U.S. LEGISLATION: THE BIG PICTURE
"Professional licensing and regulations protect the health and safety of the public from fraudulent, unqualified, and unethical practitioners. Each jurisdiction has its own rules for regulatory compliance. Interior Design practitioners must be fully knowledgeable and in compliance with the requirements of the states and provinces in which they practice.
Twenty-nine states, DC and Puerto Rico, and all Canadian provinces have some level of legislation in place related to the regulation of the interior design profession. With the joint efforts of CIDQ, the Member Boards, interior design coalitions, and professional interior design organizations, more progressive advancements will be made on both the federal and local levels in the future.
In the US and Canada, interior design is regulated through two different types of law: Practice Acts and Tittle Acts. Jurisdictions with Practice Acts require certification and registration in order to practice in that jurisdiction. In jurisdictions with Tittle Acts, registration with the jurisdiction is optional, and comes with a protected tittle. In some Tittle Act jurisdictions, additional practice rights, such as permitting privileges, are offered to registrants. The CIDQ map shows the different types of regulation adopted by each North American jurisdiction." - CIDQ
See CIDQ website Regulated Jurisdictions page for the latest map updates.
U.S. Legislative Story: In the Making
May 10, 2021 - Oklahoma
HB-1147: Oklahoma Passes House Bill 1147. A monumental achievement for practitioners of commercial interior design in Oklahoma, this law ensures more robust recognition and representation of commercial interior designers by modifying several terms within the State Architectural and Registered Interior Designers Act. The bill stems from efforts by members of ASID and IIDA and the Oklahoma Interior Design Coalition (OIDC). The law includes adding stamp and seal privileges, change tittle to Registered Commercial Interior Designer (RCID), taking one licensing board seat for one RCID seat for a total of two (2) interior design representatives on the board, and definition added for interior design that matches the structure of the current law defining Architecture and Landscaping Architecture.
July 8, 2021 - North Carolina
Bill 188: North Carolina Passes Interior Design Practice Law. As a direct result of dedicated advocacy work of IIDA and ASID in partnership with CIDQ, North Carolina passes Bill 188 on July 8, 2021 establishing a voluntary state registry for qualified interior designers. This bill provides the opportunity for interior designer to stamp and seal construction documents for permits, and is the most comprehensive bill in the profession's history, paving the way for nation-wide recognition in the future.
IIDA North Carolina Press Release
ASID North Carolina Press Release
December 07, 2021 - NCARB and CIDQ Release Joint Report on Architecture and Interior Design Examinations
Discussions open between Architects and Interior Designers. As frequent collaborators in the built environment, architects and interior designers sometimes encounter parallels in their professions' skills and expertise. This correlation can lead to confusion and uncertainty on the part of the public surrounding practitioners' roles and responsibilities. To help address this and enable more effective collaboration and regulation, NCARB and the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) released a joint report exploring similarities and differences between the essential knowledge, skills, and tasks required for competency in each profession.
December 22, 2021 - AIA Revises Position Statement
Discussions open between Architects and Interior Designers. At the December 10, 2021 board meeting, the Board of Directors at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) voted to revise a long-standing organizational position statement of opposition to reasonable regulation of interior design in US jurisdictions. The new position eliminates “outright” opposition to interior design licensure, and due to the change, AIA state components are no longer compelled by AIA National to oppose interior design regulation proposals in their jurisdiction. According to AIA, the revision is intended to allow AIA state components to “be more flexible and to negotiate and discuss options and remedies with legislators, regulators, and partner groups that best suit their respective state since each state is different.” In addition to the new position statement, AIA has created a FAQ document about the Board’s decision.
The newly approved AIA position statement is as follows: “In the public interest, the AIA holds that architects licensed through rigorous examination possess the necessary education, training, and experience to lead the design process and protect the health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. While other regulated or licensed professionals may participate or be responsible for specialized and focused components, architects are uniquely qualified to take responsible control for the coordinated integration of building systems through a comprehensive understanding of design, construction, and the coordination of project teams from project inception to completion.”
CIDQ states "This is a good first step towards a more informed and productive dialogue between the interior design and architecture communities on this issue, and an important development for the advancement of the public protection through reasonable regulation. There is still much work to be done, and more informed conversations to be had between the design professions. CIDQ commends AIA for taking this important first step, and we look forward to participating in and helping to inform those discussions." - CIDQ Advocacy Bulletin.
