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I have heard that NCIDQ is adding an eligibility path based on experience? this change will be annouced this fall 2012? Does anyone have any information about the criteria? thanks!
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Good Question Burt;
Following is what I know about the Broadly Experienced Interior Designer program. This is about a year old so I suggest that you call the NCIDQ office (202-721-0220) to see if the BEID has been officially approved and when it will come into affect. HOPE THIS HELPS-Much has been written about what NCIDQ has or has not proposed regarding our standards for the Certificate. Let me take this opportunity to clarify. For three years NCIDQ has been investigating the possibility of adding a path to eligibility for the Examination that would accommodate individuals who do not meet our current eligibility requirements but still possess the same competencies as those who meet the current requirements. We are tentatively calling this the “Broadly Experienced Interior Designer” program, or “BEID.”
1. Nothing has been decided. NCIDQ has charged a task force of volunteers to investigate this possibility. This is something we do with all potential new programs or requirements. We start with research, then build a draft program and then test that program. We are currently conducting a pilot test of this possible new eligibility path. After all steps in our investigation are complete, the NCIDQ Board of Directors will have the options to adopt the new requirements, not adopt them or send work back to the task force for further investigation. At this time, there is no change to our requirements.
2. NCIDQ’s requirements for the Certificate include meeting an educational standard, meeting an experience standard and meeting an examination standard. Once a person successfully satisfies all three standards he or she is awarded the NCIDQ Certificate. The proposed BEID program is intended to cure educational deficiencies only. In other words, we are looking for a way to qualify individuals who, through many life events, have not had the opportunity to satisfy one of our current educational requirements or cannot adequately document their education. Some examples of the individuals caught in this situation are listed in #6 below.
3. In order to “cure an educational deficiency” an applicant to NCIDQ will be required to meet a higher standard of proof of interior design competence than anyone who currently applies for eligibility to NCIDQ through our current policies. Therefore, the new requirements, if they ever come into effect, will be a higher standard than any of our current standards. (Not lower, as some have asserted.) The new standard will require every individual who applies under this requirement to demonstrate that he or she has achieved competencies in each CIDA-based standard currently in effect. For current applicants with a CIDA-accredited degree, NCIDQ does not ask to see the work of every graduate to ensure that he or she has met every one of CIDA’s standards for accreditation. It’s possible to earn a CIDA-accredited degree and be a D+ student. NCIDQ’s new requirements, if they come into effect, will require a dossier from applicants that shows how and when they achieved competency in each CIDA standard. This will be a significant commitment for each person who elects to undertake this hurdle toward achieving the NCIDQ Certificate.
4. NCIDQ makes every effort to not discriminate with all of our standards and requirements. For the Examination, we have policies in place that accommodate candidates with various disabilities that might prevent them from demonstrating their true abilities without accommodations on the test. For the experience requirement, we do not place maximum time frames on when experience can be earned so that we do not discriminate against applicants who have a hard time finding work, or who take time off from their careers for a family. (Some professions do enforce maximum time frames.) With education, we currently allow six different types of degree programs, but we currently can’t accept an applicant who fell one or two semester hours short of meeting our requirements even if he or she was awarded a degree. We also can’t accommodate those who graduated from schools that no longer exist and for whom there is no possibility of getting a transcript.5. In doing our research, we learned that many professions have methods for accommodating deficiencies in one or more requirements. In the architecture profession, where we are commonly compared, there are two programs called the “Broadly Experienced Architect” and the “Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect” in the United States. NCIDQ’s member regulatory boards in the U.S. include a dozen joint boards that regulate both interior design and architecture. These members of NCIDQ have asked NCIDQ to investigate a possibility of bringing our requirements into alignment with those of the architecture profession. That is one reason that we began this research.
6. As noted above, some people who have spent many years working in the interior design profession got there through a variety of means. Here are some examples of individuals who have been denied eligibility to the Examination. We believe that the new program, if it comes into effect, will assist them in becoming eligible for consideration:
A. Graduated with a degree in “environmental design” in the 1970s when that was a common term to catch all design fields. The school is no longer in business and we cannot get a copy of course descriptions to determine which courses on the transcript were interior design-focused. The transcript does not refer to the courses as “interior design.”B. Graduated with a degree in interior design from a school outside the United States or Canada, where “transcripts” as we know them in this country are not issued and no record of an individuals’ coursework is kept by the school, only the award of the degree.
C. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from a program not accredited by CIDA and with fewer than 60 semester hours of interior design related coursework. This person could wait and work in the field at least four years (thereby meeting our current requirement for applicants with a 40-semester hour certificate, degree or diploma), but wants to apply after two years of work experience.
D. Attended a full interior design degree program as an “audit” student, because he or she was never aware that courses not taken for credit would not be counted toward eligibility for NCIDQ.
7. If this new requirement comes into effect, it will only help applicants cure educational deficiencies. They still have to meet our experience requirements and they still have to take and pass all sections of the NCIDQ Examination before they will be awarded the NCIDQ Certificate.8. Finally, NCIDQ’s member regulatory boards will continue to establish their own standards for licensure which may be different than those for the NCIDQ Certificate. This is an opportunity for individuals to gain their NCIDQ Certificate to demonstrate their competencies to clients, employers, and the like. It will not be a guarantee that any particular state or provincial regulatory board will grant this individual the right or privilege to practice within that jurisdiction’s standards, or that any professional association will accept that individual for membership.
Click to access BEID_Statement091311.pdf
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1.I’m looking for interior design online course certification, so i could take a fundamental course and work for two years under a sponsor and sit for NCIDQ exam! am afraid if a fundamental online course will be enough to take the NCIDQ exam!
2.Is RIDQC certification not that good, since NIDQC is known to be the best?
3.i have a bachelors degree in computer major , should i take degree in ID or is certification course will be good enough?
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RIDQC is a residential interior design focus examination and has no legal or regulatory authority. Whereas NCIDQ is the commercial interior design baseline exam. The NCIDQ credential is a legally recognized credential in much of North America. You cannot compare the two.
You will not be able to sit for the NCIDQ with only a certificate or 2 year degree.LikeLike
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Thanks so much for your reply, could you please tell me the requirement to sit for NCIDQ, since the official site is bit confusing to me! I have a three year bachelors degree in computer application!
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Okay smartie pants what is the difference between an interior decorator, an interior designer and an interior architect?
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Hmm alright you got me…..what is it?
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I am not joking.
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So this interior decorator, interior designer and interior architect walk into a bar……
I’m joking…….or am I?
They all order their drinks…the decorator admires the color of the cocktail, the designer admires the ergonomic quality of the cocktail glass and the interior architect questions the relationship of the cocktail to the architectural character of the bar.
Badda Boom! Thanks folks I’ll be here all week don’t forget to tip your waitresses- have a good night!
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1. Do you think peoples confusion with interior design and interior decoration will ever go away? And is HGTV all to blame?
2. Do you think the interior design organizations cater to woman? Lots of events they sponsor are female centered. Also awhile back the IIDA Facebook page posted a link about dressing for an interview. Upon clicking the link it was all for women… Not that I need help dressing myself its just a little alienating.
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1a. No. Design was born from Decoration. The two will always be maternally connected and related. The only way for professional interior designers to distinguish themselves cleanly from decoration is to create a new professional paradigm that has no genetic connection with decoration. Hence the effort to use the term interior architecture to describe what we do and interior architects to describe who we are. I am not willing to go that far…yet. I think the profession can tweak the meaning of ID to provide it’s own identity or branch of the family tree. It will take time.
1b. No. HGTV is simply reinforcing the interconnectedness of the two occupations explained above because that is the societal understanding/expectation of who we are and what we do. Blaming HGTV for our own identity crisis is like blaming God for our professional misfortunes. We can complain and blame till we are blue in the face- ain’t gonna change a thang. If we had our own network we could probably counter their message but I can barely manage my own blog.
2. Welcome to my world….Seriously though, it is what it is. Males are the minority in this profession and straight males even more so. Fortunately I like women…and gay men…..but not in the same way I like women….Oh never mind. I do miss the male-centric water cooler discussions though. I am sure if you needed help getting dressed you would find plenty of help.
Thanks for your support Jason.
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I am considering the independent study Interior Design course via NYIAD as a path to CID and doing interior decorating work. While I would like to pursue credentials as an actual interior designer, I am not sure that I am financially able to do a second BA/BS (I have a BA in Psych and an MA in Teaching)…not to mention, my “day job” doesn’t permit time to attend physical classes (100% travel). What is your opinion of the NYIAD course and CID certification?
