The Art Institute of Vancouver believes in learner-centered instruction that is measured by each student's success. Our faculty, many of whom are working professionals, achieve this by sharing their professional knowledge in the classroom. Faculty strive to provide value and service for each student's investment by helping students to strengthen their skills and cultivate their creative talent through curricula that is carefully designed to prepare graduates to seek entry-level positions in their chosen fields. Instructional methods at The Art Institute of Vancouver include lecture, demonstrations, labs, one-on-one tutorials, and periodic examinations. Except for internships, field trips, online courses and occasional independent studies, all instruction is conducted in a classroom or laboratory settings. Faculty arrange study trips to local cultural and commercial sites as an integral part of each student's training. These trips, along with scheduled out-of-town seminars and visits, offer valuable exposure to places and events relating to the student's field of study. The costs related to optional study trips are not included in regular tuition or fees.
Mark den Boer, Instructor - Graphic Design
Mark S. den Boer offers instruction in advertising design, typography, illustration, photography, and copywriting. In 1992, he joined Camozzi & Company Advertising as art director, but returned to freelancing with his business Cornerstone Design in 1994. Past clients include Picquic Tool Company, Blue World Information Technology, Dye & Durham, and R&B Brewing. He has worked with local performers, actors, musicians, writers, and playwrights, providing a variety of graphic design and promotional services. His diverse skill set is complemented by eight years in radio, sound engine and recording services.
Ramin Parsakish, Instructor - Interior Design
Ramin Parsakish is a highly-motivated professional with experience in developing and delivering training material for adults. As a multimedia and CAD Instructor at The Art Institute of Vancouver, he has developed and delivered course content for online game development using Macromedia Director and advanced Lingo, Dreamweaver and Flash, as well as Interface Design and AutoCAD. Ramin has worked as a system implementation manager, multimedia developer and author, and consultant. In each of these positions, he assumed a myriad of duties, including supervising the implementation and installation of various multimedia projects, and providing clients with networking solutions and strategic plans for their IT requirements. Ramin expanded on his Technical Computer Science Studies education from the Control Data Institute in Dortmund, Germany, with further studies in interactive multimedia, computer graphics and video arts.
Peter Rainer, Instructor - Interior Design
Peter Rainier, a Vancouver-based designer and furniture-maker, is a versatile craftsman. His works express passion for contemporary design with a Northwest appeal. Owner of Rainier Design Studio, he has spent the last two decades building a successful career and diverse client list from both commercial and residential projects. Rainier's pieces represent a unique blend of international influences, form and function, comfort and luxury. The quality of craftsmanship elevates his furniture to "functional art" and highlights outstanding attention to the detail and contemporary functionality of large and small furniture projects and interior spaces. His inspiration comes from the natural environment, architecture and wilderness, relating to its beauty and form. With his clients' input, use of hand-picked materials, environmental sensitivities, and his attention to detail, he has complemented many of North America's living spaces.
Seng Sengsavanh, Academic Director
Academic Director for Interior Design, Seng Sengsavanh, has an extensive interior design background and has worked on a variety of award-winning projects. His professional experiences range from residential to corporate office spaces, and he demonstrates sophisticated design and technical skills. As Academic Director for Interior Design, he infuses project management experience into the curriculum and the classroom, and inspires students to become ambitious, creative, and results-oriented design professionals. Seng's creative arts background is displayed in his personalized design approach - developing effective solutions for his clients' needs. His favourite design elements are line, shape and colour, which originate from his love of contemporary furniture. To date, Seng has worked with many prominent companies, including MCM Interiors, Portico Design Group Ltd., and Koolhaus. Other high profile clients who have used his services include Electronic Arts (EA), Nokia, Telus, BC Children's Hospital, Mondrian, Crystal Decisions, the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Savona.
Michael Whitney, Instructor - Graphic Design
Michael Whitney has over 14 years of experience in the graphic design field. He trained in Toronto, where he first pursued a career as an advertising designer. He advanced to corporate design where he gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of the design process while holding the positions of senior art director and creative director. As a lifelong learner, Michael took a full-time evening animation program in Toronto, and thus began his teaching career. He started out as a Maya teaching assistant at the Bell Center for Creative Communications before moving to Vancouver in 2000 and undertaking a contract position to develop the Vancouver Aquarium with Karo Design. Michael continues to undertake freelance projects with companies in both Vancouver and Toronto.