there are several issues with requiring certification for interior designers. firstly, the certification process does not allow for anyone without a minimum number of college interior design courses to ever receive accreditation. the standard should be upheld in the form of examination. if an individual can pass the examination -- with or without the interior design school classes -- they should then have a portfolio submitted for review along with meeting a minimum number of years of work experience in the industry -- then they should be allotted accreditation. it is simply deplorable to see the number of designers practicing that went to one of the sanctioned schools and yet their work, knowledge and skills are severely lacking. consider the fact that individuals can receive a contractors license simply by passing an examination and meeting a minimum number of years of industry work experience. it does not matter whether or not they received a degree in construction management. interior designers only have liability when it comes to commercial furnishings and meeting fire codes. their work always passes through an architect who must stamp commercial drawings and therefor any issues regarding ada compliance is always approved by an architect. consider the number of star designers that have all been commissioned to do interior design -- many of them were originally in other design fields such as fashion, graphic and prints, industrial and product design -- they have a solid understanding of form, shape, color, materials -- yet they technically should be required to go back to school and take "interior design" specific courses. it is depressing to see the number of individuals trying to promote themselves as designers when their work is nothing more than a cacophony of trite fabrics, 16 different shades of taupe, and boring replications of period design. however -- there are just as many accredited designers churning out the exact same product. i understand the desire to promote a higher level of design and eliminate the inexperience from ruining a client''''s project -- however the current system needs improving. another problem plaguing most interior designers is their complete ignorance and understanding of construction or fabrication. their notion of what looks wonderful on a computer screen or a sample board usually falls short of ever understanding how those concepts can actually translate to a viable and fiscally responsible solution. i acknowledge that this is a generalization -- but i have yet to see any evidence refuting it -- but most interior designers do not understand these processes. if they had more of a knowledge of these processes then they would be able to create better designs and even how to better solve problems and create design solutions that were more financially viable.
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