Patricia Paulson, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEEDAP ID+C, an interior designer in HDR’s Minneapolis architecture studio, was recently selected to be an exam grader for the Council for Interior Design Qualification’s (CIDQ) Fall 2016 Grading Session Oct. 28-30 in Tempe, Arizona. This is Paulson’s second time to be selected as an exam grader—she also participated in the Spring 2016 Grading Session this past May.
The NCIDQ examination consists of three parts: Two multiple-choice sections (which are computer-graded) and a practicum section. The practicum section of the exam is a multi-exercise drawing practicum graded by experienced interior design practitioners who have successfully earned the NCIDQ credential.
Passing the examination and earning the prestigious NCIDQ credential demonstrates that an interior designer has met the rigorous standards for education, experience and examination for interior designers in North America.
“Being selected to grade the NCIDQ exam is an honor,” Paulson said. “I have always had such great respect for the NCIDQ and what the exam represents in the interior design field. Being involved in the grading process has been an incredible way to give back to the CIDQ and the design community while meeting and networking with other designers across North America.”
NCIDQ examination graders are trained to use a well-defined and uniformly accepted set of criteria when grading the practicum exams. The practicum exam is comprised of nine exercises. Each exam exercise is graded by two different graders, who apply professional judgment within the parameters of the established criteria set by CIDQ. The graders evaluate the entire solution provided by the candidate to determine if that candidate has demonstrated his or her competence in the area being tested. Exercises that receive conflicting scores during the initial grading will be graded a third time by a grading coordinator, with that score replacing the divergent score.
NCIDQ certificate holders represent qualified interior designers – those who are deemed capable (through education, experience and examination) to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. CIDQ graders are responsible for upholding the standards and determining who those qualified individuals are. The role of a grader is extremely important in ensuring CIDQ’s mission of public protection being upheld. The CIDQ values Paulson’s participation and considers CIDQ volunteers to be the backbone of the organization.
All NCIDQ examination graders are required to be active NCIDQ certificate holders. Paulson earned her NCIDQ certificate in April 2010. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design, with a minor in studio arts. She has worked at HDR for more than 11 years, and is involved in all aspects of design, planning and documentation of interior projects. She has participated in many healthcare projects ranging from small renovations to multi-million-dollar hospitals. Her responsibilities include design development and finish selection, implementing evidence-based design and LEED initiatives, interior specifications, contract documentation and construction administration.
Jim Thomson, managing principal of the Minneapolis architecture studio said, “On behalf of HDR, I am very excited that Patricia has this opportunity to lend her exceptional skills to such an important part of the development of interior designers of the future.”
About HDR
HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local.
The Council for Interior Design Qualification’s (CIDQ) core purpose is to protect the health, life safety and welfare of the public by establishing standards of competence in the practice of interior design. More information about the organization may be found at www.ncidqexam.org.