KBDi Accreditation Program

While some interior design activities may be subject to regulatory requirements (scroll down for more information), the profession of interior design – and associated titles such as interior designer or kitchen designer – is not nationally regulated or legally protected. This means any individual may call themselves a designer, regardless of their level of experience (from little to extensive), training (informal or formal), or qualifications.

This presents a challenge for consumers looking to find a suitably experienced design professional. It also disadvantages those who’ve worked hard to establish themselves as skilled designers, whether through formal education, years of experience or a combination of both.

We’re proud to have Members with impressive and well-earned design qualifications who’ve continued to learn as their assessments and tutors are replaced with real projects and challenging clients.

Likewise, we love the contribution of Members with extensive trade and practical experience and learned-on-the-job design skills.

In both cases, the capacity to provide evidence of a high level of design and documentation skills, along with a substantial amount of experience, is what we believe can legitimise an individual calling themselves a designer.

In response to this, KBDi has developed a comprehensive accreditation program with two primary purposes:

• to provide a highly-regarded credentialing system for designers committed to their profession, and
• to give confidence to consumers looking for skilled and experienced design professionals.

Who can apply for KBDi Accreditation?

Accreditation is only available to KBDi Designer* Members who meet the criteria set out in our KBDi Accreditation Process Overview (download a copy by completing the form below).

Upon successful completion of an Accreditation Assessment, candidates are awarded one or both of the following titles (depending on their experience and submission):

• KBDi Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD Au)
• KBDi Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD Au)

Being a KBDi Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD Au) and/or a Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD Au) represents excellence in kitchen and bathroom design.

*A KBDi Designer Member is a Member who has a formal design qualification and/or three years or more of verifiable experience.

Ready to step up?

Request a copy of the KBDi Accreditation Process Overview using the form below, or contact us for more information.

A note about registration, licensing and certification

Registration and licensing are regulated by the government.

Each Australian state and territory determines who is legally permitted to undertake certain types of building design and documentation work, and requirements vary across jurisdictions. Depending on where you work — and the type and scope of the project — a designer may need to be registered, licensed, or otherwise authorised to carry out specific work, lodge documentation, or take responsibility for regulated building design.

Industry credentials are separate from registration and licensing.
KBDi accreditation, for example, is a professional credential that recognises a designer’s demonstrated knowledge, experience and capability in kitchen and bathroom design. Certified designers are assessed against KBDi’s professional requirements and are expected to uphold the standards and conduct associated with KBDI membership.

KBDi accreditation is not a government licence or registration, and it does not authorise a designer to undertake work regulated under state or territory legislation.

What this means in practice.
A designer may be highly experienced and professionally certified yet still require the involvement of a registered, licensed or otherwise legally authorised practitioner for certain aspects of a project.

The requirements may depend on the building classification, the scope of work, and the jurisdiction in which the project is located. Designers should understand the limits of their role and, where regulated work is involved, ensure the appropriate practitioner is engaged to document, lodge, certify, or take responsibility for that work.