Be ready to create spaces that inspire
Discover how to plan and design residential and commercial space, balancing practicality and creativity to choose your materials, colours and lighting applications. Dive into the history of design and learn technical drafting and detailing techniques using industry-standard software. You’ll develop your portfolio and presentation skills so by graduation you’ll be ready for a career in interior design.
Why should you study Interior Design Technology at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
The Interior Design Technology diploma will equip you with the skills to transform your ideas into functional and beautiful spaces designed around practical human use. Develop your skills in our design studios, which combine real-world commercial and residential projects with hands-on learning and take your ideas digital with courses in technical drafting, 3D modelling, digital drawing and rendering. You’ll learn from industry partners through a 120-hour practicum with an established company in the industry that will prepare you for your career.
120 hours
dedicated to an interior design practicum
2 student-designed homes
have been recognized with industry awards
72%
of our Interior Design Technology grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
Career Opportunities
Our diploma program in Interior Design Technology will prepare you to work with design teams in a wide variety of fields.
- Commercial designer
- Concept artist
- Draftsperson
- Interior design technologist
- Kitchen and bath designer
- Millwork designer
- Product sales representative
- Residential designer
- Space planner
2 diplomas
can be earned in just three years – graduates of the IDT program can earn a diploma in Architectural Animation Technology by completing one additional year
$67,555
the average annual salary of an interior designer working in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Interior Design Technology diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Architectural Animation Technology | Internal |
Ongoing
Architectural Animation TechnologyDual Diploma Option |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Interior Design Technology, who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all other competitive admission and selection requirements, are eligible for admission into NAIT's Bachelor of Technology. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management | Outgoing |
October 2021 - October 2026
Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Interior Design Technology diploma, who have a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher, complete one additional 3-credit university level accounting or business math course, and meet all other entrance criteria, are eligible for block transfer into Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Yorkville University | Bachelor of Interior Design | Outgoing |
July 2025 - June 2030
Bachelor of Interior DesignGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Interior Design Technology, who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and meet all other admission requirements, are eligible for admission into Yorkville University's Bachelor of Interior Design. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at Yorkville University for further information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| IDM-1158 | Representations I | 3 |
| IDM-1163 | Design History I | 3 |
| IDM-1170 | Colour and Lighting | 3 |
| IDM-1179 | Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| IDM-1190 | Digital Drafting | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| IDM-1159 | Representations II | 3 |
| IDM-1167 | Interior Detailing I | 3 |
| IDM-1173 | Design History II | 3 |
| IDM-1181 | Residential Design Studio | 3 |
| IDM-2255 | Materials and Finishes | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| Select 1 of the following: | 3 | |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | |
| IDM-1155 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| IDM-2267 | Interior Detailing II | 3 |
| IDM-2278 | Corporate Design Studio | 3 |
| IDM-2290 | Bldg Information Modeling | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| IDM-2275 | Digital Modelling and Animation | 3 |
| IDM-2276 | Professional Portfolio | 3 |
| IDM-2277 | Practicum | 3 |
| IDM-2279 | Global Design Trends | 3 |
| IDM-2287 | Hospitality Design Studio | 6 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. Lethbridge Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$4,230.00
|
$2,032.00
|
$3,050.00
|
| Year 2
|
$4,653.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$850.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$16,230.00
|
$2,032.00
|
$3,050.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,648.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$850.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
A personal computer, a tablet/iPad and a pencil bundle will be required to complete the Interior Design diploma program.
Email the Interior Design department for more information on specific costs.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
The Interior Design Technology program is available through the following delivery methods.
Hyflex – AAT, IDT Programs
All lectures for this program occur in a digital environment while labs are divided into face-to-face and online learning cohorts. Face-to-face labs are delivered through video conference to online learning cohorts.
Featured Graduates
Jeanine Taleon
“I’ve always loved floorplans and creating beautiful spaces, so I chose the Interior Design Technology program. My instructors are very supportive and passionate and I’ve learned a lot about the industry and actual work situations.”
Lina Wiebe
“It was an incredible honour to have my design be nominated for the BILD awards. The Emberly is the first home I have ever designed and having it come so far is a testament to the wonderful support Lethbridge College gives its students. It also reaffirms that I have made the right decision by returning to school to take Interior Design Technology.”
Hannah Adamson
"My passion for interior design started years ago. Thanks to the invaluable experience gained from the Interior Design Technology program, I've not only deepened my passion but also honed my skills in digital rendering, empowering me to assist clients with confidence and creativity every day."