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.

Design Skills & Technology Courses

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Next intake: April 07, 2026

History of Fashion

The design of fashion is deeply connected to and influenced by cultural, sociological, economic, political, and historical time periods. The first 7 weeks of this course is a broad overview of historical eras from ancient times through the Victorian era. The course focuses on the types of garments worn in a variety of specific time periods and the social and economic reasons that lead to the development of assorted styles. Homework will consist of weekly sketches in your sketchbook profiling the era covered in weekly class. The last 5 weeks will focus on Sustainable Eco Fashion. Students will develop a conceptual design of a garment using unconventional & reclaimed materials.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Successfully identify fashion silhouettes from specific eras.

Understand contributing factors to fashion design, including social, economic, and environmental situations which have contributed to the development of clothing throughout history.

Create unique design presentations inspired by historical references in fashion.

Relate current trends to fashion trends derived from cultural times throughout history.

Understand the concept of sustainable fashion as it applies to the future of fashion design.

Understand the importance of looking beyond single use of textiles & materials & to think outside the box when designing for the future.

Course Delivery

In-person

Next Start Date

April 07, 2026

Class Time

Tuesdays
3:00pm - 5:00pm

Course Length

12 weeks
(Total 24 hours)

Tuition

$500 (CAD) tax incl.

Meet your instructor

Jennifer Risk

INSTRUCTOR – Fashion Design

Jennifer Risk is a multi-faceted creative with experience in costume design, draping, pattern drafting, and garment construction. She worked with Opera Santa Barbara and Portland Opera before shifting to academia, earning an MA and PhD in social science geography. A fibre nerd at heart, she spends her free time knitting, quilting, and reading about fashion history.