INSTRUCTIONS AND HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED DAMN GOOD DESIGNER™ 

Effective April 15, 2025

You've done the work. You’ve leveled up your mindset, systems, and strategy. Now it’s time to make it official.

Being a Certified Damn Good Designer™ isn’t just a badge — it’s a mark of mastery, credibility, and commitment to building a profitable, intentional, and elevated interior design business. And it’s available only to those who have completed The Design Paradigm™ or The Paradigm Intensive.

What being Certified Means

Becoming a Certified Damn Good Designer™ gives you access to:

• Access to useful tools like templates and documents to help run your business via the TDP program and mastermind. 

• Permission to use the Certified Damn Good Designer™ badge and title in your branding (with a few style rules).

• Exclusive invites to special trainings, events, or bonuses for certified designers only.

• The right to use the Certified Damn Good Designer™ title and branding in your marketing and client materials

• A personalized certification badge for your website, proposals, and social channels

• Recognition in our exclusive online directory (launching soon)

• Priority access to future opportunities, events, and collaborations

1. How to Apply
2. Follow these steps to begin your application process:
3. 1. Confirm Program Completion
4. You must have completed one of the following:

• The Design Paradigm (12 month program)

• The Paradigm Intensive (12 month program)

1. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, email us at [email protected] and we’ll help you confirm.

Complete the Application Form as is just our way of knowing you actually want to do it! 

1. Complete the form below to access the application form.
2. You'll be asked to:

• Share your business information

• Provide examples of how you’ve implemented what you learned if you wish

1. NOTE: This is not a test — it’s a celebration of what you’ve built. 

In a nutshell here is what the contract will say: 

What You’re Agreeing To:

1. Act like a professional. Follow the Ethical Code. If you completely ignore that code (like repeatedly ghosting clients or copying someone else’s work), your certification can be pulled.

2. Don’t share the goods. You can use the materials, but you can’t give them away, sell them, or teach from them. That includes screenshots, social posts, or repackaging them as your own.

3. You’re not the teacher. Certification doesn’t give you permission to coach or certify others. It’s for your growth and practice—not a license to teach the method.

4. If you break the rules, it’s over. Your license to use the badge and materials can be revoked. If that happens, you’ll need to stop using everything and delete it all.

5. Confidentiality matters. You agree not to spill proprietary info to people outside the program—during or after certification.

6. We can check in. We can ask to see how you're using the badge and tools, to make sure everything’s on the up-and-up.

7. The certification lasts 5 years. You can renew it at the end if you’re still in alignment with the standards (a small renewal fee may apply later).

You’re getting a credential and tools that are designed to elevate your business. We’re trusting you to use them responsibly, ethically, and within the boundaries set out. It’s not scary—it’s just smart protection for everyone involved. Don’t sell it, don’t teach it, don’t post it publicly. Use it, benefit from it, and be damn good.

1. Review & Approval

Once submitted:

• Our team will review your application within 7–10 business days

• You may be invited to a short review call for further clarification or to celebrate your success

2. Get Licensed

Upon approval:

• You'll receive your official Certified Damn Good Designer™ title

• Licensing terms and brand usage guidelines

• Access to your downloadable seal and announcement materials

Ready to Be Recognized?

When you’re ready to proudly represent what it means to be a Certified Damn Good Designer™ we’re ready to welcome you.

Have questions before you apply?
Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’re here to help.