Q&A About Interior Design

Interior design is the creation and construction of an interior space that successfully meets the requirements of the end user and improves the human experience. Interior Designers are responsible for providing a safe, functional and accessible environment for their clients and meet this goal through attention, adherence and focus on codes, standards, regulations, accessibility, health, safety and welfare.

In Saskatchewan, Interior Designers must meet specific qualifications outlined by IDAS. The qualifications comprise of a combination of seven years of education and professional experience, with a minimum of a four years of interior design education through a recognized university outlined by IDAS. Additionally, all applicants for registered membership must successfully complete the CIDQ examination or equivalent deemed acceptable by the association. Registered and Intern members of IDAS are also mandated to complete continuing education units regularly to uphold their professional standards and retain membership.

Registered members of IDAS can legally use the title ”Interior Designer”. This provincial regulation through our Titles Act ensures that individuals who use this title meet specific qualifications and standards set forth by the association, including education, experience and adherence to professional ethics.

High school students becoming an Interior Designer can benefit from taking a variety of classes that provide a solid foundation for their post secondary education. Also referring to the approved IDAS list for Interior Design Universities, should refer to the required high school classes accepted. Classes such as: math, psychology, sociology, sciences, arts, drafting, design and technology, industrial arts, environmental sciences, computer science, business and or entrepreneurship are just some classes that relate to the profession of interior design.

Refer to CIDA for a list of accredited programs for interior design.

Contact CIDA for suggested high school courses.

https://cida.org/accredited-programs

Both Interior Designers and interior decorators play integral roles in their field. Interior Designers require extensive training from recognized University programs, along with significant experience in navigating building codes, regulations, ethical standards and the successful completion of a comprehensive examination process. They focus on creating functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing spaces while considering factors such health, safety and welfare.

Whereas, interior decorators specialize in enhancing the visual appeal of a space through the selection of decor elements like furnishings, fabrics, and artwork.

There are a variety of career paths such as:

• Commercial Interior Designers: corporate, hospitality, health, institutional design.
• Employment through: individual Interior Design firms, architect firms, all levels of government and private corporate businesses.
• Residential Interior Designers: home design, kitchen and bath.
• Employment through: individual Interior Design firms, home builders, retail outlets project managers, facilities, manufactures representatives, furniture design

Involving an Interior Designer at the very beginning of the project will benefit the planning process of the project. This will allow the client to leverage the interior designer experience, guidance and creative input through the design process. The Interior Designer will then start with the initial space planning and then go through the steps such as tendering, providing a full set of plans for a building permit selection of contractor, and then assist the construction process. Interior Designers will also provide their own professional consulting team when required such as code, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers when required for your project.

Interior Designers work on all aspects of the interior of a building, where as an architect can work on a building in its entirety. Both are capable of acting as prime consultant on a project, hiring out all engineering and other consulting services as required for that project. Interviewing different professionals for your project is the best way to determine if they are a good fit for your project.

Choosing the right Interior designer is very important for any client, here are a few steps to consider

1. Define your project goals, budget and time line.
2. Determine your scope of work, such as full service, consultation or a specific renovation requirement
3. Refer to the IDAS website to find out who are members are and what areas they work in such as commercial or residential to create a contact list. Ask friend and collogues for recommendations and referrals.
4. Contact the Interior Designers and ask for a reference, portfolio and past related work to your project and required experience if you have a unique project.
5. Schedule a consultation to meet and to discuss your project needs and request a design proposal.
6. Evaluate the proposal and contract including scope of work, deliverables, timeline and fees. Ensure all the terms and condition are clearly outlined in a written contract before proceeding.

Becoming a Registered Interior Designer in the province of Saskatchewan requires a combination of education, experience and examination recognized by IDAS. Registered membership is the highest level of qualification in Saskatchewan, ensuring members who use the title of Interior Designer meet all the standards and adhere to the professional ethics of the association.
Criteria:
Education: Graduation of a CIDA accredited interior design educational program
Experience: A minimum of 2 years (3520 hours) of qualified Interior Design work experience by CIDQ
Examination: Successful completion of the NCIDQ examinations. IDAS members also require to participate in the ongoing continuing education through IDCEC, have professional liability insurance and pay annual dues.
There are various levels of the IDAS membership: Student- Intern- Registered Interior Designer – Retired