At LWG Architectural Interiors, we’re proud to be a mentorship-driven firm. Our team includes several intern interior designers, each at a different stage of their journey toward professional registration. As they gain experience and refine their skills, many are also making an important decision: which path to take toward becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Ontario.
In Ontario, there are now two recognized pathways to registration:
1. NCIDQ Examination
The longstanding route, the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam is an internationally recognized certification. It assesses a candidate’s knowledge and ability across a wide range of technical, code-related, and professional practice topics.
2. RIDA Assessment
RIDA (Recognition of Interior Design Assessment) is a uniquely Canadian, competency-based pathway developed by ARIDO. Grounded in real-world practice, RIDA evaluates intern designers through a comprehensive portfolio submission, reflective narrative, and interview process. It is available in both official languages, and tailored to reflect how interior design is practiced in Ontario.
At LWG, we support interns who choose either path. We help them build the required competencies, prepare for examinations or assessments, and connect them with resources and mentors across the profession. We believe registration is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to ethics, to public health and safety, and to the evolving demands of our industry.
As an ARIDO Director and member of the RIDA Core Committee, LWG Principal Bryan Wiens had the privilege of contributing to the development and launch of this new assessment model. RIDA reflects the diversity of design practices across Ontario and opens doors for qualified candidates who may bring alternative educational or career pathways to the profession.
We’re excited to see LWG’s intern designers take their next steps. Their success strengthens our team, and the profession as a whole.
Learn more about RIDA:
https://arido.ca/launch-of-arido-rida-assessment-field-testing/
Interested in joining a studio that supports emerging talent and values professional development? Learn more about LWG’s people and culture on our About and Careers pages.
