Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Designer vs. Decorator

You're probably thinking to yourself “what is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator??" It's all about the qualifications. When I think of a Designer, I think of someone who is fully rounded and educated when it comes to all aspects of design (sustainability, maintenance, accessibility, programming needs, reflected ceiling plans, etc.). A decorator on the other hand, I find are the people who don't have the education and background, but take up decorating more as a hobby. Any person can call themselves an Interior Decorator, but only those who qualify (have a four year degree, years of experience, and passed the licensing exam) can call themselves Interior Designers.
Step 1: Education
To become a licensed Interior Designer in the state of Virginia, you must graduate from a four year accredited degree programs. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) "assures the public that interior design education prepares students to be responsible, well-informed, skilled professionals who make beautiful, safe, and comfortable spaces that also respect the earth and its resources." CIDA sets the standard for these accredited institutions.
Step 2: Experience
After graduation, you must obtain at least two years of formal training with in the Interior Design Field.
Step 3: Examination
After four years of education and two years of experience, you are eligible to take the licensing exam. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) administers the exam. If you pass the exam, by law, you can call yourself an Interior Designer. This means you have acquired the standard knowledge of what it entails to be an Interior Designer. 
This is the NCIDQ's view on the difference between Interior Design and Decorating:





1 comment:

  1. This is an informative post; I never realized that I used the two terms interchangeably, but I do think I had that official definition down-pat when I saw the big excerpt at the end of the post. I think of it in terms of structure: interior designers often consider restructuring a room (moving walls, re-arranging semipermanent fixtures like stove location), and interior designers do superficial decorating.

    Obviously, both are important jobs and both are important to the industry. But in terms of the ability to make in-depth changes to a person's home space, wouldn't it be better to hire a designer?

    And so I wonder: what are the cost differentials for decorators vs. designers in our area? And is the 4-year accreditation program a bachelor's degree or an internship/apprenticeship?