What is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is an individual who has been trained to identify, research and creatively solve problems pertaining to the development of an interior environment, and who possesses the knowledge and skills to implement these solutions. Interior Designers apply their expertise of Design and the built environment to solving problems at the interior scale and at the level of direct human experience.
These skills include, but are not limited to:
- programming
- needs analysis
- site inspection and analysis
- budgeting
- preparation of schematic drawings
- space planning
- application of building codes and regulations
- interior architectural detailing
- equipment planning and coordination
- materials research and specification
- furniture/furnishings specification and coordination
- preparation of design intent drawings
- engineering coordination, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing
- preparation of construction documents, including drawings and specifications
- permitting (when applicable)
- construction administration; including site inspection, drawing review and coordination with the construction trades
- post occupancy evaluation
How does legal recognition protect the public?
It will safeguard the public by creating accountability. Consumers will know they’re working with qualified, responsible professionals utilizing the latest information regarding health, safety, and welfare and who have met specific, nationally accepted standards of minimum competency, including education (university and continuing education), experience and examination (NCIDQ).
Does regulation of Interior Designers put non-registered Interior Designers out of business ?
No. Oklahoma law does not prevent anyone from providing interior design services. Registration is optional for those who wish to work on code-regulated projects. For those who want to continue practicing Interior Design within the restrictions of current legal definitions there are no changes.
Does the legal recognition of Interior Design create more unnecessary regulation?
No. The registration of Interior Designers does not create any new regulations; it allows qualified professionals to increase their scope of practice and work within an already-regulated environment.
Where are accredited professional level Interior Design programs offered in Oklahoma?
Professional level programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) voluntarily place themselves before the scrutiny of the profession to ensure that students receive an education that will serve them not only during their time at school, but also prepare them for future professional growth. Students enrolled in an accredited interior design program can be confident that the program meets the quality standards recognized by the profession.
- Oklahoma Christian University, OKC, OK - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK - Bachelor of Science
- University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK - Bachelor of Fine Arts
- University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK - Bachelor of Interior Design
To sit for the NCIDQ Exam, do you apply with the State of Oklahoma first or CIDQ first?
NCIDQ Exam Candidates MUST apply with State of Oklahoma first to qualify to sit for the NCIDQ exam in Oklahoma. Application deadlines are: July 1st for Fall exam & December 1st for Spring exam. Contact OIDC or visit OK Board of Architect for details. Website links can be found on the "Resources" page.
How do I update my OIDC contact information?
Please, choose "Contact Us" at the top of this page and send us the pertinent update information. Thank you for keeping in touch with OIDC!
How do I become more involved with OIDC?
Easy! Choose "Volunteer" at the top of this page and fill out the short form. OIDC will reach out to you about volunteer opportunities. Thank you for your interest and support!
