What is Commercial Design and What are the Qualifications of an Interior Designer

Interior design is an exciting field where professionals create and direct the construction or renovation designs of various buildings.  Often, they guide building owners and occupants and contractors in selecting the materials, layout, space distribution, interior walls arrangement and can be the director of all relationships between all related professionals working in the construction project. Designers also help plan the decoration and themes to work around your space, including some architectural knowledge and will help you create functional and proper space distribution within your space.

An interior designer is much more than professional help, they offer crucial guidance during the construction process.

Why Does Registration Matter?

  1. Registration shows consumers and clients that you have met the standards to call yourself a “registered interior designer”. Consumers can be assured that you have the education, experience and examination necessary to be a professional interior designer.
  2. Additionally, registration laws give consumers a venue for the redress of grievances and complaints.
  3. Registration shows that interior designers are registered design professionals, as are architects or engineers.
  4. To show strength in our profession, and to expand our opportunities, a high number of WRIDs show legislators that registration matters to the profession.

What are the Requirements to Become a Registered Interior Designer?

In the State of Wisconsin, a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID) is a certification for a qualifying interior designer. To qualify, an individual must complete these three items:

  1. Pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification (NCIDQ)
  2. Successfully register with the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  3. Follows the various laws, rules and regulations as laid out in the Wisconsin Administrative Code of the State of Wisconsin 440.96 Subchapter X Interior Designers

Becoming a WRID is an important step for any individual seeking a career in Interior Design and provides several benefits.

Benefits to Professionals

  • Awareness – “RID” shows other professionals that you support increasing public awareness of interior design as a profession
  • Identification – RID is a registered design professional, which is defined in the International Building Code as “an individual who is registered tor licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statuary requirements of the professional registration law of the state in which the project is being constructed”.
  • Permit Submittals for Approval – registration can give the privilege and responsibility of submitting drawings of interiors for permit approval.

Benefits to the Public

  • Interior design registration expands the options for consumers for design services in interiors
  • The public can identify the qualified interior designers easily and effectively.
  • The public is assured that those with the title “registered interior designer” will make informed choices about building codes, suitability of materials, and will create healthy, functional, and engaging spaces for interiors of the built environment.