Testimonials

Natalie offers this insight for new designers: "Continue to put yourself out there. That consistency and determination pay off, but it's not going to happen overnight. It's about staying true to yourself but also working really hard at it. Start to build a portfolio of work you have done in your own home or mood boards you have designed. Offer to help friends at a reduced rate for the experience. Ask seasoned designers for advice or find an opportunity to intern for one. Start an Instagram feed and start showcasing your work.”

Above all else, she says, "Stay true to yourself, work hard, and be nice."

The art of transforming or creating a new space to reflect the occupant's style and needs is what design is all about. I'm always learning about new products, architectural features, and better ways to serve my clients.

13th Annual Northwest Design Awards Contest"

Hello!

Do you remember I entered the 13th Annual Northwest Design Awards contest back in the fall sponsored by Seattle Design Center? In the student category, I won 2nd place! At the award ceremony!

You deserved to be proud. Your course rocked the Northwest.

The awards will be given at the Seattle Design Center Gala "SDC" with the industry leaders and media present. The ceremony is on my birthday, March 8. It is not heavily publicized yet, but it is mentioned here on the SDC website and the SDC Facebook page. I was e-mailed just a few days ago with good news. I put a PDF together to give you a more detailed look and my entry.

The Residential Interior Designer course was a wonderful experience for me, a person with already three years of college in an unrelated area of study, wanting to enter the interior design field. The instructor, Natasha Lima Younts, was beneficial; she was eager to share her professional knowledge and experience. I greatly appreciate the level of enthusiastic support and the personal and prompt attention offered cheerfully to a student at every turn. I particularly enjoyed how the course was written -- in a spirit of friendliness and optimism -- and still informative yet easy to read. I would recommend this course to any residential interior designer.

Best regards,

After trying other interior design programs and feeling like something was missing, I finally found the connection and support I was looking for through DSA (Designer Society of America) and the RIDQC certification.

The difference was immediate! They were supportive, responsive, and truly encouraging. A huge thank you to Dawn, who checked in on me regularly, answered my questions promptly, and genuinely cared about my progress. For the first time, her support reminded me that I wasn't alone in the process. That kind of personal touch, which is rare today, made all the difference in my decisions to move forward with them.

If you're exploring certification in interior design and want more than just a program, I can't recommend RIDQC and DSA enough. You'll feel part of a team that genuinely cares about your growth and is committed to your success!

Education is a cornerstone and super important for me, I started my journey by completing the RIDE certification and joining the DSA. The membership and qualification provided a concrete stepping stone to further studies and the confidence to launch my Lighting Design Firm. The DSA has also given me the opportunity to have access to quality Professional Business Insurance and Risk Managment. Being part of such a wonderful supportive community is a blessing.

As a self-taught interior designer who has dedicated over two decades to perfecting my craft, earning the RIDQC certification is a profound honor. The RIDQC not only signifies a personal achievement but also a recognition from a distinguished community of professionals. It feels like a stamp of approval for the craft I love, reaffirming my commitment to excellence in the art of interior design, and for the passion and dedication I bring to every project.

I started the Residential Interior Design Certification education with one goal in mind: to elevate my career after 14 years in real estate and offer enhanced services to my customers. However, this course opened a whole new, colorful world for me (to the point where I dream about the mosaic of blue tiles on the wall), igniting a strong desire to pursue a career in design. I appreciated the curriculum, practical quizzes, RIDQC Student Manual, the instructor's support, and every bit of information presented in a witty and sophisticated manner. Like other students, I agree that being RIDQC certified allows me to inspire more confidence in the clientele and myself.

It was a great experience studying for the RIDQC certificate. After I completed the NYIAD course, I wanted to pursue my dream and get the RIDQC certification.

I love what I do and I look forward to a successful business. I want to thank Dawn and everyone at RIDQC for the courage you gave me and my family too.

I would recommend this course to everyone.

I have always dreamed of working in the field of Interior Design. Taking the RIDE class was a wonderful experience and I learned a great deal. I am ready to start helping my clients live life beautifully. Natasha Lima Younts is a wonderful teacher and very accessible. I think the RIDE class is a step towards fulfilling my dreams.

As an interior designer, driven by passion and heart, I am truly grateful to share that I am now RIDQC certified. Studying this beautiful profession has been a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to recognize the creativity and purpose I carry within.

If interior design feels like your calling, I encourage you to pursue that dream. Through design, we have the power to help people find themselves, nurture better relationships, and create spaces that heal and inspire. Design is truly medicine for the soul.

Always learning, always inspiring—here’s to a future filled with creativity and growth!

