We’re for Interior Designers too!
Accreditation for Interior Designers with BDQ
As the BDQ’s Associated Design Professionals sub-committee, our mission is to promote and protect the
profession of Interior Design.
We aim to act as an advocate to the State Government and the QBCC.
In accordance with the QBCC Act, those who undertake design and specification of building work, must be licensed.
As such, there is a need for Interior Designers to be licensed, with the process of qualifying for this licence to be resolved.
By uniting Interior Designers and aligning them with industry professionals within the Association, we could see a shift in attitude for Interior Designers as a useful and much-needed resource on projects.
Interior Designers need a voice and the support of industry professionals behind them to provide networking, continuing professional development, advocacy and representation of the profession at a local, state and national level.
What We’re Doing
So, what is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is a qualified professional who complements a building’s internal function by addressing spatial planning, layout and internal hard finishes. An Interior Designer can also provide a finish of decorating the space to complete it aesthetically.
An Interior Designer designs and documents interior spaces while interpreting and applying relative legislation. They produce technical drawings of the interior space to its entirety, incorporating services to the building, technical cabinetry design and the selection of hard fixtures, fittings and materials.
Where do Interior Designers fit in the industry?
Interior Designers work closely with Architects and Building Designers to ensure both the building’s fabric and internals are suitable to the overall project outcome. An Interior Designers’ role is a combination of creative skill with highly technical knowledge and ability.
Interior Designers present a crucial role within the building industry, complementing roles of other qualified professionals in both written & documented form. They often become “the client”, the go-between as the aesthetics and feel of the building and space become an integral focus, taking the pressure off their clients and trades.
Why do Interior Designers need their role regulated?
At this point in time, anyone can call themselves an Interior Designer without qualification. The public believes our role is decorating only without any technical association to our work, with Interior Designers having to regularly justify our skills to trade professionals, clients and the media.
It is important clients are aware of who they are hiring as currently, they do not have the ability to check for licencing, qualification or insurance coverage. There are specific roles for Interior Designers and Interior Decorators within the design industry – the roles and responsibility of each must be defined and understood to enable all to work in harmony for the success of projects.
The Team
Josephine Regan
BDQ Associated Design Professionals Sub-Committee Chair
Josephine Regan has a Bachelor of Built Environment; Interior Design. Having spent over 10 years working in the residential design industry in both the UK and Australia, she understands the need for protecting and regulating the Interior Design profession and developing a true understanding of their role within the wider community.
Peter Latemore
BDQ Life Member
BDQ Membership
Sub-Committee Chair
Peter Latemore is a Life Member of BDQ and has over 40 years experience after obtaining a design degree from UQ in 1978. Peter is passionate about good design and documentation, sharing with others in the industry. He is very active in the industry, especially in BDQ and holds several roles.
Margaret Ewings
BDQ State President
BDQ Brisbane Branch
President
Margaret Ewings is the Director of inTOTUM and an industry expert in the design and technical documentation of Retail Service Stations and Travel Centres. In 2019 Margaret was honored to be elected as the Building Design Queensland Brisbane Branch President and takes an active role in contributing on various BDQ committees.