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Interior Design Lobby Seeks Licensure in Several States

In the face of several years of failed legislation, the interior design lobby has returned in 2008 to push measures to regulate their profession and expand their market. Although there are a number of title registration laws across the country, only three states regulate the practice of interior design.

Legislation drafted in both Nebraska and Ohio would restrict the use of the title “interior designer” to individuals who meet certain specifications. Legislation in Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, however, would not only restrict the use of the title, but would also prohibit individuals who do not meet those specifications from practicing interior design.

The AIA has fought this battle before. On average, 10 bills are introduced annually, but the majority of them face the same fate: they are killed in committee or on the floor. In fact, no bill has become law since a strict title act was passed in Iowa in 2005. Before that, only two states had enacted title regulations since 1999.

The AIA's position is that interior designers do not have the education or training necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and giving unqualified individuals the responsibility to do so could have severe consequences. Architects are the only professionals who have a broad enough knowledge base to understand the complexities of the whole building, its parts, and how each are interrelated.

[To read the full article in the January 31 issue of the Angle, click here.]

Question: Interior designers contend that they should be able to stamp and seal their own interior construction drawings for the purpose of obtaining a building permit. Do you think interior designers are equally qualified as architects to protect public HSW on the interior of a building? Share your perspective.

 

Posted by Hannah Wesolowski on January 31, 2008 5:27 PM |

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Comments (50)

Anonymous:
Equally qualified regarding HSW issues: no ---- Should interior designers sign and seal drawings for permits: no ---- Why isn't this obvious to everyone? I propose that if they can pass the ARE, then they can sign and seal all they want.

Posted by Anonymous | February 1, 2008 7:50 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 07:50

Dave Altenhofen AIA:
I think one very important point that is missed in the interior designer licensing arguement is that it is impossible to limit the effects of design decisions at an artificial line between the interior finished space and the remainder of the building. With virtually no training or knowledge of the building structure or the exterior enclosure, interior designers make decisions that effect both. Changing occupancy type affects loading and we would hope an interior designer would get an engineer to cover that. But do they have the training to effectively coordinate that engineers work? Much more common and also commonly causing extensive indoor air quality problems is placing a vapor impermeable finish, such as vinyl wall covering, on the inside face of an exterior wall. Condensation and mold are a much too common result. Because architects are the only professional designing the building as a whole, I don't think interior designers are qualified to protect the public health, safety and welfare. With that said, I do truly respect the talented, creative and passionate interior designers I have collaborated with over the years.

Posted by Dave Altenhofen AIA | February 1, 2008 8:35 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 08:35

Chris Garber, Assoc. AIA:
I do not believe that interior designers, generally, are properly educated to address HSW issues. The issue I have is when an unqualified person calls themself an interior designer (because they can pick and coordinate finishes) and undercuts the highly qualified, very skilled and talented interior designers that I work with day to day. Restricting the use of the title is appropriate.

Posted by Chris Garber, Assoc. AIA | February 1, 2008 9:05 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 09:05

Appalled:
Interior designers would seem qualified to spec moveable and furniture fixtures and perhaps equipment. They may also be qualified by experience and education to spec wall finishes. Fire-spread ratings the fuel load in the LA First Interstate fire of years ago demonstrate the need for informed decisions on these elements. Conversely, designers who are strictly interior designers aren't qualified to locate exit corridors, etc. that are unquestionably HSW issues. Why does this debate continue? The ID's put more money into the effort and, sadly, money's the mother's milk of politics. When will it end?? Probably never. Signed, A former Gensler employee (I've seen both sides)

Posted by Appalled | February 1, 2008 9:10 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 09:10

Robert Maurer, AIA:
I have been a licensed architect for over twenty years and practice in Florida where the inteior designers are licensed. There are some who are extremely creative and talented. But, I have yet to work with an interior designer who can space plan an interior that meets the Life Safety code (i.e. means of egress, travel distance, exit widths, etc.) and other intricacies of the code. Add their lack of Life Safety code knowledge to a very poor interpretation of complying to occupancy separation walls, as defined by the State Building Code, and you have imminent failure to comply with public safety, health and welfare needs.

Posted by Robert Maurer, AIA | February 1, 2008 9:12 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 09:12

T.T.S.H., AIA:
Yes, I agree with Mr. Maurer. I too have in Florida and with interior designers who do not fully understand the HSW requirements and building codes. I believe their exams for licensure should be very similar to the architect's exam, which covers the basics (not just design, but structure, mep, construction, liabilities, responsibilities). All professions dealing with buildings and interior environments should at least have knowledge of the basics.

