Overview
The Interior Design program at Cañada College celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of growth and achievement since its establishment in 1973.
Originally part of the Home Economics curriculum, the program became its own discipline
under the leadership of Dr. Genevieve Cory and quickly gained recognition as one of
the premier community college programs in the Bay Area and beyond.
Excellence in Education Award Recognition
NKBA 2025
The program has been awarded with the Excellence in Education Award by the NKBA, recognizing the outstanding quality and consistency of students’ submissions to the NKBA Student Design Competition.
Expanding Programs and Specializations
Over the years, the program has expanded to include certificates and degrees, as well as transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
Responding to industry demands, the program pioneered specialized certificates, beginning with the Kitchen and Bath Design program, which earned national accreditation through the NKBA—the first of its kind at a community college.
Additional specializations in commercial, lighting, sustainability, and home staging design have kept the program at the forefront of evolving industry needs.
Preparing Future Leaders in Design
For more than five decades, the department has prepared students for successful careers in interior design through a combination of academic excellence, professional development, and strong industry partnerships. Faculty members, who are practicing experts in their fields, have mentored hundreds of award-winning students who have gone on to become leaders in professional organizations such as NKBA, ASID, and IIDA.
The program also offers pathways to professional certifications including the IDEX exam for Certified Interior Designers in California and specialized exams for kitchen and bath design. With active student involvement, internships, and mentorship opportunities, the program continues to provide a strong foundation for future designers.
As it celebrates this milestone, Cañada College remains committed to cultivating knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative interior design professionals.
Career Opportunities for our Graduates
- Residential Designer
- Kitchen & Bath Designer
- Home Stager
- Space Planner
- Lighting Designer
- Color Consultant
- Project Manager in Interior or Architectural Firm
- Historic Preservation & Renovation
- Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner
- ...Transfer to a 4-year University
Student Experience
“I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a student in this department. The education that I have received here is second to none. I feel well equipped to enter the field of design and this is because of the faculty members. The patience that the faculty consistently shows to students of all abilities is remarkable. This culture of generosity is reflected in the student body. This department creates students who work together patiently, positively, and effectively.”
— Connie Bowie, Cañada College Interior Design Program alum
Affiliation Details
The Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate is officially affiliated with the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association). The AS degree and Interior Design Certificate of Achievement meet the minimum required qualifications for ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) allied membership. These, as well as the Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate, and the Interior Design Certificate, fulfill the educational requirement for the IDEX exam to become a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in California. Completion of the Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate prepares students for the AKBD (Associate Kitchen & Bath Design) exam, and along with sufficient work experience in the field, the CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) and the CBD (Certified Bath Designer) exams.
Students that have earned a bachelor's degree can see a counselor regarding courses
completed during the first two years of college that may be substituted for general
education and/or other related courses. All requests for the substitution of interior
design and related courses taken at other institutions for Cañada College course requirements
must be approved by the interior design department coordinator.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Communicate design concepts clearly and concisely (i.e. visual, oral, and written).
- Develop competitive industry standard skills in the respective fields.
- Understand the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.