Why NCIDQ Matters: Elevating Interior Design Through Expertise and Collaboration

Megan T. Hart, MBA, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED GA, Fitwel Amb.

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As a seasoned professional in the A&D industry, I’ve encountered both the challenges and the rewards that come with being an interior designer. One of the challenges, which I’m sure is shared by many, is the misconceptions about our profession—whether it’s being mistaken for an interior decorator or the false belief that interior design involves no risk. I’ve often felt underestimated because of these misconceptions, but rather than seeing these moments as setbacks, I view them as opportunities to educate others on the true value that NCIDQ Certified interior designers bring. We do so much more than create beautiful spaces; we design safe, functional environments that enhance people’s quality of life. I can recall numerous instances where my training helped me prevent design oversights that could have had serious safety implications.

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Smart regulation plays a critical role in ensuring that the buildings we collaborate on with technical architects and planners are designed with safety, functionality, and beauty in mind. Early in my career, I was eager to grow, but I often felt challenged by the things I hadn’t had the opportunity to learn yet. My background had mostly involved developing aesthetics, specifying furniture, and detailing millwork, but when I began studying for the NCIDQ Exam, it opened a whole new world of technical knowledge. I remember being overwhelmed by how much there was to learn, but this newfound curiosity led me to seek mentorship from experienced project architects and interior designers who were more than willing to share their knowledge. These interactions deepened my understanding of building systems and life safety standards, allowing me to grow as a design leader who can see both the big picture and understand the intricate nitty-gritty details of construction.

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Studying for this exam and working closely with project architects has been instrumental in my growth as an interior designer. Architects and interior designers bring different, yet complementary, expertise to a project. Through professional collaboration and informal mentorship, I’ve learned how essential it is for architects and interior designers to align on every aspect of a building’s design and ensure that both the macro and micro details come together seamlessly. While architects may lead the overall structure and engineering elements, interior designers focus on the user experience and material specifications, bringing crucial insights into how spaces function on a day-to-day basis. This collaborative process ensures that all considerations—from safety to comfort to aesthetics—are fully integrated into the final design. Our respective licensure exams (NCIDQ and ARE Exams) help us to speak each other’s languages and understand each other’s responsibilities while maintaining our specialties. The design process is a team effort, and with so much overlap between our disciplines, fostering mutual respect and collaboration is essential for creating successful, cohesive designs.

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Smart regulation ensures competency within the profession and sets a benchmark for professional standards. To earn their license or registration, interior designers must complete rigorous education, experience, and examination, which covers critical areas such as building systems, codes, construction standards, and contract administration. I vividly remember the relief and pride I felt after passing my NCIDQ Exam, knowing that it certified my ability to handle the complexities of design. It felt like I had overcome the insecurities I had when I began to study. By regulating our profession, states and professional organizations ensure that designers are equipped to tackle the challenges of this profession with expertise.

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The primary reason for occupational regulation is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility has come up repeatedly in my career. For example, I once joined a construction project where a licensed architect had specified wall tile for use on a floor. As a designer with expertise in material details and specifications, I immediately recognized this error and realized that waterproofing had also been omitted in a room with a shower. That situation underscored the importance of a designer’s knowledge of materials and installation details—something that NCIDQ Certification prepares us for. Without that expertise, the project could have faced major issues, both financially and in terms of safety.

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Certified, Licensed, and Registered interior designers are required to understand design principles like universal design and ADA standards, ensuring that spaces are inclusive and accessible to all. Every time I approach a new design, I start by reviewing the project with a project architect and ensuring we’re in full compliance with state building codes when planning furniture or room layouts to review with users. This process and collaboration are crucial for creating spaces that everyone can use comfortably and safely. Without licensure, these important considerations may be overlooked, putting occupants at risk.

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Smart regulation also enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of interior designers. Clients, whether individuals, businesses, or public entities, are more likely to hire licensed professionals who have demonstrated their qualifications and commitment to ethical practice. I’ve had several clients tell me that my NCIDQ Certification was a deciding factor in their hiring decision because it assured them the team they were hiring was creative and qualified. Licensed interior designers adhere to a strict code of ethics, which governs our responsibility to clients and the public. This trust, combined with our ability to listen, understand, and develop a client’s vision, is one of the reasons we are uniquely valuable in shaping environments that work for people.

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By obtaining NCIDQ Certification, interior designers are better equipped to contribute to space planning, safety, and construction detailing—skills that go far beyond just selecting finishes.  When reflecting on my career, becoming a certified interior designer has reshaped my professional path in remarkable ways. The education I received while studying for the NCIDQ and the mentorship I have received has allowed me to confidently lead projects and ensure that every detail, from layout to material, is thoughtfully considered for both beauty and function. By upholding these high standards, we can continue to elevate the profession, contributing positively to the built environment and the well-being of its occupants.