It’s a common misconception that an interior designer and an interior decorator are the same thing. Anyone can call themselves an interior decorator if they have a knack for style and décor, but an interior designer, in contrast, meets these three crucial criteria:

• Has graduated with a four-year degree specific to interior design or architecture
• Passed a professional certification exam
• Obtained licensure and/or is a registered professional within their state

Interior designers develop functional, efficient, and aesthetic spaces. They focus on the health, safety, and welfare of a building’s users and have a deep understanding of human factors and how a space can functionally support the needs of its users⁠—both physically and psychologically." Beth Keppler

Here are steps needed to become a licensed interior designer:

1. Attend and graduate from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited university with a bachelor's degree from its specific interior design or architecture program
2. After graduation, obtain the minimum number of required hours of experience practicing with professionals from an architecture or interior design firm
3. Take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination, which is a series of three individual categorized tests, assessing a designer’s knowledge of the core competencies required within the profession and that relate to industry standards in health, safety, and welfare

Currently, within many states, there is a Title Act in place, which protects the professional title and does not legally allow someone to call themselves an interior designer without becoming registered with the state. Completing the NCIDQ exam allows you to prove your credentials, qualifications, and competency to the state, which then allows a designer to become titled as a registered interior designer. This is a significant achievement in any interior designer’s career.

Can I Expand My Expertise After I Become Licensed?

Society memberships such as the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) or the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) are available for interior designers to join and have a number of benefits:

• Provides opportunity to enhance your network of resources within the industry
• Helps members stay apprised of current industry regulations and trends
• Encourages continuing education. As with most memberships, continuing education is a requirement in order to continually improve skills and relevant industry knowledge. For the two societies mentioned above, a basic 10-hour minimum must be recorded over each two-year term.

Beyond interior design-specific society memberships, there are also professional credentials such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Globe Professional (GGP), and WELL that can be achieved, which focus on sustainability and human wellbeing. These certifications enhance the knowledge we’re able to provide for the benefit of our clients.

What Will My Day-To-Day Job Look Like?

As an interior designer your responsibilities may include:

• Selecting appropriate interior finishes and materials
• Functionally planning and laying out a space
• Selecting and specifying furniture
• Creating and detailing millwork designs for construction
• Drafting reflected ceiling plans and selecting light fixtures
• Producing sets of written specifications and bid documents for furniture fixtures and equipment
• Designing interior signage and wayfinding for a building interior

These tasks must be completed while confirming that the space is cohesive and safe for all users. It’s a profession that is so much more than what it is often perceived to be. Our firm’s interior design department hopes to create more awareness surrounding our profession and educate you on all the services that we are qualified to offer. If you are interested in starting a position with our firm, see Dewberry’s careers page for openings.