POSTED: August 29, 2005 by Alex R
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is not well known or well regarded in the industry - the first I heard of it was on this forum. As for a continuing Ed program it is not even on the radar in the Toronto GTA as far as being respected by the industry.
I would love to see what the course assignments consist of and the textbooks recommended - that would be an excellent gage as to overall programming. I will contact the person I know who took the program and see what the final projects and such were like. I know other design firms will not consider hiring anyone who did not attend a school that has course work approved by the Ministry of Education - and Ryerson and similar universities will not recognize Sheffield's program towards credits for their Interior Design Program. They will take College Programs however and put you into Second Year.
Still, I am a strong believer in hiring for natural talent not necessarily academics.. nor would I care as to whether or not my staff belonged to CDECA or simlilar - natural ability is far more useful! So don't underestimate the option of doing a Coop with a recognized professional - invaluable experience!
Hey! I checked into Success College over 5 years ago, but something about thier programturned me off. I can't remember if they were accredited by a governing body at that time. :rolleyes:
Thanks for the heads up re: Success though! I go in touch with them and they e-mailed me their info package, I'll take a good look at tonight.
Regarding Sheffield: Did you find the course in depth? Were your instructors knowledgeable and helpful? How long did you take to complete the course? Are you working in the design industry now? Is the Sheffield course well known by others in the industry? What did the course lack?
ANY info or comments would be appreciated! Thanks. :)
[QUOTE=DesignTime]
I live in Nova Scotia, and we do not have an ID programs, and (I've checked! Great minds think alike ;) ) there are no plans for any such programs. Moving and attending school full time is a financial impossibility for me. Oh, if money were no object. :rolleyes:
Actually, there is an Interior Design program in Nova Scotia.Success College offers it, and I know that its graduates are recognized by the Interior Design Association of NS.
Also, Sheffield grads can become members of CDECA. I learned a lot from Sheffield. And I know of two other member on here who are graduates of Sheffield, one who started up a business in BC and is doing very well.
who went the Sheffield route and have seen the work of a third. One individual is extremely talented but has not pursued a Decorating Business to date.
The other I met through a workroom and she was spending extra time "Re-learning or starting from scratch" anything and everything to do with window treatments, fabrics etc. She felt that learning formulas from a prescribed text was not sufficient and did nothing in regards to teaching her about how to run a business and insure profitability - especially with custom work. (Custom Work is often the basis of the business!). She agreed it was an ideal program for a hobbyist but because it is not situated locally with real people to talk to she had no way of bridging the gap between the theoretical concepts and practical implementations.
The third I saw by way of the internet - a portfolio of sorts... hardly suffices as a glowing recommendation for the end product of their program. However, I can also say the same for the Academy and Humber by way of the zillion interviews I had a few months ago for positions at my studio.
The best learning takes place by working in the business. My recommendation to anyone is to get yourself even a Coop position with a designer or decorator that you admire or would like to work with. I had a Coop Student work with me this summer and she is now being hired because of her work ethic and her natural abilities her schooling was secondary.
My Jr. Designer has no schooling whatsoever (okay she just finished her first course) and she's got more raw talent than all of the Academy students combined!! She started out as a client!!!
Red, thanks for the advice! Ensuring the credentials of those "marking" the assignments for Sheffield is a great idea.
I live in Nova Scotia, and we do not have an ID programs, and (I've checked! Great minds think alike ;) ) there are no plans for any such programs. Moving and attending school full time is a financial impossibility for me. Oh, if money were no object. :rolleyes:
Can you please elaborate on how Sheffield grads were not up to par? Maybe there are some areas I can proactively work on so I won't be in the same situation.
The Sheffield grads you worked with; are they still in the business?
Would you avoid working with a Sheffield grad again in the future?
Thanks again for all your insight; it is appreciated. :)
I would also ask for in writing the qualitifications of those who are supposedly teaching and marking the courses. For all you know it is not overseen by professionals currently working in the field and is administered by office staff.
I would also contact Colleges and such in your general vicinity to find out if correspondence programs are being considered or are offered. Colleges and universities have strict provincial guidelines to adhere to not to mention a board of governors to answer to. They are also subsidized by the provinces and will have strict guidelines to follow - this can not be said for Correspondence programs.
As for the cost - the Seneca program cost a few hundred dollars per course plus materials. It was very affordable - unlike say the Academy which will have you parting with $35,000 to become an ARIDO member.
I did not know about IDDP. Kind of the networking thing we are taking about.
I called and emailed CDECA and will let you all know what they say.
I know that some of the forum members here have or are taking Sheffield - I would love to hear their thoughts on this course.
I apologize for the typos in above post. :rolleyes:
I'm not sure if Sheffield grads can become memberrs of CDECA.
