Introduction



What Does an Interior Designer Do?
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) has developed a very concise working definition;

It states: The professional interior designer is a person qualified by education, experience and examination, who:

i) identifies, researches and creatively solves problems pertaining to the interior environment;

ii) performs services relative to interior spaces, including programming, design analysis, space planning and aesthetics using specialized knowledge in interior construction, building systems and components, building codes, equipment, materials and furnishings;

iii) prepares all drawings and documents relative to the design of interior spaces in order to enhance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public."

You will notice that this description is for a "professional interior designer". In Alberta, the terms Licensed Interior Designer (under the Architect's Association) or Registered Interior Designer (under the Interior Designers of Alberta) are for exclusive use of individuals who have proven through "education, experience and examination" to be professionals. The term "interior designer" is a generic one with no restrictions on its use.

Learn More about becoming an Interior Designer
How Will You Know Your Designer is Qualified?
Qualified interior designers are usually members of professional associations such as the IDA (or one of their provincial affiliates). These professionals will have an aggregate of post secondary education in interior design and practical experience totalling seven years, and will have successfully completed a qualifying examination. As a guideline, you can look for the designations LID, IDA, RIDIA, IDC after the designer’s name to ensure that you are hiring a qualified professional.

Provisional members of the IDA are “designers in training”. They have completed their post-secondary education and are in the process of acquiring the practical experience required to sit their qualifying examination. Depending on the nature of your interior design problem, its size and scope, a Provisional member may be qualified to assist you.

How to Hire an Interior Designer -
The Interior Designers of Alberta is pleased to announce that a set of model (standardized) contracts for the interior design professional practising in Alberta has been developed with the assistance of construction/contract law specialists at the law firm of Brownlee Fryett.

Download Model Contract Order Form -
The Process
Stage I: Analysis

Designers start early in the development stage with a feasibility study. This involves some or all of the following:

• Reviewing clients’ existing environment, analysis of functions, systems and communications
• Researching various solutions and alternatives
• Inventory and analysis of existing furniture, fixtures or equipment for possible re-use

Stage II: Preliminary Concepts

Having determined a statement of purpose and direction, the designer and client begin to develop the ideas on paper. This preliminary design concept consists of:

• Development of proposals from feasibility study and client brief
• Presentation for discussion of recommendations and conceptual development
• Revision of proposal as may be required for final approval
• Preliminary budgeting/cost projections for total contract

Stage III: Final Planning and Design

When the preliminary design stages have been completed and approved, the designer proceeds with the final planning and design. This stage involves the preparation of working drawings required for tendering, building permits, and the implementation of construction and may include:

• Floor plan/furniture plan
• Construction plan
• Reflected ceiling plan/lighting layout
• Floor coverings plan
• Electrical and telephone plan
• Interior elevations/building sections
• Custom furniture/millwork details
• Room finish and colour schedules
• Written specifications
• Coordination of consultants may be required for electrical, mechanical, structural, acoustical, graphics

Stage IV: Contract Administration

The client will now have the documentation necessary to proceed with construction. The Interior Designer’s job does not end here. A professional interior designer oversees the tendering and the award of the contract to ensure quality control and concept continuity through all stages of construction. Responsibilities include:

• Issuing all drawings and written specifications for competitive tender
• Evaluation of tenders with client
• Assisting contractor in scheduling and implementing construction
• Supervision/inspections, including:
• Site inspection to ensure construction is in accordance with drawings, specifications and schedules
• Issuing change orders/addenda
• Project management if desired by client
• Final on-site inspection with client and contractor to issue a certificate of completion