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KEY QUESTIONS
Kimberly DesJardins Interiors - KDI Academy
2 Allport Place • New Hartford, NY 13413
Tel: 315/794.1650 • EMAIL
What are all the different “ organizations designations - credentials” like IDS, RESA, NAPO or IRIS
about? Do I have to affiliate with them and how do I know which ones to join? IDS, RESA, NAPO and
IRIS are independent organizations/associations that offers member credentials, continued education, industry
resources and networking. Through your training with KDI Academy you will be provided with all the
information needed to familiarize yourself with the various organizations and affiliations within the industry.
Further, we discuss at length the most important factors that need to be considered as you decide whether
or not to affiliate yourself and with which organization(s) if any. We stress the importance of making those
decisions based strictly on how an organization would or would not benefit you as an individual and as
professional in the field with your particular needs, interests, and career aspirations. Each organization is
very different in each of these ways and one size does not fit all. We encourage joining organizations
however, unlike other training companies self promoting one organization we recognize all organizations.
About Certification Training - Given that the decorating, redesign and home staging are not professionally
regulated industries, on a state and national level there is no recognized certification or formal education
requirements needed to practice or train in this trade. Certification is a self-declared term used by training
companies and organizations within the industry. In fact, taking a certified course will not guarantee
the quality of the instructor's training materials, nor will it gain client recognition or work. As important as
certification and credentials may seem when just starting in this business, it will not provide everything you
need to open a successful business or gain employment. More important, it takes a combination of support
from your instructor, business planning, monetary resources, continued education, social media involvement,
community awareness, professional networking, trade affiliation, marketing, time and much more.
How accessible will the trainer be after the seminar has ended? Post – course instructor
availability mentoring, critiquing projects, encouragement and networking plays an important role
especially in the first few years of business. KDIA Alumni may audit for future seminars for free.
In addition, Kimberly can always be reached via phone or email.
How do I know if the person training me is authentic? A qualified trainer should have extensive
experience and knowledge, proven success, leadership qualities, and continued active involvement with
conducting business in the trade itself. Prior to establishing KDI Academy, Kimberly volunteered on a
variety of committees for the IRIS Organization from 2005-2007. In 2007, she established KDIA,
authored the KDIA training manual and courses. In 2008, Kimberly was sanctioned by the IRIS Board
of Education as an IRIS Certified Instructor. She served as elected IRIS Executive Board member
from 2007-2010. In addition, she was a contributing author of the IRIS Organizations first published
standardized training manual in 2010. In January 2012, the IRIS Organization dissolved. Kimberly
continues to work full-time in this industry, mentor and network with KDIA alumni and keep herself
connected to industry partners, trade education, resources and network alliances that support the quality
of her training and alumni's future affiliations.
Can I make a career as an interior redesigner and home stager? Yes, you can. In today's
economic realities, decorating and staging services that focus more on what is already owned and
less on purchasing new are very attractive to potential clients. As experts, we have the opportunity
to work with various design styles and room challenges for residential and commercial clients.
Our mission is to bring new life into a room by skillfully rearranging client's existing furnishings
and build trusting client relationships, which lead to future commissioned services. Professionally
trained specialists yield an hourly rate at $75-$150, validating our expertise and credentials. Many
professionals offer the following services: Organizing, Move-in/Relocation, Elder Transitions,
Down Sizing, Blending Households, Store Front /Merchandise Display, Garden/Patio Makeovers
Seasonal/Holiday Decorating, Interior Design, Painting, Color Consulting and Furnishings Shopping.
Can I do this work and keep my full time job? The beauty of this field and owning your own
business is that you will work when you want and as frequently as you want. Especially when first
starting out, many professionals find they are able to work full time and schedule appointments when
free time permits. Starting any business takes time to get it up and running, with proper planning,
building up a resume and cliental your business will naturally evolve over time - it's amazing what
opportunities will become available through resources, networking, cliental and community awareness.
What to expect in a comprehensive and thoroughly-written training manual? The manual
you receive is a valuable business building resource and reference for many years to come. Expect
chapters in a systematic manner, subjects should include detailed information and implementation
direction, no filler pages (solid content) and font size should not exceed 14pts.. The KDI Academy
redesign, decorating and staging manual includes 325+ comprehensive pages with 15 Chapters.
What sample marketing, pricing and business forms will you receive? You should expect
“real” professional business materials that your trainer utilizes for their company….not made-up
samples! Do not except anything less than a legal client/company contract, bid-work proposal,
waver of moving furniture form, client consultation form, client data form, photography release
form, press releases, business start-up check list, ad campaigns and marketing materials. KDIA
materials can be tailored to meet your State requirements. Just add your logo and you're done!
What is the maximum attendance allowed per class? The student-teacher ratio is critical
during class curriculum and hands-on learning exercises. KDI Academy firmly believes that
3 students per class guarantees optimum individual hands-on learning experience and undivided
attention from the instructor.
Do I need previous marketing or business experience? No, previous business experience
is required. The KDIA manual provides detailed business start-up, marketing and record keeping
information for this industry. We also provide professional outside agencies to connect with
for small business consulting, mentoring and continued business education.
What additional business and decorating resources will the trainer provide? Training
that includes "true-to-life" hands-on training greatly enhances the quality of your overall
education and experience. In addition, a quality training program should have a variety of
visual demonstrations, before - after photo analysis that coincides with curriculum being
taught, real client interactions during hands-on projects, verbal client consulting exercises,
role-playing for challenging client/work scenarios and additional services training.
KDI Academy focuses of taking our students outside the studio and into real homes!
Frequently Asked Key Questions?
Have you searched meticulously through the multitude of hands-on and online training programs trying to
determine the most comprehensive, authentic and most appropriate for your specific needs?
The following questions will help critic the pros and cons of individual certified training programs
and provide answers of what you should expect from your investment and time.
© 2001-2012 Kimberly DesJardins Interiors – All Rights Reserved.
What you should know about
Certification Training - Credentials - Organizations
