Welcome to the Interior Design Experience Program. This publication contains guidelines for participation in. Manual & Log NCIDQ is here to help you as you take this important step in your interior design career. Please contact us if you have any questions. Page 1
2009 National Council for Interior Design Qualification All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted for reproduction without the prior written permission of the publisher. National Council for Interior Design Qualification 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 1001 Washington, DC 20036-2506 Printed in the United States of America November 2009
Table of Contents Introduction to 5 The Process 8 Task Content Areas 10 Task Content Area Descriptions 12 Appendices Interior Design Career Path 15 NCIDQ Examination 16 Page 3 Professional Status 17 Continuing Education 17 NCIDQ Definition of Interior Design 18 Frequently Asked Questions 21
Introduction to The Interior Design Experience Program () is a monitored, documented experience program administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) for baccalaureate graduates and persons who have completed a program with a certificate, degree or diploma of no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours in interior design-related coursework. The career path of a professional interior designer involves formal education, work experience and a qualifying examination. Work experience is required of candidates for the NCIDQ Examination. State licensing boards and provincial associations require proof of quality interior design experience for licensure and/or registration. has been developed to assist entry-level interior designers in obtaining a broad range of quality professional experience. The program provides a structure for the essential transition between formal education and professional practice, recognizing the differences between classroom and workplace. The purpose of is to develop competency in interior design practice by: Promoting the acquisition of professional discipline, skills and knowledge. Validating experience through consistent documentation. Providing an instrument for quantifying work experience for licensing and future career opportunities. Developing career networking relationships between entry-level designers, work supervisors and experienced mentors. Preparing participants for the NCIDQ Examination. Enhancing the professionalism of the practice of interior design. creates value for participants, employers and mentors by facilitating the development of competent interior designers who can provide exemplary interior design services and work as members of teams of professionals involved in the design of the built environment. Why Participate in? provides a complete and balanced curriculum for the first years of work after graduation. It targets critical experience areas for the professional interior designer in any specialty area. Approximately two or three years of participation (if you work full-time) is required depending on the length of your design education. prepares you for the NCIDQ Examination and/or licensure/registration. It builds on your professional network through mentorship and greater workplace participation. Participation Incentive Participants who successfully complete all requirements by December 31, 2010 may take Section III of the NCIDQ Examination for FREE one time. Note: Candidates must take all sections at one exam sitting within one year of completing. Key Players in The program supports you, the recent graduate, by giving you support from many viewpoints. The first key player in is you. The individuals who participate in are called participants. You are joined in this endeavor by supervisors, mentors, NCIDQ and in some instances by a U.S. regulatory Supervisor board or Canadian provincial association. Participant Mentor Your Supervisor Your supervisor is your employer or immediate supervisor within your office. Your supervisor must be an NCIDQ Certificate holder or a licensed/registered interior designer or an architect who provides interior design services. Over the course of your participation Page 5
Page 6 in you may have more than one supervisor. You must notify NCIDQ of any change of employment and/or supervisor. For each new supervisor, please submit a new Supervisor Agreement Form to NCIDQ. Your supervisor supports your career by: Enhancing communication with you through a structured program of assessing current skills and planning for future on-the-job learning. Tracking your development through various work experience categories. Promoting your professional development outside the scope of a typical employee s everyday tasks. Supporting your commitment to becoming a licensed/registered professional. is not an employment service, it is the participant's responsibility to find employment. It s a good idea to let prospective employers know that you are interested in participating in as they will have a role to play in your progress. If your current or potential employer does not have a clear understanding of his or her role in, he or she can get a copy of the Supervisor s Guide to, available at www.ncidq. org. Your Mentor Your mentor is an interior designer whom you do not work for who can give you career advice as you move through the program. You must communicate with your mentor at least three times a year. Over the course of your participation in you may have more than one mentor. Your mentor must be an NCIDQ Certificate holder or a licensed/registered interior designer. Your mentor should be employed outside your firm or should have a non-supervisory relationship with you. You must notify NCIDQ of any change of mentor. For each new mentor, please submit a new Mentor Agreement Form to NCIDQ. Your mentor supports your career by: Putting you in touch with interior designers who may have a different perspective of the profession. Giving you opportunities to learn through new ways of viewing challenges that you may encounter. There is no one source to help you find a mentor; however, local professional associations are a good place to start if you don t already know interior designers outside your place of employment. If you locate a person who is interested in becoming your mentor and he or she does not have a clear understanding of his or her role in, he or she can contact NCIDQ to get a copy of the Mentor s Guide to (also available at www.ncidq.org). You must notify NCIDQ if you change mentors. NCIDQ NCIDQ The National Council for Interior Design Qualification is available to assist you before, during and after your participation in. NCIDQ is composed of a staff in Washington, DC and dozens of volunteers located across North America. As volunteers, both the Board of Directors and the Committee support this program and you. The Committee constantly monitors the program to improve it. If you have any suggestions about the program, please send them to NCIDQ at info@ncidq.org. The NCIDQ staff is available during normal business hours, 9am - 5pm EST, to answer questions you might have about the program and to further explain the requirements of the program.
