It seems that the interest in interior design as a career choice is increasing in popularity. Consumers naturally want the
best that their money can buy and some kind of assurance that those providing the service are qualified and accountable to someone if things go
wrong. There are many dedicated individuals who work diligently to increase public awareness of interior design while developing the profession
to where it is today. This article examines the education, training, examination and licensing of interior designers in North America and the
minimum standard of interior design training they must attain for a professional practice.
Interior Designers Interior designers are design professionals and are now licensed to
practice. In order to call yourself an interior designer, you will have to obtain a qualified education, experience and interior
design training with a professional, pass relevant examinations and be registered in the state you reside in order to
practice.
The interior design profession is an ever changing field and has become more specialized. The
right education and interior design training is a critical element.
Council for Interior Design Accreditation Interior design training
curriculums within North America are evaluated and certified by an organization called the Council for Interior Design
Accreditation formerly FIDER (Foundation of Interior Design Research Education).
It conducts an accreditation process that promotes a very high standard of education in interior design principles and
practices taught in universities and colleges. The education and interior design training may be from two to four years. If your interest lies in
commercial work, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum. At least two years plus experience and interior design training within the field is then
required; more depending on the number of years of education.The interior design profession is an ever changing field and has become more
specialized. The right education and interior design training is a critical element.
Council for Interior Design Accreditation Interior design training curriculums within North America are
evaluated and certified by an organization called the Council for Interior Design Accreditation formerly FIDER (Foundation of Interior Design
Research Education). It conducts an accreditation process that promotes a very high standard of education in interior design principles and
practices taught in universities and colleges. The education and interior design training may be from two to four years. If your interest lies in
commercial work, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum. At least two years plus experience and interior design training within the field is then
required; more depending on the number of years of education.
NCIDQ After graduation and interior design training / work experience under the supervision of a
professional, a combination of six years, one is then qualified to sit the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
examination. Passing these examinations qualifies you for registration as a professional. This certifies a designer’s competency and is
considered the highest standard within the industry.
Online Learning Correspondence courses or distance learning is a relatively new alternative to the
traditional training of interior designers. The curriculum should be scrutinized to ensure that it is equal to or exceeds Council for Interior
Design accreditation. If you do follow this path, be prepared for the testing to follow and the strict standards of the profession.
Conclusion What does this all mean to the consumer? Licensing ensures that the interior designers have not
only creative abilities, but also have a formal education and are competently trained to guide the consumer through the design process. Not all
states have interior design regulations and so it is the responsibility of the consumer to ask whether the interior designer has passed the NCIDQ
examination. There is every reason why the consumer should demand the best.
