International differences in the required an Interior Designer
In many countries, the title ‘Interior Designer’ means skills and remit products the UK label an ‘Interior Decorator. The confusion works with protection of title. In Europe, an Interior Architect describes a similar remit and skill of an British interior designer, but as ‘Architect’ is usually a protected title in the UK it can't be used to describe an inside designer. Descriptions in 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 various sector specialisms within design that require specific compliance laws. A clear idea of roles and obligations is core towards 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 just as one ‘interior designer’. Therefore for consumer protection, separation and distinction on the masses of hobbyists is key. The SBID member status denotes an enhanced volume of professional qualification and work experience beyond university education.
Designers can join at any stage of their career and progress from the membership levels to offer the highest amount of practice just as one SBID Accredited professional. SBID also accredits university course content as fit for professional practice, offering students at any recognised interior planning 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 the time and effort to protect the title of ‘decor’ in Great Britain.
