PABD offers intensive daylong preparation workshops for NCIDQ, ARE, and LEED GA exams by request. These can be scheduled any day of the week or weekend, and can be held in-person at the office or workplace. Topics covered in the workshops include: how to qualify and register for an exam, how the exams are structured and graded, content and study materials for the exams, practice exercises, exam strategies and tips, and what to do on the day of the exam.
There are three exams required for professional certification in Interior Design:
FUNDAMENTALS (IDFX):
The IDFX addresses the content areas of Building Systems and Construction, Programming and Site Analysis, Human Behavior and the Designed Environment, Construction Drawing and Specifications, among others. Available to those who completed their education and have met our educational requirements.
PROFESSIONAL (IDPX):
The IDPX addresses the content areas of Codes and Standards, Building Systems and Integration, Project Coordination, Professional and Business Practices, among others. Available to approved candidates who have completed both their education and the required amount of work experience.
PRACTICUM (PRAC):
The Interior Design Practicum Exam (PRAC) is PRAC utilizes three (3) CIDQ case studies: large commercial, small commercial, and multi-family residential, to assess a candidate’s ability to synthesize information related to the design process and make a judgment using the resources provided. Available to approved candidates who have completed both their education and the required amount of work experience.
There are six exams required for professional licensure in Architecture:
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (PcM)
assesses objectives related to the management of architectural practice, including professional ethics, fiduciary responsibilities, and the regulations governing the practice of architecture. The division focuses on issues related to pre-contract tasks including negotiation, human resource management, and consultant development.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (PjM)
focuses on the management of architectural projects, including organizing principles, contract management, and consultant management. The division will focus on issues related to office standards, development of project teams, and overall project control of client, fee, and risk management.
PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS (PA)
focuses on the evaluation of project requirements, constraints, and opportunities. The division will focus on issues related to programming, site analysis, and zoning and code requirements.
PROJECT PLANNING & DESIGN (PPD)
focuses on the preliminary design of sites and buildings. The division will focus on issues related to the generation or evaluation of design alternatives that synthesize environmental, cultural, behavioral, technical, and economic issues.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & DOCUMENTATION (PDD)
assesses objectives related to the integration and documentation of building systems, material selection, and material assemblies into a project. The division will focus on issues related to the development of design concepts, evaluation of materials and technologies, selection of appropriate construction techniques, and appropriate construction documentation.
CONSTRUCTION & EVALUATION (CE)
assesses objectives related to construction contract administration and post-occupancy evaluation of projects. The division will focus on issues related to bidding and negotiation processes, support of the construction process, and evaluation of completed projects.
Our Professional Bootcamp offers a series of intensive training videos and mentoring to help recent graduates in architecture or interior design acquire the higher-level management and technical skills needed for entry-level positions at a design firm. By the time students complete the bootcamp, they will have developed the expected skills used daily in professional practice.
DIGITAL SKILLS:
AutoCAD | Topics covered include: basic commands, printing set-up, national standards for drawing organization & formatting, standard element sizing, smart schedules, smart area take-offs, building advanced CAD blocks, etc.
Revit | Topics covered: basic commands, BIM modeling, 3D rendering, collaboration within the Revit model, Level of Development (LoD), etc.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Construction Documentation | Topics covered include: sheet organization (content, sequence), sheet layout, (title block, project info, general notes), plans, sections, elevations (steel/wood/masonry construction), wall sections & types, stairs, door & window types/details, specifications and schedules, millwork drawings and details, and integrating SMEP drawings
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS:
Project Administration | Topics covered include: scheduling and coordination of design services, budgeting for design services (soft costs) and project expenses (hard costs), types of contracts and the OAC contractual relationship, scope of services (basic, additional), procurement, project accounting, value engineering, fee structures, consultant coordination, legal issues and liability, and administrative procedures (e.g., project organization, transmittals, change orders, invoicing, etc.)
Codes & Regulations | Topics covered include: researching and analyzing codes & regulations in the context of various project types, assessing applicable design constraints, and ensuring compliance within the relevant municipal jurisdiction. Sources include: IBC, IRC, LUO, ADA
Permitting Process | Topics covered include procedures for how to apply for a building permit in Hawaii:
Navigating the DPP website (Oahu/Kauai/Maui/Hawaii counties)
Preliminary steps for application process (parties, timetable, sequence, etc.)
Preparing the application package (required drawings, e-submission format, payment, etc.)
Drawing review (comments & responses)
Issuance of permit (display, expiration, inspections, occupancy, etc.)
Join our expert-led workshops and bootcamps designed to enhance your building design expertise. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we have flexible options to help you succeed.
