Training, Education. Only time will tell where it will end up. Since I have been on AR. I have read the blogs and comments written with regards to the types of training and no training, professionals or hobbists, certified or non certified. Each have been defended.
Hopefully, sooner that much later standards in education for staging will been in place. We have RESA working towards that goal. But it all takes time. Any 3 day in class or 2 hours on line course is fast tracking. I have often seen written that Staging is not Decorating. True - because of the reason in which it is delivered. But Staging and redesign has to have the basic design fundementals to make a room appealing to the eye. In design, colour theory, balance, scale, drawing scaled floor plans, furniture placement, functionality and harmony are delivered over months and years. I find it hard to believe that in a week end (offered by popular programs) that this much information and some basic understanding of real estate can be delivered or even retained in that amount of time. Craig's blog "OOPS goes the Staging" is an excellent example of the lack of knowledge of the basics. - Not even able to identify and use the structural focal point in the room - very bad. A true fail if it was marked.
Most accredited colleges and universities in Canada and the US offer a variety of formats in which education is delivered in full time and part time studies. This allows those in the work force to upgrade their education and those whom have committed to their family or are in transition to obtain an education. Those who are motivated will be successful.
As a teacher at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Both full time and part time students enroll in a combination of in class and on line courses. Our realtors here in Ontario have the option in which format they prefer to learn. None of which are 3 days long. Does this mean that their education through online holds no value. No. There is a common element there are standards in the Edcuation and these programs are delivered through a longer amount of time thatn 3 days. That being said education does not quarantee quality of work. I know intelligent people who can not apply their knowledge.
Many of the Staging programs have glamourized staging as a profession in which you can make a lot of money right away. We know that is not true. First, it is a new industry, second it is a business and every business falls under the 80 - 20 rule where only 20% will be sucessfull through a lot of hard work and committment.
When we have all these people trained in 3 days, with hopes of success as soon as they are finished what is stopping them from creating their own 2 hr online programs. Geez the course they took was not exactly 3 full days. Until there are standards of education and the programs become available in mainstream schools this will continue. Why is a 3 day course so appealing - because their is no long term time committment. Let's face it there are many who would have not taken this course if it was a full 2 or 3 year program. What happens if Staging becomes a 3 year program at an accredited school. ( I know they are already introducing it in Interior Decorating programs). You will have less people taking the course and not inclined into developing their own program so they can make fast cash. Please make note I am not implying that everyone that has developed a course has had the intention of doing it to make fast cash. but have done so because they believe in this industry and want to teach something they believe in.
Here we are in the beginning of this new industry. There are some very naturally talented stagers that have taken these 3 day courses and do great work and then there are others who have the same education and their work leave a lot to be desired.
I think for now we have to focus on our businesses and the education of the public on the benefits of Staging, what to look for in quality staging and working towards accredited schools and the present training programs to deliver quality education in Staging.
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