When I asked Sheffield about its grads belonging to organizations governing design in Canada, they replied:
"Once you graduate, you are eligible for full professional status with IDDp - International Interior Design & Decorating Professionals. The web site is iddp.org"
Hope that helps a bit! I also asked if they facilitate intern or placement opportunities for it's students, and they do not.
I lvie in an area where there are no ID (Interior Design) programs. Going to school for ID would require me to move out of province, and is not an option unless I somehow find my ever elusive money tree. ;)
I am considering taking the Sheffield course in ID and certainly recognize it's potential weaknesses. This is a field where one's ability to build relationships, and communicate effectively are as important as raw ability. I'm about to start a search to find a designer in my area that might allow me to work in a role similar to an that of an intern so I can gain practical experience.
I think it's wonderful that Canada has some excellent, well-respected design schools. However, if one of those schools is not in your geographic location (or not in your budget!) then you do what you can to obtain the training necessary to do the work you love.
Has anyone on this forum taken the Sheffield course? Positive experience or negative experience?
Anyone have suggestions on overcoming the barriers created by not attending a traditional ID program/school?
I'll look forward to hearing everyone's opinions. Thanks!
that is how i feel jeep....i want to take it for my own use...i think it would be really interesting...i did get as far as them sending me the info lol....all of us with taking that course we could help each other out when stuck lol
smiles
janetc
I would love to take some courses again too. I graduated almost 13yrs ago from a full-time 3yr course. There were no jobs back then and it was hard to start your own business right out of school. My how times have changed...decorating/design has never been so popular! I like to think of it as....... 'I'm always ahead of the times'! :cool:
if a bunch of us registered that would be our 'network'! It does look interesting.
I would love to look into this course not to go into buiness but for my own knowledge. I looked at their site and it seemed quite interesting.
have considered the Sheffield school (when finacially able) as that for me would be the only route and i have taken correspondence in the past and really enjoyed it, but again that may depend on the course....so i think if other alternatives cant be met...i would say go for it and good luck!
smiles
janetc
I am taking courses at Sheridan College in the design program on a continuing education basis and I can tell you how gratifying it is to have hands on teaching and learning going on. the classroom instruction is invaluable..i can't imagine trying to figure out drafting or spatial planning through correspondence!:hairpull:
isn't there any way you can squeeze one class a week in for now? the classes run usually 3-4 hours each. plus about the same in homework. good luck!
for your replies. I agree with you both about the netorking and interaction aspect of the in-class courses and have looked into taking the Seneca program, Unfortuneately, I can't afford the time to attend classes (even evening ones) & meet the assignment deadlines - my schedule is crazy now with 2 babies and a DH who works a lot of overtime. I am on mat leave right now and have to go back to work FT in the new year. Obviously I love decorating and have always wanted to learn more with hopes of getting into it part-time or just to better my own skills and help friends and family. That's why I am considering the correspondence route and thought that by joing CDEDA I can make those connections through networking with the other members.
I did leave a message for CDECA - they have not yet responded.
it was the 50th anniversary of the NHS and I designed the Master Suite for the Habitat for Humanity Dream Home - our house was eventually donated to a family in need! It was a great project to work on!
Which year did you do the Dream Home?
I worked on the project for the builder that did it a few years ago but DMG hired the designer, not us. -We approved her but then again there was no time to select anyone else even if we wanted to. We had Lynelle Madison. She was really nice and she did a great job in such a short time. It was fun to be a part of the process from inception to close. But I'm sure more fun for her!
I agree that this is a business built on networking with suppliers and trades. When you get a great team together, you are on your way. I also agree with Redheron regarding the personal relationships that are formed in learning groups ,as invaluable. You will have to learn to work with other people everyday.
The Seneca Program also afforded me the opportunity to design a room in one of the Dream Homes for the National Home Show and to display some of my work at several Design Shows - this was invaluable experience and a great bonus to the portfolio. I have also seen the work of and as a result hired someone from the Sheridan College program and I was beyond impressed by the level of detail associated with this program in particular - very very thorough.
I let my CDECA membership lapse years ago - they did very little for me in the way of developing my business. I am still using the contacts I received from several of my teachers while at Seneca - much more lasting effect, in my opinion!! Get to know your showrooms and your reps - this is invaluable to your future business!
will do the same as well.
I have worked with people who have done the Sheffileld Program and have felt after the fact that they were at a serious disadvantage not having the personal contact with teachers to critique their work and/or other students for collaborative efforts. Many colleges offer night programs - one night per week that is and hire working professionals to teach the courses. This was invaluable to me - their contacts alone were a helpful leg up when getting out there!! You will have a lot of homework!!!
Correspondence can be a great alternative for many programs, but I am very happy that I went the night school route!! My Jr. Design Associate has recently begun the same night program I took and I am fairly confident is much happier to have done so than the correspondence route!