International differences in the required an Interior Designer
In many countries, the title ‘Interior Designer’ is the skills and remit of the items the UK call an ‘Interior Decorator. The confusion concerns protection of title. In Europe, an Interior Architect describes a similar remit and skill of the British interior designer, but as ‘Architect’ is often a protected title in the UK it can't be used to describe an indoor designer. Descriptions on the role and skills of interior designers differ worldwide, unlike that surrounding an Architect, Lawyer or Doctor the place that the title is clearly identified.
SBID aimed to clarify the role and definition by identifying different sector specialisms within decor that require specific compliance laws. A clear perception of roles and obligations is core for the teaching structures and course content which trains new professionals. SBID carries on work towards title recognition to have 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 from your masses of hobbyists is key. The SBID member status denotes an enhanced degree of professional qualification and work experience beyond university education.
Designers can join at any stage into their career and progress over the membership levels to offer the highest amount of practice being 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, offering the first UK based-tested measure of knowledge that may further the time and effort to protect the title of ‘decor’ in Great Britain.
