A: Interior design is a further development of architectural design, and belongs to the final stage of the design of the architectural environment. The curriculum for the interior design profession should be based on that of professional architectural training and nurture the fusion of architectural and interior design abilities in order to strengthen the stylistic, artistic and cultural content of interior design.

According to Ministry of Education’s Directory for Institute of Higher Learning (2012), at present, higher learning for interior design is taught in the architectural department and environmental design department of universities. Architecture belongs in the science faculty, while environmental design belongs in art. Each profession has its own professional education committee that supervises the basic requirements and standards, with one of its responsibilities being advising on the course curriculum. Each university structure its programs around professional needs as well as regional specialization in the design and teaching of their interior design courses.

A: As a signatory to the Canberra Accord, China’s architectural education is subject to international accreditation at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. It requires that academic programs for the architectural profession be five years in length, with one semester (lasting 16 weeks) in the fourth or fifth year dedicated to basic architectural apprenticeship. This apprenticeship allows for cooperation between business and academia, enabling students to put their learning into practice. Also, in many universities, final year projects are done under the supervision of professionals in the field. After they graduate, students will have one year’s probation with the company, and have to pass an examination set by the company. Institutions of higher learning that is not part of the accreditation system typically have four-year programs, which also include a period of professional practice. China currently has a system of professional qualification management in place for architects, in which graduates, after a certain number of years of practice, can obtain professional qualification through examination via the firm for which they work.

At present, there is no system of academic accreditation for environmental design. Because of historical reasons, environmental design programs can be found in architecture, fine arts, teachers college and various other departments within universities. Each university has the freedom to design its own professional program based on their own specialization and character. These universities participate in interior design competitions, exhibitions and academic exchanges organized by academic and professional organizations such as China Institute of Interior Design(CIID) and China National Interior Design Assciation (CIDA).

A: At present, the interior design profession in China is well-regulated. Designers engaging in construction need to have design and construction-related qualifications, while interior designers and interior architects are required to practice design within qualified enterprises.

A: The Chinese government places a high priority on regulating the construction industry, and since interior design is part of that industry, interior design, construction and site management are well-regulated. With the development of the interior design and construction industry and with gradual adherence to international standards, the regulatory environment for the industry will become more and more enhanced and complete.

A: CIID places great emphasis on continuing education for interior design. Our education sub-committee has proposed an interior design education development plan. Working through local committees set up under the Institute’s Secretariat, we liaise with various universities and allocate educational resources in order to organize exchanges and interior design education and training for various levels on a regular basis. In addition, we give out awards and commendations to members who have made outstanding contributions. Currently, the institution mainly provides courses that serve industry’s needs and nurture interior architects. At the same time, we are establishing a China education alliance that will strengthen interior design professional education and standardization of continuing education to further improve the specialized training for interior designers of all levels.

A: Currently China has implemented an accreditation system for professional and technical positions in the construction field, distinguishing between senior engineers, engineers, assistant engineers and other professional and technical positions. In large design institutes, engineers are accredited according to academic standards, professional and technical standards, design results, and influence within the industry. Different levels of professional and technical positions assume different levels of responsibilities within construction projects.

A: In recent years, with the development of China’s urban and rural construction, building decoration industry has become an important force in the country’s economic and social development. To enhance the management of the architectural and interior design teams, the Ministry of Construction is advocating accreditation for interior architects, to be carried out under the auspices of the CIID in accordance with the “National Accreditation Interior Architect Qualification Interim Measures” since December 2008.

Currently, assessment is divided into two levels, i.e. senior interior architect and interior architect, and is mainly based on the applicant’s academic background, work experience in interior design, relevant outcomes, etc. For those whose academic background is not in architecture, environmental design or industrial design, in addition to their work experience and outcome, they are also expected to participate in the assessment examination.

The basic content of the examination is based on “National Interior Architect Qualification Exam Training Materials” published by CIID. The exam includes three main areas: basic theories, technical skills and professional design. The theoretical section includes: a brief history of Chinese and foreign architectural and interior design, interior design and programming, environmental behavior and interior design, eco interior design, etc. The technical skills portion encompasses professional visualization techniques, professional writing, material sample board production, professional coordination and regulatory knowledge, etc.  The professional design section includes residential building interior design, interior design for public buildings and so on.

The organizing and promotion of the professional examination is led by the CIID Secretariat, while working committees in the various local chapters are responsible for implementation and organizational work. Results of the examination are sent to the Institute for verification, which will also issue the certificates.