IALD Credentialing Task Force Launches Survey to Test Validity of a Globally Applicable Certification in Architectural Lighting Design

CHICAGO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) convened a credentialing task force to assess prospective domains of practice and qualifications for an international architectural lighting design certification. This assessment will be conducted via online survey, and is a key component of the task force's efforts.

The survey launches 1 March 2012 and tests the validity of the task force's work. Outreach to date has included a broad group of stakeholders: IALD and Professional Lighting Designers' Association (PLDA) members, members of other lighting associations, and related building/design industry professionals from around the world. Building and design professionals who are familiar with the scope of work associated with architectural lighting design should weigh in by taking the 10-minute survey located online at http://iald.me/AhlC8X (please note that this link is case sensitive).

"The task force studying the viability of a global credential has observed that if the architectural lighting design community doesn't define the areas in which we practice and measure competency against a validated standard, there is the very real danger that others will force regulations on us or determine our destiny without our control," says David Becker, Assoc. IALD and Credentialing Task Force Chair. "The alternative is that we make a proactive, unified effort as a global profession to define ourselves by determining the domains of practice and core competencies in which highly sophisticated lighting designers must excel in order to be eligible for certification."

The threat of outside regulation is not an unrealized fear. On several occasions the IALD has mobilized its members against legislation limiting the practice of architectural lighting designers due to lack of awareness of by policy makers.

"Legislative and code-making bodies around the world have made it clear they are looking for a statement of validity for practitioners of architectural lighting design and a lighting design credential will provide that statement of legitimacy," says IALD President Kevin Theobald. "Thus, it is imperative that we receive feedback from the entire spectrum of building and design professionals via this survey in order to complete the due diligence the international certification industry requires of new certifications."

For more information about the IALD Credentialing Task Force's ongoing work to develop a certification in architectural lighting design, please refer to the IALD certification mini-site at http://iald.me/xGhcSL (please note that this link is case sensitive). The site contains frequently asked questions about certification, an organizational update detailing current actions of the task force, and a series of resources on credentialing.

Those interested in learning more about the work of the task force or the survey outreach to test the potential domains of practice and core competencies should email [email protected] or call the IALD headquarters office at +1 312 527 3677.

The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), established in 1969, is an international organization supporting a network of 800 lighting design professionals who satisfy its rigorous qualification process. Its members are distinguished by a unique blend of aesthetic and technical expertise, and operate at the highest level of integrity to create a better world through leadership and excellence in lighting design; to cultivate the universal acknowledgment and appreciation of the Power of Light in human life.

SOURCE International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)