International differences in the necessary an Interior Designer
In many countries, the title ‘Interior Designer’ refers back to the skills and remit with the items the UK call an ‘Interior Decorator. The confusion refers to protection of title. In Europe, an Interior Architect describes a similar remit and skill of any British interior designer, but as ‘Architect’ can be a protected title in the UK it can't be used to describe an internal designer. Descriptions with the role and skills of interior designers differ worldwide, unlike that relating to an Architect, Lawyer or Doctor in which the title is clearly identified.
SBID aimed to clarify the role and definition by identifying various sector specialisms within design that require specific compliance laws. A clear idea of roles and obligations is core for the teaching structures and course content which trains new professionals. SBID will continue to work towards title recognition with an Interior Designer in the UK.
How does an Interior Designer become qualified?
In the UK, everyone can describe themselves for an ‘interior designer’. Therefore for consumer protection, separation and distinction on the masses of hobbyists makes perfect. The SBID member status denotes an enhanced volume of professional qualification and work experience beyond university education.
Designers can join at any stage inside their career and progress throughout the membership levels to obtain the highest volume of practice for an SBID Accredited professional. SBID also accredits university course content as fit for professional practice, offering students at any recognised decor course free student membership. In 2022, SBID will introduce an entry exam to measure acquired knowledge. This process adds a layer above honours degree and work placements, supplying the first UK based-tested measure of knowledge which will further the time and effort to protect the title of ‘interior planning’ in Great Britain.