March 18, 2022 - Wisconsin
SB-344: Wisconsin Passes Historic Interior Design Initiative. Sponsored/introduced by Senator Dale Kooyenga and Assembly Member Cody Horlacher, and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers, the new legislation reinforces the critical role of Wisconsin interior designers who protect occupant health safety in their work through robust practice rights and a strong scope of practice. The bill removes several barriers for designer registration and establishes the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) as the bureau in charge of the industry's certifications. The legislation further allows designers in Wisconsin to stamp and seal construction documents.
June 10, 2022 - Illinois
HB-4715: Illinois Bill Passage Continues Momentum for Nationwide Wave of Interior Design Legislation. House Bill 4715 was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 10, 2022, and voted on unanimously by the Illinois House and Senate, this historic legislation recognized interior design as a distinct profession in the built environment and acknowledges the crucial role professional interior designers play in protecting occupant health, safety, and well-being. The legislation expands the scope of interior design with permitting privileges for interior designers to stamp and seal plans, thus defining interior designers as professionals who protect and advance occupant health safety in their work. In expanding the scope of interior design, the new legislation recognizes the extensive education and knowledge of interior designers concerning safety solutions in the built environment, including ADA-friendly features and fire safety codes.
March 2023 - Consortium for Interior Design is Announced
"The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) are committing to collaborative advocacy efforts for legal recognition and reasonable regulation of the interior design profession through the formation of the joint Consortium for Interior Design. ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA share the belief that the current state of interior design regulation should reflect the true impact of certified interior designers in protecting public health, safety, and well-being. These organizations are working steadily with the greater interior design community to increase awareness of the role professional interior designers have in protecting the health, safety, and well being of the public. The new Consortium will allow ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA to work more collaboratively and efficiently to advocate for policies that protect the public in the built environment. ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA calls on the interior design communities nationwide to take an active role in the profession. The voice and involvement of practitioners in these efforts is crucial to success at the state level." - ASID, CIDQ, IIDA
ACDP Session: Discussion on the new Consortium for Interior Design
April 5, 2023 - New Mexico
HB-384: New Mexico Bill Protecting Interior Design Legislation Passes Unanimously. Bill protects the tittle and legal recognition of licensed interior designers in the state. With unanimity from both chambers of the New Mexico legislature, the bill was officially signed into law today by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. IIDA and ASID organizations worked together on the introduction of HB 384. This legislation counteracted a bill that would have dissolved the New Mexico Interior Design Board and removed the protected tittle of "Licensed Interior Designers" for those licensed professionals in New Mexico.
IIDA New Mexico Full Press Release
April 27, 2023 - Iowa
SF-135: lowa Interior Designers Celebrate the Passing of Independent Practice Rights Legislation for Certified Interior Designers. ASID and IIDA with support from CIDQ, have led to the unanimous passing of Senate File 135 (SF 135); a practice rights bill signed into law on April 27, 2023 by Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa. Passage of this bill confirms the key role interior design plays in the built environment and reinforces the critical role of interior designers as stewards of health, safety, and well-being. This legislation refines the scope of interior design practice and provides permitting privileges to allow registered interior designers to stamp and seal interior construction plans, confirming interior designers' role as qualified professionals whose work protects and advances occupant health safety and well-being. The modernized legislation recognizes the extensive education and knowledge of interior designers concerning safety solutions in the built environment, including ADA-friendly features and safety codes.
February 14, 2024 - Missouri
HB-2158 and SB-1325: Missouri Title Act Expansion and Modernization Bill Introduced in Legislature.
Legislation expanding the state of Missouri’s Interior Design Title Act has been introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. HB 2158, sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick, and SB 1325, sponsored by Senator Tracy McCreery would continue the trend of states adopting new or expanded legislation providing for reasonable regulation of the interior design profession.
As introduced, the bills adopt an updated and specifically defined scope of practice for Registered Interior Designers and provide title holders with the ability to obtain a seal for use to stamp nonstructural interior construction plans for permitting. Much of the language is borrowed from legislation adopted in other states and drafted through collaboration between the architecture and interior design communities in those states. IIDA and ASID chapters hope to build upon that collaboration.
