Continuing education for interior designers is an unspoken rule. In order to run a successful interior design business, you must strive for continual progression and upgrades to your interior design skillset.
In order to remain at the forefront of the interior design industry, designers and architects must complete continuing education units (CEUs). CEU courses are not only a great way to maintain industry knowledge and important skills as an interior designer, but they are also often a mandatory requirement. For example, The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) makes participation in CEU-accredited courses a requirement of membership.
ASID approved CEU courses come in all shapes and sizes, from online courses to in-person workshops. Topic covered range from managing risks as the owner of an interior design firm, to learning how to foster community through design. In fact, there is so much education available to interior designers, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this article, we'll walk you through the fundamentals of CEU for interior designers, including:
- The benefits of participating in further education for interior designers
- What is CEU for interior designers? And how is it tracked by ASID
- The top ASID-approved CEU courses for interior designers
Ready to level up your skills as an interior designer? Here is the what, why, and how of CEU for interior designers.
Why is continuous learning important for interior designers?
The interior design industry is continually evolving which means that in order to stay at the top of the industry, interior designers must evolve too.
Interior design education covers all facets of life as an interior design entrepreneur: business management, tactile skills, critical thinking about industry development, and more. In every format, CEU is a powerful tool for interior design career development.
Three key benefits of continuing education for interior designers:
Improve important interior design skills
Interior design clients are increasingly seeking expertise in innovative commercial design, sustainable design, and incorporating AI into the design process. Regularly completing relevant CEU courses allows interior designers to confidently navigate these frontiers and offer them to clients. In addition, further education for interior designers informs participants on changes in ethical considerations, building codes, and other legal requirements, helping to reduce the legal and financial risk to your interior design business.
Increase credibility to prospective clients
CEU certifications are physical proof that you have the credentials to support your claims. Clients are more likely to trust an accredited interior designer, and your sharpened skills means they are are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome of their project.
Fellow industry professionals will also view your ASID membership as a badge of merit, opening the doors to new brand partnerships and collaborations.
Retain membership to ASID
In order to be a member of ASID, interior designers must complete a set criteria of ASID approved CEU courses. As a member of ASID, interior designers have access to a comprehensive bank of resources essential to career maintenance and growth. For example, the ASID provides research reports on the latest developments in the interior design industry, compiles an unrivalled list of interior design jobs, and hosts regular awards to allow your interior design excellence to be recognised industry-wide.
CEU requirements for ASID members
All ASID members need to complete at least 10 units (equal to 10 contact hours) of approved continuing interior design education every two years. Certain exemptions do apply—see ASID website for details.
The ASID maintain the belief that ongoing continuing education is important for interior design professionals because "professional development strengthens the interior design profession and the Society by improving members’ competencies, knowledge, and skills in subject areas essential to the growth and success of the industry." CEU benefits the individual designer, and the interior industry at large.
What types of of CEU can I undertake?
CEU courses can be taken in-person or online and ASID approves many learning formats such as short courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences. ASID does not limit the subject matter of CEUs but instead encourages interior designers to pick the courses that best support their personal professional development.
In order to be credited, a CEU must be approved by one of the following:
- IDCEC Approval System
- State Regulatory Board
- Approved Industry Relevant Organizations:
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)
- International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
- National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
If an interior design course is not yet approved by one of the above entities, you may submit the course for review using the ASID Self-Reporting Submission Form.
How do I track my CEUs?
After successfully completing a CEU, interior designers should log their certificate of completion with the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC). All ASID members are granted access to the IDCEC registry with their given IDCEC number.
What happens if I don't meet my CEU requirements?
After each reporting period, ASID will look at the IDCEC report to see if you met the required number of CEU for interior designers. You may also be asked to audit and present proof of completion
If you can't provide proof of having completed the mandatory CEU requirements laid out by ASID, you might face membership suspension. In case of health issues, disabilities, or other extenuating circumstances, you can request an adjustment at least three months before the current reporting period ends.
For other questions and concerns, visit the ASID Frequently Asked Questions.
Our top 5 ASID-approved CEU courses for interior designers
Ready to take on your first interior design workshop or event? Let's explore five promising CEU interior design courses.
[R]Evolution of Interior Design: Demonstrating its Power and Value
Type: Webinar (recording)
"Learn how the interior design profession is reinventing itself, breaking down barriers to develop new partnerships and new approaches to the practice and process of design."
The role of an interior designer is evolving. This webinar explores how interior designers can collectively build a better future for the industry. Explore paths to innovation from cross-industry collaborations, to incorporating new developments in health, safety, and welfare.
What you will learn:
- Review and evaluate changes in design by practice area and process.
- Identify opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning.
- Understand and communicate the power of interior design.
Register for [R]Evolution of Interior Design: Demonstrating its Power and Value.
Body, Mind, Wallet: Translating Your Values to Your Design
Type: Short course
Meet your educator: Marylena Sevigney
"Approach design decisions as an expression of your values by implementing simple, accessible strategies to support health, wellness, and sustainability."
Your designs should always reflect your personal values. This course teaches interior designers how to identify their personal values and appreciate their role in the health and well-being of their community. Equip yourself with a framework to make deliberate design decisions that reflect your values .
What you will learn:
- Draft a values statement to guide your design process and project goals.
- Identify steps you can take to improve your own health and wellness.
- Identify ways in which you can build a more sustainable design practice.
Register for Body, Mind, Wallet: Translating Your Values to Your Design.
Managing Risk in Your Interior Design Business
Type: Short course
"Learn how to effectively protect your business from risk exposure and expensive lawsuits."
A creative mind is not enough to run an interior design business. Sometimes, you need to pull up your boots and tackle the serious stuff. ASID-approved CEU course that breaks down legal matters such as contracts, intellectual property, liability to ensure you are up to date with different regulations and licensing requirements and feel confident in your work. Resources include downloadable PDFs and educational videos.
What you will learn:
- Common legal claims against interior designers
- How to recognise and address potential problems
- Importance of liability insurance
Register for Managing Risk in Your Interior Design Business today.
Build Your Brand Identity Beyond Logos
Type: Short course
"How Interior Designers Can Use Branding to Build a Successful Business."
Branding is the best investment you can make for your interior design business. The Build Your Brand Identity Beyond Logos course is not just about creating a good logo; it's about developing a unique identity that resonates with clients. This material for continuing education for interior designers revolves around consumer behaviour, types of branding, brand strategy development, and more.
What you will learn:
- The true definition of branding and its influence on business growth.
- How to create a brand strategy document.
- Alternative ways to look at branding.
Register for Build Your Brand Identity Beyond Logos.
Planning for Your Firm's Future - And Yours!
Type: Webinar (recording)
"Learn how to plan for your future at key stages in the business lifecycle."
At all stages of your interior design career, you want feel secure in the future success of your interior design business. This ASID accredited course teaches interior designers about the life cycle of an interior design business and the best approach key decision making.
What you will learn:
- Recognise the importance of planning for transition.
- Describe the possible advantages of selling your firm.
- Identify the ways in which partnerships can ensure your firm’s legacy.
Register for Planning for Your Firm's Future - And Yours!.
CEU for interior designers in a nutshell...
Staying at the forefront of the interior design industry requires more than just creativity, it demands a commitment to continual education and improvement.
ASID has made it easy for interior designers to access CEUs that interest them and contribute to their professional development. In order to retain membership to the ASID, interior designers are required to complete at 10 units of CEU every two years.
Continuing education for interior designers is beneficial to the interior designer, the clients, and the interior design industry at large.
