Master of Interior Design student experience

Graduates of the University of Manitoba's Interior Design program are recognized for their creativity, technical expertise, and successful collaboration within the building and design industry. Equipped with the skills to create functional, sustainable, and inspiring interior environments, our graduates work independently and alongside architects, engineers, and multidisciplinary design teams.

Master of Interior Design alumni assess and interpret the needs of clients and building users to develop innovative interior spaces across a wide range of sectors. Their work includes healthcare facilities, office environments, restaurants, retail spaces, hospitality and resort design, and other commercial and institutional projects.

Master of Interior Design Faculty members have expertise in universal access, cultural theory, design theory, design education, lighting, work environments, human comfort, and profession-based research.
 

MID student reference materials

The Faculty of Architecture is housed in two main buildings on the Fort Garry campus, the John Russell Architecture Building (JAR) and Architecture 2. The Interior Design studios are located on the upper level of the John A. Russell (JAR) building.

Students are assigned a small area in a studio from September to April of each year. Studio spaces for continuing students are also available in the summer months with approval from the Department Head. 

Fall 2026 laptop and software requirements

Software Requirement

Required:
  • Affinity Studio or Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Microsoft Office
  • AutoCAD 2027
  • Revit 2027
Recommended:
  • 3ds max 2027
  • Rhinoceros 3D v8
  • Bluebeam Revu
  • Enscape
  • SketchUp

Pricing and availability of each software title is available on the CADLab website, under the “Available software” link.

Minimum Laptop Requirements:

OS: Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core 7 Ultra, Ryzen 7, or faster
RAM: 32GB or higher
Graphics: Radeon RX or NVIDIA RTX
Display: 1920x1080 minimum; 4K recommended
Storage: 512GB SSD Minimum; 1TB recommended

A Mac laptop is not an option because some of the required software is only available for Windows.

CADLab is the main provider of computer support for the Faculty of Architecture. They maintain the computer lab and the printing and scanning facilities and provide technical help to staff and students. All students are responsible for installing and configuring the software on their personal laptops. CADLab provides only very basic assistance with troubleshooting student-owned equipment. 

Camera requirement

It is not necessary to purchase a camera. If you already own a 35mm SLR camera, a digital still camera or a video camera, you will find them useful. Digital cameras are available for short-term loan from the CADlab.

Lockers

Lockers are available in the tunnel between JAR and Architecture 2 Buildings on a first-come, first-served basis. Lockers should be purchased through SAS. Any locks that are found on unpurchased lockers will be cut and the contents will be removed. If you have any questions about purchasing a locker, please contact SAS at faumgradcommitee@gmail.com. Students may also leave supplies in the storage units provided in the studios. Cameras, laptops, and other equipment should never be left unattended in the work areas.

Campus safety

Students should always ensure that someone they trust is aware of their location when working on campus after hours. No student is allowed to work alone on campus as per the University of Manitoba’s Work Alone Policy. For more information, visit the FAUM website at: https://umanitoba.ca/architecture/working-alone-policy  

Supplies and equipment

Art and drawing supplies
Students will use some, if not all, of the following supplies during their first year of Interior Design studio. It is not necessary, however, to purchase each item on this list. Suggested supplies are useful but may be shared among two or three students or purchased as needed. 

Essential supplies

  • 1 30/60 degree set square
  • 1 45-degree set square
  • Metric scale drafting ruler
  • Imperial scale drafting ruler
  • Technical pens (00, 0, 1, 2)
  • Thin, med. & thick Sharpie markers
  • Roll of drafting tape
  • 12” roll of buff tracing paper
  • X-acto knife and replacement blades
  • 24” metal ruler with cork backing
  • Olfa 24” cutting mat 

Suggested supplies 

  • 42” parallel ruler
  • 30”x42” drawing board - 3/4” plywood (good one side) Borco cover for 42” drawing board
  • Mechanical drawing pencil Drawing leads: 2H, 3H, HB and a lead pointer
  • Eraser for pencil and ink dusting brush
  • Flexible curve erasing shield
  • Circle template

Note: Used drafting boards and equipment can often be purchased from graduates of the ED program.

Drawing, graphic communication and media courses 
Instructors will provide a list of required art supplies at the first drawing class. Typical items include watercolour paint, brushes and mixing tray, Prismacolour pencil crayons, pastels, charcoals, conte crayons, inks, sketching pencils, and sketchbooks (check with the instructors for sizes).

Practicum proposal guidelines

Proposals should be sent to gradarch@umanitoba.ca before 4:00pm on one of the following days:

Master of Interior Design student work
All Master of Interior Design students complete either a thesis or a practicum in their area of expertise.
Explore Master of Interior Design student work

Faculty of Architecture contact

Faculty of Architecture
Room 201 John A. Russell Building
84 Curry Place
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB  R3T 2M6

env.design@umanitoba.ca
gradarch@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8769
204-474-7532