Here is a more in depth look at the different certifications and focuses available for interior designers.
Here at Studio Institute Denver, we teach you all the necessary skills to pass these exams, and diligently help you get certifications highly sought after in today's market. Let's look at different certifications more closely.
LEED - If you read our Human Centered Design blog, you will know that we believe sustainable and green buildings are part of a crucial trend to improve quality of life as well as support a healthy environment. LEED is the largest known and used rating system for green buildings. This certification focuses on energy efficiency. Used in residential and commercial, but more often in commercial, and is also used for entire cities or a subsection of a city. Projects that are LEED certified ensure water efficiency, good indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and a plan for the occupants to practice sustainable uses. As an interior designer, we want you to set yourself apart from the rest and demonstrate depth understanding of LEED. Upon completion of our program, you will qualify for multiple LEED certificates.
WELL - Being WELL certified means that you care about improving health and the human experience throughout your design. WELL is the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings globally. Upon completion of our program, you will be prepared to qualify for this certification. WELL follows all of the same guidelines for energy efficiency and sustainability as LEED, but takes it a step further and also includes guidelines designed for the occupants of a space. We teach you to focus on the parts of the project that directly impact the people who inhabit them. Some of the details you'll learn to attend to for this includes sound, lighting, walkability, physical activity, nutrition, and other user experiences. Design students at SID who are interested in the health and wellbeing of occupants can take the WELL AP exam to become a certified professional. SID wants you to create spaces that have a positive impact on people, and this certification ensures that clients and employers know you are highly skilled in this area.
ADA - standards for accessible design. While LEED and WELL are becoming increasingly popular and are often used in commercial design, ADA is a requirement and is federally mandated. The ADA has been around since the 1990s. We teach you everything you need to know to get your ADA certification, such as the international building code and fire codes. ADA will often be used by interior designers throughout their careers to follow necessary building codes for accessible design. Our courses cover everything you need to know to become nationally recognized with an ADA certification.
We can offer additional test prep tutoring and support if you feel you need it. Our goal is to get you to learn all these highly desirable skills and get the certifications needed to get ahead in this industry.
Have more questions about our program, what we cover, and how we prepare you for real world design careers? Come to our next Open House! You can also reach out to us at connect@studioinstdenver.com.