You wouldn't get dental work from someone on the street, nor would you get just anyone to help you in a divorce. So why would you hire an unqualified person to complete your interior design project?
The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is the professional body representing and regulating interior designers in Ontario. Only registered members of ARIDO are authorized to use the designation 'ARIDO' and the title of 'interior designer' in Ontario. ARIDO protects the public by ensuring that interior designers are highly trained through a rigorous process of education, experience and examination.
What will a registered interior designer do for me?
A registered interior designer will address form and function in a project and consider your vision, your lifestyle and your budget. They can design interior spaces, apply for building permits, create plans for plumbing, electrical, space planning, millwork and more.
Specifically, they will begin by meeting with you, establishing your goals for the space and your wants, needs and budget. They will also measure your space and complete a site survey to have a very clear understanding of the existing layout and features including plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
Next, they will develop a detailed design that may include images, sketches, and 3D views. They will propose materials, lighting, furniture and fixtures such as faucets and other hardware. They will put their proposal together and present the concept, ideas, preliminary drawings and images to you, and make any modifications based on your feedback.
In the documentation stage, a registered interior designer will prepare a variety of project documents, which may include construction drawings and product selections. Registered interior designers also have the skills to apply for building permits, and your interior designer may complete this step on your behalf. They often have knowledge of your local permit office's workload and can manage your expectations about the timing of permit applications.
A registered interior designer will see your project to the end, providing project oversight, including coordination of sub-contractors, consultants, suppliers and vendors. They know if other professionals such as architects or engineers need to be consulted. They will also document the progress to make sure the team is following the design and project budget.
If an issue crops up (as they often do!), a registered interior designer will address those issues as they arise, which means they can edit the design if there's a supply issue or engage an engineer if there's a structural concern.
How does someone become a registered interior designer?
In order to complete their path to registered membership, registered interior designers are required to meet education standards, complete 3,250 hours of supervised work experience under a qualified practitioner, and pass the rigorous NCIDQ examination administered by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification, which is the industry standard in North America.
Registered interior designers must maintain professional liability insurance just like architects and engineers. ARIDO also requires members to keep their skills up to date with standards for ongoing professional development.
ARIDO's code of ethics and standards of practice outline how registered interior designers must comport themselves in their work, on issues like contracts, maintaining confidentiality and other matters that protect the public.
There are more than 1,110 registered interior designers across Ontario. Visit our directory at blogarido.ca to find one near you.
Text by Sharon Portelli, CAE • Project by Karyn Faryna, ARIDO • Photo by Ryan Fung