The interior design profession has changed dramatically and become more specialized i.e. hospitality, retail, healthcare, residential and so on. Education is a critical element. It is important to attend a program accredited by the Foundation of Interior Design Research Education The Center of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) or one exceeding their standards, as they evaluate and certify interior design curriculums within North America. After graduation and experience under the supervision of a professional, one is qualified to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination, which certifies a designer's competency and is the highest standard within the industry. (Note: CIDA does not handle accreditation of universities abroad. Respective governments handle this independently.)

The general education process is as follows:

Step #1: 2-4 year education (CIDA accredited or equal)

Step #2: 1-3+ years of experience within the field (sliding scale depending on level of education)

Step #3: Passing of the NCIDQ examination, which qualifies you for registration in every state as a professional.

Step #4: Application for licensing/Approval by licensing agency

Step #5: Continuing Education Credits (CEU's on a yearly basis)

Step #6: Joining professional organizations. This can begin at the student level and follow through your career.

Distance Learning is a relatively new alternative to traditional methods of teaching interior design. Where a program is offered is far less important than the quality of the curriculum when considering distance learning via the computer. While many of these programs are certified by distance learning councils, their curriculum may not be equal to or exceed FIDER accreditation. Be sure, if you consider this new learning alternative, that you are adequately prepared for the testing to follow and the rigors of the profession.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO THE CONSUMER?

You may not feel you need an interior designer and may not understand the difference between a licensed interior designer and a decorator. Perhaps you simply want to spruce up your home and are looking for ideas. Attending designer showcase homes, watching home decorating programs or thumbing through trade magazines is a great way to gather ideas and spark your creativity. However, if you are considering new construction or remodeling your home, office, healthcare, hospitality, or retail project you will be best served to have the advice of professionals.

Interior designers have been trained to guide you through the design process. Their expertise includes space planning, lighting design, finish selections and color coordination. They are familiar with interior construction, fire and building codes, as well as handicap accessibility. When designing a project they take into account the function of the space, traffic flow, ease of use, proper lighting, durable finishes, safety and other considerations unique to your project.

Designers will consider your needs, lifestyle, preferences, tastes, time frame and budget when preparing a preliminary scope of services. Once you have jointly established the scope of the project, a professional will lead you through a plan to best accomplish your goals within budget, while connecting you with craftsmen and product lines known for their quality. When undertaking large projects, their experience and skill can save you from countless mistakes, headaches and delays, ultimately saving you money. Often changes made in the preliminary phases of a project are easily accommodated. These same changes can become costly expenses, if handled later during the construction phase of a project.

If you are searching for innovative, aesthetic and productive solutions professional interior designers will offer their unique vision and expertise to your project. If your state does not yet license interior designers, ask prospective designers if they have passed the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications Examination. This insures they not only have creative abilities, but also have a formal education and have passed rigorous testing to insure they are competent.

There are many methods available to locate professional interior designers and interior decorators through online databases, professional organizations, state agencies or by referral. Once you have names of potential candidates meeting them face-to-face, seeing their work and obtaining references will help you determine if their experience and capabilities are in line with what you hope to achieve.

- Dezignaré