Your State Board or Provincial Association There are many names for these entities, but in general a regulatory board is a legally constituted private or governmental organization that is charged with regulating the interior design profession and professionals within a jurisdiction. These boards may enact laws or regulations that require future licensed/registered professional interior designers to participate in before a license or registration will be granted. It is essential that you know the status of the laws in the state or province where you intend to practice. Participation Participation is voluntary in most jurisdictions, but state boards, provincial associations and employers may mandate enrollment in for verifiable, diversified interior design experience. You must find your own job; the program is not a placement service. You must complete a minimum of 3,520 hours if you possess a baccalaureate degree in an interior design program of no less than 120 semester or 180 quarter credit hours of which 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, respectively, are interior designrelated; OR 5,280 hours if you possess a certificate, degree or diploma including no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of interior design-related coursework. The hours of experience are distributed among these six competency areas: Programming Schematic Design Design Development Contract Documents Contract Administration Professional Practice The definition of experience includes: Working directly in a competency area. Observing others who are engaged in such work. Attending lectures, seminars and continuing education courses. This type of professional development can be used to fulfill no more than 10% of the total required hours. Log Experience is tracked online through MyNCIDQ and submitted to NCIDQ for review. Your supervisor must verify the accuracy and completeness of your online Log before you submit it to NCIDQ. Your supervisor must meet regularly with you to discuss and sign off on your work. Your mentor must meet or confer with you regularly (in person, by phone or email) to discuss your ongoing experience and alternatives, if needed, to fulfill the experience in the six competency areas. Note: Over the course of the program, you may have more than one employer, more than one supervisor and/ or more than one mentor. A full-time employee can expect to complete the program in approximately two or three years, depending on the hours required for your formal education program level. Page 7
The Process Page 8 Step 1 Complete the application (go to www.ncidq. org for information about the application. Submit an $85 (US) application fee. Provide NCIDQ with your college transcripts. Step 2 Find an employer and a mentor, complete the Verification Form. Complete the Supervisor Agreement Form. Complete the Mentor Agreement Form. Submit these three forms to NCIDQ. Step 3 Begin recording your work experience hours through the online Log. Step 5 Graduates of four-year interior design programs: Submit your online Log to NCIDQ once you have completed 1,760 experience hours. Your online Log must be digitally approved by your supervisor. Submit an $85 (US) fee once you have submitted your online Log for approval. Graduates of three-year interior design programs: Submit your online Log to NCIDQ once you have completed 2,640 experience hours. Your online Log must be digitally approved by your supervisor. Submit an $85 (US) fee once you have submitted your online Log for approval.step 6 Step 4 Meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss your progress in gaining experience in each task content area. Work with your supervisor to plan how you will gain additional experience. Meet with your mentor at least every four months (in person or via telephone or email) to discuss your progress in gaining experience in each task content area. Your mentor may be able to assist you in planning for meetings with your supervisor or in finding alternative routes to gaining the required experience.
