NARI Launches New Remodeling Designer Certification
Designers can now receive certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry through its new Certified Remodeling Designer (CRD) course.
The designation denotes experienced remodeling designers who have proven their commitment to “creating functional, buildable, and beautiful” projects while focusing on top-level collaboration amongst design, production, vendors, and clients, explains the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
It’s the first general designer certification from the association, which also offers Universal Design Certified Professional, Master Certified Remodeler, Master Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler, Certified Remodeler, Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler, Certified Lead Carpenter, and Certified Remodeling Project Manager accreditations.
“This is a phenomenal education that you're not going to get from any other certification out there, and they definitely don’t teach this in design school,” said Sarah Gaffney, CKBR, design and development director at Next Stage Design/Build in Santa Clara County, Calif. “A remodeling designer needs to understand the remodeled space and that transition between existing space and new space. NARI’s CRD education is very specific to the remodeling designer."
Through the certification process, designers will prove or gain knowledge in setting client expectations, uncovering client priorities, creating functional, budget-friendly designs, acting as liaison leaders through project phases, evaluating existing conditions, optimizing layouts, and selecting appropriate materials, fixtures, and appliances.
Certified Remodeling Designer Eligibility
Eligible designers must have two consecutive years of full-time experience in the remodeling industry to be considered or one year if the candidate has a design degree. Designers must be employed or own a firm that engages primarily in remodeling or design.
Enrollment for CRD certification opens December 5. Eligible designers must apply, pay the $500 fee for members, $700 fee for non-members, and be accepted to apply for certification prior to prep course enrollment.
The first CRD test, which consists of 140 questions, is scheduled for May 2025, and the association will begin prep courses March 5 and September 25.
“The remodeling design field demands more than an eye for beauty—it requires an in-depth understanding of construction principles and strong cross-functional collaboration,” said NARI President Jason Hensler in the official release. “Remodeling designers must anticipate and address the complexities unique to renovation projects.”