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I know nothing about NYIAD and I consider the CID credential to be worthless. Sorry can’t be of much help here.
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I see. I became aware of NYIAD from a Jan 22 reference on this blog. It prompted me to google the school. Thanks for you thoughtful input,lol.
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I in no way promoted NYIAD- Just because it is referenced does not mean I promote it.
Kandra you do not need an education to become an interior decorator nor do you need an education to become a residential designer.
You can believe those who sell education credits or you can believe somebody who has no vested interest in the subject. Now if you are serious about becoming an interior design professional who needs to be so educated, apprenticed and examined, then yes an education is necessary and NYAID won’t cut it. Don’t know how much clearer I can say it.
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I am currently a registered interior designer in the state of Texas, that is planning to relocate to South Carolina. Is there reciprocity? How do I go about becoming a registered interior designer in SC by Dec. 31, 2014?
Jane Mills
jane@janemills.com
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Jane there is no reciprocity for ID regulation in the US. South Carolina does not have ID legislation/regulation.
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Hi Michael,
You’ve basically answered my question about NYIAD in your March reply to Kandra, but you wrote that if someone is “serious about becoming an interior design professional who needs to be so educated, apprenticed and examined, then yes an education is necessary”- could you possibly expand on that?
Does this mean that the learning theory of interior design is moot, or is it simply that it is a base that can be learned from extensive research, interviews, books on ID, versus a university degree/diploma/online education? Or should not so young people who want to become designers, but have no educational background (like myself), then make the commitment to go back and do a full bachelor’s degree, if we want the education?
Also -so sorry for all the questions- but what are your thoughts on people entering the ID field as a career now- has it become too saturated? are there going to be fewer opportunities? (I currently live in South East Asia, so maybe it’s a different scenario here).
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
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Hello Ying,
First NO….. theory is not moot and I believe academia, or higher education, is the logical place to build a foundation of knowledge that includes, theory, history, proper investigative/inquiry and problem solving skills.
If your goal is to practice Interior Design at the highest level, say in hospitality, retail, healthcare or general commercial interiors, then you will find success much quicker, and make yourself more marketable, if you have the proper education. In the U.S. and some other nations licensure is becoming a factor as well.
Now there are exceptions to this rule. Many high level designers have learned the trade simply by apprenticeship, perseverance, extreme self promotion skills and a whole lot of luck. But as technology and society become more complicated that pathway is becoming more unlikely.
Ultimately if your career goal is not to practice at this level then yes it is certainly possible to achieve success without an education.
As to your last question “has it become too saturated?”. I can only answer if design is your passion and your goal is to help improve peoples lives through the power of design- then no…there is lots of room for you.
Hope that helps. Great questions. Good Luck
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This may not be a valid question. My apologies beforehand.
Is there such an issue as a historical concept of “Interior Design” or an “aesthetic foundation” to what we call Interior design?
I seem to remember a photograph a long time ago when I took an elective from the Interior Design Dept. of my art school that showed the ruins of an ancient greek house with holes in the floor for where the furniture was to go. (I think it was part of an article on recreating the greek furniture. this would be in the mid 60s of the last century).
I ask, because it would seem that an historical or aesthetic foundation would be a place to build from. A basic question I would ask if there were such a foundation would be, “What is the human motivation to organize and arrange the living environment relative to Interior Design?”
I’m sure it sue it shows, but I’m not in the field of Interior Design but have art history and aesthetics as well as general design as concentrations in my Fine Arts diploma. (Found you from LinkedIn).
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Stephen…..Hmmmm good question.
To answer your question regarding historical precedent, which I am not an expert, there are several good texts that will cover everything from the cave paintings at Lascaux to the beginnings of Interior Design as know it now. Our role in the shaping of interior space throughout history is actually well documented.
That said, while we need to know where we’ve been to know where we are going, I think we are at a turning point in our history (geographical pun intended) in which we need to create our own history. Thanks for stopping by- happy to discuss further.
