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Good design connects the big picture to the most intimate details. In a home, it’s perfecting a space for the lifestyle of its occupants. That comes down to more than blueprints and building: How the interior looks and feels that is the deciding factor in whether a home “works”—and whether it truly reflects and enhances the lives of its owners. Interior designers excel at making the connection between “structure” and “home sweet home.”

On the following pages, you will meet some of the top interior designers in the Twin Cities. You will also come across a number of acronyms that speak to the designers’ professional backgrounds and certifications. Here’s a key to some of the most common acronyms:

ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers is the oldest, largest, and leading national organization for interior design professionals. The Minnesota chapter of ASID describes its professional members as “project managers who solve space problems and develop aesthetic solutions for both residential and commercial projects.” To become a professional ASID member, an interior designer must meet rigorous acceptance standards including a combination of accredited design education and full-time work experience and must pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification’s two-day accreditation exam.

Allied ASID

Allied ASID members are practicing interior designers who have completed 40 semester or 60 quarter credit hours in interior design education from and accredited university, college, or technical school, but have not yet met the NCIDQ exam requirement.

IFDA

“International Furnishings and Design Association is a worldwide professional alliance of leaders representing the diverse industries that constitute the universe of residential and commercial furnishings and design,” explains IFDA’s Minnesota chapter. Professional members include not only interior designers themselves, but full-time managers or executives in the furnishings or interior design industry and those who work in a design-related field.

NKBA

Considered the hallmark for kitchen and bath professionals, National Kitchen & Bath Association certification is based on proctored exams and extensive industry experience. NKBA Certified Designers are also expected to meet annual continuing education requirements.

AKBD

NKBA certifies kitchen and bath professionals in several levels of expertise. Associate Kitchen & Bath Designers meet NKBA certification requirements and have two years industry experience, 30 NKBA education hours, and two professional affidavits.

CKD

Certified Kitchen Designers meet NKBA certification requirements and have seven years industry experience, 60 NKBA education hours, two affidavits, and two client references.

CKBR

Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers are members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry who have at least five continuous years experience in the remodeling industry, demonstrated adherence to NARI’s Code of Ethics, passed a comprehensive written examination, documented their experience and competence, and displayed the knowledge and ability to perform the remodeling functions associated with kitchens and baths.

CID

Certified Interior Designs are granted the title by the State of Minnesota. They are certified by the state Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design upon meeting requirements for education, work experience, NCIDQ certification, and review of several references.

Associate AIA, Allied AIA

The “AIA” designation, which stands for American Institute of Architects, is commonly seen following licensed architects’ names. Associate AIA members have architecture degrees and work under the supervision of an architect. Allied AIA members may be designers, artists, engineers, or other professionals in related fields who share interest in the built environment.

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