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To put it simply, you should charge what you believe your services are worth, keeping in mind market conditions. Charge based on your level of education, experience and expertise. Pricing is based on many factors including the time, the cost of materials, the level of difficulty and responsibility, among many others. You will be held responsible for any accidents or damages that may unfortunately occur during the process by anyone you have involved on the project, so charge accordingly and finalize your agreement in writing to prevent any miscommunication.

1. What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

The difference between a "decorator" and a "designer" occurs when an individual has a obtained a thorough interior design education to augment their natural artistic talents, learning a wide range of technical skills needed to provide a full range of interior design services. This education includes manual or CAD drafting, space planning, furniture history, furniture design, lighting calculations, ergonomics, business practices and more. Many interior design professionals, associations and organizations require licensing in order to practice as an interior designer to help consumers discern competency, prevent fraudulent practices and to protect their health, safety and welfare. See STATE AGENCIES DIRECTORY

2. What is the general educational process one must go through to get a degree in interior design?

Step #1: 2-4 years education in interior design
Step #2: Experience within the field under the supervision of a professional (sliding scale based on education)
Step #3: NCIDQ certification
Step #4: Application for licensing / approval / registration
Step #5: Continuing Education Units (CEU's or CEPH's) per state requirements
Step #6: Joining professional organizations

3. What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

The difference between a "decorator" and a "designer" occurs when an individual has a obtained a thorough interior design education to augment their natural artistic talents, learning a wide range of technical skills needed to provide a full range of interior design services. This education includes manual or CAD drafting, space planning, furniture history, furniture design, lighting calculations, ergonomics, business practices and more. Many interior design professionals, associations and organizations require licensing in order to practice as an interior designer to help consumers discern competency, prevent fraudulent practices and to protect their health, safety and welfare. See STATE AGENCIES DIRECTORY

4. Is it hard to get your career started?

Getting a job with an interior design firm, under the supervision of certified professional, is extremely helpful. It will help you qualify for the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications examination. And, you will gain insight from someone who has "been there and done that." There is much to learn when putting theory into practice. How does one secure a contract? For that matter, how does one write a contract? What should you be aware of? What are typical procedures for working with suppliers and vendors? How does the industry really work? A professional "mentor" can share with you their knowledge, and you have the opportunity to contribute from the initial meeting with a client to the final walk-through. Channel your abilities by determine specialties you might develop. Entertainment, Hospitality, Residential, Kitchen and Bath, Retail are a few to consider.

5. What type of advancement opportunities are available in interior design?

Interior design can be fanciful, but it also entails business ethics, codes, regulations and standards. While providing the means for many to be creative, independent and self-employed, interior design is also "Big Business" and not without drawbacks. Like any artistic endeavor, those motivated to create will find fulfillment in the exploration, the challenge and the accomplishment of a job well done. The ebb and flow of the building industry has a direct influence on the demand for services. Location, as with all business, is also a factor. Education will has an impact. Salary ranges are wide. Developing a specialty will help differentiate you in the marketplace. Ultimately, you can steer your career in almost any direction, if you make the decision and follow through on a plan.

6. What area of interior design or interior design specialty would be best, based on my education and background?

The area most appropriate for you will combine all your abilities, while creating a unique specialty. This will enable you to differentiate yourself from your competition. Interior design specialties are being created all the time, besides the obvious differences between commercial, residential, hospitality, etc. Ex: Historic Preservation, Kitchen/Bath, Home Entertainment/Theater, Feng Shui, etc. Zero in on what you like the most, what will set you apart from the pack and what you do best. A little experience in the real world may also help, but having a sense of direction will help guide you to obtaining the right experiences, thereby fostering your growth and reinforcing a chosen specialty.

7. What are some difficulties of interior design?

Obtaining quality workmanship and services by workrooms, meeting deadlines, marketing interior design services effectively, time and project management, handling insurances, damages and warranties.

 8. What is a typical work day like?

If you are beginning in an entry level position, you will be requested to help with ALL other tasks needed to help management maintain orderly files, finalize presentations, research products and maybe even clean the office for a presentation. Much depends on your position with a firm. If you are the owner you will have many additional responsibilities in conjunction with design including hiring, marketing, accounting and overall management, not to mention securing new clients. If you are a project manager you will be primarily responsible for handling specific jobs and in some cases, also helping to secure new clients.

During the life of a project there are many phases. Generally they consist of: • Meeting the client, presenting the firm, the terms of service and securing a contract. • Learning a client's likes, dislikes, wants, and desires, needs and goals. • Analyzing the space/s, identifying potential problems or accentuating the attributes. • Establishing priorities and deciding on a specific direction for the project. • Developing space planning, specifications, cost-estimates, etc. • Presenting a design and/or alternates. • Discussing the pro's and con's and refining the project. • Cost-estimating and ordering. • Follow-up, delivery, installation supervision, repairs, warranties, and customer service.