Step 7 Continue to gain experience and document it in your online Log. Meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss your progress in gaining experience in each task content area. Work with your supervisor to plan for how you will gain additional experience. Meet with your mentor at least every four months (in person or via telephone or email) to discuss your progress in gaining experience in each task content area. Step 8 Graduates of four-year interior design programs: Submit your online Log to NCIDQ once you have completed 3,520 experience hours and met the minimum hours in each task content area. Your online Log must be digitally approved by your supervisor. Submit an $85 (US) fee once you have submitted your online Log for approval. Graduates of three-year interior design programs: Submit your online Log to NCIDQ once you have completed 5,280 experience hours and met the minimum hours in each competency area. Your online Log must be digitally approved by your supervisor. Submit an $85 (US) fee once you have submitted your online Log for approval. Step 9 If you have met all eligibility requirements and successfully completed the program, you will receive a completion certificate and information about the Examination Application. Step 10 Submit the examination application by the deadline. Take the NCIDQ Examination. Ongoing If you change employers, supervisors and/or mentors, you must submit a new Verification and/or Agreement Form to NCIDQ at the time of the change. If you change your name, address or contact information (phone numbers or email addresses), you must update MyNCIDQ in a timely manner. Page 9
Task Content Areas Identified below are guidelines for the work experience of entry level interior designers engaged in the Interior Design Experience Program. Experience in these Task Content Areas may be achieved by directly working in the area; by observing others who are engaged in such work; or by attending meetings, lectures, seminars and discussions. Experience is evaluated based on the total number of hours completed, as noted to the right of each task area. A total of 3,520 hours is required for participants who possess a baccalaureate degree in an interior design program of no less than 120 semester or 180 quarter credit hours, of which 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, respectively, are interior designrelated. A total of 5,280 hours is required for participants who possess a certificate, degree or diploma including no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of interior design-related coursework. Continuing education can be used to fulfill no more than 10% of the total required hours (352 or 528 hours, depending on your education level). Supplemental education should expand upon knowledge and skills acquired in training, or it should develop knowledge and skills for which training at work is not available. Page 10 Minimum hours of Minimum hours of experience for 3,520- experience for 5,280- hour requirement hour requirement 1. Programming 570 hours 855 hours a. Client requirements 135 200 b. Research 75 115 c. Space and conditions analysis 125 185 d. Client/user interviews 45 70 e. Life safety and code requirements 90 135 f. Problem solving 100 150 2. Schematic Design 445 hours 670 hours a. Design concept 110 160 b. Space relationships 90 135 c. Client meetings 15 25 d. Preliminary drawings 90 135 e. Preliminary budget and cost 75 115 f. Color concept 65 100 3. Design Development 1240 hours 1860 hours a. Space planning 210 310 b. Furniture, fixtures and equipment layouts 140 210 c. Lighting plans and preliminary specs 145 210 d. Electrical plans and preliminary specs 75 115
Minimum hours of Minimum hours of experience for 3,520- experience for 5,280- hour requirement hour requirement e. Reflected ceiling plan 85 130 f. Plumbing plans and preliminary specs 75 115 g. Detailing millwork, custom cab. and furn. 135 200 h. Furnishing and textile selection 95 145 i. Materials and finish selection 90 135 j. Budgeting 95 145 k. Presentations oral, written and graphic 95 145 4. Contract Documents 655 hours 980 hours a. Working drawings interior construction 195 290 b. Working drawings custom cab. and furn. 145 215 c. Spec writing 140 210 d. Bidding and contract documents 80 120 e. Purchase documents 95 145 Page 11 5. Contract Administration 325 hours 490 hours a. Checking shop drawings 25 40 b. Job observation 110 160 c. Installation scheduling 30 45 d. Installation supervision 40 60 e. Client and contractor meetings 45 70 f. Punch/deficiency list 25 40 g. Site inspection, survey and documentation 50 75 6. Professional Practice 285 hours 425 hours a. Office procedures and technology 85 125 b. Resource library 55 85 c. Contact with trade reps 40 60 d. Contractual agreements 105 155 7. Additional Experience (Optional) a. Professional exposure and liability b. Accounting and methods of compensation c. Professional activities and comm. service d. Marketing
