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Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Specialist Certificate - Academic Plan

2025-2026

Total Credits = 30

The Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate provides foundational and technical training for students interested in residential interior design, with an emphasis on kitchen and bath spaces. Coursework covers design elements and principles, space planning, building systems, materials, and construction documentation, using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 2020 Design.

Students gain the practical knowledge and technical skills needed to work in residential design firms, cabinetry or appliance showrooms, and remodeling studios.

Graduates are also eligible to pursue the Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) credential through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) upon completion of the required education hours. Learn more about CKBD eligibility and portfolio requirements on the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) website.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate will be able to:

  • Apply industry standards and codes specific to residential kitchen and bath design, including NKBA guidelines, to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance.
  • Develop comprehensive residential design solutions that integrate client needs, ergonomic principles, and spatial planning for kitchens, baths, and connected living spaces.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in material selection and estimating by producing accurate specifications and cost analyses for residential interiors.
  • Utilize industry-standard software to create detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D visualizations that communicate design intent effectively.
  • Demonstrate workforce readiness by applying effective communication, time management, and project coordination skills in a professional design environment.

Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations

Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required.

*Grade C or better required

Required Course Prerequisite, Corequisite, or Recommendation
IND 2200 - Drafting for Interiors Required: Attend an Interior Design Orientation
IND 2204 - Estimating Interior Materials Prerequisite: IND 1100 - Interior Design Fundamentals
IND 2501 - Kitchen and Bath Design Prerequisites: IND 2200 - Drafting for Interiors and CAD 1105 - AutoCAD for Interiors
IND 2300 - Interior Construction Prerequisites: CAD 1105 - AutoCAD for Interiors or CAD 2220 - Revit® Architecture
IND 2502 - Advanced Kitchen & Bath Design  Prerequisites: IND 2501 - Kitchen and Bath Design
IND 2080 - Internship Prerequisites: IND 2300 - Interior Construction or IND 2501 - Kitchen and Bath Design

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time)

Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time)

Year 1 - Spring
Year 1 - Summer
Year 2 - Fall
Year 2 - Spring
Year 2 - Summer

Notes

  • *This course requires college level readiness as measured by Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores; approved high school course work that is less than five years old; or successful completion of the appropriate college-readiness course.
  • Course availability is subject to change.
  • Recommended courses may be listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5664) for additional elective recommendations.
  • Refer to the 2024/2025 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this certificate.