International differences in the necessary an Interior Designer
In many countries, the title ‘Interior Designer’ is the skills and remit with the items the UK call an ‘Interior Decorator. The confusion concerns protection of title. In Europe, an Interior Architect describes the identical remit and skill of any British interior designer, but as ‘Architect’ is usually a protected title in the UK it can't be used to describe an internal designer. Descriptions from the role and skills of interior designers differ around the globe, unlike those of an Architect, Lawyer or Doctor the location where the title is clearly identified.
SBID aimed to clarify the role and definition by identifying the many sector specialisms within home design that require specific compliance laws. A clear knowledge of roles and obligations is core to your teaching structures and course content which trains new professionals. SBID will continue to work towards title recognition for the Interior Designer in the UK.
How does an Interior Designer become qualified?
In the UK, you can describe themselves for an ‘interior designer’. Therefore for consumer protection, separation and distinction through the 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 from the membership levels to obtain the highest degree of practice for an 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 can further your time and effort to protect the title of ‘home design’ in Great Britain.
