International differences in the necessary an Interior Designer
In many countries, the title ‘Interior Designer’ means skills and remit of the items the UK label an ‘Interior Decorator. The confusion pertains to protection of title. In Europe, an Interior Architect describes a similar remit and skill of the British interior designer, but as ‘Architect’ is usually a protected title in the UK it wouldn't be used to describe an internal designer. Descriptions on the role and skills of interior designers differ world wide, unlike those of an Architect, Lawyer or Doctor in which the title is clearly identified.
SBID aimed to clarify the role and definition by identifying different sector specialisms within design that require specific compliance laws. A clear knowledge of roles and obligations is core for the teaching structures and course content which trains new professionals. SBID is constantly on the work towards title recognition with an Interior Designer in the UK.
How does an Interior Designer become qualified?
In the UK, you can now describe themselves as a possible ‘interior designer’. Therefore for consumer protection, separation and distinction in the masses of hobbyists is the vital thing. 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 from the membership levels to obtain the highest amount of practice as a possible SBID Accredited professional. SBID also accredits university course content as fit for professional practice, offering students at any recognised design 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, giving the first UK based-tested measure of knowledge that may further the trouble to protect the title of ‘decor’ in Great Britain.