Page 12 Task Content Area Descriptions Programming Programming is the process of gathering and analyzing information about the client s and user s needs relative to a given project. It involves organization, structure and goals; functional, behavioral and cultural needs; budget; existing conditions; codes; and external considerations. Programming Activities Identifying clients and users needs, goals and special requirements. Evaluating existing premises including space allocation, furnishings, equipment and other attributes of the existing environment. Assessing financial limitations. Researching life safety and code requirements, project type, location and access. Interviewing client and users. Compiling and evaluating data; writing the program. Inventory of furniture that will be reused. Research special requirements and needs of project. Measure and record all site conditions. Determine other disciplines/specialized skills needed. Assisting in searching and documenting codes, regulations and ordinances for a project. Discovering procedures necessary to obtain approval of design and, if necessary, ways to achieve variances for particular requirements. Calculating requirements for numbers and sizes of stairs and exits, stair and corridor dimensions, ramps and public washrooms, to satisfy requirements for a particular project. Schematic Design Schematic design is the preparation of preliminary plans, furniture layouts, materials choices, and other components, through the process of considering all of the ramifications of the needs expressed in the programming stage. It defines the character or image proposed in the finished project. Schematic Design Activities Participating in formulation of preliminary space and furniture plans that are appropriate to the budget and reflect the character, function and aesthetic concept of the project. Participating in the coordination of program requirements with consultants. Preparing three-dimensional sketches that explore the image of the concept. Participating in discussions with the client during the process and completing presentations of the conceptual drawings. Completing matrices. Completing bubble diagrams. Completing stacking diagram. Completing preliminary drawings. Design Development Design development encompasses the final recommendations for the complete project, including consultations with consultants, and obtaining client approval for production of working drawings for the project. Design Development Activities Participating in the development of the space planning, furniture, fixtures and equipment layouts. Participating in discussions with consultants on lighting, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and coordinating design drawings for these components.
Assisting in designing custom cabinetry, furniture and millwork. Assisting in the selection of furnishings, textiles, materials, finishes and colors. Participating in budgeting and estimating costs. Assisting in preparing presentation materials. Participating in presenting the complete design to the client for approval. Product development. Contract Documents After final approval from the client, construction documents are prepared to obtain prices from various sources. These documents include working drawings for all details as necessary and specifications and schedules for construction and materials. Contract Documents Activities Working on the preparation of drawings for interior construction and detailing of custom cabinetry, furniture and millwork. Assisting in the development of specifications and related schedules. Participating in the integration of the work of consultants. Assisting in the preparation of purchase documents, bidding and contract documents; the bidding process; and awarding of contracts. Assisting in the preparation of plans for barrier free design that respects building codes and life safety. Contract Administration Once contracts have been awarded for the various aspects of the project, the designer defines the goals, coordinates the tasks and scheduling, prepares and monitors a critical path for construction and installation, oversees quality control and performance, acts as liaison between the client and contractors, maintains budget control and oversees all legal aspects of the contracts. To assess the success of a design, it is necessary to perform a post occupancy evaluation of the users satisfaction with the completed project. This should occur within one to two months, or within one year, after project completion. Contract Administration Activities Checking shop drawings submitted for approval on custom work included in the contracts. Participating in on-site observation of the project. Assisting in preparing schedules for installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Participating in supervising the installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Participating in the inspection of the completed premises with review of deficiencies (punch/ deficiency list) or inspection of final design solutions. Assisting in the development and execution of surveys and questionnaires, and preparing a report on the analysis of user satisfaction. Assessing the validity of design decisions and original programs. Professional Practice There are many aspects of operating a design business that are somewhat peripheral to the design process but are essential to the success of the business. The organization of office procedures and regulations is essential to maintaining a smooth operation. Of concern are financial aspects such as a steady income, control of expenses, records for tax purposes and use for future projects, budgeting of time and use of manpower. Good relations with contractors and suppliers assist in maintaining an efficient and effective practice. Contracts between clients and designers are legal necessities. A verbal agreement may be legally binding; however, it is difficult to verify such an agreement if a court case arises from a dispute Page 13
