An Interior Design Experience Program, Part II: Developing the Experiences

Abstract

Objectives The goal of this project was to develop a structured work experience program for entry–level interior designers. The objectives of this study were (a) to identify the scope of experiences related to interior design practice and (b) to establish a priority of importance for the experiences. These provided the contextual framework for the structure and content of the program. Three additional objectives were (c) to assess practitioners’ willingness to assist entry–level interior designers in obtaining work experience, (d) to determine what experiences could be offered by firms, and (e) to pretest the proposed experience program to assess the effectiveness of its processes and mechanics. Research Design A multi–methodological approach was used to meet the objectives. First, a comprehensive review of studies on interior design practice was competed. Second, a survey of practitioners further elaborated on these experiences and provided an assessment of practitioners’ willingness to assist with the program. Third, a pretest of the proposed program was completed. Analysis The data collected were qualitatively evaluated. A matrix was developed to assess experiences based on their priority of importance to interior design practice, frequency of activity in practice, participant time recorded performing tasks, and the value of the experience. Evaluations of this matrix were solicited from the project advisory board, entry–level interior designers, and consultants. Key Findings This study developed and articulated the scope of experiences for entry–level interior designers who, after college graduation, would participate in a formal apprenticeship program called the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP). Task content areas and their value units were developed. Conclusion This study provides common terminology, definitions, and scope of experiences for a structured work experience program that links the standards and guidelines established by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) to professional practice. It also provides valuable information for assessing all experiences related to the career path of professional interior designers, particularly in regard to the NCIDQ eligibility requirements.

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