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Here’s something I have not been able to find any discussion of online and I could really use some advice on: I’m in the lighting design business, which has similarities to the interior design process. We have potential clients that sometimes ask for example images for their fixture needs that they will use to determine if they will hire us or not. Once we give them that, of course they never call us back because they are then shopping for this item themselves. How do you politely and clearly correct a potential client’s error in crossing the line on what they can (and should ask) versus what they should not ask prior to hiring us? As of now we say that is part of the consultation process, but that we are happy to give them references and to feel free to browse our portfolios (which we email them). This doesn’t seem to work. As of now, we have a 0% success rate for anybody that asks this question whereas we have a great success rate with people that do not ask this question. So obviously we’re saying something wrong.
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Okay Ryan don’t take this the wrong way but stop showing your hand. Do you have contracts or are you going on faith? Keep the sales pitch ambiguous (do not show cut sheets & specific product information) until you agree to a scope and a fee. Your contract should include language about ownership/copyright information. If you are going simply on faith you will just have to deal with the unfaithful.
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Thank you for the response. We have full contracts for our various services, all attorney approved. I think you misunderstood my question. We experimented with indulging a few clients some years ago with examples images because it is a common question and we have poor sales numbers with people that ask this exact question prior to contract, but it was unsuccessful and we do not continue to do this. We definitely do not show our hand, but we will experiment new strategies to see if they can increase sales in a particular market or decrease wasted time.
The question is on how to tell a prospective client that they cannot have example images until a contract is signed. You know… pleasant, non-accusatory, but making it clear that it isn’t correct to ask for images at that stage. We want their business if we can, but our statement on non-disclosure seems to turn this particular client type away. I was hoping, because you have a similar type of job, that perhaps you get this question (or similar) asked to you as well and you have a strategy for handling it. I’ve seen a lot about what not to tell people ahead of contract, but nothing at all on how to address people that ask these types of questions.
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Ryan thanks for the clarification. I am certainly not an expert at the issue you posed. This seems to be more of an art of negotiation deal than a design services issue. All I can say is that if you are strategic about the level of information and detail that you provide a client to close a deal and when necessary take a firm stance against providing specifications/intellectual property that the client has not paid for then you are doing what you should be doing. That may include being firm with a prospective client and offering them the information with a signed contract or allow them to walk.
Now if you are talking about a client (or client’s contractor) shopping your specifications that is a problem that the IALD in particular has addressed and you can get information from their website.
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Hi! My name is Francis and I’m already 28 y/o. I am thinking of going back to school again and take a new course that I am really interested with -well, a sort of career shift. I’m currently working as an accountant. I am eyeing for Interior Design course because I think it will develop my creativity and passion for the arts, at the same time I think that it is something that I would really enjoy doing. I’m not a very artistic person and not skilled that much but I think I have potentials awaiting to be developed. Now, one of my major concerns is the fact that I’m working. I have read some articles that being an ID student will require a lot of time in a day. Maybe you can share some advice? Thank you.
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That depends Francis. If you want to focus on residential design and decoration there are many on-line and on-site (depending where you live) courses that you can take to fit your schedule. If you have plans to work on larger more commercial projects then yes you will need to dedicate time to earn a four year degree. I am happy to help direct you in the right direction if you wish. Thanks for posting.
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I cannot see my way to a four year degree for two reasons…one I already have a four year degree, and the cost of taking the major courses is still somewhat hefty. Where I live there are two programs, one a two year degree from a community college, and one a four year degree from a college. I would like to retrain, and get into the field but I don’t want to waste time and money on an online program if that ultimately will not provide a career. I recently just posted a question regarding an online school to get your thoughts on it.
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Michele I am unfamiliar with the New York Institute of Art and Design. If you want to design or decorate residential spaces then the RIDQC credential is fine. If you intend to work in the commercial realm, restaurants, hotels, retail, then you will need a four year degree.
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I have a question. What are your professional thoughts on the following school and their program: New York Institute of Art and Design and their online program in Interior Design. They offer the RIDQC certification through the Designer Society of America.
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Hello,
I am a career shifter, I want to shift to Interior Design, but I am from the food industry. There are Top-up bachelor’s degree in UK, do you think this will be accepted by NCIDQ? What about the regular Bachelor’s degree? I want to practice here in Canada. There schools offering online classes for a bachelors degree in Interior Architecture, they said that the degree you take will be the same as the ones taken in the awarding body university (idesigni.co.uk). What can you say about this? Is this enough to be a restaurant designer?
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Hi Regarding NCIDQ’s acceptance of International education please see this page https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements
I would be wary of degrees offered completely on-line. You need to ask these programs how and who accredits them, if their graduates take the NCIDQ exam and pass rates thereof, and what their graduate placement records are etc. In terms of practice in Canada you could explore this site https://www.idcanada.org/english/for-the-public/become-an-interior-designer.html
As you learn more I am happy to offer advice.LikeLike
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Yes. What does 90 quarter credit mean? They require minimum of 90 quarter credit, the on-line degree I plan to take says the whole degree is 360 credits. This is in UK so I’m not sure if it is the same as the 90 quarter credit
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I am going to say that a 4 year Interior Design degree program at 90 credits per year (4 quarters per year) = 360 credits….I assume the UK program is a 4 year degree so you should be okay. If not you need to speak with somebody in the NCIDQ office about these technicalities. They are happy to help. 202-721-0220 USA or INQUIRIES@CIDQ.ORG
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Hi,
I am from UT and looking to move to Texas next year. I just finished my Associate’s Degree in Interior Design here, but unfortunately my program has less hours than is required to sit for the NCIDQ. My question for you is, are you allowed to practice Interior Design in Texas without being NCIDQ certified? Can you practice under the name “Interior Designer”? I understand you must be certified to become an RID with the state, but I couldn’t find any information for non registered and non certified designers. Could you shed some light on this topic for me?
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Lacey you are allowed to be an interior designer in Texas. You cannot practice as or claim that you are a “registered interior designer”. Interior Design and Interior Designer are not regulated, or licensed, so there will be no official information on that side of the title issue. I suggest you contact the local ASID chapter for guidance on practicing as an UNregistered interior designer in Texas. You can also contact the Interior Design Society https://interiordesignsociety.org/index.php
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YES….you can call yourself an “Interior Designer”. You cannot call yourself a Florida Registered Interior Designer unless you are so registered with the State of Florida.
DSA is a residential focused interior design membership organization. They stand against regulations that limit the ability of people to call themselves “Interior Designers” and their work “interior design”. I do not know for sure but I suspect they do not support any ID legislation but could be wrong.LikeLike
I am working with an Interior Decorator (calls herself a Designer) who charged me 20% for project management on all the home improvement purchases (flooring, labor for installation, furniture, lighting, etc.). She did not list the 20% in the contract I signed. Do you have any recommendations for me on where to understand what my rights are as her client?
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Sara your question delves into legal issues between you and your decorator (designer). I am sorry she was not clear with you. She should have explained that clearly to you within the contract.
My short non-attorney answer is to check the contract that you mentioned. If the mark up is not defined then she cannot simply add it on and not identify what the mark up is.LikeLike
Hello! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to everyone here. I’m pretty sure I want to take my hobby and turn it into a small business. But first, I plan to complete an online certificate program (probably NYIAD… I know, I know) just so that I can get some sort of formal instruction on the topic, but mostly for my own personal growth and learning.
I’m not really interested in becoming a certified interior designer solely because the process seems very cost and time prohibitive for this 33 year old that already has a bachelor’s degree (student loans aren’t something I want to revisit). After reviewing the pathways for the NCIDQ and my state’s stipulations, I can say with certainty that getting your ID certification and license is more arduous than becoming a Registered Nurse! No joke! If money were no object I’d enroll in a 4 year program today. I would *love* to learn about building codes and all the other stuff that a piddly little certificate program doesn’t cover. But alas.
I think I understand the limitations I will have by not being certified (and it is a bummer because all of that stuff seems so interesting). I know if I want to make structural changes to homes I would need to align myself with someone qualified to approve that scope of work. So my question is… who would be the best professional to bring on board for these types of projects? Structural engineer? Architect? Remodeling Contractor? Or perhaps it all depends on the scope of work for each type of project?
I guess what I’m trying to figure out is what the typical “team” of professionals looks like when you what to knock out walls and the interior designer is not certified. Who does the client typically hire first? Who should I be networking with?
And last question. I would love to learn the (daunting) program Sketchup but would really like to enroll in a course of some type (Youtube videos just don’t do it for me). Do you know of any reputable online programs that can get a novice to a proficient level5?
