Frequently Asked Questions

When and why did IDS become an independent organization?
On Jan. 1, 2008, IDS became an independent interior design association, ending a 35-year relationship with its founder, the National Home Furnishings Association.  To answer the question, “Why the need for independence?” requires an in-depth look at both organizations and needs of their membership. Over the years, IDS has grown into a national organization whose members’ needs and interests vary widely.

How will independence most dramatically affect the organization?
We’re going to grow! We believe we are in a great position to attract new members. And we can retain members with better services and new programs. A benefit of independence is that our Board can now allocate our precious resources where they are needed most, monitoring activities and programs to ensure we stay in tune with our members’ genuine needs.
  
Why was it important to move the organization into new headquarters in downtown High Point?
It’s all about identity. A national organization like ours should be located at the heart of the furniture industry, and we should be in professional offices of our own. When you call our new phone number, you are greeted with, “Hello, you have reached the Interior Design Society.” It’s a small but powerful way of helping others see us as the vibrant, independent organization we are today. We are very excited about the new IDS Seminar Room within our office suite. The Seminar Room will get a lot of use during the spring and fall High Point Markets.

Who runs IDS?
IDS has an elected Board of Directors that provides oversight, initiates policy and creates the vision for the future.  Our current Board President is Margi Kyle, IDS Professional.  Pamela White, IDS Chief Executive Officer, is based in High Point and oversees the group's day-to-day business and operations.

What is the CQRID Exam?
The Council for Qualification of Residential Interior Designers (CQRID) examination was introduced in 1993 and has been administered every year since. Those who pass this two-part exam qualify as Professional Members of IDS. Several thousand residential interior designers have already been certified by CQRID, and IDS has enjoyed a very favorable overall passage rate of 72 percent, compared with NCIDQ’s overall passage rate of 17 percent. It is our goal to ensure the adoption of this examination as an alternative means of licensure/certification in every state. Thus far, the CQRID examination has been recognized in Illinois, Arkansas, Wisconsin and California.

Get more information on CQRID exam

Is IDS working to get CQRID adopted nationwide?
On the legislative front, IDS supports the work of the Institute For Justice, a non-profit group that shares our goal of having all 50 states recognize the CQRID exam. This ongoing initiative is poised to for big results, stay tuned.