Posted by T.T.S.H., AIA | February 1, 2008 9:50 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 09:50

Norman Liedtke:
As a bussiness man who has had the privelage of managing educated, expereinced, architects and interior designers I am able to objectively see that each discipline has it's own strenghts and by the time a either design professional is established in their career they understand permits, health, safety, etc. What everyone is missing is the marketplace has already made the decision to recognize competencey whatever the education. The AIA doesn't realize the " horse left the barn" 40 yrs. ago. As long as you have accredited university programs turning out graduates and design firm hiring them and interior designers work side by side as collagues and teammates this discussion will continue. It's interesting that Landscape architects are fully liscensed in many states and are looked at as equals to Architects and Engineers. It is my belief the AIA is threatened and just trying to protect themselves from further erosion of their image. Until there is Collaboration everyone will be worse off.

Posted by Norman Liedtke | February 1, 2008 10:16 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 10:16

John Goodloe, AIA:
This current news underscores the need for vigilance of the AIA to keep up defense of licensure on behalf of the public. In a recent Corps of Engineers RFQ, there was a requirement that the design team provide an interior designer with and NCIDQ license. ASID is continuing to push these types of requirements wherever they can onto ill-informed or unconcerned institutions. ASID has essentially excluded architects from their organization and the NCIDQ, and state on their website that an architectual education is not considered the equivalent of an interior design education. They are pushing the message that an interior design education is superior to architectural education. My opinion is they have further reduced the validity and substance of their own profession by creating this advesarial position. The AIA has to fight this wherever it occurs.

Posted by John Goodloe, AIA | February 1, 2008 10:24 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 10:24

Kahne O'Banion:
I find it quite taxing, that Mr. Liedtke has chosen to lump the "strenghts" of ID, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture into one category. To become an Architect, whether it be Landscape or Building, the fact remains that those two disciplines are educated and tested extensively as to the protection of the public and are required to continue our education every year through the CEU process. If we don't, we can't renew our licenses. As an Architect, I practice Interior Design each and every day. I don't need an Interior Designer. Until Interior Designers go through the ARE and call themselves Architects, then I pray they continue to fight a losing battle, since what they do is only a component of Architecture. Picking out colors and furniture is not worthy of licensure. It is merely a ploy to use the government to restrict competition and work for those that are deemed worthy by NCIDQ.

Posted by Kahne O'Banion | February 1, 2008 11:15 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 11:15

Anonymous:
Having worked closely with interior designers for a number of years I can say with absolute certainty that they do not have the training required to protect public safety. They tend to overlook very important things like egress, fire codes, and clearances that are second nature to Architects. I have also seen the folly of allowing an interior designer to attempt work that should be led by an Architect. I would be against giving them license to seal drawings for building permit. If they want that responsibility they should become an Architect.

Posted by Anonymous | February 1, 2008 11:25 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 11:25

Linda Phillips:
I agree with all of the postings so far on this subject. I work with interior designers who have the NCIDQ and other designations, but they consistently have to ask Architects about life safety issues, or they submit designs that don't meet code. Then I have to show them why they haven't met the code as they have not even learned to read and understand the code books. Their knowledge is limited to classification of finishes for flame spread and smoke development. Most interior designers I know don't seem interested in learning that "hard stuff." By the way, are any other architects feeling usurped by Fire Protection Engineers in regards to life safety and egress issues? I think we're having our authority stripped there, as well.

Posted by Linda Phillips | February 1, 2008 11:46 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 11:46

Linda Phillips:
I agree with all of the postings so far on this subject. I work with interior designers who have the NCIDQ and other designations, but they consistently have to ask Architects about life safety issues, or they submit designs that don't meet code. Then I have to show them why they haven't met the code as they have not even learned to read and understand the code books. Their knowledge is limited to classification of finishes for flame spread and smoke development. Most interior designers I know don't seem interested in learning that "hard stuff." So, who would insure their practice? By the way, are any other architects feeling usurped by Fire Protection Engineers in regards to life safety and egress issues? I think we're having our authority stripped there, as well.