Thanks so much for your time and consideration!
Kristen
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Kristen thanks for visiting and the well thought out question(s). If residential work is your goal and you want to be able to perform some minor reconfiguration of the walls, doors, cabinets and other fixed elements, as in a major remodel or addition, then I would suggest finding licensed contractors in your area who specialize in that type of work and ask them if they would be willing to mentor you. I know most residential contractors do not have the design background to be experts in that area. They either power through it or they have local contacts such as architects or other experienced designers who they collaborate with. I think that might be the best way for you to get a good overview of the local residential remodel/design market. But….you are going to need to start small and get some experience under your belt before you can start blowing out load bearing walls to open up a kitchen or adding a bedroom suite to a house that is already on the property set-back line. But I know it can be done. That path may be shorter if you spend 4 years at an accredited design school but you can take the long road and be fine as well.
As to sketchup yes learning that would be a good sales tool for what I described above….contractors absolutely need these visualization tools. I know that SketchUp has its own tutorials that are helpful and I would also recommend Lynda.com which has several entry to expert tutorials. There are several good textbooks as well if you are into the old school lernin’ format.
Hope that helps
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Thank you so much for taking the time to write back, and so thoroughly!
Indeed, I’m only interested in residential work and I definitely don’t want to jump right into knocking out walls or suggesting structural changes for a while. We’ve done a lot of DIY renovations to our own homes (along with *lots* of research) and I know enough to be dangerous but choose not to be. Ha. I’m a safety nut and we know our limitations and consult with the pros when we do major electrical, plumbing, and/or structural projects to our own home – I wouldn’t dream of doing anything less for a client. Though safety is a good enough reason for me, I also don’t want the liability! Whenever the time comes to suggest structural changes to a client (or if they ask), I will 10000% bring a contractor on board to bless it and then do the work.
A great idea to reach out to local contractors about mentoring. That didn’t even enter my mind as a possibility, so thank you very much for suggesting that! It could also potentially be a way to see who might be a good fit for future collaborations.
And yes, it seems as though SketchUp is a great tool for all parties involved. I can see how it would be a great sales tool, but also invaluable for clearly communicating concepts and ideas to contractors. I will definitely check out Lynda.com and also see what SketchUp has to offer in the way of tutorials. I also just found that a local community college teaches a class on it… maybe I’ll sign up!
Thanks again!LikeLike
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Hi! Question regarding recording your hours necessary for becoming a licensed interior designer. If I have worked at numerous firms (some during school others after graduation) am I allowed to submit individual work verification forms for each? I don’t need just one supervisor or sponsor to sign off on all the hours correct?
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Allee if you are talking about work experience for a “license’ you need to contact your state or provincial board. If you are talking about taking the NCIDQ Examination, which has nothing to do with a “license” you need to contact NCIDQ directly
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Hi! I am looking into becoming an interior designer in the state of Florida and want to just really focus on residential projects. My question is would you recommend becoming RIDQC certified or CID? Or both/ other option? I really want to just learn more about the benefits of these different certifications and why some would be better than others.
Please let me know and thanks!
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Hi Natalie
If you plan to focus on single family residential interiors in which you are simply applying finishes to existing interior spaces or adding furnishings and accessories to existing spaces then you do not need either certification although the RIDQC is helpful for marketing purposes. If however, you hope to reconfigure walls, change cabinetry that would need plumbing and electrical reconfiguration (AKA Kitchen and Bath) as in remodeling then you move into the code regulated realm of the building process. This is where certification and licensure gets murky. If Kitchen and Bath work is your jam then you should check out NKBA certification. You will have to check with the local building departments where you plan to work but I suspect they will require a licensed contractor to sign and seal the permit application and/or drawings…at a minimum. Another way to think about it is that an Interior Designer who is a State Registered Interior Designer (CID) can perform some commercial interior design work without the incumbrance of working with a licensed Architect. The residential world tends to be contractor/architecture focused and interior design certification less clear and helpful. Hope that helpsLikeLike
I know some of the posts on NYIAD date back to 2014, but I finished the course earlier this year and I thought I would weigh in for those who are considering signing up.
