trusted insight: home interiors
Achieving the perfect union of form and function
Qualified professionals offer aesthetics and project management Interior design is the union of form and function inside a home or workspace. Achieving that perfect union can take considerable time, money and effort—and a qualified interior designer. In Alberta, individuals can become a licensed interior designer (under the Architect’s Association) or a registered interior designer (under the Interior Designers of Alberta or IDA) after proving their professionalism through “education, experience and examination.” In B.C., a professional interior designer may use the designation “registered interior designer” after successfully completing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. In both provinces, this involves specialized and/or post-secondary education and up to seven years of work in the field. The IDA says qualified interior designers are “trained not only in the aesthetic aspects of design, but also in needs analysis, project and facilities management and problem-solving. In many aspects, they actually create the interior environment.” Your BBB says finding an interior designer is much like finding any other contractor: be sure—check before you buy at calgary.bbb.org.
The Interior Designers of Alberta offers this advice: • C reate a “wish list” and budget for your project. • D evelop a timeline for when you want the project completed. • S eek out a referral list from a professional design association such as the IDA or Interior Design Institute of British Columbia. • C ontact the designer(s). Present your wish list, budget and timeline. Be sure to ask if there is a charge for the initial consultation. Ask the designers interested in your project to send you a proposal outlining the following: • S cope of work and timelines. • B udget, including all fees and contingency allowances. • U se of subtrades (if required) and supervision of these trades. • P roof of professional liability insurance coverage. • P roof of other coverage as may be required (such as Workers Compensation Board). • R eferences (at least three based on similar project scope and budget). To find BBB-accredited interior designers, see the listings on pages 35 to 37 or calgary.bbb.org. t
Interior Design Winner at the 2012 Calgary Home + Design Show
Call SHOWTIME Home Design to schedule a free initial consultation. References available. Professional, experienced trades.
Home renovations including kitchens, bathrooms, basements or the entire home. Showtime does it all… no job too small… from budgeting and interior design to providing final construction. Twenty-five years of residential and commercial experience. Licensed, insured, WCB. Let SHOWTIME create the perfect space for you. Our design team and professional tradespeople will support you through the entire process, from cabinet layout to furniture design.
403.818.3118 | 403.819.8753 | www.showtimehomedesign.com | info@showtimehomedesign.com 18
www.calgary.bbb.org