Posted by Linda Phillips | February 1, 2008 11:47 AM

Posted on February 1, 2008 11:47

Thomas Counter AIA:
A SOLUTION THAT WORKS - I have been a licensed architect since 1969 and have now worked for an interiior design firm for the past seven years..it was with wisdom that Slifer Designs in Vail decided to have a registered architect on staff. (they have two now) HSW issues are discussed in house. This put the question to rest.

Posted by Thomas Counter AIA | February 1, 2008 12:18 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 12:18

Thomas Counter AIA:
A SOLUTION THAT WORKS - I have been a licensed architect since 1969 and have now worked for an interiior design firm for the past seven years..it was with wisdom that Slifer Designs in Vail decided to have a registered architect on staff. (they have two now) HSW issues are discussed in house. This put the question to rest.

Posted by Thomas Counter AIA | February 1, 2008 12:18 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 12:18

Gary Stadlman, AIA:
Until interior designers are required to study and be tested on mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, civil and structural engineering, environmental regulations, life safety requirements, building construction methods and materials, building design, architectural history and theory and construction law (as Architects are) then they should not be given the right to stamp building drawings.

Posted by Gary Stadlman, AIA | February 1, 2008 12:22 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 12:22

Carmella Cioffi, AIA:
I am saddened to see the vehemency with which my fellow architects are "protecting their turf" because, ultimately that is what this argument boils down to. Shame on all of you. Creating better professional standards can only benefit everyone in the equation. By the way, I have worked with Interior Designers who are MORE qualified to design environments than a lot of licensed, seasoned architects I know.

Posted by Carmella Cioffi, AIA | February 1, 2008 3:03 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:03

Terry Welker AIA:
Recommended reading: "Designing Cartels: How Industry Insiders Cut Out Competition", a free download from the Institute for Justice (www.ij.org). This is the first serious study about interior design licensing programs from across the U.S. The study affirms that ID title laws are a "Trojan Horse " for practice laws. George Will also recently wrote interesting editorial about the interior design regulation and armoires. As a certified plans examiner and building official I can verify that the HSW responsibilities regulated under the full affect and force of the government is a tall order. This is at times difficult even for architects let alone interior designers untrained in virtually all of the significant chapters of the building code, reference codes and standards. The practice of interior design is not something government needs to regulate or restrict. Despite the propaganda ID seal laws serve only interior designers and no public good. They are better off promoting their own certification programs for what they are and leave the government restriction of trade alone.

Posted by Terry Welker AIA | February 1, 2008 3:20 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:20

Kristi Miller, Associate AIA - Allied ASID:
This is and will probably continue to be a hotly debated topic for many years to come. I do happen to agree with most of what is being said. These bills need to be reworded so as not to allow interior designers to stamp drawings. I was educated as an architect, but through mininformation, and misdirection was in an architectural program that was not accredited at that time, and so couldn't qualify to take the NCARB or local ARE. I even managed to go through my IDP, but eventually ended up practicing interior design. In my 14 years of practice I have continually tried to be a bridge between architecture and interior design. To educate my own interns both architectural and interior to the issues that both practices must face on a day to day basis. That my ID interns learn more about building design and construction and the codes related to that. Also that my Arch. interns are more sensitive to the design aesthetics that more spaces need to have. I would like to see the interior design degree programs do a better job of teaching something other than color & furniture placement. This way when they graduate, they will have a better understanding of what is expected in the industry. It would also be nice if they had a similar IDP process for training before they take their NCIDQ exam. The exam itself should cover more code issues, and building design subjects, all with an emphasis on HSW. On the other hand, TV has played a large role recently in the promotion of interior design, but not by credentialed professionals. I think many architects would agree that there is a lot of effort that goes into the selection of colors and finishes for the built environment, and that not all architects are talented at accomplishing it. The TV industry has promoted a false image that "anyone can do interior design". That is not the case at all. What I really think the ID community is trying to accomplish is a professional designation that would prevent any Tom, Dick or Harry from using the title of "Interior Designer". This would show that a Decorator did not have a higher education of any kind to teach them the finer points of design, where as Designers do. Wouldn't you agree that most Architects would rather work with a professional interior designer, and not a decorator?

Posted by Kristi Miller, Associate AIA - Allied ASID | February 1, 2008 3:22 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:22

john egan:
In last year's session of the PA General Assembly, an ID licensing bill (No. 807) was proposed which misspelled "Principles" in Section 8 para b(1) "Principals (sic) and Practices of Interior Design". It never emerged from committee. This is just another means of generating revenue and regulation that state governments love to legislate.

