To raise professionalism and transparency levels in Singapore’s interior design scene, the Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS) will launch an Interior Design Accreditation Framework by 2021.
A 3-grade accreditation framework will set apart designers based on qualifications, skill sets, and track record when it is rolled out, to provide consumers with greater clarity when engaging designers.
Ms Indranee, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development announced the launch of this accreditation framework during the SIDS Design Convention 2020 + Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) 2020 Awards Presentation Ceremony at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, held on 3 December 2020.
“This will be a significant milestone in the transformation journey to enable the accredited design professionals to collaborate and build stronger trust with the clients,” said Ms Indranee.
Under this framework, about 7,000 interior designers in Singapore will likely be graded into 3 categories, namely Interior Design Grade 1, Interior Design Grade 2, and Interior Design Grade 3. The recommended prerequisite for Interior Design Grade 1 is an individual with a degree in interior design/interior architecture and at least 2 years of experience. On the other hand, the recommended prerequisite for an Interior Designer Grade 3 is an individual with at least a NITEC/Higher NITEC certification in interior styling or interior design, and at least a year’s working experience.
This framework will reflect recommendations in the Industry Transformation Roadmap Development for Interior Design Industry in Singapore report released in 2018, prepared for DesignSingapore Council and SIDS, aimed to elevate the country’s interior design industry.
“We believe the accreditation system will provide a strong and clear foundation in which the industry can build on. It provides clarity, while at the same time encourages designers to upskill and continue their learning journey,” said Keat Ong, president of SIDS.
This is a welcome move for an industry where consumers sometimes confuse renovators with interior designers, and as a result, engage unqualified or under-qualified individuals to perform a task.