Hello, I'm Kiana. Becoming a Residential Interior Designer means a great deal to me in that I can remember having an interest in what makes a space beautiful and functional from a very young age, and I finally - after ten years of working in the human services industry - am realizing that childhood dream of making that interest into a career. Receiving certification is more than just a personal accomplishment, it allows me to provide my clients with that peace of mind knowing they are working with someone who is dedicated to the craft and industry and let's them know they are working with someone they can trust to hold the knowledge and skill needed to help them realize their visions for their space.

Becoming a Residential Interior Designer and earning my RIDQC certification has been a transformative journey for me. It represents not only my dedication to mastering the art of creating beautiful and functional spaces but also my commitment to helping clients bring their visions to life. Interior design is my passion, and this certification solidifies my ability to approach each project with confidence, creativity, and professionalism. My name is Janina Rath and I am excited to continue growing and making a meaningful impact in the field of interior design.

I've always been fascinated by the ways in which Art has the power to move us, the powerful interplay between Art, cultural identity & Design, and how fashion trends influence our home interiors.

Being a nature lover and a Parisian-born woman, I attempt to replicate the 'Craftmanship Spirit' and 'Haute Couture' principles in my mixed media Artwork, home décor catalog and residential interior design projects while keeping an eco-friendly mindset. I want my work to evoke positive emotions, to be perceived as the celebration of eclecticism, i.e., the beauty of merging different styles, influences, and high-quality and sustainable elements to create harmonious and captivating visual art pieces and home interiors, and ultimately bring you joy.

My New York Institute of Art & Design and RIDQC certifications made all this possible, and I am so proud to be part of the DSA-RIDQC family!

With love,

I've always believed in the transformative power of well-designed spaces. Before working on residential projects, I had a broad range of experience from kitchen and bath planning to production design for film and editorial shoots. However, learning solely on the job does not always yield confident results without a structured foundation. The RIDQC certification provided the in-depth knowledge of design history, materials, lighting, and textiles that I needed to elevate my skills and insight. Joining the DSA community has further enriched my professional journey, connecting me with like-minded individuals and providing invaluable resources. I'm excited to apply this newfound expertise to future residential design projects.

Glad to be here!

Passing the RIDE course means so much to me! Interior Design was my first major in college; however, within the first year, I decided to switch to Construction Management because it was a more lucrative field at that time. After a successful Thirty-plus-year career in the Design and Construction Industry, I still had a passion for becoming an Interior Designer. When I heard about The Residential Interior Design course at The University of Houston, I quickly signed up.

Over the years, I had l dabbled in helping friends and family put together beautiful spaces. However, I had no idea how much more goes into the Interior Design Process until now! The course took me to places I had never been before, challenging and pushing me to expand my knowledge to ensure quality work and happy clients.

Yes, I would say the RIDE course has made a significant difference in expanding my knowledge of the interior design process. This course has touched me in the way I process everything I learned from it today, tomorrow, and always. I can’t wait to launch my new company. Thank You, Natasha Lima-Younts, for recognizing my achievements!

Since childhood, I noticed myself drawn to spaces that made me feel something. Constantly rearranging my childhood bedroom furniture, it wasn't long before I learned that I could harness this for myself and eventually provide that same sense of comfort and satisfaction in spaces to others.

My passion is creating something unique for my clients that functions exactly how they need it to - often in ways they didn't realize possible. Whether it is a retreat or refuge, a space of high function and creativity, or simply just a well-organized closet or storage area, creating spaces designed for functionality and visual aesthetics brings me as much joy as the people enjoying them.

I design custom spaces that my clients are proud to call home.  Seamless integration of traditional and modern design creates timeless rooms that will never go out of style-achieving my client's dream results with their timeline, budget, and vision.

Discovering my passion for interior design, I have always been drawn to spaces that evoke emotion.  After years of working as a conservator on historic buildings, I have gained a unique perspective on details and decorative techniques used for ages around the world. My diverse educational and professional background has given me a unique perspective on interior design and a customer service philosophy that prioritizes the needs and preferences of my clients.

Becoming a Certified Residential Designer has been a crucial milestone in my career. It shows my clients that I am dedicated to their satisfaction and provides me with the credibility I need as a designer.

I am very proud of this achievement! It shows my passion to the art of interior design, and I couldn't be happier to share my passion with others.

I love turning a house into a home in ways clients might not think possible.  There is no better reward than seeing their happiness and relief when entering their redesigned living spaces, indoors or outdoors. Enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of a home turns it into a welcoming retreat while inviting more opportunities to celebrate life with family and friends. Becoming a Certified Residential Interior Designer shows clients that I am dedicated to my profession and committed to designing spaces that simultaneously meet their needs and fulfill their dreams. I greatly appreciate DSA’s ongoing support and invaluable network of wise, experienced design professionals.