Posted by john egan | February 1, 2008 3:23 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:23

Michael Bengis:
I think I.D.'s can often do a better job for the client in terms of making a "groovy" room than the architects can because most architects are not "into" latest trends, colors, fabrics, wall finishes, floor coverings, window treatments, etc. to the extent that interior decorators/designers are. That said, they don't need a license to do that sort of work. I've been registered for 31 years, and I believe that our State Boards and the AIA made a huge mistake in trying to work out a deal with the A.I.D. 25 years ago. The two fields are not compatible. Licensure for interior decorators/designers makes no sense to me.

Posted by Michael Bengis | February 1, 2008 3:50 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:50

Anonymous:
As an architect in the government sector, I have seen the results of interior designers assuming responsibilities beyond their knowledge and abilities. The disasters and near-disasters caused by work that did not require a permit make me cringe at the prospect of the damage that could be caused if the same designers were allowed to branch out into permitted-work. Furniture system installations that block smoke and fire detectors, limit ventilation, and violate dead-end corridor laws are common day occurrences. Many improper furniture installations go unnoticed until brought to light by emergency circumstances. For example, ranges of back-to-back shelving installed without proper anchoring and cross bracing collapsed while being loaded. No one was killed but 4 employees went to the hospital. The clean-up cost tax payers thousands of dollars. And, the confidence of more than a hundred thousand tax records was compromised. The interior designer who planned the installation and oversaw its assembly was college-educated and had her NCIDQ.

Posted by Anonymous | February 1, 2008 3:58 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 15:58

Carmella Cioffi, AIA:
Anonymous, don't you think that if Interior Designers were required to be licensed and part of that requirement included working knowledge of HSW codes that perhaps that incident could have been avoided? This is the area that speaks to this best. No one is proposing that we just license Interior Designers willy nilly, just like we weren't licensed willy nilly. They must prove their knowledge of hsw issues, as well as other areas. Through testing, accreditation and work experience they can prove that they are qualified and able to do the work and do it well. This issue will not go away. Maybe it can be resolved by collaboration between the parties rather than continued sniping...

Posted by Carmella Cioffi, AIA | February 1, 2008 4:11 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 16:11

anonymous:
From one anonymous to the other... your incident regarding the placement of furniture and the failure of furniture most likely fell upon the hands of the local furniture dealership - not the Interior Designer (if there was one). Many times, the dealerships are laying out the furniture plans as well as coordinating the installation. Interior Designers do not learn to put furniture together in school, as I assume you did not either in Architecture school. And as far as the comment goes about grammar and spelling, Mr. Egan... most architects I know can't spell their way out of a box! I cringe when our clients see misspelled words and faulty grammar in their own proposal! (written by an architect)

Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2008 5:05 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 17:05

R J Reynolds AIA:
This is a very gray issue which, for the moment, must be answered in the negative. Carmella Cioffi, AIA suggests,"...just like we weren't licensed willy nilly. They must prove their knowledge of hsw issues, as well as other areas. Through testing, accreditation and work experience they can prove that they are qualified and able to do the work and do it well." Many jusdictions permit "Grandfathering" ID's in practice for a period of time to be licensed without examination. How do they "prove" adequate knowledge? This certainly tips the scale toward the negative.

Posted by R J Reynolds AIA | February 1, 2008 5:16 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 17:16

Terri L. Maurer, FASID:
Having been directed to this blog by a colleague with both architecture and interior design background, I read all comments with great interest and found several common factors: 1. There seems to be a vast amount of misinformation within the architectural community that interior designers want licensure (of whatever form, 'title' or 'practice'. This is completely untrue. 2. Interior designers do not have the education or examination to prove their knowledge of HSW issues...also untrue. The entire NCIDQ examination is based on HSW issues as they apply to INTERIOR DESIGN, not to ARCHITECTURE. 3. Interior Design licensure bills do not seek the ability for interior designers to do structural work. 4. R.J. Raynolds' comment about 'Grandfathering' is interesting when you consider that for most states with I.D. title and practice acts on the books now found that the largest group who sought grandfathering priviledges when their bills went into affect were in fact, architects, not unqualified decorators. Can we talk about the thousands of 'architects' who grandfathered into your bill when it passed decades ago? 5. The architects' knowledge level of interior design education appears to be around zero. I recommend anyone truly interested in this issue as anything more than a turf war, find out more about both our educational programs and NCIDQ exam. In Ohio, until 1994, absolutely no architectural education at all was required to become licensed. Each profession has it's growth phases. Designers want grandfathering no more than anyone else, but legislators insist on it's being included in proposed bills.

