What's with the Alphabet Soup?

There I was, lounging on the beach with my family this summer, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves, when a lovely couple sat down next to us. We strike up a conversation, and it turns out they're considering hiring an interior designer for their new apartment. Cue me, confidently sliding them my card and inviting them to check out my website and Instagram. If they liked what they saw, we could discuss a potential collab.

As soon as I handed over my card, the very first question they asked was, "What are all these letters next to your name?" It’s a question I've encountered a lot, so I thought, why not break it down in a blog post?

Just like MD stands for Doctor or CPA signifies a Certified Public Accountant, interior designers and architects have their own set of letters that denote their qualifications and expertise. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common ones:

AIA - This stands for the American Institute of Architects. Architects who hold this credential are part of a prestigious organization that upholds high standards in architecture.

LEED - This stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It's a certification for professionals who are committed to eco-friendly practices and sustainable design. If you're keen on green, a LEED credential is a mark of dedication to saving the planet.

WELL AP - The WELL Building Standard focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of building occupants. Professionals with this certification apply standards to ensure environments support physical and mental wellness.

And the ones I personally flaunt are ASID and NCIDQ.

ASID - This stands for the American Society of Interior Designers. Being a member of ASID is like holding a gold standard in the design world—like having a VIP pass to all things design. To join, you need to demonstrate a solid mix of education and experience. ASID is dedicated to elevating and advocating for the interior design profession, ensuring that design not only enhances aesthetics but also improves lives. Their commitment extends to volunteer work and promoting the value of interior design and advocacy. If you need a vetted interior designer, their design finder tool can help you locate a verified professional in any state, making it less overwhelming to find trusted professionals with the right expertise.

NCIDQ - This stands for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Think of it as the Bar Exam for interior design—intense but incredibly valuable (and probably way more fun!). The NCIDQ exam ensures that designers are knowledgeable about public health, safety, and welfare. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, from design fundamentals, codes and standards, sustainability to contract administration and management, along with case study analysis. Required for licensure in many states, including New York, passing the NCIDQ exam is a major milestone that proves a designer meets the highest standards of professional practice and competence.

However, it's important to note that passing the NCIDQ exam is not mandatory for all interior designers. Designers who choose not to take the exam are restricted from performing work as licensed interior designers, and may not be able to use the term "interior designer," often leading to their classification as decorators instead.

So, there you have it! Those letters aren’t just for show—they represent the hard work and dedication that go into making sure your space is as ‘magnifique’ as it is up to the mark. Our top priority as designers is making your space gorgeous, but we also ensure it is functional, safe and up to standards. If you’re on the hunt for a designer, now you’ve got the inside scoop on what to look for.

Ready to start the conversation? We’re here to help you transform any space into your own. Let’s connect!

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