"When you change your environment, your soul changes with it."

I love helping clients become a better version of themselves. It's a journey we embark on together, and when you change your environment, your soul changes with it.

I have always been a designer at heart, and in my 40’s, I left my job as a construction engineer and mining business director in Sweden and went with my dream to become an interior designer. Studying at NYIAD was genuinely amazing; the teachers were attentive and knowledgeable. I could study at my own pace, and when I graduated, I moved on to get certified with RIDQC. My NYIAD education and RIDQC, together with a DSA membership, are all well recognized both in the US and internationally, and it gives you a great platform to start your own designer journey.

Being an Interior designer allows me to use my creativity and experience to create spaces that bring joy, clarity, style, and comfort to my clients. I believe it's not about me; it's all about the client. Your space should reflect you! Your Experiences, Your Travel, Your Culture, and Your History! The passion I exude radiates to the client, who realize that I am truly there for them. I am their advocate and always have their best interest at heart! I LOVE what I do!

Always Designing,

I am an advocate for clients' hopes and dreams regarding their homes.

Kitchen redesign, a bathroom remodel, or optimizing a room or structure-- I am committed to learning my client's goals for their spaces and actualizing them for their ultimate satisfaction. RIDCQ certification assures my clients that I am driven to work for them; it indicates a determination for constant improvement to their benefit.  Certification and continued education differentiate me from amateurs and hone my proven solid professional skills.

Good design tells a story and evokes emotion. You feel it – energized, joyful, serene, safe, love. There are few things more personal than one's environment. As the fortunate designer who gains trusted entry into someone's world, it’s my responsibility and privilege to learn who my clients are, their background and heritage, what they care about, and how they want to experience, live in, and perform in their spaces. Being a RIDQC-certified designer and member of DSA means being part of a creative brain trust with extensive experience, ideas, and inspiration that I can bring to my work and clients.

After spending two decades in a different field, I realized that my true passion lay in design. The NYIAD course and becoming RIDQC certified marked a pivotal moment in my life, allowing me to confidently transition into a second career. This certification is not just a reflection of my commitment to professional growth but also reassures my clients of my dedication to providing top-notch design and service. Pursuing this path has been incredibly empowering, and I am excited to continue making meaningful spaces with each project.

My Bio: From a background in electrical engineering and a Master's in Business, through 15 transformative years in software engineering, to the creative realms of design, my career has been a journey of evolution. Embracing my true passion for design, I honed my skills with a New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) degree, a turning point that significantly enriched my perspective. Today, I leverage this diverse background to seamlessly integrate technology into design, offering my clients not just aesthetically pleasing spaces but also smart, tech-enhanced living environments. My mission is to create homes that are not only visually stunning but also embody the convenience and innovation of the modern world.

As a fairly new member, I was so impressed with the honor and attention that DSA gave my work and my profession, despite the fact that I did not have formal training. This welcome was offered before they knew I was on a TV show; it was just the feeling of support that's there is value in your services as long as you are pursuing knowledge and growth, you are in the right place. And it's wonderful for a designer to have that support. DSA has offered that without question from the beginning.

Being a certified residential designer means the world to me because it shows that I have taken the necessary steps in education to be an expert in the field of design. I am no longer just a decorator but I can finally call myself a designer which is something I have dreamt of becoming since I was a little girl.

I am Shelley Amato, the principal owner and creative director of ADG. I'm an innovative, trustworthy, and experienced interior designer in Chicago, IL specializing in creating beautiful homes from the ground up.

Nothing makes me happier than watching my client's reactions when they see a room transformed and completed. I love creating beautiful spaces for people to live in.

I change people's lives, one room at a time.

I have been fortunate to have been in the design industry for over 35 years! I'm inspired by design and architecture from the past and the present...I look to the past for my forward-thinking projects.

I love to add an Edgy Mix To The Norm!

Engineer turned Interior Designer out of pure passion. Mom first, entrepreneur second. Always aiming for higher grounds. I design my furniture.

Our first job is to listen to you, the client, no matter how small or large the need. We take that information and turn it into an innovative design, pleasing to the eye and touch, and even sound, a plan that efficiently uses space and meets your budget.

Thank you for your consideration.

Interior Design, for me, is one way to share my gifts and passion for life. As a previous Physical Therapist, I focused on creating functional and safe spaces for my patients. As a Designer, I get to do that plus make their home aesthetically pleasing.

Interior Design is a perfect blend of serving others, creating beauty, and bringing joy to my clients!

