About PDA
The PDA Difference
We blend creativity, community, and career readiness to shape designers who make an impact—locally and globally. Learn what makes us unlike any other design school.
WHO WE ARE
Big Dreams.
Small Classes.
Pacific Design Academy (PDA) isn’t just a school—it’s a creative studio, supportive community, and launchpad for design careers. Located in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia, PDA is where aspiring creatives come to explore their potential, develop real-world skills, and grow through hands-on, industry-relevant learning.
Whether you're stepping into post-secondary education or transitioning into a new creative path, PDA offers an environment that values your vision, challenges your thinking, and helps you thrive in today’s design-driven world.
WHO WE ARE
Established
in 1991
Launch Your Creative Career at Pacific Design Academy (PDA)
At Pacific Design Academy (PDA) in Victoria, BC, we offer industry-driven diploma programs designed to prepare students for careers in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Media Design, App & Web development, Film Production, and Architectural Building Technology.
Our artistically inspired and technology-focused curriculum is continuously updated to reflect current industry trends. Courses are taught by experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge and hands-on expertise into every classroom.
With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a collaborative learning environment, PDA empowers students to develop the creative and technical skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive design and technology fields.
Paddy
the PDA Mascot
Say hello to Paddy, the official mascot of Pacific Design Academy! Representing the spirit of all PDA design disciplines, Paddy is a bold, curious, and wildly creative character who celebrates everything our students stand for: innovation, imagination, and hands-on learning.
Paddy was lovingly designed by PDA student Zoe Jensen as part of a student-led creative challenge. With his playful personality and vibrant style, Paddy proudly champions the PDA community—from first sketches to final showcases. Want to take Paddy home? PDA swag featuring Paddy is available now!
PDA in YYJ:
an urban campus like no other.
Pacific Design Academy is located in the heart of downtown Victoria—right across the street from the ocean and steps from the Inner Harbour. Our campus is more than a place to study—it’s a place to feel connected, inspired, and grounded. The sea breeze, city energy, and walkable surroundings offer a daily dose of perspective and possibility. Whether you’re grabbing coffee between classes or clearing your head with a seaside walk, the location becomes part of your creative rhythm.
Meet the
PDA Team
The Pacific Design Academy admin and faculty team is made up of passionate educators, creative professionals, and dedicated support staff who are committed to student success. With deep industry experience and a hands-on teaching approach, they foster a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity and career-building thrive.
Administration Team
As a career-focused design college, PDA’s admin team is committed to supporting every student’s journey with care, clarity, and a strong sense of community.
Isabel Yu
ADMINISTRATION
PDA Director
Kevin Zak
ADMINISTRATION
Academic Dean
Georgia Quiring
ADMINISTRATION
Academic Coordinator
Mary-Claire Ukah
ADMINISTRATION
Registrar and Communications
Bradley Wang
ADMINISTRATION
Equipment Manager
Lynne Risk
ADMINISTRATION
Creative Director
René Bravo
ADMINISTRATION
Facilities Coordinator
PDA Faculty
At PDA, our faculty are more than instructors—they’re practicing designers, dedicated to mentoring students through real-world projects and creative discovery.
Patel Vaibhav
DEPT HEAD & INSTRUCTOR
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design
Daniel Montecon
Assoc. dept head & INSTRUCTOR
Interior Design
Hala Qasqas
instructor
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design
Donna Downling
INSTRUCTOR
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Media Design
Luis Hernandez
INSTRUCTOR
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design
Paolo Narváez
INSTRUCTOR
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design
Ryan Morhart
instructor
Architectural Building Technology
Interior Design
Sam Punzalan
INSTRUCTOR
Architectural Building Technology
Alastair Chesson
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Derek Chapman
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Jennifer Longstaff
DEPT HEAD & INSTRUCTOR
App & Web Design (Dept Head)
Graphic Media Design
Lynne Risk
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Michael Ingram
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Nabil Nazri
INSTRUCTOR
App & Web Design
Graphic Media Design
Lindsay Stead
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Lucas Bell
INSTRUCTOR
Graphic Media Design
Jennifer Risk
DEPT HEAD & INSTRUCTOR
Fashion Design
Stephanie Mould
INSTRUCTOR
Fashion Design
Michael Osbourne
INSTRUCTOR
Fashion Design
Grace Reeves
INSTRUCTOR
Fashion Design
Jules Molloy
DEPT HEAD & INSTRUCTOR
Motion Picture Production
Matt Lussenburg
INSTRUCTOR
Motion Picture Production
Ryan Duan
INSTRUCTOR
Photography & Imaging
Ryan Enright
INSTRUCTOR
Photography & Imaging
Designation by PTIB
Pacific Design Academy is a Designated Learning Institution under the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the B.C. Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. This designation means our programs meet or exceed provincial quality standards for education, transparency, and student protection. It also ensures that PDA is authorized to enroll international students and offer student financial aid options to eligible domestic students.
