Is the accelerated diploma the same as the standard Interior Design diploma?

Yes. The accelerated program covers the exact same 1440 instructional hours and full curriculum as the standard Interior Design Diploma. The difference is the timeline — you complete it in 15 months instead of 33 months, with a more intensive weekly schedule and no summer break.

How many hours per week is the accelerated program?

The accelerated program runs 20–30 hours per week. This is more intensive than the standard program's 20 hours per week, which is how the same diploma is completed in significantly less time. Students should plan to fully commit to their studies during the program.

When does the next accelerated intake start?

The next intake for the Interior Design Accelerated program starts April 6, 2026, with an expected graduation date of June 18, 2027 — a full year earlier than the standard program's September 2026 intake.

Can I work while enrolled in the accelerated program?

Because the accelerated program is intensive at 20–30 hours per week, working full time alongside your studies is not recommended. Part-time or casual work may be manageable depending on your schedule, but students should prioritize their coursework to get the most out of the program.

What software will I learn in the Interior Design program?

Students learn industry-standard design software including AutoCAD, Revit, Vectorworks, SketchUp, and Lumion. You will also develop manual drafting and space planning skills alongside digital tools, preparing you for professional practice in BC and across Canada.

Can I continue my education after graduating from PDA?

Yes. PDA has a strong relationship with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Each year, Interior Design graduates are accepted into CIDA-accredited programs at KPU. Graduates are also eligible to write the NCIDQ exam after completing three years of full-time work experience.

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86%

EMPLOYED within
6 MONTHS

18

MAX CLASS SIZE

1991

ESTABLISHED

6

Full-time programs

What our Alumni say

Erika Carney
Interior Design 2024

"My time at Pacific Design Academy has allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people. From the caring staff and fellow students to the broader design community within Victoria."

Vanessa Lee
Graphic Media Design 2024

"I believe I will be able to apply the design skills I’ve learned at PDA effectively and create impactful designs. One of the best experiences I’ve had at PDA is witnessing my significant improvement over the past two years."

Maya Chapman
Fashion Design 2024

“Equipped with industry knowledge and practical skills, my instructors at PDA have given me so much insight into the world of fashion.”

Juan Carlo Cruis
Fashion Design 2024

“Studying Fashion Design at PDA has been a game-changer. The program’s fast-paced environment and the guidance of our incredible instructors have honed my skills and boosted my confidence.”

Emily Walton
Architectural Building Technology 2024

"The environment and opportunity for learning at PDA is amazing! Every instructor has an incredible knowledge base and experience in the workforce to prepare you for a career in design.”

Vanessa Valdez
Interior Design 2024

“Studying Interior Design at PDA has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, refining my skills under the guidance of dedicated instructors who foster creativity and innovation.”

Landon Johnston
Motion Picture Production 2023

"As a filmmaker, I’ve grown so much, just being absorbed in this program for the last year. I just feel night and day in comparison to when I started."

Chance Morrow
Graphic Media Design 2023

"During my time at PDA I feel like I grew quite a lot. Something about being creative and artistic, I goes hand-in-hand with self-reflection…how I want to be seen in the world.”

Elyse Petrie
Motion Picture Production 2023

The highlights have been learning about the film fundamentals of the industry from top to bottom, the help and support from my teachers and peers, being able to collaborate creatively with my peers and being able to create really fun/cool pieces of film work throughout the year

Creative
Collaboration

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Experienced
Faculty

Industry
Connections

PDA Student PortfolioWork

The PDA Student Portfolio is a living gallery of creativity in motion—featuring work from across all programs, from first drafts to final collections. These projects reflect our students’ evolving skills, bold ideas, and growing confidence as they take creative risks, solve real-world challenges, and build the kind of work that makes them—and us—proud.

Brianna Bridge

Jadah Grimm-O'Neil

Zoe Jensen

Zoe Pauls

Clare Talbot

Maya Chapman

Gabriel Javeri

Lucia Volker

Monet Pruce

Built for Bold Thinkers, Made for Real Careers

Industry Relevant

Programs are shaped by industry pros to ensure you're job-ready with current tools, practices, and expectations.

Small Class Sizes

Core classes are capped at 18, giving you direct access to instructors and a personalized learning experience.

Portfolio Driven

Build a standout portfolio through real-world projects that reflect the skills and creativity your field demands.

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85% of grads land jobs in 6 months. You'll gain the technical and soft skills to thrive in your creative career.

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Build Real Design Skills This Spring

Six full-time programs. One creative future.

Interior Design

Fashion Design

Graphic Media Design

Architectural Building Technology

Motion Picture Production

App & Web Development

86%

18

1991

6

Full Time Diploma Programs

Spring Design Classes

Design Skills & Technology Courses

Part Time Design Workshops

Summer Design Programs

What our Alumni say

"My time at Pacific Design Academy has allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people. From the caring staff and fellow students to the broader design community within Victoria."

"I believe I will be able to apply the design skills I’ve learned at PDA effectively and create impactful designs. One of the best experiences I’ve had at PDA is witnessing my significant improvement over the past two years."

“Equipped with industry knowledge and practical skills, my instructors at PDA have given me so much insight into the world of fashion.”

“Studying Fashion Design at PDA has been a game-changer. The program’s fast-paced environment and the guidance of our incredible instructors have honed my skills and boosted my confidence.”

"The environment and opportunity for learning at PDA is amazing! Every instructor has an incredible knowledge base and experience in the workforce to prepare you for a career in design.”

“Studying Interior Design at PDA has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, refining my skills under the guidance of dedicated instructors who foster creativity and innovation.”

"As a filmmaker, I’ve grown so much, just being absorbed in this program for the last year. I just feel night and day in comparison to when I started."

"During my time at PDA I feel like I grew quite a lot. Something about being creative and artistic, I goes hand-in-hand with self-reflection…how I want to be seen in the world.”

The highlights have been learning about the film fundamentals of the industry from top to bottom, the help and support from my teachers and peers, being able to collaborate creatively with my peers and being able to create really fun/cool pieces of film work throughout the year

Creative Collaboration

Small Class Sizes

Experienced Faculty

Industry Connections

PDA Student PortfolioWork

Brianna Bridge

Jadah Grimm-O'Neil

Zoe Jensen

Zoe Pauls

Clare Talbot

Maya Chapman

Gabriel Javeri

Lucia Volker

Monet Pruce

Built for Bold Thinkers, Made for Real Careers

Industry Relevant

Small Class Sizes

Portfolio Driven

Career Ready Skills

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Six full-time programs.
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Summer
Design Programs

Creative
Collaboration

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Class Sizes

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Industry
Connections