Two things that I love are design and people. For me, interior design starts with understanding my clients and helping them discover their styles, then creating a space that truly reflects them. Sometimes it is not about the latest trends or styles; it's about making a client's house feel like their home, only better!

You can absolutely call it a comeback! After my 18-month recovery from a near-death illness. I decided to pursue my passions anew. I had always been a design enthusiast, so I went all-in with professional accreditation. Accomplishing this goal is more than a pivot; it is an upgrade, an ever-expanding horizon. It is a new mode of expressing my purpose and contributing to my community. And in some ways, it feels like, finally, a return to myself. I am proud to be a DSA-RIDQC certified Interior Designer.

Cheers,

As a lifelong design enthusiast, completing my DSA, RIDQC certification means I can take my passion for interior design to the next level. Helping design enthusiasts experience curated interiors is what I do: helping them create lasting memories is who I am.

Earning my RIDQC certification was one of the best things I've invested in for my business! It gives me that extra confidence that I know and understand my craft of interior design, while providing credibility to prospective clients and existing clients. I'm so glad I made the decision to do the work required to achieve this certification.

Armed with a background in Sustainable Development, Anthropology, and the prestigious RIDQC certification, I seamlessly blend creative flair with a profound understanding of sustainability. My commitment extends beyond the ordinary, aiming to inspire change and contribute to a more environmentally conscious world through innovative interior design practices.

Excited to be featured on the Designer Society of America's website, I eagerly anticipate sharing my passion for sustainable interior design. Let's collaboratively craft spaces that captivate aesthetically while actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Passing the Residential Interior Design Education course "RIDE" is one of the most significant achievements of my life, and now, as a residential interior designer, I have arrived. I am here; I love to design. I am creating unique spaces with love. Designing, starting from a dream to reality, is unique. A passion for the history of Italian design shapes my style for design.

Becoming a Certified Residential Interior Designer means the world to me! It's a reflection of my hard work, dedication, and passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces that truly enhance people's lives. With this certification, I feel confident and excited to take on new challenges and bring my clients' visions to life.

Having a residential interior design certification reassures my clients of my competence in the design industry, and I couldn't imagine doing business without it!

Having passed the RIDQC and becoming a certified residential interior designer is a testament to my dedication and passion to create not only beautiful spaces, but spaces that are functional and comfortable for living.

It was a long trip for this certification, but it brought me great self-confidence and valuable proof as an interior designer.

Being an interior designer means, well, everything to me.

I see interior design as more than just selecting colors, fabrics, and furniture and putting them together. It's about appreciating the spaces we design where people will live and work each day. Our clients invite us into their homes and workspaces, exposing their lives and all the flaws in their homes/offices. We as designers must gain a client's complete trust to accurately interpret their design desires and needs and successfully deliver a result that improves how they live and work. Interior design is not necessarily about the talent we bring to a project but how the design can improve the client's life.

Being a RIDQC Certified Interior Designer provides me with extra confidence when meeting with potential clients, I take pride in maintaining the integrity of my work.

It is not a secret that home is the most significant place in our life. At home we relax, communicate with loved ones, have guests and make plans for the future… That’s why it is really important not just to make this space cozy and comfortable for living but to bring to the interior a spirit of individuality, which will be a reflection of the client’s personal style and way of life. We are all different! Good interior is like made-to-measure suit that takes into account all the features of the client and can perfectly fit to specific person or family, but not to everybody. I create spaces that feel personal. While working on the interior, one of the key points I focus on, is creation of a special atmosphere. I do care that our clients are happy in that space, what mood the interior will bring them, what feelings they will have living there — these are very important questions… Only if I find the right answers, I can consider the project to be a success!

My goal and my personal mission is to create interiors inspired by clients' individuality and designed for happiness.

Being certified with RIDQC means a higher level of understanding and commitment to completing design projects and improving the functional beauty of home spaces.

Being certified with the RIDQC means learning the importance of providing the customer with an aesthetic, comfortable, and functional environment to increase the quality of life at home and work.

To understand the client's needs, their routine, and the spaces in the house to transform it into an environment with harmony and balance.

Becoming an accomplished and practicing Interior Designer has been a life-changing experience for me. Next stop will be my RDIQC! I strongly feel it will provide me with a stronger foundation in the principles and best practices of interior design. I look forward to learning how to better analyze and understand the needs of my clients, provide better design concepts, and how to better execute projects from start to finish.

Through my practice in interior design, I have created spaces that not only look beautiful but also function in a way that meets each client's unique needs. I have seen firsthand how the right design can improve the quality of life for individuals and families, and it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of that process.

