Volunteer Spotlight
Melissa Fox, NCIDQ, CID, LEED AP BD+C, Associate | Senior Interior Designer, Kideney Architects

How did you first get involved with CIDQ and why did you decide to volunteer with CIDQ?

About a year after I passed the NCIDQ Exam, I received an email from CIDQ with volunteer opportunities. I am very passionate about advancing the profession of interior design, and after reading about the different opportunities I decided that I really wanted to be involved in the exam creation process.

Tell us a little about your most recent CIDQ-specific volunteering experiences.

Most recently, I have been part of the Exam Review Committee, IDPX specifically. It’s a great group of subject matter experts who all bring different viewpoints and experiences to the table. It’s wonderful to see so many avenues that this career can take you down. 

When did you become NCIDQ Certified and why?

I became NCIDQ Certified back in 2009. When I decided to take the exam, I had been at my company for about 2 years, and I was ready to take the next step in advancing my career. At that time, there were no NCIDQ Certificate holders in my office.

How has having an NCIDQ Certificate helped you and your career?

It gave me confidence as a young designer and set myself and my firm apart from other companies in the area.

What would you tell a colleague who is considering taking the NCIDQ Exam?

I would tell them to absolutely go for it! I am a big advocate of “forever learning” and improving upon the knowledge you already have. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, the confidence and knowledge it gives you is well worth it.

Why does NCIDQ Certification matter?

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what interior designers actually do. I think having an NCIDQ Certification validates to a lot of people that this profession far exceeds those misconceptions. Like any other professional that is licensed or certified, it shows your commitment to your profession.

What have you learned through volunteering with CIDQ / how has it impacted your life?

I have learned so much throughout my time volunteering with CIDQ. Every time our committee gets together, I learn something new or get a different perspective on a topic. The resources that this group has brought together are amazing. We each have a different background and knowledge base that really works well together. This committee has also given me resources in my day-to-day work life. I’ve been able to ask questions to fellow committee members about how they do things or what they have experienced under certain circumstances, which is always helpful.  We are our own little committee community.

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering their time with CIDQ?

I would tell them that volunteering is definitely a time commitment, but if they have the passion, they should pursue it. For me, I have gotten so much out of being involved that it has been worth the time put in, even during those busy moments when you feel you can’t possibly squeeze more in.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

During college, I was part of a CO-OP program and moved every 3 months for 4 years. During that time, I lived in Cincinnati, Atlanta, Dallas, and Santa Fe and worked in firms ranging from 3 people to 200 people. Both the personal and professional experience I gained is priceless. After college, I moved home “for the summer,” but met my husband and never left.