Why Interior Design Associations Matter...

Recently a I shared with a Charlotte client that I was a professional member of the Association of Interior Design Professionals.  His response was interesting.  He thought that it was no big deal and that any business association is willing to take on members that are willing to pay their dues!  He didn't believe that there was any credibility added to my professional status by the fact that I was a member.  This guy needed an education and I was glad to oblige.

Nationally recognized Interior Design Associations have high standards for membership.  Whether it is AIDP, IDS, ASID or any of the many other professional associations, each group vets it's members as to their education, experience and business ethics.  You don't just automatically receive professional status.  You have to submit your resume, letters of reference, client testimonials and prove your business integrity and longevity!  If you choosing an interior designer, a way to make sure you are finding a true professional is to make sure they are involved with a professional association.

Yesterday, I met with a potential out-of-town client.  She told a harrowing story about a "designer/decorator" that had tried to sell her all kinds of things.  This person did not measure the client's home, but, tried to sell her a sofa that was way too large for the space.  She tried to pass off dated fabric as new, and, she had questionable business practices to boot.  I asked this client if this "diva" was involved in any professional design organizations and it was no surprise to me that she was not.  Whether this client and I will try to work long distance is still under consideration.  That she will use a member of an professional design organization is no longer an issue.  

If you want to learn more about the organization with which I am aligned, the Association of Interior Design Professionals, log onto the National website at http://www.aidponline.com/.  Our local chapter information can be found at http://www.aidpcharlottechapter.com/ and from there you can go to our blog, Facebook page and Twitter account.