Page 14 between the client and the design firm. Therefore, it is important that some written form of agreement be signed by both parties. Professional Practice Activities Becoming knowledgeable regarding efficient office procedures and technology. Developing contacts with trade representatives and becoming knowledgeable regarding the use of resources. Billing and design compensation. Discussing the types of contracts used and the underlying reasons for each with a knowledgeable person at your firm. Studying signed contracts for projects and following through the life of the project to identify problem areas. Attending seminars or lectures on contracts. Additional Experience (Optional) The following additional work experiences are critical to the practice of interior design because they affect professional quality and have an impact on many activities. Exposure to these experiences may be obtained through directly working in the area; by observing others who are engaged in such work; or by attending lectures, seminars and discussion sessions. Professional Exposure and Liability The owner-designer is legally responsible for all documents or drawings produced by the designer s firm. Such liability entails large amounts of money. It is imperative that a designer is knowledgeable about all types of liabilities and the various kinds of insurance available for protection. Of particular importance is Errors and Omissions insurance, since the design firm may be held responsible for any malfunction that may occur on the project, even after completion and occupancy. Professional Exposure and Liability Activities Discussing insurance coverage with a knowledgeable person at your firm. Studying insurance contracts. Attending seminars and lectures on insurance issues. Accounting and Methods of Compensation There are several ways in which a designer may choose to set a fee for services. Several systems may be used by a firm, depending on the type of contract with the client. Some clients prefer certain types of fee systems. A designer must be familiar with all the options and understand the difference among them, so that the system used is suitable to the type of contract and fair to the client and the designer. Accounting Activities Discussing fee systems with a knowledgeable person at your firm. Reading literature on fee systems. Attending seminars and lectures on fees. Marketing Effective public relations play an important role in creating a public image and bringing in new clients. It is necessary to market the firm if new work is to be obtained. Marketing Activities Assisting in the development of marketing tools. Assisting in marketing the services of the firm.
Appendices Interior Design Career Path 1 Education Formal interior design education is completed (three or four years leading to a degree in interior design). 2 Experience Entry-level interior design work experience is completed and substantiated through participation in. 3 Examination NCIDQ Examination is completed. 4 Registration/Licensure Page 15 Information and applications are requested from state licensing boards and provincial associations. 5 Lifelong Learning Registration/licensure and professional memberships are maintained; continuing education ensures developing current, applicable knowledge and volunteer activities promote continued involvement with the profession and the public. 6 Record Maintenance and CE Tracking The NCIDQ Certificate is maintained, allowing NCIDQ to verify professional status; continuing education courses are recorded with NCIDQ s CE Tracking Program.
Page 16 NCIDQ Examination NCIDQ, an independent, not-for-profit organization of regulatory member boards, provides the public with the means to identify interior designers who have demonstrated the minimum level of competence needed to practice interior design and to protect the health, life, safety and welfare of the public. In fulfillment of this purpose, NCIDQ provides a professional examination in interior design. As part of its ongoing effort to ensure the relevance, validity and psychometric quality of the examination, NCIDQ regularly conducts a practice analysis of the profession of interior design, and works with experienced consultants to develop and administer the examination program. In conducting the most recent Practice Analysis, NCIDQ determined that six performance domains characterize the work of interior design: (I) Programming, (II) Schematic Design, (III) Design Development, (IV) Contract Documents, (V) Contract Administration, and (VI) Professional Practice. The weighting structure of the examination is derived from each domain s relative importance and criticality. The performance domains provide the logical and analytical basis for each part of the NCIDQ Examination. The NCIDQ Examination consists of two comprehensive multiple-choice sections and a practicum design section. The first multiple-choice section, Principles and Practices of Interior Design, consists of 150 questions. It addresses the domains of programming, schematic design and design development. The second multiple-choice section, Contract Documents and Administration, consists of 125 questions. It addresses the domains of contract documents, contract administration and professional practice. Many questions on both of these examinations incorporate drawings, pictures, symbols and textual formats typical in the interior design profession, requiring candidates to recall, apply and analyze information. The NCIDQ Examination also includes a practicum section, Schematics and Design Development, that requires candidates to produce a design solution. Candidates receive a program based on a multifunctional facility including three of six areas of specialization (residential, office, hospitality, retail, institutional or healthcare). All candidates for a given test date receive the same problem. The problem requires candidates to (a) interpret the program into schematics; (b) produce plan drawings; and (c) develop appropriate specifications. Work products must address the principles of universal design. The Examination is scored according to standardized