06 - NCIDQ Lowdown with Julianne Rodriguez, Founder of Creative Confidante - Part 1
“It is okay if you're a bad test taker. That's why I wanted to create Creative Confidante, to show that you don't have to be one of those students who just doesn't have to study to ace it. There are ways that you can learn how to study and how to take a test and get through it. And it's okay if you don't pass it on the first try. The fact that you're taking it and hopefully sticking with it, is what matters.”
- Julianne Rodriguez
Overview
Does the thought of taking the NCIDQ examination scare you? We bring it into focus with Creative Confidante. First step, listen to this episode. Second step, get a friend to listen. Third step, well, you will have to listen to find out.
In this two-part series we hear from Julianne Rodriguez with Creative Confidante. Julianne has a career in commercial interior design and is welcomed to the show for her work towards enhancing and encouraging interior designers to take the NCIDQ exam. In this episode we will discuss her background that lead to creating Creative Confidante.
Why Should you Take the Exam? We have a million reasons but here are just a few….
Reason 1: You know this stuff! You have spent timeless hours perfecting your craft during school and in your design practice. Now its time to show off what you know.
Reason 2: You might get a raise and who doesn’t like a little more cash.
Reason 3: It supports commercial interior design advocacy.
Reason 4: It will help you stand out among other job candidates.
Reason 5 : You get to put a bunch of cool letters behind your name. Seriously though it helps define interior design professionals.
Guest Summary
Julianne is a licensed Interior Designer with experience in high-end hospitality, retail, residential and workplace clients. With a science & fine arts background, she has a unique love for the intersection of the arts, culture and design and is passionate about creating environments that enrich the guest experience. Julianne earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from the Cleveland Institute of Art and moved to Southern California upon graduation to start her design career. Her work has been featured globally in Business of Home, Dezeen, Elle Decor, Vogue China, Architectural Digest Spain, Wired and more.
She achieved both her NCIDQ certification and LEED AP ID+C accreditation and is extremely passionate about advocating for the advancement of interior design professionals through certification. In 2016, she founded Creative Confidante, an online resource that provides NCIDQ study tips & tricks, to support and encourage designers to pass their NCIDQ exams.
Show Notes
Question #1: What initially attracted you to the profession of interior design?
Julianne: It was using the left half of my brain and doing the exact opposite, that led me to interior design. Initially I went to school for pre-med with a double major in biology and Spanish. I thought I wanted to be a doctor. I was always good at science and foreign language and honestly, I had romanticized the idea of the industry from Grey's Anatomy. But at the heart of it, I really just wanted to help people. I thought science and Spanish would help people. I started along my journey at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout freshman and sophomore year I hated my classes. It was honestly organic chemistry that really did me in. It wasn't until sophomore year that I fully accepted that pre-med just wasn't for me. I remember taking an exam I had studied so hard for. I signed up for tutoring and did office hours. And yet when I handed in my exam, I knew I did horribly and I thought this is ridiculous. I'm spending all of my time and energy on something that isn't working. Case Western shared a campus with an art school, the Cleveland Institute of Art. I handed in my exam and I walked across the campus to ask for a tour at CIA. I thought, if there isn't anything at Case then maybe there's something here for me. I remember seeing the different departments on the tour and thinking okay. Probably not painting or sculpture, but immediately was drawn to interior design. It honestly never dawned on me that interior design was more than just decorating homes. That behind all of the stores and hotels and restaurants, there is a team of designers creating the space. I saw how it could fulfill both sides of my brain. It's creative and analytical and I could help people. I could help them have a enjoyable experience through the environment. I initially was a bit concerned going from, pre-med to potentially pre-unemployment going to an art school during the recession. But I figured it had to be better than what I was currently doing and I had about four years to figure it out. So, I went for it.
Elizabeth: I really love how you started off saying that you enjoyed helping people. I love the aspect of helping and enriching other people's lives. Whether someone practices residential and they see it on a very intimate scale or someone practices commercial interior design and sees it on a larger magnitude where they are helping people. This could be through facilities on university campuses or corporate office environments or medical facilities. So many aspects where we really touch people's lives. That's great to hear that you have that path of finding it.
Julianne: It was definitely a journey but so glad that I found it in the end.
Question #2: What aspect of the profession really fills your bucket on a day to day basis?
Julianne: Back to what I mentioned that I can be both creative and analytical. I am the type of person who needs to fulfill both sides of my brain. And I can do this, for example in concept designed by creating a new concept and then the analytical side by reviewing line by line of a furniture budget and double checking all of a specs. I love it all. And as I mentioned before, I love helping people and making things better. As a designer, I'm able to do this by creating an environment that gives them a better experience than before because everything from the flooring to the ceiling has been thoughtfully considered. Most importantly, I really love hosting. Whether you're staying with me for a weekend or working in an office I design, I really want to make sure you feel welcome and comfortable and inspired, especially if you're going to be spending 45 to 50 hours a week in it. For me, interior design is an extension of hosting on a larger scale.
