sums and provisional sums.

Term 2:

• CADD3602 - Advanced Computer Aided Drafting for Kitchen and Bath Design (3 credits): 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.
• DESN3303 - Residential Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems (3 credits): 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.
In addition, learners apply sequential coordination of the trades to address industry practices, specification standards, and installation methods.
• DESN3304 - Sustainable Materials and Finishes for Kitchen and Bath Design (3 credits): 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.
• DESN3401 - Professional Practice and Marketing for Kitchen and Bath Industry (3 credits): 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.
• DESN3998 - Kitchen and Bath Design Capstone (3 credits): 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:

• DESN3999 - Kitchen and Bath Design Field Placement (4 credits): 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)

Careers:

Graduates of this program can pursue careers in the following areas:

• Residential designers or builders
• Cabinet manufacturers
• Architectural mill work companies
• Product sales
• Manufacturer sales representative
• Interior design firms
• Interior drafting offices

Other:

Learners in this program will need a laptop computer with the following 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