I have also had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, each with their own unique tastes and preferences. This has challenged me to be creative and to think outside the box to come up with designs that truly reflect their personalities and styles.

Overall, jumping into the RDIQC program will give me the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue a fulfilling career in interior design that allows me to use my creativity to new heights, greatly increasing my abilities to improve people’s spaces and lives.

Hello! I am Laura Pennington, and I am so proud to hold the title “RIDQC-Certified Residential Interior Designer.” Environment and design play massive roles in our lives—particularly within our homes. I am grateful for all opportunities that allow me to create a bit of beauty and breathe new life into a space.

My name is Jennifer Puckett and I have been a professional classical symphony musician my whole life. I feel that my background in the arts has inspired my creativity for the interior design world. In 2015, the builder and architect that I worked with on a large home renovation project encouraged me to go get certified in interior design. I immediately began the process and received a certification with the New York Institure of Art & Design. I then started my business Earthbelle Design & Decor, LLC in 2017.

Becoming RIDQC Certified is rewarding because art and design have been a big passion and part of my life. This certification is a testament to my hard work!

Design is my passion! My client's face on reveal day, this is my ultimate reward! Seeing tears of joy, overwhelmed as they see their vision for their home is now a reality...makes months of planning, late nights, broken nails, and behind-the-scenes work...worth every moment!

Passing the RIDE course means I went after this goal to better my career and myself, and I accomplished just that!

I learned so much I didn’t know 6 months ago. This picture of me was inspired from school! When studying Architecture, my husband and I took a trip to Chicago to see it all in person. Interior design is an art, and I can’t wait to help my clients personalize their homes with new ideas, designs, and functionality.

Decorating is to be in tune with colors, art, and soul ..." My name is Flavia Gueiros, and I am genuinely passionate about arts, decoration, and bold designs.

Interior Design and art is my passion. That's why I decided to become an interior designer. Space is a reflection of your soul, so take care of it. As a certified interior designer, I want to help my clients attain comfort and function in their space.

Award-winning interior designer living on the French Riviera but working internationally.

Hi! I’m Andrea Romero and am honored to be a part of the DSA. Passing the RIDQC exam has given me the opportunity to follow my biggest dream. It has allowed me to become a credible and reputable residential interior designer. I love all aspects of design, and I love the challenge. I am passionate about making my clients ’ houses feel like a home!

Becoming a Residential Interior Designer has been a lifelong dream, finally becoming a reality.

I love transforming spaces into comfortable, functional living spaces for my clients to enjoy for years to come.

Thank you!

Ask yourself: What do you want to feel when you walk into a room?

Being a certified residential designer solidifies my passion for interior design. My goal is to make interior design accessible for all, and by gaining the knowledge and expertise, I am given the ability to offer that now. The process makes it all worthwhile and so rewarding!

As a young designer and business owner who has only been in the field for a little over a year, this accreditation is so important to me not only in knowledge but also in business, among other more experienced designers. It solidifies my commitment to the field and provides the training necessary to serve my clients to the highest standards.

My Name is Rhea Khanna, I am originally from Mumbai, India, and relocated to the USA in February 2022.

I realized my passion for Interior Design and Architecture back in high school, and since then, I have not stopped working toward becoming a better designer.

I have been blessed to travel to parts of India as well as a few other countries in the world, and with that, I carry my passion for architecture and also for the intricate designs that each place has to offer. I enjoy creating spaces that strongly resonate with the client’s personality and give a sense of warmth and happiness when you enter that space. My aim is to ensure that I bring about a seamless aura between the client and the space associated with them.

Follow me on instagram. Thank you!

Becoming a residential interior designer has been a dream come true for me, as it allows me to combine my passion for creativity, problem-solving, and transforming spaces into personalized havens. The ability to positively impact people's lives by creating beautiful and functional environments brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It's a career that constantly challenges and inspires me, allowing me to continuously grow and evolve in the pursuit of turning dreams into reality.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Having been a nurse in my previous career, I enjoy helping people and believe that interior design can be a powerful catalyst for finding enjoyment in your life. I have a bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Interior Design 2004 from Suffolk University and many years of experience in interior design and spatial planning.

In 2012, White Interiors was born out of a love for the creative design process and my passion for helping people find their style. I started the business based on the simple idea that the best interiors reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the occupants. I can guide you through selecting the suitable materials for your home decorating project.

Hello!

I'm Renata Slaton and becoming a "RIDQC Certified Interior Designer" has given me the opportunity to chase a dream I've had since I was a little girl. I believe thoughtful design can beautifully impact the lives of others. Being able to bring beauty and joy into someone's home is a wonderful privilege. I feel a new sense of confidence with this certification and am excited for what's to come.