News
Jul 14, 2025 _ news
Berish, Fening, and Wahl Earn NCIDQ Certification
GBBN has three new NCIDQ certified interior designers in the house! Hannah Berish, Grace Fening, and Kat Wahl recently passed their final NCIDQ exams.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination is the interior design industry’s recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer’s commitment to the profession. NCIDQ Certificate holders have proven their expertise in understanding and applying current codes established to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Each of the three exam sections is taken separately. The three sections cover seven core competency areas of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administrations, design application, professional practice, and project coordination.
To share knowledge and support each other, Hannah, Grace, and Kat formed a study group and met regularly throughout the process. “This was instrumental,” says Grace. “We all understood the material in different ways and were able to help each other.”
“It was crucial,” confirms Hannah. “The study process also helped deepen my understanding of industry standards, business practices, and contract knowledge.”
For Kat, going through the certification process has given her a fuller knowledge of codes and how they impact project design. “I’m already noticing a difference in how I approach design,” she says. “Codes are foundational and I’m able to incorporate design elements with a deeper understanding that helps to ensure a safe and accessible environment”
“Having a culture of support and collaboration at GBBN not only helps make the certification process more accessible,” says GBBN Principal and Interior Designer Brooke Behnfeldt. “It ultimately makes our design process and projects better.”
Congratulations Hannah, Grace, and Kat!
