Ok...I am constantly asked, "What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?" The short answer is- a lot. What distinguishes a professional interior designer:
  • Above all, professional interior designers have formal education in the field- typically having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), in Interior Design.
  • Professional interior designers are certified in their field, having passed numerous board exams. The National Council for Interior Design Certification (NCIDQ) certifies those passing the exams.
  • Professional interior designers are normally a member of one of their industry's top trade organizations. For interior designers, that would be the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), which is the premier, oldest, and largest association of professional interior designers. One must pass the NCIDQ exam in order to become a professional member, and they alone may use the "ASID" designation. Designers who have not passed these exams are only allowed to use an "Allied ASID" designation.
  • What else? How about knowledge, experience, and accountability. To maintain their certification, professional interior designers are held to a higher standard, involving continuing education and oversight.

To sum it up, professional interior designers have formal design education; certification with NCIDQ; and normally have professional association membership. To make it even simpler, here are a few occupational comparisons:

  • CPA vs. Bookkeeper
  • Obstetrician vs. Midwife
  • ASID Professional Interior Designer vs. Decorator