Why hire a licensed professional interior designer? |
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A Designer will save you money
My knowledge, expertise, and guidance can help prevent costly mistakes. |
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A Designer will save you time
My ability to pinpoint your interior decorating needs and provide access to the best sources can be invaluable. |
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A Designer will simplify your life
I can make the most of what you have and do the research to find what you need. I will help you make informed selections from a vast number of product resources, many that only trade professionals have access to. |
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A Designer will help you define and enhance your own style
I will work with you to create a home that reflects your personal taste and meets your changing needs. |
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A Designer will provide better design elements |
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Knowledge and defined level of achievement in the following areas: |
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TheoryElements and principles of design, design theories, the interrelationship between human beings and the environment, basic and creative arts including two and three-dimensional design fundamentals. |
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Interior DesignThe design process including programming and problem solving plus three-dimensional spatial development, human factors, space planning, furniture selection and layout, application of design elements and principles, selection and application of finish materials, decorative elements and lighting. |
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Technical Knowledge
Knowledge of detailing and technical drawings, materials, specifying, estimating and installation, construction systems and materials, building systems and environmental concerns. Interior designers must be competent in the application of laws, codes, regulations, and standards that affect design solutions in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. |
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Communication SkillsVisual presentation, oral and written communications, computer use, graphic identification and other presentation media. |
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Professional ConcernsEthics, management, project management and contract administration. |
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HistoryHistory of interiors, art, architecture as well as furniture, textiles and accessories. |
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Information Gathering TechniquesInformation gathering techniques and research including codes, regulations and standards. |
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Why hire a licensed professional interior designer for your office or restaurant? |
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A Designer will save you legal problemsMy knowledge, expertise and guidance with reference to building codes and federal & state laws involving handicapped issues can help prevent costly mistakes, and lawsuits. |
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A Designer will save you bottom line dollarsMy knowledge, expertise, and guidance can help prevent costly mistakes. |
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A Designer will save you significant timeMy ability to rapidly establish your interior design priorities and provide access to the most appropriate sources can save countless hours of research. |
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A Designer will streamline the interiors processI can help you avoid the headaches often associated with moving, remodeling, expansion, and interiors work overall. I will manage all phases of the project, so you can stay focused on your business. |
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A Designer will help you define and enhance your company's imageI will work with you and your company to create offices that reflect the desired corporate identity. Special care will be given to provide the most productive, comfortable, and ergonomically sound surroundings. I can aid in developing an interior that fosters company growth and career enjoyment through successful interior design. |
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So, What are the qualifications for these individuals who call themselves registered interior designers and how do they obtain registration? |
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National Council for Interior Design QualificationThe National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide the public with the means to identify interior designers who have demonstrated the minimum level of competence needed to practice interior design. As with most licensing and registration requirements "the primary purpose of licensure or certification is to protect the public. Licensing requirements are imposed to ensure that those licensed possess knowledge and skills in a sufficient degree to perform important occupational activities safely and effectively. "NCIDQ, whose representatives are composed of practitioners and educators, recognizes the importance of issues that affect health, safety and public welfare which are the basis of the NCIDQ examination.
Candidates who apply to take the NCIDQ examination must demonstrate an acceptable level of professional work experience and completion of related course work. The minimum examination requirements include two years of formal interior design experience and four years of full time work experience in the practice of interior design. Passage of the examination is required in twenty jurisdictions in the United States and eight provinces in Canada which regulate the profession of interior design. Since its inception in 1974, over 13,500 interior designers have successfully completed the examination and are NCIDQ certified. |
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NCIDQ ExaminationsNCIDQ examinations are developed by interior design practitioners, educators, and a test development consultant, based on a current job analysis study of the profession. The analysis examines the knowledge required and the tasks performed by interior design practitioners. The study results are then used to establish the examination standards. The examination measures performance based on the cognitive domains of recall (knowledge of interior design), application (understanding the use of information), and developmental (judgment required of a professional). Panels of testing and interior design experts determine that examinations are valid and reliable and establish minimum competency standards in the field.
Approximately thirty-two percent of the present NCIDQ examination content directly measures knowledge of life safety issues. Within the Building and Interior Systems content area, questions address issues such as types of construction and materials for both building construction and interior construction. The Codes/Standards Knowledge content area includes questions on life safety, building codes, barrier free design and testing standards. More specifically, code requirements for fire resistance ratings, occupant load, means of egress, occupancy classifications, accessible routes and fixtures and classification/ratings of materials are addressed. |
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FIDER and Interior Design EducationThe Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) is an independent, non-profit accrediting agency for post secondary interior design education. FIDER was founded in 1970 and is a member in good standing of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA), an organization requiring members to subscribe to a code of good practices.
Standards for interior design education are formulated in consultation with practitioners, educators, employers, students and other stakeholders. The standards are revised on a regular cycle to maintain relevance of criteria by which educational programs are measured. The current FIDER Standards for Professional Level Programs require a defined level of student achievement in the following areas: |
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TheoryElements and principles of design, design theories, the interrelationship between human beings and the environment, basic and creative arts including two and three-dimensional design fundamentals. |
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Interior DesignThe design process including programming and problem solving plus three-dimensional spatial development, human factors, space planning, furniture selection and layout, application of design elements and principles, selection and application of finish materials, decorative elements and lighting. |
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Technical KnowledgeKnowledge of detailing and technical drawings, materials, specifying, estimating and installation, construction systems and materials, building systems and environmental concerns. Interior designers must be competent in the application of laws, codes, regulations, and standards that affect design solutions in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. |
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Communication SkillsVisual presentation, oral and written communications, computer use, graphic identification and other presentation media. |
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Professional ConcernsEthics, management, project management and contract administration. |
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HistoryHistory of interiors, art, architecture as well as furniture, textiles and accessories. |
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Information Gathering TechniquesInformation gathering techniques an research including codes, regulations and standards. |
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| The author, William Koffel, P.E., President, Koffel Associates, Inc. is the code consultant to the interior design profession consisting of the ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ and NKBA.William E. Koffel, P.E. Koffel Associates, Inc. |
