Have you ever wondered about the difference between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer? Do decorators design, or do designers decorate? It turns out there’s a big difference and The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) wants consumers to know.

Recently CIDQ released a new official definition of Interior Designer, stating:

“The profession of interior design requires specialized education, knowledge, qualification, and training and extends far beyond aesthetic concerns to matters of public health, safety, and welfare. Professional interior designers can be distinguished by their successful fulfillment of several criteria including Education (majority have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in interior design and/or architecture), Experience (minimum two years practice in the field), and Examination (NCIDQ Examination and Certification which includes verifying competent application of building systems, codes, and construction standards).”

CIDQ wants the public to understand that Interior Designers have the education and experience required to keep consumers safe. Interior design requires an understanding of building code, fire code, life-safety, energy codes and standards, government regulations, and building permits.

If you’d like to read the full new and official definition of interior design for yourself, check it out here.

And by the way, Margaret is NCIDQ certified so you know you’re in good hands.