The Design Foundations Certificate program is for students who are interested in exploring a career in design. This foundation year introduces students to the fundamentals of 2D and 3D design principles, drawing and colour theory, idea development, research, presentation skills, portfolio development, design technologies, and communication skills. Students experience a year of goal-setting, learning new skills and refining existing skills with the guidance from industry experts through a variety of hands-on projects. Graduates can use their portfolio and refined skills to move towards a career or pursue further studies in, Interior Decorating, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, GIS and Urban Planning, Landscape Design, Horticulture Technician and Theatre Arts-Technical Production.

Design Foundation certificate is a preparation program to help students find their fit and choose a specialty. Graduates may find employment in retail sales of paint, apparel or art supplies stores.