First, I signed up for the course several years ago. I had a successful career in marketing and branding and retired early in 2016. If I would have followed my true calling, my career would have been interior design (my favorite part of running my agency was designing work spaces—kinda telling…). I signed up for the NYIAD for my own personal development and not to become a designer in these later years of my life. I knew realistically that if I wanted to hang up a shingle and do residential and commercial design, I needed more that what NYIAD could provide.
The course is self directed and you have several years to complete it without having to purchase an extension. The course materials are delivered to you, but I found them somewhat lacking and ended up adding a few more tools. The course covers the basics: how to properly measure rooms, windows, doors, etc., basic sketching of floor plans and elevations, color theory, lighting and lighting planning, furniture styles and history, fabrics, basic business practices for interior designers, and of course lots of manual drafting. I was disappointed that there was instruction on CAD, but I do feel the amount of manual drafting was helpful in really building that skill.
Overall, I really enjoyed the course. There were places where the curriculum seemed dated and a few of the assignment instructions were not very clear, but I felt I learned a lot and it supplemented my knowledge of interior design. Interaction with instructors wasn’t easy, you have to set appointments or email questions, but I do feel I got honest and fair critiques of my work and good advice. You are required to present moodboards for two rooms (along with a few other assignments) in order to graduate. I completed the course and was awarded a certificate of merit for my designs. In the end I did feel like this was a significant time investment and I felt a sense of accomplishment for completing the course.
I signed up for the RIDQC. I debated doing it since it is not very well received. In hindsight I probably would skip it and put that money towards more education.
On a final note, upon completion of the course, my advisor encouraged me to enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program where I would have access to studio time. That is kind of telling about how far the course can take you.
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Hello Sir. I’m currently trying to decide between two ID Bachelor degree programs and would like your advice.
Program One is a BS that focuses primarily on the technical aspects of ID and architecture. Program Two is a BFA that focuses primarily on the design aspects and only has maybe one or two technical classes.
I assumed whichever program I picked, I’d shore up the weaknesses with a minor. However, the school offering Program A has weak or unrelated art minors and the school offering Program B has the same problem with tech minors.
I’m pretty balanced in art and tech myself, so, all else being equal, I wondered if you had an opinion on which of these programs would be most useful toward my intend career, which is residential design. Or, which one would be easiest to supplement?
Thanks in advance.
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The way you explain it it sounds like a tie. But if you are leaning toward residential design I would look into the BFA deeper to see what their graduate placement record is. Accreditation is also an important factor. Short of telling me which programs you are considering that is all I can offer.
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Specifically it’s the BFA at UNT and the BS at UTArlington. UNT is CIDA accredited but I think you mentioned a few years back that CIDA wasn’t that useful.
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Hey MJ thanks for the reply ….just to clarify I stand by CIDA accreditation being a high benchmark for Interior Design programs and the degrees that they confer. That being the case I would lean toward UNT if UTA is not accredited. But again, IMO, the important ask is what are alumni of either program doing after they graduate? Do they get good jobs? Does the school help with placement? Do they have an internship program? Do they have active ASID/IIDA student chapters? CIDA accredited programs generally have a leg up on non-accredited programs on these points. It is not an easy decision to parse out. Happy to help answer what I can. Good Luck
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You’ve given me so many great questions to research. Thank you very much! Also, it turns out UTA is also CIDA accredited. (Sorry, WP won’t let me reply to the same thread again.)
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Hello Sir,
I have a bachelors degree in architecture from India. I have worked as an architect and interior designer for 18 months. I mostly worked on commercial/ retail projects and would like to believe that my interest lies in the same. However I do not dislike residential design. I have moved to the US a few months ago and have been trying to set up a career here. I cannot afford expensive masters degrees and cannot find affordable colleges near where I live (Tampa, Florida). I have considered online interior design courses, specifically from NYIAD and Berkeley College, New York. Please suggest what would be a good way to start off. Should I apply to boutique firms with my existing portfolio? Or should I try to understand the standards of design in the US through some degree or certificate courses before applying? Or would the RIDQC certificate help me securing an entry level job?
