What do interior designers do?

• Analyzes the client’s needs, goals and life safety requirements
• Integrate findings with knowledge of interior design
• Develop and present final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media
• Prepare working drawings and specifications for interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures and equipment
• Collaborate with licensed practitioners who offer professional services in the technical areas
• Prepare and administer bids and contract documents as the client’s agent
• Review and evaluate design salutations during implementation and upon completion

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination.

Education

College level education is a crucial step in preparing for a career in interior design. In many states, you cannot become a licensed interior designer unless you meet a standard of minimum requirements that include education, experience (paid or unpaid employment under the supervision of a licensed designer), and passage of a competency exam.

Experience

In addition to completing a college degree, you must possess the minimum required years of experience before you are eligible to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.

Internships, employment or some other structured mentoring program is a great way to obtain the experience you need and to build on your skills acquired in the college setting.

The Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) is a program that has been developed by the NCIDQ to assist entry-level interior designers gain the experience needed. IDEP can be very effective in transitioning from formal education to professional experience. For additional information on the Interior Design Experience Program, click here.

Examination

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination is required for licensure in all NCIDQ member jurisdictions. In the state of Florida for example, the board that regulates the interior design industry is the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design. Click here to view the different boards who govern the various other states.

On July 29, 2008, the Board of Architecture and Interior Design accepted The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College as meeting the educational requirements graduates needed (along with the required four years of experience for the associate degree program and two years of experience for the bachelor degree) to be eligible to sit for the NCIDQ exam for licensure.