Side Dishes
By: Connie Holcombe, RID
The apéritif aspirations got you to the table. The appetizers education were complex and tasty. The first course certification process has been cleared away.
Now, it’s time to settle in for the main course. By this point, you’ve chosen between the beef commercial, chicken residential, or vegetarian ultra niche design.
You can probably name at least ten ways to practice chicken… ahem… residential design and double that for commercial. What makes a meal your career Michelin perfect is how you prepare and present it.
No one expects a waiter to serve a singular cooked ingredient on a plate. You need variety and spice to make a dish palatable. Our careers are the same. No one wants to retire with only the entry-level skills gained in school.
Regardless of what course you choose, your selection will often benefit from or require side dishes to enjoy the meal.
Below is a menu of some of the industry’s most popular options to enhance and complement your chosen dinner… field.
CAPS – Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
Residential modifications for those wishing to age comfortably at home
- No prior design certification required
- Prescribed training courses
- Continuing education required to maintain credential
CLS – Certified Lighting Specialist
Trade association representing the decorative lighting, ceiling fan and controls industries.
- Certification track requires prescribed training courses and entrance examination followed by three years of experience and continuing education. Certification exam follows this period
- Continuing education required to maintain credential
RDI – Retail Design Institute
Collaborative community for designers of the retail environment
- Chapters/Members worldwide
- Multiple membership levels
- Professional membership requires sponsorship and documented experience.
- Southeast chapter located in Atlanta
NKBA – National Kitchen and Bath Association
World’s leading trade association providing tools, research and trade events for kitchen and bath design professionals
- Prescribed training courses and CKBD exam
- Requires interior design or architecture degree
- Continuing education required to maintain credential
- Certification not required for membership
LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
One of many but the leader in green building certification
- Prescribed training courses and examination
- Continuing education required to maintain credential
- No prior design certification required
- Certification not required for membership
The specialty menu boasts too many options to discuss in one sitting but the experienced chefs at ASID Alabama are always ready to help steer you in the right direction, whatever you’re hungry for.
Bon Appétit!