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.

Discover your creative future, take our career quiz now

Design Workshops
(Evenings)

Apply Now

next intake: October 20, 2026

Garment Construction & Pattern Drafting

Students will learn essential garment construction techniques alongside industry-standard pattern drafting through both flat and draped methods.
Throughout the course, students will develop foundational sewing and patternmaking skills, create personalized pattern blocks in their own size (including a skirt and bodice), and learn how to transform those blocks into original designs.
The course also explores common patternmaking challenges while building the technical precision needed to bring creative concepts to life.
By the end of the course, each student will have completed a sample book of sewing techniques and a set of custom basic pattern blocks, with the opportunity to work on a project of their choice if time permits.

Fashion Design students working in studio at Pacific Design Academy in Victoria BC

Fashion Design sewing industry sewing machine Garment Construction sewing skill patter making

What you'll learn
in this workshop

By the end of this course, students will have built a strong foundation in both flat and draped patternmaking techniques, as well as essential garment construction skills. Through hands-on practice, students will learn to draft, refine, and manipulate patterns with precision while developing the confidence to undertake personal sewing projects or pursue further studies in fashion design. The course ends in the creation of a custom garment that reflects each student’s individual design vision and technical growth.

Sewing Machine Basics

Know the parts of the sewing machine and their functions

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Wind a bobbin and thread the sewing machine correctly

Patternmaking Skills & Techniques

Use professional patternmaking terminology and core drafting techniques with confidence
Draft, fit, and modify basic blocks including bodices, skirts, sleeves, and dress variations
Create patterns using both flat drafting and draping methods
Apply seam allowances, labeling, blending, truing, and equalizing techniques
Ensure patterns are balanced, accurate, and production-ready
Troubleshoot common patternmaking challenges with practical solutions
Combine pattern blocks to develop original designs
Design and produce a custom garment using self-drafted pattern blocks

Fundamental Sewing Techniques

Get hands-on practice with:

Seams
Darts
Collars
Pockets
Waistbands
Zippers
Buttonholes
Ruffles
Pleats
…and more

Projects & Practice

Complete:

Two guided projects
One self-directed personal project

Course Delivery

In-person

Next Start Date

October 20, 2026

Class Time

6-8pm, Tues & Thurs

Course Length

6 weeks (Total 24 hours)

Tuition

$495 (CAD) tax incl.

Meet your
instructor

Jennifer Risk

Fashion Design Department Head

Jennifer Risk is a costume designer and maker with a background in opera, having worked at Opera Santa Barbara and Portland Opera. She holds a PhD in Geography and loves knitting, quilting, and fashion history.

Course
Information

Materials you will need

Dressmaker’s pins and a pin cushion
Gutermann polyester thread (4 spools)
Fabric scissors and paper scissors
Tailor’s chalk
Seam ripper and thread snips
Muslin fabric (light to medium weight, approximately 4 meters)
HB pencil
Three ring binder and plastic page protectors

Testimonials

I appreciate that we covered a lot of material and skills because I now feel like I have a basic understanding of many different techniques that I can use to move forward.
This class was very useful to me in becoming more skilled in making clothes and working with various equipment and materials.
Instructor listened carefully to what I wanted to learn and planned extra samples for me to do as I was finished the required samples. She was also great about giving her time to discuss sewing related subjects.
I loved this course! The hands-on work was fantastic, and as a hands-on learner, it really helped me grasp the concepts quickly.
The course was amazing, but I felt it was short! I wish we had more time to go deeper and cover even more material. I really enjoyed it and would love to continue learning.
Jennifer and Hillary were both very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining how to execute the tasks and offer useful tips specific to any challenges along the way.

Future Course Dates

Upcoming classes for 2027:

January 2027

Make time for your creativity.

Join our evening design workshops and gain hands-on experience in high-demand creative fields—without leaving your day job. Perfect for professionals, upskillers, and career changers.

Apply Now

REACH US

Connect with us

Quick links

NAVIGATE

Designated B.C. Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit & Shield Design mark is a certification mark owned by the Government of British Columbia and used under licence.

Explore

Drag

Design Workshops (Evenings)