A Registered Professional Member of IDAS has achieved a combination of seven years design education and professional experience and successfully completed the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination. Individuals who were grandfathered into the Association may also be included in the membership category.

A Provisional Member of IDAS has graduated from a recognized interior design program, is actively involved in the field of interior design and acquiring work experience necessary to qualify for the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications examination. They may use the designation ‘Provisional IDAS’.

Once the seven year combined education and experience requirement has been met, a provisional member has four years to successfully complete the NCIDQ exam.

In the province of Saskatchewan IDAS outlines the qualifications of an Interior Designer as being individuals who have achieved a combination of seven years of education and professional experience. The education component thereof shall be a minimum of two years of Interior Design education as recognized by the Association. All applicants for registered membership shall be required to successfully complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination (or other such other examination(s) as the Association shall find acceptable). Registered and Provisional members of IDAS are also required to do continuing education on an ongoing basis.

In the province of Saskatchewan we have a titles act which outlines that no person other than a registered member of IDAS may use the title “Interior Designer”.

Depending on the nature of your project, many professionals may work collaboratively to achieve the project goals; these may include mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineers, interior designers, architects and construction manager for example. Interior designers have specific training, knowledge and experience related to the development of interior spaces. Their expertise if that of meeting clients’ functional needs – how space is utilized – to ensure an effective work or living space. With that primary need clearly leading the work, detailed design then addresses the envisioned ‘look and feel’ of the space.

There is a lot of opportunity in Saskatchewan right now if you have a good education and are willing to work hard. Keep in mind the more education you have the more value you have to potential employers. Consult our list of recommended schools for further information.

Art, Sciences (Physics), Math 30, English 30, Drafting/AutoCAD (if available). Look into a few schools that you think you may attend and see what their requirements are. Many high schools now offer a class called interior design, be aware that these classes seem to be more focused on interior decorating. Read our answer on the differences between interior decorating and interior design to get a better idea of which career path might be the right one for you.

Membership in the Interior Designers Association of Saskatchewan requires graduation from an interior design program through a College or University that offers a certificate, diploma or degree in Interior Design acceptable to the education standards of IDAS and will ultimately be eligible to become NCIDQ certified.

Professional level programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation voluntarily place themselves before the scrutiny of the profession to ensure that students receive an education that will serve them not only during their time at school, but also prepare them for future professional growth. Students enrolled in an accredited interior design program can be confident that the program meets the quality standards recognized by the profession.

As of January 1, 2004, a program seeking accreditation must demonstrate that it culminates in a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Programs that were accredited prior to that date, but do not culminate in a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, must demonstrate compliance with this requirement by January 1, 2010, in order to maintain accreditation.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER)

146 Monroe Center NW, Suite 1318

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2822

Tel: 616-458-0400

Fax: 616-458-0460

E mail: info@accredit-id.org

Web: http://www.accredit-id.org

As the schools that are accredited is always changing we recommend going to CIDA’s website to see the most current list. The following Canadian Schools are accredited (2012):

Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design (2008, 2014)

Interior Design Program

http://www2.algonquincollege.com/mediaanddesign/

Michele Zanetti, Program Coordinator

Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 5749

E-mail: zanettm@algonquincollege.com

Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, Etobicoke, ON

Bachelor of Applied Arts: Interior Design (2007, 2013)

http://humber.ca/appliedtechnology/interior-design-bachelor-applied-arts

The Interior Design Program

School of Applied Technology

Kelly Gluck, Program Coordinator

Phone: 416.675.6622

E-mail: kelly.gluck@humber.ca

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC

Bachelor of Interior Design (2006, 2012)

http://kwantlen.ca/design/interior_design.htmlProfessional Level Interior Design Program

Interior Design Department

Lucie Gagné, Co-Coordinator

Phone: 604.599.2687

E-mail: lucie.gagne@kwantlen.ca

Brenda Snaith, Co-Coordinator

E-mail: brenda.snaith@kwantlen.ca

Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB

Bachelor of Applied Interior Design (2005, 2011)

http://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/Arts/Programs/BachelorofAppliedInteriorDesign/index.htmDepartment of Interior Design and Art History

Helen Evans Warren, Department Chair

Phone: 403-440-6953

E-mail: hevanswarren@mtroyal.ca

Ryerson University, Toronto, ON

Bachelor of Interior Design (2010, 2016)

http://www.ryerson.ca/interior/The School of Interior Design

Annick Mitchell, Chair

Phone: 416.979.5188

E-mail: mitchell@ryerson.ca

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Master of Interior Design (2005, 2011)

http://umanitoba.ca/Department of Interior Design

Dr. Mary Anne Beecher, Head

Phone: 204.474.6415

E-mail: beecher@cc.umanitoba.ca

Interior Design education is outlined by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation in terms of content and credit hours. Applicants graduating from a CIDA (formerly FIDER) accredited school will automatically meet IDAS education requirements. However, since CIDA no longer provides accreditation for pre-professional programs, IDAS has taken the initiative to review the current education components of the following schools and make recommendations in terms of acceptance of educational requirements.

CIDA Standards 2002 were used to evaluate all of the above programs.