March 5, 2024 - Nebraska
LB-16: Nebraska's Landmark Legislation Marks Industry Milestone. Nebraska became the 29th state and 31st U.S. jurisdiction to institue reasonable regulation of the interior design profession. Nebraska interior designers are celebrating over the enactment of Legislative Bill 16 (LB 16), a historic piece of legislation that establishes reasonable regulation for their profession. This bill, signed into law by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, not only creates a voluntary registry for qualified interior designers (where no legislation existed before) but also grants them the ability to independently practice within defined parameters. The culmination of multiple-year effort by the local chapters of ASID and IIDA with support and guidance from the Consortium for Interior Design, a collaborative advocacy group comprised of ASID, IIDA, and CIDQ, LB 16 represents the latest in a series of legislative victories across the US, affirming the importance of interior designers in ensuring public, health, safety, and well-being in the built environment. As Nebraska joins in the ranks of states recognizing the expertise of NCIDQ-certified professionals, the passage of LB 16 underscores a nationwide trend towards acknowledging and empowering interior designers to protect the health and welfare of building occupants.
IIDA Nebraska Full Press Release
April 26, 2024 - Oklahoma
HB-1793: Oklahoma Interior Designers Pass Modernized Practice Rights Legislation. New legislation in Oklahoma changes the legally recognized title of interior design to provide clarity for scopes of practice within the profession. HB-1793 was approved by the Oklahoma House and Senate, then signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt on Friday, April 26th. This landmark bill recognizes interior design as a distinct profession in the built environment and acknowledges the vital role that professional interior designers play in safeguarding occupant health, safety and well-being. The law goes into effect immediately.
ASID Oklahoma Full Press Release
IIDA Oklahoma Full Press Release
September 24, 2024 - D.C. Capitol Day
"Chapter Advocacy Chairs from +10 states/ASID Chapters nationwide convened at the nation's capital to meet with legislators representing many states and both political parties. The mission included educating policymakers about the interior design profession, thank policymakers for their support for legislation and other initiatives that advance the interior design profession, and demonstrate ASID's leadership in this space." - Lauren Earley, ASID HQ Staff
October 31, 2024 - Pennsylvania
SB-1319 (Act 144): Amends Architects Licensure Law to provide for qualified certified Interior Designers, to obtain the protected title of "Certified Interior Designer" and amend prohibitive laws and regulations for receiving compensation for space planning services. The bill was signed into law October 31, 2024 by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as Act 144 of 2024. Legislative efforts were led by the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania (IDLCPA), working together with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Pennsylvania and The Consortium for Interior Design to develop and champion this legislation.
Act 144 provided certified interior designers with a protected tittle within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. SB 1319 will formally recognize interior designers in the Commonwealth (meeting specific and rigorous education, experience, and examination requirements), allowing these qualified practitioners to obtain the tittle of "Certified Interior Designer". Certified Interior Designers will be governed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Board of Architecture, which will include a Certified Interior Designer representative on the board. Additionally, SB 1319 will amend provisions in regulations and laws that currently prohibit interior designers from receiving compensation for space planning, thereby enabling Certified Interior Designers to receive payment for their work. By codifying this legislation, Pennsylvania acknowledges the critical role interior designers have in helping protect health, safety, and well-being, confirming the key role interior design plays in the built environment. -Consortium for Interior Design
ASID Pennsylvania Full Press Release
IIDA Pennsylvania Full Press Release
February 4, 2025 - Wisconsin Capitol Day
A Day of Empowerment and Visibility for Wisconsin Interior Designers. "Approximately fifty interior design professionals and students attended ASID's and IID's Wisconsin Capitol Day in Madison. Thirty-seven (37) new legislators have been appointed, who are most likely unfamiliar with Wisconsin Registered Interior Designers, the interior design profession, and interior designer's role in health, safety, welfare role health in the built environment. Several legislators and co-authors of Wisconsin's new interior design sign and seal law (WI Act 195), stopped into their hearing room meeting to enthusiastically speak about the new legislative session. In preparation for heading out to their respective legislator's offices, their lobbyist reminded interior design advocates to stick to key talking points and start forming new relationships or become reacquainted with their representatives." - Robin Stroebel
Itinerary included a welcome and overview, meeting with key legislators and staff that authored and advocated for their law, meet and greet with their respective legislator's offices, tour of the capitol building, concluding with a networking happy hour.
*This list is not a comprehensive list of all interior design legislative bills.
In collaboration with other interior design organizations, the LCID leadership team aspires to provide additional consolidated source of information about publicized legislation updates in other states for interior design supporters. Stay up to date on the latest developments by visiting the CIDQ Advocacy Bulletin or by receiving news from your professional interior design membership organizations for the latest legislative updates.
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