Congratulations to Corey Klassen, CMKBD, NCIDQ!
We’re thrilled to announce that Corey is now an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer!
As Creative Director and a Founder of Articulated Design Studio, we would like to congratulate Corey on this important milestone in their professional career. In addition to the NCIDQ, Corey is also a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) and an Accredited Member of the Designers & Decorators Association of Canada.
What is NCIDQ Interior Design Certification?
NCIDQ Certification is the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession.
The Value of NCIDQ Certification
NCIDQ Certificate holders have proven their expertise in understanding and applying current codes established to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Passage of the NCIDQ Examination is required for interior design licensure/registration in every regulated jurisdiction within the United States and Canada with the exception of California. It is the only examination recognized by these state and provincial regulators and therefore required for the practice of many types of interior design. Designers certified through the NCIDQ Exam gain wide industry visibility and recognition.
The strenuous requirements of the NCIDQ Exam give clients and employers added confidence in the caliber of work from NCIDQ Certified interior designers. The exam covers seven areas that capture the core competencies of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination.
We have 5 Questions for Corey.
Why is earning the NCIDQ important to you?
This certification evens out my practice area interests. I already hold a CMKBD and am known for my skills leadership in the kitchen & bath sector (both in the classroom and out), but what not as well known that I also feel a deep attachment to all physical environments.
Why did you wait so long to take the exam?
Well, I honestly did not think I met the qualifications. When I contacted CIDQ so see if I met them, I was surprised to learn I met them 15 years ago already! I do not believe that time should be a barrier in anyones personal choice to pursue professional accreditations.
How does the NCIDQ benefit you?
Any professional design accreditation, such as NCIDQ, CKBD, LEED Green Associate, WELL-AP or what have you from other industries proves that you meet the regulated gold-star standards that the industry demands of you. It proves to yourself, your clients and your community that you can confidently do the job without having to investigate if the individual has the skills or experience first because the accreditation takes care of them for the other party.
Does this mean you will be doing more commercial design work?
Yes and no, but allow me to explain. The field of practice in interior design is like stand up comedy where the rule is “yes, and”. Many people still think that interior designers are decorators, and that is a part of what we do at Articulated, but it is really much larger than that. I believe this accreditation rounds out my skills as a professional, but yes - I do want to be doing more commercial design work and support small businesses in BC trying to connect their brand vision with their users and consumers and the physical environment where those areas connect. I guess my undergrad minor in graphic design is helping that (my major was ceramics.)
What is next for you?
Now that I have my two dream accreditations, my focus is to enjoy the business I started in over 20 years ago now. I did not believe age is a factor during this whole process, and it was not (to be clear), but after earning certifications for over 12 years now I think I will enjoy having them for now. I can not say there is not more to this question, because there is a lot, but I have been developing a few other professional programs and those should be coming to fruition in the next 12 months.
