Certificate Programs
Kitchen & Bath Design
Kitchens and baths are essential to everyday living and have become the most popular renovation projects in American homes today. A range of courses at the Boston Architectural College provide the opportunity to explore this dynamic field. Courses may be taken individually, or applied to the Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate Program.
Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate
Clients are seeking designers to plan personalized spaces that are functional and increase the marketability of their homes. This market demand has created a need for qualified professionals in the field. Based on guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Kitchen & Bath Certificate program prepares students for careers as specialized design professionals. With this educational credential, you are eligible to pursue NKBA certification.
The BAC Kitchen & Bath Certificate is recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as an NKBA supported program.
Twelve Required Classes
- Drawing for Interior Decorators
- Kitchen & Bath: Construction Applications
- Kitchen & Bath: Mechanical and Lighting
- Kitchen & Bath Design Studio I
- Kitchen &Bath: Materials and Estimating
- Kitchen & Bath Design Studio II
- Business Practices for Decorators
- Advanced Kitchen Studio
- Advanced Bath Studio
- Business Ethics and Sales
- CAD elective
- Kitchen & Bath Internship
Drawing for Interior Decorators
Course Number: VSC154
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: None
This drawing course introduces students to the basic skills of graphic representation for interior decorators. Students will learn how to use basic drafting tools, take field dimensions, and draw to scale. They will develop the ability to understand and draw plans and elevations, and will be introduced to rendering, model building, perspective and orthogonal drawing. This class will include a field trip to sketch furniture and interiors.
Kitchen & Bath: Construction Applications
Course Number: TM211
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: None
This course gives a nuts and bolts look at the construction end of kitchen and bath design. Students will learn the basics of home construction, framing, plumbing, electrical, window types, materials and building codes. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with the trades and how to trouble shoot problems on a construction site. The differences and idiosyncrasies between new construction and remodel projects will be discussed. There will be a class trip to an actual job site where all the construction basics discussed will be viewed first hand.
Kitchen & Bath: Mechanical Systems and Lighting
Course Number: TM256
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Kitchen & Bath Design Studio I
Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the mechanical systems of a kitchen including the following: electrical, ventilation, plumbing, heating and cooling. Through a series of class projects, students will learn how to assess electrical requirements related to the selection of lighting and ventilation equipment for the kitchen and bath according to NKBA Planning Guidelines. Students will develop an awareness of plumbing systems as well as codes to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Mechanical systems will be discussed as well as the implications of altering the system as related to the cost, structure, and design.
Kitchen & Bath Design Studio I
Course Number: SAC222
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Decorative Arts students need to have completed Interior Decoration Introductory Studio (formerly Basics of Interior Decoration). Kitchen &
This studio focuses on the fundamental concepts of residential kitchen and bath design, and cover projects from programming through completion. Through a series of class projects, students will learn how to design kitchens and bathrooms according to NKBA Guidelines that function as well as they look. Industry standards for safety and function will be stressed. Presentation standards for project drawings will be introduced. Field trips will complement classroom projects and lectures.
Kitchen & Bath: Materials and Estimating
Course Number: TM260
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Kitchen and
Students will study the visual qualities, technical characteristics, estimation and applications of common materials used in kitchen and bath installations. These materials include cabinetry, appliances, ventilation, decorative plumbing and hardware, surfacing materials, and decorative materials. Students will learn to analyze, select and order materials and finishes using product specification sheets for the appropriate applications. Estimating procedures and construction will also be explored.
Kitchen & Bath Design Studio II
Course Number: SAC322
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Kitchen and
This studio builds upon the foundation of knowledge learned in Kitchen and Bath Studio I, developing intermediate level program planning skills in residential kitchen and bath design. Through a series of challenging class projects, students will further develop their design capabilities in space planning, creative solutions and project management, while incorporating industry standards for safety and function. Students will explore how a kitchen project can rework the flow of a home, and how a bathroom project can transform into a master suite. Further emphasis will be put on refining presentation standards as defined by the NKBA. Class time is a combination of lectures, studio work, and field trips.
Business Practices for Decorators
Course Number: TMC125
1.5 Credits
Prerequisites: Interior Decoration Introductory Studio (formerly Basics of Interior Decoration) for Decorative Arts Certificate students. Recommended as final course in the Decorative Arts Certificate Program.
Through this class, the students will develop their own business plans for private practice and retail options as decorators. Business fundamentals and state and federal requirements will be covered, along with general accounting, marketing, leasing and personnel requirements. Guest lecturers, field visits, and class projects will focus on preparing students for ownership and management of decorating businesses.
Advanced Kitchen Studio
Course Number: SAC422
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Kitchen & Bath Design Studio II.
Through this studio, Kitchen and Bath Design students gain advanced approaches to their design solutions including knowledge of NKBA Planning Guidelines for the kitchen, and NKBA Access Planning Guidelines used in universal design projects. Building upon skills learned in K&B Design Studio II, students improve their ability to develop and present a design concept and theme. In addition, a focus will be learning to produce professional working documents of advanced kitchen projects as they progress from inception to completion.
Kitchen and
Course Number: TMC130
1.5 Credits
Prerequisites: Recommended as the last class in the Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate.
Kitchen and Bath Design students will learn ethical business practices within the kitchen and bath industry, including the NKBA Standards of Conduct and common business contracts including NKBA business tools and forms. Students will become familiar with business terminology used in the kitchen and bath industry, and will have an understanding of management policies including profit margin, business plan development, human resource practices, marketing and advertising. This class provides the opportunity to gaining key presenting and selling techniques to be successful business professionals in the kitchen and bath industry.
Advanced
Course Number: SAC433
3.0 Credits
Prerequisites: Kitchen and
This course is the final in the series of
Upon completion the final projects must be presented to NKBA’s student design competition.
Examples of CAD elective:
AutoCAD I/2D Drafting
Course Number: VS655
1.5 Credits
Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and familiarity with drafting techniques.
This introductory course in computer-aided drafting presents the basic concepts and operation of AutoCAD. Hands-on instruction emphasizes two-dimensional computer-aided concepts and conventions and documentation production.
**Kitchen and
For more information, contact us at ce@the-bac.edu or use the Request Information link.
For course availability for the current semester, use the CE Course Schedule link.
