Interior Design Legislation

Interior Design Legislation

What is Interior Design Legislation

“States legally recognize the interior design profession through legislation that establishes minimum standards of qualification that must be met to become registered in the state” (asid.org).  Legislation is in place to protect the health and safety of the public.  By enforcing interior design legislation it gives certified interior designers the chance to exercise their education and code regulations without worry that competitor designers will cause a bad name in to the interior design profession by creating structurally unsound interior spaces.

There are two major types of legislation concerning interior design the Practice Act and the Title Act:  "Title Act (registration or certification), which set standards for the use of a certain title but do not prevent anyone from practicing interior design.  Practice Act (licensure), which require that professionals obtain a state license to offer interior design services" (asid.org).

Why is it Important an Interior Designer be “Certified”

The decisions that interior designers make affects the safety and quality of life.  By becoming a certified interior designer it allows the designer to practice their skills to the fullest extent and ensure a safe environment.  Without legislation in a state interior designers may potentially lose business due to popularity of interior design and the overwhelming amount of uncertified designers. When considering the safety of the public, the possibilities are limitless of the dangers that could occur in the field of a unlicensed/ uncertified designer.  Just imagine in the field of healthcare design,  if a designer isn’t aware of the commercial and medical codes then this can create an unfunctional and even dangerous space.  The healthcare environment is very specific in  the regulations that they enforce because even the smallest of things can make a big impact for someone who has physical or mental challenges.  It is crucial that a designer be educated in evidence based design, knowledgable of building codes, and know ADA (American with Disabilities Act) codes.

What opposing sides are saying:

In 2011 Florida faced issues when the law was passed that only certified interior designers may work in commercial settings.  The case was appealed and an attempt to deregulate licensed interior designers was made because unlicensed interior designers felt that it was unfair to spend 6 years and thousands of dollars to practice interior design.  Ij.org calls the legislation law passed in Florida “unconstitutional” and “inevitable loss of freedom”.  Those who have been practicing interior design without certification feel that the legislation is only being pushed by members of the ASID to eliminate friendly competition.  Their argument is “There isn’t a shred of evidence that Florida’s interior design law does anything but protect licensed interior designers from honest competition”(Ewing.2011).

but what does legislation actually do?

 ASID believes that legal recognition of our profession is best achieved through the enactment of legislation that:

• Does not limit, restrict or prevent the practice of interior design.
• Does not limit, restrict or prevent anyone from using the title “interior design” or “interior designer.”
• Allows state qualified interior designers to use the title “registered,” “certified” or “licensed” interior designer.
• Allows state qualified interior designers to perform additional services related to the practice of interior design as applicable governing jurisdictions deem appropriate for state qualified interior designers to perform.

“The statute does not prevent any designer from performing the work they currently do but expands the scope of work for those who meet additional requirements (including work previously reserved for only licensed architects). Interior designers practicing in residential settings in Florida may do so without a license" (interiorsandsources.com).   With the new laws taking place in the interior design profession there is still action being made of those who have  had the experience for many years but no certification.  In some states such as Mississippi the state is allowing a grace period for an unlicensed interior designer to be able to take a state test consisting of testing their knowledge of codes, rather then disregarding their many years of experience and requiring a degree and passing the NCIDQ exam. 

Allison Levy, IIDA’s senior director of government and regulatory affairs says “By recognizing that all professionals working in the built environment, including interior designers, have met certain standards of minimum competency, Florida’s interior design regulation helps consumers know they’re working with someone who is equipped with the latest information to design a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is functional and safe”

States with legislation:

IIDA.org

references:

Interior Design Legislation. Retrieved from http://www.asid.org/NR/rdonlyres/572C5A0B D931-4763-A703-4D00E156D162/0/ASID_Legislative101web.pdf

Bob Ewing (2011). Florida Interior Design. Despite No Evidence, Federal Court Upholds Florida Law That Puts Florida  Interior Designers Out of Business. Retrieved from http://www.ij.org/despite-no-evidence-federal-court-upholds-florida-law-that-puts-interior-designers-out-of-business-2

(2011). U.S. Circuit Court Upholds Florida’s Interior Design Licensing Statute, Retrieved from http://www.interiorsandsources.com/tabid/3339/ArticleID/11612/Default.aspx