Elizabeth: I think going back to that left right brain, it really is a profession that taps into both. And I think that is one aspect that is not emphasized as much on HGTV. It really does force you to go back and forth between being creative and being analytical and that’s the sweet spot in the middle when one can tap into both sides. One can relish in one side of their brain for a little while and then go to the other when they need a break. It's always nice.
Julianne: Yeah, definitely. And it's so funny. I think a lot of designer’s trend that way too. If you're constantly sketching and modeling, it's like I just need a break. I just need to do some red lines.
Elizabeth: Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all just love redlining.
Question #3: What happened after graduation? How has your practice evolved?
Julianne: I graduated in 2013 and initially I thought I would stay in Ohio and work at one of the firm's I had interned at during college. I was fortunate enough to have three different internships throughout college. When I graduated, I had a bit of a network, and I reached out to them for job opportunities and throughout the interview process, I quickly realized that firms at that time were looking for senior designers, especially as the economy was still recovering from the recession. So, when all the firms in Ohio said no, I think I had interviewed at 4 to 5 firms. I started to expand my search radius and looked at firms in Chicago, North Carolina, in Atlanta, and I saw that a fellow CIA album worked at a design firm in Charlotte. I reached out to him to learn more about the firm and see if they were hiring. Unfortunately, they were not hiring, but he was kind enough to put me in touch with one of their offices in Orange County, California. California definitely wasn't on my radar at all. Especially being born and raised in Ohio. I just figured I would stay in Ohio or stay around that area with family and friends. But I needed a job and figured an interview couldn't hurt. I hopped on a plane and interviewed in Orange County and then accepted the role about a month later. That was definitely a big move for me. But I learned so much about myself in the process. I didn't know a soul in Orange County so similar to my transition from pre-med to art school. I was starting over and while the firm was a really great firm and I met one of my best friends to this day there, it wasn't the right fit for me. About a year after I joined, I got an itch to try something new. I saw another CIA alum was working in San Francisco at Gensler. I had always admired the firm. So, I reached out to learn more about his role and what it was like working for the company and how he enjoyed it. And in a few weeks later, I saw that they were hiring in the hospitality studio. So, I immediately applied and asked if she would refer me and I flew up a few weeks after that for an interview, and then shortly thereafter, accepted the job and started packing up to move to San Francisco. That is where I learned so much and honestly it felt like getting a masters. I met so many incredible designers and again, some of which are still my best friends to this day. In about two years in, I started to think about a change and what it would be like to work on the client side, because I really wanted to own a project from start to finish. From when they sign a lease on a building to the first day of business and beyond. There are so many times where you have a project and you send it off to the client and your work is done and you wonder what happened with that space? That is really where I started to think about what I wanted to do next. I then got a job at a large tech company working in their internal architecture and design team. I have been there for about four years and it was in 2016 that I passed the NCIDQ and then launched Creative Confidante.
Elizabeth: The beautiful aspect of working at a larger architectural firm, is there are so many resources available. When you first start practicing there is somebody that specializes in almost anything, right? For example, the library team and knowledge are so expansive your product knowledge really goes up. At the larger architectural firm I worked at, they had their own spec writing and detailing team. We always had somebody to help navigate through the design process and really support us in our role. I really resonate with you when you said you wanted to see the end result. You know, to get to see the impact you're making. And I think the beauty about this profession is we can go in so many directions, and I don't think that is always apparent when you first start out, or even when you sign up for design school, right? The level of where you can take this field and the depth that you're taught in school is so valuable. You're now working on the client side in a role that is allowing you to have a large impact in the teams that you work with and seeing and hearing firsthand their experiences. That is wonderful.
Julianne: I think that's what I also love about interior design. There are so many different paths you can take. And it's kind of all about navigating it for yourself and really looking at where you want to take your career and what you want to get out of it.
Question #4: What made you want to start Creative Confidante?