Posted by Terri L. Maurer, FASID | February 1, 2008 7:40 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 19:40

Paul:
The State of Alabama said it best. It was only a matter of time before the bench took action. They saw interior design legislation for what it really is: An illegal and unconstitutional infringement upon all Americans who value their civil liberties. Our rights have been encroached upon and violated long enough. When the day comes that you and I cannot pick out pillows for our sofas, we will riot in the streets.

Posted by Paul | February 1, 2008 10:32 PM

Posted on February 1, 2008 22:32

Terry Welker AIA:
Terri M. makes some interesting points and its admirable to advocate higher professional standards as Carmella suggests. To learn more about NCIDQ you can go to www.ncidq.org for a free download of frequently asked questions that outlines the topics and testing requirements. The primary argument against the NCIDQ exam, education and experience requirements for state licensing is that it doesn't come close to matching the ARE and NCARB requirements aimed at preserving the health safety and welfare of the public. These HSW requirements are fundamentally driven by the building code, reference codes, and professional practice standards. As a practical matter it's impossible to extricate and isolate the interior design HSW requirements of the building code as a specialized body of knowledge or subset of architectural knowledge and responsibility worthy of licensure. Architects are responsible for application of the building code in its entirety, a standard of care that NCIDQ does not adequately address. Clarification of Terri's comment: Ohio has had architectural registration with education and practice requirements since the 1930's. In 1994 Ohio was one of the last in the nation to change its architectural licensing from a title law to a practice law. Two years ago Ohio also added continuing education requirements.

Posted by Terry Welker AIA | February 4, 2008 12:42 PM

Posted on February 4, 2008 12:42

IIDA Anonymous:
Approx. 30%-40% of "licensed" Interior Designers really understand codes and are very good at what they do. The others are merely decorators. The problem is that residential designers are going for NCIDQ and licensure. There needs to be a discrimination between real Interior Architects/Designers and Proffessionally licensed Decorators. I am a licensed Interior Designer and get very frustrated with commercial designers who only want to pick pretty colors. It is an insult to our industry. I would like legislation to allow for Interior Designers to take another exam that would seperate us from the decorators and give us the title "Interior Architect"

Posted by IIDA Anonymous | February 8, 2008 10:43 AM

Posted on February 8, 2008 10:43

Archer Joyce AIA:
A great need exists to start at the beginning: what is the definition of "interior designer" and what will they do? From there, formal training requirements, internship with exposure to relative issues and properly structured examination can be established. At present, I cringe at the thought of having some of the "interior designers" imposed upon me by owners being "licensed" to tackle code requirements, much less HSW issues.

Posted by Archer Joyce AIA | March 13, 2008 4:35 PM

Posted on March 13, 2008 16:35

Anon:
What comes next, Exterior Desecrators? License is what license takes!

Posted by Anon | March 13, 2008 6:36 PM

Posted on March 13, 2008 18:36

AIA in MN:
I have been a licensed architect now for 10 years and most of my pratical experience has been in the interior environment. I would agree that while the majority of IDs that I have worked with wouldnt know a type II from a type III building, there have been several that ive known who really have learned about basic HSW issues, and i applaud them for that. But I cant jump in with both feet to say that architects are the only ones that can claim competency all the time. I am reminded daily of 3 philip johnson buildings that leak, and isn't our darling Gehry getting his pants sued off now b/c of uncontrolled mold growth in MITs campus? Now, you tell me who is the more competent to protect the public?

Posted by AIA in MN | March 13, 2008 9:00 PM

Posted on March 13, 2008 21:00

John Vivier:
Everyone wants a piece of architecture: Landscape "Architects", Interior Designers, Construction Managers, Engineers, Contractors, Design-Builders and else... Some of them have infiltrated the Profession of Architect with the blessing of the "Authorities" allowing questionable statutes to become Law. Others can practice Architecture using exemptions from the Law passed in the late 40's/early 50's, proposed by a bunch of idiots; and we have not succeeded to change it! Architecture is accessible to everyone....just follow the channel: school (long years)diploma, professional exam......and welcome to the real world! you see, it's easy....

