The vibrant home of the Wilson School of Design is situated in the West Coast city of Richmond, British Columbia, 20 minutes by train from downtown Vancouver. Our purpose-built space opened in January 2018 with a 65,000 square foot campus which 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. Watch a time lapse video of the building’s development.
The school provides a collaborative space for a range of design programs including bachelor degrees in Product Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design & Technology, Graphic Design for Marketing, post-baccalaureate diploma in Technical Apparel Design, Fashion Marketing Diploma and Foundations in Design Certificate.
The $36-million Wilson School of Design building was funded through a $12-million contribution from the B.C. government, $12 million from KPU and $12 million in donations that include $8 million from philanthropists and innovators, Chip and Shannon Wilson. On July 24, the new campus building was LEED Certified, LEED Gold and achieved highest ranking in the Innovation & Design category.
"The new school of design building gives us the opportunity to expand our programming, research and innovation activities, so our students can continue to innovate and drive a burgeoning B.C. economy." Alan Davis, KPU President and Vice-Chancellor
"Design careers are vital for a 21st-century diversified economy. The programs in the new building will create exciting choices for students, as well as support for local design industries." Melanie Mark, (Former) Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training
"Chip and I share a passion for nurturing creative talent, and we are thrilled to partner with KPU to help develop the next generation of designers and innovators." Shannon Wilson, Donor
Media Highlights
CTV News I Vancouver Sun I Richmond News I Canadian Architect I Global News I CBC
