In March 2012, California assemblywoman Fiona Ma introduced a bill (AB 2482) that could take a license to practice “registered interior layout.” The bill is set for an April committee hearing and could eventually become a part of the California codes only when it passes both legislative houses and can be accepted by the governor. As you may anticipate, the pending legislation is getting a lot of ers talking.
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 layout. “To qualify, an individual would have to procure an interior design diploma or a certification by a two- or four-year college.Interior designers would be required to pass the NCIDQ exam.The invoice would create practicing without a license a criminal offense, with fines of up to $2,000 and prison time of up to one year, or both, plus civil penalties of up to $10,000; criminals also would be prevented from collecting any charge for services.Registered interior designers are limited to working on small single-family and four-unit multifamily residential dwellings with timber frame construction no longer than two tales high.Registered interior designers could still be able to decorate, prepare layout drawings and pick decorative materials in structures over two stories, as long as they are coping with non-structural or non-seismic elements, as outlined in the invoice. Current Requirements
In California, anyone can call himself or herself a interior designer. But to use the name “Certified Interior Designer,” an individual must demonstrate education and experience, and must pass an examination (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 examination — a general, nationwide examination that doesn’t deal with California building codes and systems. “Can you hire a lawyer in Texas who has not passed the Texas bar examination? No,” Stead says. “You’d hire a person who’s quite comfortable with and has passed the Texas bar examination. The identical logic must apply to any sort of interior design licensing examination in California.”
The Opposition
Others say the bill is a misuse of legislative efforts as customer confusion regarding interior design services has not been demonstrated to necessitate industry-wide licensing; present building codes and systems adequately protect customers.
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 keep for design services; they are very effective at reviewing portfolios and websites, interviewing prospective designers, and checking references and personal accreditation credentials to determine what degree of designer matches their undertaking.”
Designs for Living
Supporters of Licensing
Interior design student Jill Roberson Awbrey shares her stance on the problem: “As an interior design student who has also practiced inside design prior to working towards a level, I find some significance [in accreditation]. There is a large difference between decorating and designing. Any time you are dealing with building codes, then there should be a license [requirement]. Decorating is a talent that can’t be learned through schooling, but architectural and structural elements should be educated, the identical way as electrical or plumbing knowledge is educated.”
Launched in the Middle
Others in the industry say that a fine line distinguishes professional interior designers who are educated in surface maintenance, light fixture choice, fireproofing, soundproofing, material types and durability, and green issues, among other things, from decorators who may or may not have too much instruction but can compose a balanced, beautiful area. Green certified interior designer Tineke Triggs says that although she doesn’t think that it’s required to have a license to decorate a house, it’s important for a interior designer to have a certified engineer or architect in the image when structural materials are transferred or remodeled. “Personally, I believe experience is actually the most important factor to think about,” says Triggs.
A typical contractor from Oasis Design and Remodeling says, “Great design isn’t just about throw cushions, it is about balance, scale, light, color, among other things. Some elements of that are educated, some are innate.” consumer cjbirk adds, “a license won’t create a designer but in hiring a certified designer, the customer will be certain that the professional has fulfilled the minimum competency of the profession”
ers, tell us : Should a license be required to practice interior design? Please share your ideas below.