Design Education Recognized not accredited by CIDA in Saskatchewan (January 2007) Please note graduates of these programs will no longer be accepted after 2015, when our minimum standard will be raised to CIDA accredited programs only.

Lakeland College

Vermillion, Alberta

Interior Design Technology Diploma

Graduates will be conditionally accepted and will be required to complete Liberal Arts courses as outline by CIDA. A period of one year is permitted to meet this condition. IDAS recommends participation in the Interior Design Experience Program to qualify for NCIDQ examination.

Lethbridge Community College

Lethbridge, Alberta

Interior Design and Merchandising Diploma

Graduates will be conditionally accepted and will be required to complete Liberal Arts courses as outline by CIDA. A period of one year is permitted to meet this condition. IDAS recommends participation in the Interior Design Experience Program to qualify for NCIDQ examination.

SIAST – Palliser Campus

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Interior Technology Diploma

Graduates will be accepted. IDAS recommends participation in the Interior Design Experience Program to qualify for NCIDQ examination.

Note: The SIAST Building Technology Diploma is not accepted as interior designer education.

NAIT

Edmonton, Alberta

Interior Design Technology

Graduates will be conditionally accepted and will be required to complete Liberal Arts courses as outline by CIDA. A period of one year is permitted to meet this condition. IDAS recommends participation in the Interior Design Experience Program to qualify for NCIDQ examination.

Rhodec International

59 Coddington St Suite 104

Quincy MA 02169 USA

Graduates will be conditionally accepted and will be required to complete Liberal Arts courses as outline by CIDA. A period of one year is permitted to meet this condition. IDAS recommends participation in the Interior Design Experience Program to qualify for NCIDQ examination.

Definition of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Education in the liberal arts and sciences provides a well-balanced foundation for professional studies and develops the capacity for lifelong learning. The intent of requiring liberal arts and sciences credit hours is to ensure students develop quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Liberal arts and sciences are defined as those college or university studies intended to provide general knowledge and to develop the general intellectual capacities (such as reason and judgment). Course work that is generally considered to be professional studies (e.g., business) is not included.

Some examples of liberal arts and sciences courses are: English composition, oral communication, logic, literature, foreign language, history, fine arts history, philosophy, biology, botany, zoology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, anthropology, archeology, sociology, psychology, economics. This includes humanities, which are defined as studies emphasizing the cultural aspects of civilization.

Courses designated to fulfill the liberal arts and sciences requirement should be of this nature and should not be courses that might generally be considered interior design course work.

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals.

An interior designer is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, research, and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment.

Among the many areas of expertise a professional designer services may include any or all of the following tasks:

• Research and analysis of the client’s goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs;

• Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client’s program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior;

• Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility , environmental , and sustainability guidelines;

• Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept, and to meet socio-psychological , functional, maintenance , life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements;

• Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture;

• Custom design of furniture, drapery and accessories

• Selection of appliances, plumbing fixtures and flooring materials

• Acoustics and sound transmission

• Audiovisual and communication technology

• Space planning and utilization, including organizational and storage needs

• Long-term project and lifestyle planning

• Interpret & implement national and local municipal building codes

• Safety and accessibility

• Ergonomics

• Design for people with special needs

• Conservation and “green” design

• Historic restoration

• Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules;

• Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts;

• Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space;

• Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants;

• Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials;

• Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client’s agent;

• Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.

Interior Designers have graduated from a recognized college or university interior design program and have seven years combined education and work experience. They must have also passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam (NCIDQ), the international standard examination for Interior Designers. In Saskatchewan and many, the title of Interior Designer is regulated and can only be used by Registered Members of IDAS.

An Interior Designer is familiar with the provincial building codes and laws and the code of ethics ensures that comply. Health and life safety is incorporated at the fundamental level of the design. Interior Designers have a wide range of options to practice collaboratively with other design professionals such as architects and engineers.

As with any regulated profession the consumer can expect a minimum body knowledge and experience when hiring an interior designer

A decorator fashions the “look” of a space and its outward decoration—paint, fabric, furnishings, light fixtures and other materials. In addition to enhancing the total visual environment, an interior designer creates a space that is functional, efficient and safe to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public.

Decorators may have some training or education; however the title is not regulated and therefore there is no education or work experience requirement to call oneself a decorator.

Many Interior Designers are hired based on referral. Ask your friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family for names of Interior Designers they have employed and recommend. Remember, before hiring an Interior Designer, check on our website and click on “Find a Designer” to verify that they are a registered member who meets the IDAS high standards of education, experience and examination.

For large projects, particularly commercial, a Request for Proposal can be distributed to various Interior Design firms. This ensures that you receive the best quote and that your needs are fully understood and met by the Interior Designer you employ. Our sister Association in Ontario has developed an online form to assist business users develop a Request for Proposal (RFP).

(ARIDO website http://www.arido.ca/Files/Arido%20PM.pdf)

To ensure quality of work, take time to interview a selection of Interior Designers. An Interior Designer will explain the design process, their work schedule and their billing costs and ask you in-depth questions about your needs. Before working with an Interior Designer you must feel comfortable with the designer’s approach to design

To ensure that the final project and the design process is of the highest quality and within budget, always sign a contract with the Interior Designer prior to any work commencing.