Decorating Guides
California Law: License to Practice Interior Design?
A proposed bill that would require a license to practice interior design in California has Houzzers talking. Where do you stand?
In March 2012, California assemblywoman Fiona Ma introduced a bill (AB 2482) that would require a license to practice "registered interior design." The bill is set for an April committee hearing and would become part of the California codes only if it passes both legislative houses and is approved by the governor. As you might expect, the pending legislation is getting a lot of Houzzers talking.
For those of you not familiar with the proposed legislation, here are the nuts and bolts.
In California, anyone can call himself or herself an interior designer. However, to use the title "Certified Interior Designer," an individual must demonstrate experience and education, and must pass an exam (IDEX) that deals with California-specific building codes and systems.
California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) executive director Douglas Stead says his issue with the pending legislation is that it requires interior designers to take the NCIDQ exam — a general, nationwide exam that doesn't deal with California building codes and systems. "Would you hire a lawyer in Texas who hasn't passed the Texas bar exam? No," Stead says. "You would hire one who's very familiar with and has passed the Texas bar exam. The same logic should apply to any kind of interior design licensing exam in California."
The Opposition
Others say the bill is a misuse of legislative efforts as consumer confusion about interior design services hasn't been proven to necessitate industry-wide licensing; existing building codes and systems already adequately protect consumers.
A fact sheet released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association adds, "The public does not lack the ability to make informed choices about who they retain for design services; they are quite capable of reviewing portfolios and websites, interviewing potential designers, and checking references and private certification credentials to determine what level of designer fits their project."
For those of you not familiar with the proposed legislation, here are the nuts and bolts.
- The bill would require a license to practice "registered interior design."
- To be eligible, one would need to obtain an interior design degree or a certificate from a two- or four-year college.
- Interior designers would be required to pass the NCIDQ exam.
- The bill would make practicing without a license a criminal offense, with penalties of up to $2,000 and jail time of up to one year, or both, plus civil penalties of up to $10,000; offenders also would be prevented from collecting any fee for services.
- Registered interior designers would be limited to working on small single-family and four-unit multifamily residential dwellings with wood frame construction no more than two stories high.
- Registered interior designers would still be able to decorate, prepare layout drawings and select decorative materials in structures over two stories, as long as they are dealing with non-structural or non-seismic components, as outlined in the bill.
In California, anyone can call himself or herself an interior designer. However, to use the title "Certified Interior Designer," an individual must demonstrate experience and education, and must pass an exam (IDEX) that deals with California-specific building codes and systems.
California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) executive director Douglas Stead says his issue with the pending legislation is that it requires interior designers to take the NCIDQ exam — a general, nationwide exam that doesn't deal with California building codes and systems. "Would you hire a lawyer in Texas who hasn't passed the Texas bar exam? No," Stead says. "You would hire one who's very familiar with and has passed the Texas bar exam. The same logic should apply to any kind of interior design licensing exam in California."
The Opposition
Others say the bill is a misuse of legislative efforts as consumer confusion about interior design services hasn't been proven to necessitate industry-wide licensing; existing building codes and systems already adequately protect consumers.
A fact sheet released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association adds, "The public does not lack the ability to make informed choices about who they retain for design services; they are quite capable of reviewing portfolios and websites, interviewing potential designers, and checking references and private certification credentials to determine what level of designer fits their project."
Interior design student Jill Roberson Awbrey shares her stance on the issue: "As an interior design student who has also practiced interior design prior to working towards a degree, I find some value [in licensing]. There is a big difference between decorating and designing. Any time you are dealing with building codes, there should be a license [requirement]. Decorating is a talent that cannot be learned through schooling, but architectural and structural elements should be taught, the same way as plumbing or electrical knowledge is taught."
Somewhere in the Middle
Others in the industry say a fine line distinguishes professional interior designers who are educated in surface maintenance, light fixture selection, fireproofing, soundproofing, material types and durability, and green issues, among other things, from decorators who may or may not have as much training but can compose a balanced, beautiful space. Green certified interior designer Tineke Triggs says that although she doesn't think it's necessary to have a license to decorate a home, it's important for an interior designer to have a licensed engineer or architect in the picture if structural materials are moved or remodeled. "Personally, I think experience is really the most important factor to consider," says Triggs.
A general contractor from Oasis Design and Remodeling says, "Good design is not just about throw pillows, it is about balance, scale, lighting, color, among other things. Some aspects of that are taught, some are innate." Houzz user cjbirk adds, "a license won't make a designer better, but in hiring a licensed designer, the client will be assured that the professional has met the minimum competency of the profession."
Houzzers, tell us: Should a license be required to practice interior design? Please share your thoughts below.