Wilson School of Design

Our Programs Get Started

Whether you're fresh out of high school or making a career change, the KPU Wilson School of Design will get you job-ready and prepared for success.

  • More than 80% of grads are working
    in the industry

  • Over 200 student design awards
    since 2020

  • Less than 24 students per
    studio class

Good design doesn't just happen. We push boundaries and challenge assumptions, always moving forward in pursuing potential. Because true brilliance is born not from chance, but from purposeful evolution.

We believe in potential

We believe that the purpose of design is to universally and responsibly affect positive change. The Wilson School of Design is a catalyst for relevant and meaningful design that positively affects people's lives. Design that calls for rigorous research, exploration, and development. Developing solutions with the potential for advancing society at large.

We instill confidence

To foster empowered, gutsy and progressive thinkers we embrace uncertainty, to fuel new thinking and real solutions. As our students discover and apply the design process, they continuously gain confidence in the process and their abilities. Focusing their potential shapes responsible, courageous and influential creative thinkers prepared for an ever-changing world.

We provoke progress

As we purposefully and confidently pursue potential, we facilitate progress. Progress that calls for changing perspectives; provoking new thoughts and altered ways. A process that provides the culture and context for new ideas and well considered solutions.

The only 8 program, interdisciplinary design school in Western Canada

The Wilson School of Design offers four Bachelor of Design degrees, three diplomas, one certificate, and CIDA accreditation for interior designers. Curious? Take the next step forward in your pursuit of potential.

Announcements

Fall 2025

Applications for Fall 2025 opened on October 1, 2024.

Have questions? Contact the Future Students' Office at 604-599-3030 or study@kpu.ca.

Join us on Saturday November 2, from 11amto 2pm at our Richmond Campus for Creative Connections. This free collaborative event will showcase programs in the Wilson School of and KPU’s Faculty of Arts. The event will feature info sessions, hands-on workshops, campus tours, interactive demos and an opportunity to connect with KPU alumni working in creative industries.

Register to attend here

What's Happening at Wilson

  • This is Wilson

    Explore the work Of our grads and discover the possibilities Of design and our programs.

  • Viral Design

    Viral Design is the an exhibition for the Wilson School of Design's new virtual exhibition space, Artifact.

  • The Design Loop

    Visit the loop for more inspiring stories about our design community. For the latest media coverage visit our newsroom.

  • Virtual Showcase

    Missed the live event? Not to worry. We've gathered everything you need to know about the Wilson School of Design in one place.

Research makes things better

The Research and Applied Design Centre at the Wilson School of Design provides students with the opportunity to participate in research projects, such as those embedded within courses, or as research assistants in dedicated research projects.

Learn more about the Research and Applied Design Centre

Educational Opportunities

  • Field Schools

    Each year we offer a design-specific Field School which incorporates art, architecture, interiors, fashion, interior design, and cultural studies. Field School locations change from year to year so you can choose based on your own learning outcomes.

  • Continuing Studies

    We also offer a variety of Continuing and Professional Studies for a wide range of people from young design enthusiasts looking to develop their skills or teachers needing to expand their skills.

Student Service

  • Student Awards & Financial Assistance

    Students have access to apply or be selected by their faculty for many awards, scholarships and bursaries. The diversity of design awards and scholarships available is a testament to the dedication and support of many donors and industry partners who believe in the future of design. For more information, please visit Student Awards & Financial Assistance.

  • Academic Advising

    Your design advisor is here for you in these challenging times. Have questions? Please book an online appointment through Advisor Connect, and we will follow up with you. If you have difficulty using the Advisor Connect platform, please email your advisor.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    There are many opportunities for students to get involved and become a part of the KPU community, through a variety of volunteer initiatives.

  • Work-Study Program

    The Work Study Program at KPU offers part-time job opportunities on KPU campuses for full-time undergraduate students. The program provides financial assistance and career related employment experiences to students with demonstrated financial need. Jobs can offer challenging work and future experience for students who will work directly with faculty members, administrative and academic units.

    Check out the Wilson School of Design's Our Students page for more information.

Information Sessions and Events

Interested in studying at the Wilson School of Design, but not sure what program is right for you? Attending an information session is a wonderful way to learn more about programs, courses, fees and how to apply. We also host portfolio reviews and workshops, as well as other design workshops.

Visit Info Sessions, Portfolio Reviews & Workshops for more information. And to see what else is happening at the Wilson School of Design, check out our events calendar.

Our Campus at KPU Richmond

The home of the Wilson School of Design is located in the City of Richmond, British Columbia, 20 minutes by train from downtown Vancouver.

Our 65,000 square foot campus includes innovative teaching studios and labs, a testing centre, gallery space, and expanded study and design spaces for students. It also houses advanced technology, such as laser cutters, 3D printers and ultrasonic welders.