“Spooning Into Alphabet Soup”
Welcome to a cooler fall and the time for spooning into your favorite soup or stew. To fit this seasonal mind-set, the newsletter committee thought it would be interesting to “spoon into” our professional “alphabet soup” of acronyms representing our certifications and affiliations. You will read details (and find links) to better understand the significance of NCIDQ/CIDQ, ASID, CIDA, RID, AIDC and “side dishes” including CAPS, RDI, CKBD, CLS and LEED.
The interior design profession has many specialties signifying many opportunities for professional practice. We are fortunate to have such a wide menu! It is our hope that these articles will inform and inspire you! Happy fall!
In the midst of interior design’s “alphabet soup” is CIDA. Kelly Martin, Educator ASID, Ph.D., RID, NCIDQ, LEED AP, CD, CAPS reports on what CIDA is, what they do and why it’s important.
Membership in the relevant professional organization is one of the things that separates a profession from a conventional job. It is a key element that defines a professional. Bryant Williams, Chapter Administrator ASID Alabama, gives you all the reasons you should join one.
Since 1974, CIDQ’s mission has been to create, test and promote guidelines for determining competency in the practice of interior design. NCIDQ Certification has been the global standard for interior design professionals for 50 years. Shirley Hammond, FASID, RID, NCIDQ tells us what CIDQ is, the difference between it and the NCIDQ, as well as it’s importance.
Since 1974, CIDQ’s mission has been to create, test and promote guidelines for determining competency in the practice of interior design. NCIDQ Certification has been the global standard for interior design professionals for 50 years. Shirley Hammond, FASID, RID, NCDQ tells us what CIDQ is, the difference between it and the NCIDQ, as well as it’s importance.
In 1982, Alabama was the first state to pass a Title Act for the registration of interior designers. Why does that matter? Why should you become an RID? Anne-Marie Gianoudis, IIDA, RID, NCIDQ, gives you the answers to these questions and more.
AIDC, a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization, is one of the most important organizations to be a member of if you’re an interior designer in Alabama. Jim Griffo, AIA, Emeritus IIDA, LEED AP, president of AIDC, shares his thoughts on the organization and why it matters to us all.
Side Dishes
The interior design profession has a plethora of specialties to choose from. Connie Holcombe, RID, looks at some of the more prominent ones and tells us the importance of each.
Auburn University is the first to join ASID Alabama as a Higher Education Partner. Higher Education Partners are any institution, such as a college or university campus, that offers an interior design degree program and wants to provide ASID benefits and resources to their students, faculty, and staff.
Hailey Pierce, Student ASID, and Abigail Kramer, Student ASID, let us know what’s been going on with the student chapter of ASID on the plains. Complete with photos!
Maggie Reaves, Student ASID, lets us know what’s been going on with the student chapter of ASID on the campus of the University of Alabama. Complete with photos!
Sadly, we say goodbye to one of the profession’s biggest supporters, and a friend to many of us. Kathleen Day Watson, you will be missed and forever remembered.
IMPACT 2024 was a roaring success! If you missed it here’s where you can learn all about what happened. Don’t miss IMPACT 2025, planning is already underway, so mark your calendars for September 11th & 12th, 2025.
What has the Board of Directors been working on? What are their plans for the future? Discover more about their ongoing efforts to ensure ASID Alabama is supporting you and fulfilling your needs.
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DESIGN FINDER:
Elevate your business and support your local chapter!
We are thrilled to introduce Design Finder, ASID’s innovative new platform designed to connect designers and suppliers with clients and customers. For a limited time, use code ASIDAL10 to enjoy a 10% off listing upgrade or create a brand-new listing for guests while supporting the ASID Alabama chapter. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to expand your reach. designfinder.asid.org
DESIGN CAREERS:
Find Top Design Talent with Design Careers by ASID!
Design Careers by ASID is the ultimate platform to hire the best design talent. Use code ASIDAL10 to receive 10% off your job posting and support the ASID Alabama chapter. Don’t miss this chance to connect with exceptional designers and give back to your local design community. designcareers.asid.org
The Alabama Interior Design Coalition (AIDC) is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting legislation that enables the registration of Interior Designers practicing in Alabama. Our membership includes design professionals from firms of all sizes, independent designers, allied industry professionals, interior design faculty, and students.
AIDC serves as a steadfast advocate for Registered Interior Designers in Alabama. Active participation in the political process is essential year-round, ensuring a strong, visible, and vocal presence in Montgomery. Protecting the Practice Act and advancing the profession require continuous engagement, and AIDC remains committed to this vital mission.
Join AIDC on May 1st, 2025, for an evening of networking, advocacy, and fundraising for our profession! This Kentucky Derby-themed event will help us raise the necessary financial resources to continue funding our legislative efforts. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the first race is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be dinner, drinks, and amazing prizes!
All industry associates are welcome to attend.
Hosted by:
Gallery Services
2901 3rtd Avenue South
Birmingham, 35233
PREVIOUS ARTICLES
The interior design profession is getting rocked by waves from AI (artificial intelligence), online consumer shop-ability and numerous entrants to the field with little training or experience. Annie Johnson, ASID, RID looks at the challenges we’re faced with today and how we sustain.
Finding vendors having sustainability as a mission is important to our interior design community and strengthens our responsibilities and mission to clients. Shirley E. Hammond, FASID, NCIDQ, RID tells us about a vendor that exemplifies quality and sustainability.
Summer is an excellent time to expand your professional network, especially within the interior design industry. Sydney Yarbrough shares some effective strategies to help you connect with interior designers during this season.
Diane Cashen, Associate ASID, tells us about the Richards DAR House, that has sustained the test of time. In the heart of Mobile, it is an exquisite testament to the Italianate architectural style that flourished in the mid-19th century.
Sustainability in interior design education has evolved over the past decades from being introduced in a single specialized course to becoming a fully integrated component across the curriculum. Kelly Martin, Ph.D., RID, ASID explains what she’s see as an educator.
Diane Cashen, Associate ASID, the newest member of our newsletter team, explains her adventure from successful graphic designer to interior designer. It was no small step.
Through a myriad of “because’s” Shirley E. Hammond, FASID, NCIDQ, RID tells of her intriguing path that began as a music major and evolved into a preservationist as an interior designer.
From those who had her as an instructor to those who know her as a talented interior designer and artist, Ms. Beverly Kissinger has had a fascinating career. Kelly Martin, Ph.D., RID, ASID interviews Ms. Kissinger to discover an accomplished career.
You may know her name as a benefactor for the Alabama Chapter of ASID, but do you know her history? Find out more about the fascinating and captivating Daisy Bond.
Interior design influences so many aspects of life, we all know this, but you’ll never guess how it relates to being a published novelist. Connie Holcombe, RID, shares how her career impacted her second career.
