Interior Design Associations: Which One Suits You?
With our letter to ASID (so far unanswered aside from a simple "we will answer") up in the air, this has got us thinking about our expectations from an association. What is the purpose? What is realistic to expect?
I think one of our biggest frustrations is that architects have ONE major association. One group that is an honor to belong to for licensed architects only. We have... ready for it?
Each association appeals to certain "types" of designers or exists because another association wasn't offering all it should. Then, of course, there is the MBA (Master Builder's Association) where we can belong if we want to stay in the loop with the contractors we work so closely with. No wonder we are confused!!
Sorry folks, but this is a hot mess. According to NCARB (the licensing exam for architects), there are 109,748 architects in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there were 66,500 interior designers in 2016. So, about half the designers need these many more associations? Designers are famous for being catty and secretive... maybe the problem is that our associations are setting this example by not getting along?
What if all these associations were to merge and provide the thorough support that designers need to strengthen the profession? Many designers are asking our group to provide the support that an association should be providing, but the last thing we need is another group.. unless that group works to unite the associations that currently exist.
What are your thoughts? Should these groups work together to form something that is stronger, united, and truly supports and educates both from within as well as educating the public about this highly misunderstood profession?
I think one of our biggest frustrations is that architects have ONE major association. One group that is an honor to belong to for licensed architects only. We have... ready for it?
- ASID tends to focus more on commercial designers who are certified through the NCIDQ exam.
- IIDA has a very similar message to ASID (why aren't they working together?!).
- NWSID is for Northwest designers and seems to lean more toward residential design.
- IDS was founded by a furniture store to support designers who work with furniture.
- DSA says that they consider all types of designers, but seeing as they only recognize residential design certification... well, it speaks for itself.
- NKBA is focused on kitchen and bath designers.
- NARI has a focus on remodeling.
- NEWH caters to hospitality designers.
- IFDA is another furniture-based group.
Sorry folks, but this is a hot mess. According to NCARB (the licensing exam for architects), there are 109,748 architects in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there were 66,500 interior designers in 2016. So, about half the designers need these many more associations? Designers are famous for being catty and secretive... maybe the problem is that our associations are setting this example by not getting along?
What if all these associations were to merge and provide the thorough support that designers need to strengthen the profession? Many designers are asking our group to provide the support that an association should be providing, but the last thing we need is another group.. unless that group works to unite the associations that currently exist.
What are your thoughts? Should these groups work together to form something that is stronger, united, and truly supports and educates both from within as well as educating the public about this highly misunderstood profession?
I recently attended a Mastermind meeting with 12 designers. 2 of the 12 belonged to an association at all. Are associations even worth it? Perhaps the topic of the next post!
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