Posted by John Vivier | March 13, 2008 11:58 PM

Posted on March 13, 2008 23:58

John Vivier:
To AIA in MN: Please don't judge Architects from one of the rare specimens who deserves the straight-jacket and ought to be locked away in a loony bin!

Posted by John Vivier | March 14, 2008 12:16 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 00:16

Craig M. Lyman, AIA:
As a registered architect having worked under a interior designer in New Mexico I can agree that they do not have the training or education to understand the complexities of a building and the codes involved. Neither did this particular individual have the graphic skills or understanding of architectural layout and detailing to understand the process of construction. They created on site with little or no consideration of the building envelope or codes related to structure, fire ratings, code issues, stair layout or professionalism. Although licensed in New Mexico as an "Interior Designer" they were not required to take any HSW credits and only required something like 5 credits a year to maintain their license. That they could accomplish by visiting each others buildings or houses for dinner parties, I see the whole profession as a trumped up attempt to ligitmize themselfs as real, never mind real professionals.

Posted by Craig M. Lyman, AIA | March 14, 2008 6:25 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 06:25

Nick:
I come across this issue all the time in my practice. The main thought that I can offer comes from the clients that have used 'architectural designers' for their interiors or residential projects. Their feedback has been that the person knew how to design but had no idea of the process of assembling a document package and had little knowledge, or concern, for the construction process. In almost every case the projects were way over budget, sometimes twice or more, and the lack of direction in the construction documents left owners and contractors at each others throats as to what the 'intent' of the documents was. Designers have tried to protect themselves and provide architecture (versus architectural) services by 'hiring' an architect to stamp their drawings. I know this is not ethical but it happens all the time. I know of several firms who are owned (more than 50%) by non-licensed architects. They hire a licensed architect, either as a consultant or on staff, and think that satisfies the requirement. It is a difficult situation and one doesn't want to deny opportunity to anyone, but I have heard of and seen enough negative results that I believe it requires firmer oversight and action.

Posted by Nick | March 14, 2008 8:13 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 08:13

anonymous:
It is necessary to have qualified professionals to be be responsible( morally and legally) for the architecture that gets built in our communities. The standards for who is quailfied need to be as uniform as possible. With that in mind it does'nt matter who meets the standards -architects, interior designers, enginneers etc. The key is who will take the ultimate resposiblility. The insurance industry will ultimately will make the call on this issue.

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2008 8:52 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 08:52

Perturbed, Assoc. AIA:
It is condescending beyond belief to baldly state that Interior Designers do not understand what it takes to competently protect the safety and welfare of the public. This is condescension is fostered in part by a lack of knowledge--both within the design community and the general public. An Interior Designer is not the same as a decorator. Unfortunately, there are a wealth of decorators calling themselves designers. A real Interior Designer has proven himself (or herself as the case most often is) through education in an accredited program--usually a 4 year program; experience which includes working within a client's budget, with code officials, and adhering to a professional code of ethics; and examination (NCIDQ). It takes a minimum of 6 years of combined education and experience before the aspiring Interior Designer can first sit for the NCIDQ exam. The exam itself had about a 75% pass rate the last time I checked. It also covers those annoying little things like Health, Safety, Welfare, and (gasp) Code compliance. Instead of arguing weather or not a qualified Interior Designer should be allowed to sign construction documents generated by the Interior Designer, maybe we should be focusing on how to properly ensure that the person using the designation Interior Designer is in fact qualified to do so.

Posted by Perturbed, Assoc. AIA | March 14, 2008 9:39 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 09:39

John Vivier, AIA:
Licensed Architects have earned their rights and priviledges. Anyone else IS NOT BY LAW ALLOWED TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE. It is as simple as that! Don't elbow your way to usurpation! Follow the proper channel, it is never too late. If you are as good as you think, it will be a walk in the park.