guidelines by Qualified Council Jurors who have completed a comprehensive training program. The passing standard for all NCIDQ Examinations is established using criterion-referenced procedures that are thoroughly researched and well accepted by the professional testing community. New forms of each portion of the revised examination program are equated to ensure that all versions are equivalent in content and difficulty. Each multiple-choice form includes 25 experimental questions that do not affect candidates scores, and each form of the practicum is pretested prior to its actual use. These psychometric procedures are designed to ensure the high quality of NCIDQ s Examination program. Candidates interested in completing the NCIDQ Examination must submit an application approximately four months before the examination date. Current eligibility requirements are available at www.ncidq.org. Approved candidates must register and pay for the examination approximately two months before the examination date. Candidates are not required to complete all three examination sections in one administration. Candidates who do not pass one or more sections may retake them, but
must pay the applicable examination fee for each retake. Candidates are not permitted to retake sections they have passed. Professional Status Professional status in interior design is attained on completion of education, experience and examination requirements. Professional status indicates an interior designer has followed a career path based on recognized and established standards in the field. These standards are reviewed for legal registration or licensure, membership in professional associations, and voluntary specialized certification at an advanced level. Licensing The United States and Canada have registration laws regulating the title or the practice of an interior designer. Title registration protects the use of the title being regulated, such as registered interior designer, and gives assurance to the public that anyone using the title has the professional qualifications to do so. Practice registration restricts the practice of interior design to individuals licensed under the act. The rationale for licensing addresses the distinct and different expertise of professional interior designers, the protection of the health, life, safety and welfare of the public, and the assurance of professional qualifications. Most laws in the United States and Canada identify title registration, and some identify practice registration/licensure. Use of the title or the practice is restricted to those who have met the legal qualifications cited in the law. Often the qualifications stipulate a minimum combination of education and experience, and passage of the NCIDQ Examination. Laws and rules constantly change. Therefore, current information should be obtained from state or provincial licensing boards. Membership in Professional Associations Membership in professional associations indicates that an interior designer has joined an interior design organization as a recognized professional member with voting and officership privileges. Each association specifies membership requirements that include appropriate education and experience. In the United States, there are several interior design associations that operate internationally, nationally, regionally and locally. In Canada, provincial associations serve as both licensing agencies and professional associations. Continuing Education The interior design profession promotes lifelong learning for interior designers. Continuing education emphasizes attitudes, competencies, knowledge and skills in a specific subject that enhances an individual s performance. The learning experiences focus on the adult student through activities dealing with thinking, performing and reacting. Interior designers take continuing education courses to obtain current information in the field and to meet licensing requirements. Courses are offered by colleges and universities through their continuing education departments, interior design associations and related design organizations. Course subjects have been cross referenced by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) to standards for education, experience and examination in the interior design career path. It is anticipated that many of the courses will satisfy auxiliary education and experience requirements identified in the Interior Design Experience Program. Interior design continuing education courses are registered through NCIDQ s CE Tracking Program, with verification forwarded to the individual. It is the Page 17
Page 18 individual s responsibility to retain all records of participation and submit them to the appropriate agency for review and confirmation. NCIDQ Definition of Interior Design Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the health, life, safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks: Research and analysis of the client s goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs. Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client s program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior. Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines. Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept, and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements. Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture. Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules. Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts. Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space. Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; and various specialty consultants. Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials.
Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client s agent. Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports. Glossary of Terms Accessibility Features of buildings or spaces that enable use by people regardless of their level of ability. Building Shell The architecture of the existing building, including the framework, the perimeter/exterior walls, the building core and columns, and other structural, load-bearing elements of the building. Construction Documents The detailed working drawings that define the work to be constructed. This may include partition plans, power and communications plans, reflected ceiling plans, material and finishes plans, and furniture layout plans, as well as elevations, sections and details, along with the drawings of associated consultants. Contract Documents The set of documents that form a part of the legal contract for services between two or more parties. These typically include detailed instructions to the contractor, tender forms, construction documents and specifications. Contract Administration The set of services which may include developing and monitoring schedules and construction costs; ensuring construction is completed in conformance with contracts and design intent; liaison with contractors and consultants throughout the course of construction; reviewing shop drawings and submissions from the contractor; observing and commenting on construction progress; monitoring move-in and furniture installation; and conducting required post-occupancy evaluations. Environmental The aggregate of the physical conditions of the interior environment that affects the health and safety of the occupants, including air quality and circulation, temperature control, ergonomic layout, physical circulation plan and related matters. Maintenance The ability of a product or material to be kept to its proper condition, and the work required to sustain that condition over the life of that material. Non-structural or non-seismic Interior elements or components that are not loadbearing or do not assist in the seismic design and do not require design computations for a building s structure. It excludes the structural frame supporting a building. Common non-structural elements or components include, but are not limited to, ceiling and partition systems. These elements employ normal and typical bracing conventions and are not part of the structural integrity of the building. Partition A wall which does not support a vertical load of a structure other than its own weight, but may support loads attached to it such as cabinetry, shelving or grab bars, and does not extend farther than from the floor of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy, to the underside of the deck of that structure. Programming The scope of work which includes, but is not limited to, conducting research; identifying and analyzing the needs and goals of the client and/or occupant(s) of the space; evaluating existing documentation and conditions; assessing project resources and limita- Page 19
tions; identifying health, safety and code requirements; and developing project schedules and budgets. Reflected ceiling plan A ceiling design that illustrates a ceiling as if it was projected downward and may include lighting and other elements. Space planning The analysis and design of spatial and occupancy requirements, including, but not limited to, space layouts and final planning. Page 20 Specifications The detailed written description of construction, workmanship and materials of the work to be undertaken. Sustainability The use of resources in such a way that they are not depleted; a method of practice or use of materials that is capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions Why should I enroll in? Graduates of interior design programs and entrylevel interior designers should pursue to give structure and breadth to their work experience. Participation may be required by your jurisdiction s regulations. Do I have to go through to be eligible to take the NCIDQ Examination? No. Participation in is not required as a prerequisite to taking the examination. However, participation in may be useful in preparing for the examination. How much does cost? costs $255, paid in three installments. $85 initially, $85 at the midpoint and $85 upon completion. What happens if I change jobs? is portable. You can use your online Log anywhere, make arrangements to continue the program with your new employer and notify NCIDQ. Do I have to perform each one of the tasks outlined in the Task Content Areas? No. You may perform each task, you may observe someone else performing tasks, or you may use some form of supplemental competency development, such as a continuing education course. Does my employer have to provide all of the work experience on the list? No. Employers are only required to provide those experiences that are within the scope of their practices. The participant can fill in the missing experiences through alternative methods. Is it possible to participate in outside the United States or Canada? Yes, as long as all qualifications are met. Does my mentor have to be in the same city where I work? No. Your mentor can be located anywhere, but must be available to advise you at least three times a year in person, via telephone or email. Do I have to be employed full-time to participate in? No. Part-time employment is acceptable. It will just take longer to complete the required hours. Do I have to graduate before I can apply to enter? No. You may submit your application prior to graduation. The program does not begin until you have met the eligibility requirements for education and can begin to work (at the 96 semester / 144 quarter credit mark for routes 1, 2, and 3 or after completion of your education program for route 4). You will need to submit updated college transcripts after you graduate, and the Employment Verification Form once you secure employment. Page 21