How Can You Become a Licensed Interior Designer in California?

black floor lamp on living room sofa

Julie Cavanaugh is the founder and senior interior designer at Design Matters. She has been involved in many home design projects, including a 90 unit apartment building in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Based in Los Gatos, California, Julie Cavanaugh has been a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) since 2002 and has a Certified Interior Designer (CID) licensure.

Certified Interior Designer is the only legally recognized title for interior design professionals in California. As an interior designer, having CID licensure proves to potential clients that you’re an expert in the field, have a college degree, and have shown your competencies to a known interior design professional body.

To get the CID title, you must sit and pass an exam administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC). To be eligible to sit for the CCIDC exam, you must have at a minimum a two-year associate degree in interior design with no less than 40 hour semesters and over four years of interior design experience working under a licensed architect or interior designer. 

You don’t need CID licensure to do interior design work in California. Still, you cannot use the title interior designer in the state unless you’re registered with the California Council for Interior Design Certification.

Interior Design for Common Areas in Multi-Family Buildings

Since 2000, Julie Cavanaugh has led Design Matters in Los Gatos, California, as founder and senior interior designer. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and holds a Certified Interior Designer license. Through Design Matters, Julie Cavanaugh has completed dozens of interior projects, including one for the 90-unit Sagebrush apartment complex in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Common areas in apartment and condominium developments over the years were often poorly designed spaces containing a few chairs and maybe a pool table, but tenants’ increasing expectations have prompted a change. These areas now can include fitness centers, party rooms, and even movie theaters as residential amenities. Due to this trend, common areas are designed as social spaces that are not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well.

In large multi-family buildings, common areas can employ virtually any design, but both modern and traditional designs appeal to the widest range of potential renters. The layouts are often highlighted by inviting colors and uncluttered furnishings usable by everyone. Wall sconces can add a dramatic flair to these spaces. Ambient, task, and accent lights are also popular choices for such spaces.

Why Malibu Attracts Luxury Real Estate Buyers

Julie Cavanaugh is an accomplished award-winning interior designer whose experience spans more than two decades. In her current role as founder and senior interior designer at Design Matters, she manages a team of interior designers as well as offers design solutions for both commercial and residential projects. Julie Cavanaugh projects include the luxury property market in Malibu.

Malibu is a famous city known for its breathtaking cliffs, stunning beaches, rugged canyons and a spectacular Mediterranean climate. With nearly 13,000 residents, the 21-mile long strip of white sand is dominated with exclusive tourist attractions including five-star hotels, multi-million dollar homes and exclusive celebrity hideaways. Luxury property buyers admire Malibu because of its excellent climate as well as easy access to both entertainment and silicon industries. The Malibu luxury property market is synonymous with extravagant amenities.

The city’s luxurious properties have panoramic and unobstructed views making them attractive for high-end buyers. Home designs in this area incorporate large sliding glass doors and walls that uniquely fuse both an indoor-outdoor style of luxury living. Malibu homes are also famous for their resort pools that rival those of exclusive five-star resorts. Homes feature infinity pools with waterfall features, pool bars and sweeping ocean and mountain views. In addition, buyers can find homes with cantilevered style pools that begin at the doorstep into the ocean.

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