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Hello
I suggest that if you have a portfolio and resume outlining your best work and highlighting your skills and expertise (CADD, Revit, 3-D modeling, Detailing, etc.) that you start applying for jobs. If you have relevant experience and apply to a company that is need of that experience it MAY not matter that you have a Masters Degree. Try that before you spend time and money on further education.LikeLike
Hi! Looking to get certified as a interior decorator, though I know it is not necessary in FL. Which course/certification would you say is best for residential use? I am looking at CID vs RIDQC but open to other suggestions. Also, can a interior decorator assist with bathroom and kitchen tile, cabinetry, countertop and fixture choices?
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AJ good to hear from you….it’s been quiet in here.
I respect your desire to earn a certification. Essentially you are asking which exam and credential, the Certified Interior Decorator (CID) or the Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC Certified) is more worth the investment of time and effort….for those just joining us.
Good question………..My answer is both would be ideal but if you need a place to start I would go with the RIDQC first.LikeLike
Hi! Don’t know if this is the right place but I am looking for some NCIQD’s to help with me business. I am a licensed contractor who wants to kick things in high gear and need some designer help. Do you have a list of names I can contact in the Matthews area?
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Hello! Happy to find your site and this Q and A! I am a 52 year old woman with an extremely tight budget needing to make a career change. Given that I will need to continue working during any schooling, and that the time and money required for a Bachelor’s and even an Associates degree is prohibitive for me, I am leaning toward an approximately year-long certificate course to get started. I have narrowed it down to two online learning options, based on a couple weeks of research. The New York
Institute of Art and Design, which once completed makes me eligible to take the RIDQC exam, and is affordable for the year-long course at about $1000. Or The New York School of Interior Design, which does not offer any industry certifications or designations, but whose reputation MAY be well respected enough to compete with a RIDQC certificate. A plus with NYSID is that the one-year course would earn me credits towards an AAS or beyond there. Though I’m not sure that I would go on toward a degree, given my age and financial status, and a massive drawback is cost with them, about $30,000 for the year-long, non-degree course. *gulp*. So, I’m leaning toward the NYIAD course and fingers crossed, passing the exam afterwards to earn a RIDQC. My plan after earning either design course completion cert. is to get a job with a design company, continue learning on the job, as well as continue to take online modules to widen my knowledge. Not to open my own business.
So, a long background set up to ask you the question: Which do you think carries more weight in the job market for a non-degree applicant – a basic design course cert. plus a RIDQC qualification, or a basic design course cert. from a highly regarded design school with no RIDQC?
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Laura full disclosure my knowledge of NYAID and NYSID is limited. My focus is also on commercial or code regulated interior design and not so much residential work. With that I offer this opinion; If you want to practice independently, or in other words, run your own business, then the RIDQC is a helpful credential. It is a marketing tool more than anything. If you plan to work within a larger firm then earning a degree in the field is most important. Other than that you really need to do your homework on both degree programs. Get a list of alumni and literally call them. Does that $30,000 include room and board? Yikes!
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Thank you for answering, and for your considered thoughts.
Wow, I would never think of contacting alumni, OK!
On the tuition, they charge the same for both online and on site learning. Yikes, indeed. I’m looking into financial aid to see how much assistance I could get for it, if any. Taking on debt like that in midlife, to say nothing of the cost of a 2- or 4-year degree, is not only an unattractive idea, but possibly a very ridiculous one. I’ve only just gotten myself out of the debt from my 20s! The answer could be to look at less prestigious, less expensive, schools.
Or, maybe if I can only afford a certificate program at this time, not a degree program, I should change my trajectory to hanging out my own shingle as opposed to working within a firm. I have run my own business for the last 13 years, so it’s not foreign to me… so much to (over)think about.
Thank you again for your thoughts!LikeLike
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You could do some research on-line and see if there are any firms in your vicinity that look like they do the work you envision yourself doing. Then knock on their door (literally), dont call dont email, and see if they would be at all interested in taking you on as an intern. Wont pay much but that is the best way to learn. If you are not following the IDS https://interiordesignsociety.org/index.php you may find some resources for non-traditional career shifting folks. Good Luck
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Thank you, I so appreciate your advice.
I really lean toward the idea of interning, as so much of the most valuable information I’ve learned in my current career (and life in general) has been from experience and from working alongside veteran colleagues and mentors. I feel like if time and finances make a degree a difficult path, getting the initial basic certification and then learning on the job is the ticket. I would also take continuing education courses to continue to grow my knowledge and stay current on technology and trends.LikeLike
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