Julianne: I started thinking about it when I initially started researching about the NCIDQ. It was in 2014 when I started to consider taking the exam. I had just finished taking my LEED Green Associates and that lead me to think about taking the NCIDQ exam. Part of my brain thought I needed a break from exams. The other part thought, this is really important for not only our industry but for my own professional development. I started thinking about it when I started researching and realizing that there really was not a lot of resource out there to help support interior designers who wanted to take the exam. At the time I had found the CIDQ website, the reference manual and a blog that really hadn't been updated since 2011. So, I thought this is confusing, where are all the resource for designers who want to take it? Once I kept researching and not finding anything, I thought, well, this is absurd. I'll just do it myself and then help others because surely, I'm not the only designer taking the exam and struggling with these issues. So, I saw the white space and I went for it. I knew that I needed to pass the exam to earn credibility for my future readers and I also knew I would probably forget or blackout all the pain points I experienced by the time I finished. I started jotting down anything I found confusing or difficult that would resonate with other designers. Initially I found the application process so confusing. I jotted down that experience and used it for a future blog post. To figure out what the best study materials were. I literally went through Gensler's directory and emailed everyone with an NCIDQ and asked them. I kept jotting down all the ideas and notes. As soon as I finish taking my final exam in the spring of 2016. I built the website, wrote a few posts and then held my breath, hoping that I passed and could actually launch this thing. Thankfully I did. And then I launched a day or so after I received my certificate.
Elizabeth: For our listeners out there, it is okay if you don't always pass it the first time. Sometimes it's just about how you take exams and getting good at that again. I know for me going to design school, I thought, I was not a good exam taker. Going into interior architecture I excelled because it was project base courses. It is interesting to go back and think about my process after I graduated and a couple years in, thinking I needed to elevate and take things to the next step. Taking the NCIDQ seemed logical but I was so afraid to take it because I thought I was not a good exam taker. I realized that side of me had not been tapped into yet. I think for me what really helped was recognizing that it was finally a subject that I knew something about. It wasn't the SAT that was very irrelevant. I passed my sections on the first time. I am living proof that I am not a good exam taker or thought I wasn't until I took the NCIDQ and then after that took the LEED AP exam and passed that on my first try as well. I think for all of us that maybe think that side of us is something we're not good at, there is still hope.
Julianne: I'm a terrible test taker. I get so stressed and so nervous. Initially when I graduated school I thought I was done with exams. It is okay if you're a bad test taker. That's why I wanted to create Creative Confidante, to show that you don't have to be one of those students who just doesn't have to study to ace it. There are ways that you can learn how to study and how to take a test and get through it. And it's okay if you don't pass it on the first try. I honestly was about four points away from failing the IDFX. The fact that you're taking it and we'll hopefully stick with it, is what matters.
Question #5: What made you want to take the NCIDQ and LEED exams? What got that rolling for you in your mind?
Julianne: Initially it was because I wanted to learn more about them and about the topics that they covered. I'm the type of person who's all or nothing. If I am going to learn about something, I am going to learn everything that I can. I thought I might as well get the credential while I am at it. So for the LEED, we had an introductory class at school, and sustainability was immediately a no brainer for me. You know, if you could design something that was better for the environment and the user than why wouldn't you? When I moved to Orange County, I didn't know a sole and I had a lot of free time on my hands, and the firm I worked for was willing to pay for the exam. So, I figured why not? I have the time, and I'm passionate about it. I want to learn more, and it's free. So, I went ahead and got the Green Associates in Orange County. And then when I moved to San Francisco at Gensler they had an incredible internal team that focused on sustainability. Exactly what you mentioned before about working at a large firm there. There were so many resources and I wanted to learn more. They were incredibly supportive of professional development and they heavily weighted licensure during performance reviews. I joined a study group, which is also a great way to meet people and make friends when you're new to a firm and let's face it, making friends as an adult, it's the worst. So, it really helped with that and a few months later, I passed. For the NCIDQ I started to hear a lot about it when I was at Gensler, and I also started researching more about it and I realized how important it was for our industry and my own professional development. I took each exam one at a time. It was more affordable for me to do it that way. And because I could only get reimbursed once I passed an exam. So, I want to make sure I could focus on one test at a time to increase my chances of passing. I ended up taking a year and 1/2 to complete them. I earned my NCIDQ certification in June of 2016.
Elizabeth: That's great. For our listeners out there, that maybe aren't as familiar with what we have been talking about let’s back up for a minute.
Question #6: Can you break things down for us to describe what the NCIDQ exam is?
Julianne: The NCIDQ stands for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. It is a three-part series with computerized exams developed and administered by the CIDQ (The Council for Interior Design Qualification). Which was founded in 1974. It is a globally recognized exam and the highest certification a interior designer can earn. You know it's the ARE’s or the BAR for interior designers. So, once you pass all three exams, you become a certificate holder and can use the NCIDQ after your name.
Question #7: Why do you believe it's important for other emerging interior designers to take the exam? Maybe just one more summary for us on things you've heard that might encourage and help them to consider taking it.
