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Some members of the public who don’t understand what designers really do may wonder if interior design legislation is even necessary. Interior design regulations vary by state and by province. According to IIDA, about half of the US, Puerto Rico, and Canadian Provinces have Interior Design Legislation.
Contrary to popular belief, interior design legislation does not restrict business for unregistered designers. Instead, interior design laws expand business opportunities for registered interior designers.
However, registered, licensed, or certified interior designers in some states can sign, seal, and submit drawings for permitting. While they can ensure that a space looks its best, they actually do much more than the public realizes.
Research your current legislation through CIDQ.
The un-qualified versus the qualified designer
The difference between qualified and unqualified interior designers affects everyone, so interior design legislation is essential.
A qualified interior designer will understand and use the relevant safety codes and necessary processes to design an effective space. The qualified interior designer would know which product and finishes to use in a medical office or surgical facility, for example:
- Does this have antibacterial or antimicrobial qualities?
- Can it withstand harsh cleansers?
- Will it last with daily scrubbing?
- Which color is relaxing for the patient?
- Which color will help the surgeon focus?
The designer will address similar issues when designing any residential or commercial space:
- Accessibility
- Flammability
- Product maintenance
- Air quality
- Environmental sustainability
- Aging in place
The top three qualifications of professional interior designers are education, experience, and examination.
Education
A designer’s training helps them choose products that meet the user's functional needs. A trained designer has learned that knowing how those materials and systems might behave in a fire is essential, as is knowing how they affect air quality, ergonomic issues, and other factors.
Experience
An experienced designer has learned to ensure a design is accessible, meets applicable building codes, and is safe and functional. An unqualified designer may violate codes or create life-threatening hazards without even realizing it because they have no clear understanding of regulations.
That’s why supporting legislation establishing interior design qualification and oversight is essential.
Examination
The NCIDQ Exam qualifies interior designers who have proven their knowledge and experience. Designers who can create beautiful, functional, and safe interior spaces.
Why It’s Better Together: a Stronger Interior Design Industry
Interior design legislation sets the standards of practice to protect consumers. Legislation helps consumers know they’re working with qualified, responsible professionals. It protects consumers in three ways:
- They know who has demonstrated competency if they’re looking to hire an interior designer.
- They know they’re working with designers who use the latest health, safety, and welfare information.
- Interior design legislation also offers consumers legal recourse against negligent or unethical designers by creating accountability.
Why supporting interior design legislation matters
Interior design legislation increases the value and business opportunities for qualified interior designers. This protects the interior designer in three ways:
- Interior design title laws, where in place, protect the use and title of certified, registered, or licensed interior designers.
- The legislation sets guidelines, making collaborating with other design professionals like architects and engineers easier.
- The legislation ensures qualified interior designers make the safest choices for public spaces and businesses.
By supporting this legislation, the design force becomes better, stronger, and better equipped for those we serve.
Why become an NCIDQ Certificate Holder?
Interior design regulation, while important, is inconsistent throughout the United States and Canada. That’s why having your NCIDQ Certificate is so important.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the NCIDQ Certificate assures a level of competency. As a result, it has become the standard for quality and leads designers to higher earning potential.
To become an NCIDQ Certificate holder, you must complete at least six years of qualified interior design education and experience. In addition, to prove your competency, you must pass three rigorous exams. These exams are based on an independent analysis of the profession and the daily practice of interior designers across various design specialties.
That is why Qpractice supports every designer’s goal of passing the NCIDQ Exam. In addition, we support interior design legislation and the role of making each designer more qualified and capable of making choices to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
From Qpractice Team Member Jillian Gerbasi, NCIDQ:
“I have not only set myself apart in the local design industry, but I have a new avenue to advocate for interior design as a profession. The appellation on my business card is a key conversation starter with clients.
In the state of Ohio, we currently have a bill in the House of Representatives which would establish a permissive certification for commercial interior designers. I have been able to personally meet with state representatives and state senators to discuss the process and experience that is needed in order to successfully pass the NCIDQ examination along with the responsibilities that a certified interior designer takes on. Since I have passed the exam, I have gained confidence in myself as an interior designer as well as increased pride in the interior design industry as a whole.”
You can pass the NCIDQ Exam, too!
Join designers like Jillian, and move ahead in your career!
