Tuesday, July 19

What are all those letters after your name?

The professionals in the industry of Interior Design have a lot of experience, and certifications.  So what do they mean to you, and what do they mean to your project?  Sure you can do a lot of research, but who has time for that?  So here is the information you need, in one place, and the resources to find those professionals.

AKBD - Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer 
This certification, by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a professional that is knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials and finishes.  They have a minimum of two years experience, one of which must be in the kitchen and bath industry.
[click here to learn more]


CAPS - Certified Aging in Place Specialist
The CAPS designation teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills that are essential to completing one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling industry:  aging-in-place.  With extensive knowledge of gerontology, these designers can design a single space to accommodate children, adults, and the elderly.  These designers have an expanded understanding of the aging-in-place market.
[click here to learn more]


CGP - Certified Green Professional 
Builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes, without driving up the costs of construction.  They posses a solid background in green building methods. There is also the Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP) which is a more in-depth study of green building science techniques.  For this certification, the professional must have five years of green building experience, as well as have built at least three dwellings in a three-year period.
[click here to learn more]


CID - Certified Interior Designer
This Certification ensures an experienced and competent design professional, qualified to design, prepare, and submit non-structural and non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to your local building departments.  In order to obtain a CID, the designer has received education, experience, and passed an exam based on their knowledge of the building code.  This includes space planning, life safety, flammability, and disabled access code issues.  
[click here to learn more]

CKD/CBD - Certified Kitchen/Bath Designer
These designers specialize in design, planning, execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms and provide advanced knowledge.  These professionals have passed both a written examination as well as a practical examination.  A further certification is the Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) which recognizes extraordinary experience and achievements in the industry.  These designers must have a minimum of ten years experience in the industry beyond the date of their first certification (CKD/CBD)
[click here to learn more]

CKBP - Certified Kitchen and Bath Professional
This Certification is for Non-Design Professionals, and is administered by the NKBA.  These professionals prove a high level of proficiency and professional knowledge and industry experience as well as education in the kitchen and bath industry.  The curriculum is focused on critical areas of knowledge in residential construction and general business knowledge in materials, products, and project management, and not centered on design.
[click here to learn more]

LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
This Certification for building professionals is an internationally recognized system.  It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and provides building owners and operators a framework to identify and implement green building design and construction as well as operation and maintenance solutions.  LEED can be applied to all building types, including both commercial and residential, and even entire neighborhoods.
[click here to learn more]

Note: Please feel free to comment alternative certifications that are local or not listed.  Also, feel free to comment on additional information on any of the certifications listed, as the more information the better.  I thank all of my readers and contributors in advance.  

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