Interior architecture in Australia and Canada, Part Two: A comparative study of the development of University Education for Interior Designers/Architects

Abstract

This paper is the second in a series of comparative studies between education and practice in Interior Design/Interior Architecture between Canada and Australia. This paper discusses the similarities in the educational structure at universities within Australia and between Australia and Canada causing concern as we find ourselves in a global competitive market place. It is paramount that interior design education directs industry, and not be dictated by short-term industry demands. For this to occur, national educational bodies need to examine their existing programs in respect to one another, develop a distinctive approach in what they teach, and develop better communications with industry in order to ensure the sharing of valuable knowledge gained through project work. This paper is written to provide an anecdotal overview of the professional education in these two countries over the past twenty years. It is acknowledged that this is by no means an exhaustive piece of research of this period, but rather an overview and starting point for more in-depth research.The first paper established the professions' history as a base, comparing parallels and differences for the purpose of gaining an insight into the development of the profession. It is hoped that from this series discussions will follow on the future directions in both areas as little documented research exists concerning recent developments in interior design/architecture education and practice in Australia and Canada.