Hey Melissa,

Thanks for sharing the info on IRIS. . . and yet from what I know (and I could be wrong) they just entered the world of Staging in 2007 if not just shortly before - as far as offering any specific training for our business. 

In the past, Staging was considered the "ugly stepchild" of the decorating and design world.  My neighbor took an IRIS class a few years ago - she is now a PE Teacher - as her desire to be a Stager did not manifest due to lack of, what she said, was support and specific training.  I know this has changed - and there are many opportunites to get information from groups that prior to about 1-2 years ago did not segment out this service.

I think bonafide decorators or designers considered Stagers a blemish on the perfect world of home interiors and hoped we'd go away.  I was not met with open arms when I first started - it was more hostility.  And yet in a short time, I began to get calls from students from these other groups asking if I had work for them.  What we have developed is a business based on need, not want.  There is only one group that recognized this from the start (not IRIS or ISID) - that were joined by others that are specific for Staging - and yet I am happy to see others have come alongside, when before they seemed to be pushing away.

In my opinion, I see us as having a parallel purpose - and there are definite cross-overs in prinicple and technique.  But the biggest road where we diverge is the idea that Staging is not decorating or design, it is part of the real estate industry - and the goal is to get a house sold, not make it look pretty.

By the same token, if I get a client that wants to redesign their house - I pass them along to a trained IRIS person.  I have no problem with that.  Same for someone that wants interior design or decorating.  I can take them so far with my skills and knowledge, but there is a definite stop in the road for me where I not only don't want to go any further based on my time and interest, but also based on my ability to really deliver what they want.  My hope is that this recognition of skills or lack there-of goes both ways.

Congrats on entering the training arena - I am sure you will do a great job at what you share.

- Jennie

Melissa- I took my IRIS course in 2006, my friend took it in 2005, so we are proof that IRIS did not enter the staging world in 2007! I must admit that the IRIS designation is a little confusing because it does sound like an organization for redesign only, but I can assure everyone that staging was 90% of what my five day course consisted of! IRIS and Sandy, in particular, offer so much continued training and support, I am completely blown away! The website looks great, and I know my buddy, Erica, has put hundreds of hours into making it so!

I'm sure you will be a great trainer...just the knowledge you have shared here on AR, has made me a better stager and business person!

Elaine - I stand corrected (smile) but I recall that IRIS started specific Staging courses not too long ago - one of the trainers I worked with that is also IRIS cerrtified sent out an email to this effect when IRIS developed their stager course that was not also re-design.  They have a lot to offer so this was not about who is better than whom.  I met Sandy Dixon at an IAHSP Convention back in 2003 - the first Staging industry convention (only a short 5 years - but it seems like forever!).  That said - the point of my commments were that Staging is no longer in the shadows - it is a mainstream and respected business and other groups are recognizing that fact.

- Jennie

Melissa,

Thanks for the great information.  I live in Ohio, and there are no instructors near me.  Good news for me is that my family lives in North Myrtle Beach and when I visit them, I sometimes come down to Charleston.  I hope at some point to come down to meet you and take one of your classes. 

Jennie - I can't speak for what they offered in their early years.  I took my training in 2005, but you are correct that it was a redesign course & they are growing their dedicated staging education.  I view this as a positive thing for all the organizations - the more education is out there, the more it benefits everyone! 

Elaine - Thank you for the kind words.  I know Sandy works very hard to make IRIS a great organization and that she also works very hard to help those who take her classes succeed.

Lora - I'm sorry that there is no one in your area just yet, but I will look forward to the opportunity to meet you one day - hopefully in one of my courses or at convention. 

I am a member of IRIS too.  I trained in 2002 and the course offered staging as well as redesign training.  Because staging was not as accepted by realtors in many areas at that time, but redesign was recognized and understood, I didn't "push" the term staging when I marketed my services.  There was also the problem with the term staging and the controversy with its use so I am sure that had a lot to do with the early decison by IRIS not to focus as much on that aspect of the redesign field.  The decision to offer a separate certification course in staging has as much to do with the growth and acceptance of the specialty but also of the scope and techniques that have evolved over the years.  There are many redesigners who prefer to do staging or because of their area, staging ends up being the majority of their business.  Staging is a natural extension of what redesigners do, so having a certification program is an extension of IRIS benefits.  As the organization grows, we have seen it respond to the needs of the members and its committment to adding to the professionalism of the field.

I feel that all of the staging organizations contribute to the field.  Each has its own philosophy and teaching methods but we all have the same focus-showcasing homes to the best advantage.