The Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design blends creativity with cutting-edge technology. The curriculum of our flexible, part-time program was developed in collaboration with companies like Arc’teryx, Global Collective, lululemon, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Mustang Survival and Sugoi. Our students gain the research, design, business and leadership skills needed to join the next generation of design innovators striving to let humans move faster, survive longer, and explore further. Here’s a snapshot of what we’re all about:
Industry Connections
Several valuable industry connections partner with Tech Apparel students to support their innovative projects, including Arc’teryx and Mustang Survival. In case you missed it, check out how these connections brought our grads’ visions to life in their capstone projects in our Apparel with Purpose series. These industry members generously offer their guidance and expertise in bringing projects from idea to production of high-quality prototypes.
Additionally, our advisory committee for the program is very involved. This committee includes representatives from Arc’teryx, Mustang Survival, MEC, and more. They ensure the program is current, relevant, and responding to the industry’s needs, as well as offer support and feedback on student capstone projects.
Student Recognition
We’re not the only ones who think our Tech Apparel students are awesome. Over the years they’ve been recognized on a global scale and in the Core77 Awards in various categories.
In 2020, Riley Scott won the Core77 Student Runner-Up Sports & Recreation Award for his capstone project, Stratus. Stratus is a technical mid-layer capable of varying its insulation value tailored to the thermal needs of the user.
In 2019, Philip Siwek won bronze at the International Design Conference and the Core77 Student Strategy & Research Award for his capstone project, AV Cycling Jacket, a jacket designed to be more detectable to the sensors of Autonomous Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence. Philip also won.
In 2018, Shawn Michaels’ supervisor received a WorksafeBC Innovation at Work grant to support the research, testing, and production of Michael’s concept for his chainsaw-safe work vest, which would protect arborists from severe injury.
No Design Experience? No Problem
Many students in the Technical Apparel Design program have no background in design or fashion and their transformation during the three semesters is truly remarkable. The program equips you for a career filled with collaboration and innovation by developing not only your design skills, but also your strategic and critical thinking.
Tech Apparel Design grad Charlotte Browning came from a background of professional sports with no design experience. Hear about her experience in the program and and the exciting job it allowed her to find at Arc’teryx:
Thanks for checking out what we do at the Wilson School of Design. Keep an eye out for more posts to learn about our other programs!
Interested in the Technical Apparel Design Program?
Learn more about how you can disrupt what is possible on our Technical Apparel Design page or register for an upcoming information session. Fall 2021 applications are due by March 1st, 2021.
