What is NCIDQ?

What is NCIDQ?

Many designers, working closely in the industry, speak a language that we often forget is not understood by all.

A common phrase we throw around at HaylieRead is registered Interior Designer or NCIDQ. This is often met with a brief explanation of the abbreviation. But we often miss the most important part.

Here in this blog post, I am going to break it down. What is NCIDQ? What does it mean for the design industry? And why hire an NCIDQ certified Interior Designer?

First and foremost, NCIDQ stands for the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications. NCIDQ is the nationwide council that sets standards for Interior Designers. In order to qualify to receive this qualification, a designer needs to pass a series of three exams, meet the professional work hour requirements, and provide valid design experience. Once all the requirements have been met, a designer receives their certification, and legitimizes their care for function, safety, and purpose. 

So what does all of this mean for the interior design industry? A certified Interior Designer is an advocate for advancing quality of life and creating spaces that go beyond the pretty picture. I swear I say this daily, but it is true. It is easy to create a beautiful pinterest board, or material palette. What is not easy is creating a beautiful space that is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Beyond creating functional, and safe spaces, what is the reason why I should hire a NCIDQ Interior Designer for my project? It’s easy! You know you are working with someone who truly cares for the end result and is an advocate for you! All decisions made will have you, and the space, at the forefront. 

If you are interested in learning more, check out http://advocacy.iida.org/ for a state by state breakdown. 

So, even if you can’t remember what NCIDQ stands for, rest assured, that if you hear NCIDQ you will know that means your designer is certified, qualified, and an advocate for you.