The Sign of a Professional Interior Designer

More and more people are looking for interior designers on the internet. We know this because that’s where we get many of our inquiries, often with clients complimenting us not only our previous work but also the website design. It’s easy to be fooled, however, by the flashiness of a well made website, but how do you know that the designers that you are finding are bona fide? By this we mean having the right qualifications and experience in which you can trust – especially considering that refurbishing a home is one of the most expensive things that you can do in your life.

Well, there is a clue, and here it is: any self respecting interior designer will be a member of the government-recognised body; the British Institute of Interior Design.  This is a professional body that does not take on just anybody by signing a cheque. Instead, to become a full member, there is a rigorous entrance process and it often takes a number of years to fully qualify. Candidates have to go through five stages, at each one demonstrating proof of both their knowledge and experience. Those with formal education qualifications, such as university degrees, step in at a higher level in the process. It is a proud moment for a designer to be accepted as a full member, but it doesn’t stop there. Members have to adhere to a program of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to ensure their expertise in design process, practice and regulatory matters. The BIID is not only a great platform for designers to interact and grow, but furthermore, the guidelines for best practice that it sets for its members helps to ensure that the public are well protected.

Make sure that the designer you engage is a member of the BIID and has the logo on their website. Also, if you are a bit stuck finding the right designer, why not contact the BIID directly about your project and they will guide you in the right direction to find the best designer for you.