ASID helps interior designers succeed as they progress through their careers from student to principal, partner, and owner. Career path opportunities for interior designers are abundant impacting places where people live, work, play, heal, and learn. Options include working in a design firm or even starting a business.
MARKET SECTORS
Interior designers must be knowledgeable about their clients' needs in order to effectively design project solutions. As a result, many interior designers concentrate within a design specialty or market sector, such as designing for the hospitality or healthcare industries. Some interior designers also focus within a particular subspecialty within a market sector such as designing restaurants (hospitality) or senior living facilities (healthcare).
CAREER STAGE DEVELOPMENT
While interior designers may specialize in a specific market sector or type of firm, there are skill sets and knowledge that will benefit each stage of an interior designer’s career. ASID provides learning opportunities at each career stage with in-person events allowing interior designers with various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to learn together or online via self-paced modules on the ASID Academy. ASID also celebrates the accomplishments of interior designers throughout their careers through Awards and Competitions.
- Student: Students are those currently enrolled in an interior design education program and preparing to take on the first steps in their careers. ASID provides opportunities for students to navigate their careers and enhance their understanding of the impact of design on people and their environments through programs such as SCALE: The ASID National Student Summit. Students attending SCALE engage with subject matter experts, their peers, and design firm leaders to launch their career path. ASID Student Chapter Awards are given to outstanding student members and chapters. From the ASID National Student Portfolio Competition to ASID Foundation scholarships, this is the place to start making your mark.
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Emerging Professional and Mid-Career: Interior designers within +/-5 years of professional practice are considered emerging professionals where they begin to define their career. Upon entering mid-career, interior designers begin to refine their career and focus their work. During these career stages, the interior designer’s path is self-defined with opportunities to pursue advanced education, certifications, and specialties.
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Principal/Partner/Owner: Those who are leading a design firm or company are considered principals, partners, and owners. Interior designers within this career stage are leading organizations and shaping the future of the profession. Responsibilities within this career stage include balancing the future vision with the daily demands of the firm or company.
CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
It is more important than ever for clients and the public to expect interior designers to demonstrate their professionalism through certification and credentials. The appropriate credential can set an interior designer apart in the marketplace and demonstrate proof of your expertise as a professional.
NCIDQ Certification
The NCIDQ Examination administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) is the broad-based exam for all interior designers and serves as the foundation from which to build for those moving into specialty design areas. NCIDQ Certification is required for the practice of many types of interior design in regulated jurisdictions throughout North America. Certification enables designers to easily validate their knowledge, experience and skill to employers and clients alike.