9. I am considering enrolling in a distance learning program. What do I need to know?

Distance learning can be especially helpful for individuals not living near a viable traditional program or to those who are working full-time or raising children, while trying to achieve a valid degree. And, as more schools begin to offer distance learning programs they will become more readily accepted. A primary concern regarding distance learning is the lack of interaction one has with their peers and professors, which provide additional learning opportunities and insight into one's ability to compete. However, if you pursue and achieve National Council for Interior Design {NCIDQ) certification you will have proof of your competency in the field. Therefore, we strongly recommend considering programs, which will prepare you for this certification. We suggest speaking directly with individuals who have completed a specific program for their feedback, as well as professors and graduates of distance learning and traditional programs to have a complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages.

10. What are the best universities to attend to become a professional  interior designer?

Determining the "BEST" program for your needs includes several factors:
• CIDA ACCREDITATION or programs exceeding their minimum standards
• Teacher vs. Student Ratio
• Availability of Computer Technology, i.e. CAD, etc.
• Amount of Architectural Training
• Reputation
• Nationally Recognized Interior Design Graduates
• Location, Cost of Tuition and Living Expenses
• Interior Design Specialty under consideration

11. What are CIDA's requirements?

Each Interior Design program in consideration for professional accreditation by CIDA must respond to several standards of education identified as significant in interior design education. With each standard, a number of associated "indicators" serve as criteria for review. 

12. Is it mandatory to attend a CIDA/FIDER accredited program?

The Center of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), formerly known as The Foundation for Interior Design Research (FIDER) establishes accreditation for interior design programs in North America who meet their curriculum and staff guidelines or requirements. The evaluation process can take up to two years and programs with CIDA accreditation are reviewed periodically to insure their standards are being met on a continual basis. It is not mandatory to attend a CIDA accredited program, but it does offer a guide to well-rounded interior design curriculums. Their standards can be used as a guide when investigating and comparing curriculums of various colleges. Traditionally, 4-year programs are considered most valuable, as a series of lower division classes provide fundamentals such as basic drawing, architectural drafting, beginning design and so forth, before entering upper division.

13. What does NCIDQ require to qualify for their exam?

The National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) certifies professional interior designers within North America and this certification is accepted by states and provinces requiring licensing as proof of competency in the field of interior design. "Education is evaluated on a review of college or university transcript(s) and, when necessary, copies of course descriptions from the college or university catalog in force at the beginning of course work. The experience requirement is evaluated as follows: In reviewing applications, full-time employment is defined as not fewer than 35 hours per week. It is recommended that employment be under the supervision of a full time interior design practitioner who is either NCIDQ certified, a licensed architect, or an interior designer recognized by a state/provincial regulatory agency. For candidates in an interior design program of study, time worked as a student intern/co-op in the field of interior design prior to graduation will be credited at one-half the time earned, with a maximum credit not to exceed the equivalent of one year of full time employment. (This only applies to candidates who did not receive educational credit for the intern/co-op experience.) "

14. Why is NCIDQ important, especially when it comes to distance learning programs?

Distance learning is a relatively new educational approach, and while it is a enticing alternative as more programs are being offered, it is essential, when considering those offered abroad to establish whether or not they will prepare you adequately to practice interior design in North America. CIDA has jurisdiction in North America and does not have jurisdiction in other countries, therefore, the only other point of reference to compare these programs is to establish whether or not they are accepted by the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications.

15. What does an interior designer typically earn per year?

We suggest you read the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Interior Designers.

Median annual earnings for interior designers were $40,670 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,890 and $53,790. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,220. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of interior designers in May 2004 were as follows:
Architectural, engineering, and related services: $44,740
Specialized design services: $42,000
Furniture stores: $37,750"

Interiors & Sources, ASID ICON or any professional organization publication promoting licensing of the interior design profession are important. Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Coastal Magazine and many other shelter magazines offer exceptional examples of interior design projects where you can discover trends and innovative approaches. ASID, IIDA and other associations offer students, allied, industry and professional memberships with networking opportunities, continuing educational programs, competitions, and more, but they do not establish accreditation of interior design educational curriculums, nor do they provide professional testing or licensure. Nevertheless, they offer many valuable services and opportunities to get involved in your community and at the national level, if you so desire.

17. What kind of growth patterns do you see in interior design?

Technological advances, coupled with the increased expense to establish and operate these innovations seamlessly in the home and at the workplace will create additional specialties in home automation, home theater, conference facilities, entertainment and hospitality projects, among other scenarios. The increased buying power of women will influence the types of services and products offered, while an aging population will require ergonomic and accessible solutions to meet their needs. The effects of global warming on the planet will increase the demand of sustainable "GREEN" products and services.

18. What are the differences between an "interior architecture" and an "interior design" degree?

Interior Architecture is a degree in architecture with an emphasis in interior design. You will be trained and tested as an architect. Architects have coined the word to create ambiguity between the professional differences of an architect and an interior designer. You may not use the term "architect" in the professional sense, unless you are one. Unfortunately, the same does not apply for the term "interior designer," unless state law requires mandatory licensing of interior designers to practice.