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What is a qualified Interior Designer?

• ARIDO Aug 13, 2020
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You wouldn't get dental work from someone on the street, nor would you get just anyone to help you in a divorce. So why would you hire an unqualified person to complete your interior design project?

The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is the professional association representing Interior Designers in Ontario. Only Registered members of ARIDO are authorized to use the designation 'ARIDO' and the title 'Interior Designer' in Ontario. ARIDO ensures that Interior Designers are highly trained through a rigorous process of education, experience and examination.

All Registered Members are required to:

Complete Education and Experience Requirements
To become an Interior Designer, students must follow a rigorous path of education in a four year Bachelor of Interior Design degree.

Supervised Work Experience
Graduates then must complete a minimum of 3,520 hours of supervised work experience under a qualified practitioner.

Examination
To complete their qualifications, Interior Design students must pass the NCIDQ examination, the National Council of Interior Design Qualification, which is the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles.

Maintain professional liability insurance
Because of the responsibility of their profession, Interior Designers must maintain professional liability insurance, just like doctors, engineers and other titled professions.

Participate in ongoing regular professional development
As a practising Interior Designer, Registered and Intern members must regularly complete professional development with specific requirements on learning about Health and Safety, the Building Code, Accessibility, Occupational Safety, and Health administration.

Comply with a professional code of ethics and standards of practice
ARIDO's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice outline how Registered Interior Designers must comport themselves in their work, on issues like contracts, maintaining confidentiality, and other matters that protect the public.

Comply with the Ontario government’s qualification and registration requirements under the Ontario Building Code
In addition to the above requirements mandated by ARIDO, qualified Interior Designers are trained in and have extensive knowledge of the Ontario Building Code. The Ontario Building Code is the legal framework that governs all building in Ontario. From renovation of existing buildings to new builds, every building in the province must comply with the laws that are set out in the OBC. Because of their work to build and renovate interior spaces in Ontario, Interior Designers must have a strong and current knowledge of the Code.