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The following is a list of institutions recognized by DDA in the decorating or design field of study. Contact them directly to obtain relevant course or program information. DDA does not recommend any one particular school. We encourage potential students to research the individual programs to ensure you choose the program that best suits your career goals within the interior decorating and design industries.

DDA Minimum Standards for Education Program Recognition

Canadian Programs 

1. A provincial government recognizes or accredits the program.
2. The federal government accepts a tax receipt for tuition paid in the program.
3. The program must be offered at a Canadian-based institution.
4. The program has: (a) a minimum 300 hours of in-class & field trip instruction (not including studio, practicum, project work); or (b) requires a minimum 6 months for completion of a program.
5. The program is offered on-line and/or through correspondence courses and meets the criterion of #4 (b). For this section it is understood that the program may not meet criteria #1 or #2.

Non-Canadian Programs

1. The program has: (a) a minimum of 300 hours of in-class & field trip instruction (not including studio, practicum, project work); or (b) requires a minimum 6 months for completion of a program.
2. The program is offered on-line and/or through correspondence courses and meets the criterion of #1 (b).
3. A “Credential Evaluation” is submitted with the application from World Education Services (https://www.wes.org/ca/) indicating the program meets the criteria of DDA’s Standard for recognition.

Other 

DDA also recognizes and accepts in respect of Canadian programs:

1. Graduates of old programs no longer in existence based on comparison to comparable current programs. The applicant will submit the list of courses and number of instruction hours of the program for approval.
2. Graduates of Interior Design 3yr diploma or 4yr degree programs.
3. Graduates of Specialty Programs provided that the foundation of the pre-requisite program is met.

Important Note: DDA Canada does not regulate the profession of Interior Design nor provide any ability for members to represent themselves as Interior Designers. The profession of Interior Design is regulated at the provincial level in Canada. More information can be found here.