Julianne: As I mentioned, it's globally recognized examine. The highest certification a interior designer can earn. It's what really will set you apart from other interior designers and decorators, and especially now, with all of the Pinterest and Instagram decorators out there. It is a way to distinguish yourself and show that you have expertise in the interior design field. So, it will definitely give you the confidence and skill set that you'll need on a daily basis, not just during the exam, especially in regards to the NCIDQ. It shows that you have the skills to design and execute interior environments that protect the safety, health and well-being of its inhabitants. Which, as you know, is the core value of the exam. Everything goes back to safety, health and well-being of the inhabitants, and because of this, it really helps elevate our profession by increasing the amount of licensed interior designers in our industry. Today interior design laws requiring the professional certification have been enacted in 27 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and eight Canadian provinces. So, in some states, the use of the term ‘Interior Designer’ is limited to professionals meeting the state's requirements. AKA, those that have earned the NCIDQ. Some states regulate the practice of interior design. Unlicensed professionals are prohibited from performing certain interior design service such as stamping your own drawings or submitting them for permitting. Which is really important if you want to run your own firm and be able to do everything that you need to do. And lastly, it will give you the potential to earn more money and promotions because many firms prioritize the NCIDQ. And if not at your current job, then definitely for your next one. It's what recruiters will be looking for to help you stand out among other candidates.
Elizabeth: That was so beautifully said. I loved that you mentioned advocacy. That's something that has been something I'm passionate about. For all of us that have spent 4 to 5 years getting a Bachelor in Interior Design or Bachelor in Interior Architecture. We have worked really hard to get where we're at and for myself personally, it's frustrating when you come up against a interior designer that is self-proclaimed. And, you know, I think for our clients there are so many sectors that interior designers can go into. And for those of us that are practicing commercial interior design, I think that there needs to be a level and a benchmark set. That's not to say that there are not amazing designers that are out there that have figured it out as they have gone. They're extremely successful and I think that there's a place for them. But there's also, I think, a misconception and in our industry, everyone gets lumped together. And for those of us that have spent the time and are doing more of the left brain that we talked about at the beginning of the show by using the analytical side. Such as code evaluation, fire life safety egress plans, material performances such as looking at ASTM’s, fire ratings and all the different aspects and even sustainability. All of these we consider when we vet products. By taking the exam we are asked to confirm this knowledge. I think that it's a really great opportunity for the community at large to come together and say, this is our benchmark for practicing. My hope is all states can get through legislation. Oregon is one that is trying. We have come very close and then had some different vocabulary hiccups along the way that felt it was exclusive in its practice or there was a fiscal budget impact we have had to work through. In the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, it says drawings must be prepared by a registered professional, and unfortunately, we're not recognized by the state as a registered professional. We are often the ones creating those drawings and are the ones that have that deeply rooted knowledge. We have an examination that's asking us specifically those points. And yet we're not able to practice to our fullest extent. Because, like you said, when you graduate there is only so much you can learn in school and once you start to apply the skills through the mentoring process you start to bring it all together. The examination is just another one of those steps that I think is really important to take when you graduate to solidify your knowledge. I also want to make a plug here that I personally think it's better to take the exam as soon as you can after school. I think you can probably take one part during school or right after school. When you're still in the study realm and maybe your life hasn't ramped up with the house and family and kids thing. Maybe you're just starting your career and you're working on networking, that's a really great time too take the exam versus waiting 10 years or five years and then trying to go back.
Question #8: What are the three parts of the exam?
Julianne: Absolutely, I agree starting as soon as you can out of school while you are in that mindset, it just makes a world of a difference. You know, especially if you're working at a firm that supports it and will reimburse you. It's essentially free at that point. The NCIDQ is comprised of three different exams with the IDFX, the IDPX and the practicum exam. And each of the exams focuses on seven different content areas which are developed by the CIDQ. So building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination. So the IDFX, which stands for Interior Design Fundamentals Exam and IDPX (Interior Design Professional Exam) are three hour multiple choice exams. The key difference is that you could take your IDFX prior to completing the work experience required for the IDPX and practicum, which is another incentive to take it as soon as possible and just get it done. And the practicum exam is an interactive computer exam consisting of three CIDQ case studies. So large commercial, small commercial and multi-family residential. The exams are offered twice a year. During the months of April and October, at testing sites. Applicants have five years to complete all three exams.
Closing
Alright, thank you Julianne. We are going to take a short break and create a part two of this series with Julianne so we can go into further detail about taking the NCIDQ Exam. For example, how to sign up, when you are allowed to take each section and then hear more about the resources available with Creative Confidante. Please tune in for Part 2 of this series.
Stay up to date with Julianne via Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter and at www.creativeconfidante.com.
Credit
Branding & Graphic Design work by Andrea Schwoebel https://www.andreaschwoebel.com/
Content provided by Creative Confidante
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