Choosing to employ a DIA designer in either a salaried position or as a consultant makes good sense. To achieve full membership in the DIA a designer must demonstrate that they have the education and experience to perform professionally, and they must also comply with the DIA's code of ethics.

Designers who are full members of their professional body, the Design Institute of Australia, have distinguished themselves in a number of ways.

They have:

1. At least 6 years of combined design education and professional experience.
2. A minimum of 3 years of professional experience relevant to their design discipline.
3. An agreement to comply with a code of professional conduct.
4. A commitment to maintain their knowledge base through connection with the information resources of the DIA.
5. A demonstrated commitment to their design profession through membership and involvement with their professional body.

The difference between a DIA professional designer and a non-DIA designer is that DIA designers have attained a high level of professionalism in order to meet the DIA’s membership requirements.

A full professional member of the DIA can be identified by their use of the post-nominals MDIA, FDIA or LFDIA after their name.

MDIA stands for Member of the Design Institute of Australia.

FDIA stands for Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia. A Fellow is a Member who has been recognised by their peers for their contribution to the DIA and the design professions.

LFDIA stands for Life Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.

A designer is only entitled to use these post-nominals having passed the membership requirements of the DIA.

A DIA designer may also display a membership certificate, length of membership awards, and membership decals at their place of business.

Remember it is the individual designer, not the business, who is the member of the DIA.

If they cease to be a member and, therefore, can no longer claim to demonstrate the benefits listed above then they must cease using the post-nominals and any other items identifying them as members of their professional body.

An Accredited Designer™ is a full member of the professional body who makes an annual commitment to comply with the DIA's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

In addition to the benefits of a full member they have:

1. An audited commitment to maintain and build their knowledge base through an annual program of CPD activities.
2. A demonstrated capacity to integrate formal professional development and continuous education with their professional responsibilities.

Accredited designers demonstrate an above average commitment to their professional education.

To ensure the success of your business.

In any business there is a level that represents best practice. A level of corporate performance that encompasses all the knowledge and attributes of a particular industry area to ensure that the business operates at a competitive level.

Professional design has become essential for best business practice. There is a design specialisation that deals with almost all areas of industry and commerce. Whether it be in manufacturing, the building industry or in media and communication there is a professional designer who can help you grow your business.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that the skilled application of professional design has the ability to greatly increase the commercial success of a business.

A professional is a person with a high degree of expertise in their chosen vocation who provides advice to customers free from commercial or personal bias. A professional is knowledgeable and ethical.

Being a professional requires a continuing commitment to education. Not only is it important to acquire initial thorough educational grounding in the knowledge and practice of your vocation, but it is essential to continuously add to your knowledge and skills as new knowledge and techniques become available.

The DIA, as a professional body, provides its members with services and resources to maintain these professional attributes.

DIA designers are continually encouraged to extend their professional skills through a range of business, educational and design initiatives, including the DIA’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme.