The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) has created the Experienced Interior Designer Pathway (EIDP) to allow interior designers with extensive experience to become Licensed Interior Designers with the AAA under the Alberta Architects Act.

This alternative to the Intern Interior Designer Program is meant to serve the needs of many of Alberta’s interior designers who meet the current requirements and who can illustrate their competency, but who have not previously logged their hours with AAA. The EIDP is a temporary pathway expected to close in 2024.

“The development of this pathway represents many months of work by our dedicated committees and council in arriving at a rigorous and fair method to establish competency. We are so delighted to announce the launch of the EIDP and look forward to welcoming new members to the AAA,” says council member and chair of the interior design advisory committee Donna Assaly.

Benefits of becoming a Licensed Interior Designer include the right to practice the regulated scope of interior design in Alberta and the ability to engage in the activities of the association, including the opportunity to sit on AAA Council and help shape the future of the professions.

This is a significant occurrence, following years of advocacy and discussions between the AAA and Interior Designers of Alberta.

Alberta has a rigorous licensing structure for Licensed Interior Designers in accordance with the Architects Act. Under the Act, Licensed Interior Designers may provide the same services as an architect, except on all matters that affect the exterior shell of a building, environmental separations and exits.

They are qualified by relevant post-secondary education, completion of the international NCIDQ examination, years of supervised work experience, ongoing mandatory professional development and adherence to high professional standards and codes of conduct.

For more information about the EIDP, prerequisites and the application process, please visit the EIDP.