Posted by John Vivier, AIA | March 14, 2008 11:15 AM

Posted on March 14, 2008 11:15

Jim Watkins, AIA, CSI, NCARB:
I have been a registered architect for over 37 years and a registered interior designer for 18 years, ever since they started the licensing process for interior designers in Texas. I was educated in both fields in college, including a thesis in both. Much of the coursework was the same. I have been the architect of record for over 260 projects and the interior designer of record for over 100 of them. Each project we complete takes the positive effort, the coordinated teamwork, of many individuals to design a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing solution to our client's program. This process usually takes 1 to 4 years from the start of schematics to the completion of the punch list items, and cannot be completed by a single individual unless the scope of the work is tiny or the client can afford unlimited time and fee. I believe the design process is best performed in a positive environment with positive attitudes, constructive collaboration and high energy. The coordinated design and production work of the team is greater than that of any of its individual members. Everyone, architects and interior designers alike, registered or not, can and should make positive contributions to the project. Everyone has unique and varied talents as well as different levels of experience. We should strive to take the best of what each team member has to offer, coordinate with each other, and apply this effort to our projects. To paraphrase...."united we stand, divided we fall...." As a profession, we should strive for a "win-win" situation for our project, which will result in a "win-win" for the entire team. Our best success is in our coordinated collaborations, not in sniping at each other....my success doesn't depend on your failure....nor yours on mine. Great minds talk about ideas, average minds talk about things, small minds talk about other people. Let's leave that out of our profession....let's leave that for the politicians. Now let's all go build something significant, inside and out.

Posted by Jim Watkins, AIA, CSI, NCARB | March 14, 2008 2:10 PM

Posted on March 14, 2008 14:10

ok:
yes -great teams great projects- BUT when s*it happens then SOMEONE has to take the heat- then the team dissipates quickly. Bottom line the registered professional of record pays the Piper.

Posted by ok | March 14, 2008 3:35 PM

Posted on March 14, 2008 15:35

anonymous:
In my mind, the issue of ID legislation, be it title act or practice act, is quite simple: Architects are responsible for and licensed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public with regards to the built environment. I use 'built environment' in the broadest sense - to include both the interior and exterior of buildings, infrastructure, single buildings, campuses, cities, constructed landscapes, etc. Architects receive broad training in all of the wide variety of disciplines that contribute to the built environment and specific training in matters of life safety, programming and design, and are uniquely qualified to synthesize those contributions into a physical solution, and to understand that solution in the context of the public HSW. That being said, the proponents of ID legislation claim that ID is an entirely separate discipline from the practice of architecture, when in fact it is a very narrow range within the practice of architecture. It is architecture. If interior designers are interested in practicing architecture, there already exists a path to licensure. Get a professional degree of architecture, go through the IDP process, and pass the ARE. The public is not served, nor is either profession, by having two separate, nevermind unequal, standards through which professionals are licensed.

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2008 7:56 PM

Posted on March 14, 2008 19:56

John Vivier, AIA:
To Jim Watkins, AIA. What a great exaltation Jim.... Don't they know in Texas that Architecture and Interior Design are not two different fields? Interior Design is part of Architecture and why the hell did you seek registration for a part of what you were already registered for? Well, Texas is part of a free country anyway...

Posted by John Vivier, AIA | March 16, 2008 11:54 AM

Posted on March 16, 2008 11:54

Timothy Hawk, AIA:
It seems that the first item that needs to be addressed before licensure or registration is consistency in the education of an interior designer. I recognize that there is equal potential for both professions to be charged with upholding HSW issues, but until there is consistency in the education of these professionals, we will continue to descriminate against those deserving interior designers. The AIA should be trying to lift up both professions by demanding a consistent educational path for interior designers.

Posted by Timothy Hawk, AIA | March 16, 2008 1:48 PM

Posted on March 16, 2008 13:48

Bill Fisher :
If "interior designers" think they have the chops, then take the test and become architects. Stop whining.

Posted by Bill Fisher | March 16, 2008 4:21 PM

Posted on March 16, 2008 16:21

Beau Ashley Fey, Assoc. AIA:
This is funny. The venom reminds me of the college football message boards I like to read. I think for the most part ID's want to be separated from Interior Decorators who have zero education. They do not match architects in HSW education and should not be able to stamp drawings but they are educated. They don't belong in "quotes" and I for one have learned a lot from them. They will (and should) continue to lose this battle but I hope they draw attention to the difference between educated designers and uneducated decorators. Also, ISU Cyclone Football Rules!!!

Posted by Beau Ashley Fey, Assoc. AIA | March 18, 2008 9:17 AM

Posted on March 18, 2008 09:17

Jim Watkins, AIA, CSI, NCARB:
To John Vivier, AIA....In 1993 in Texas, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, in their infinite wisdom, decided to license Interior Designers for, in my opinion, 2 reasons: 1. To allow them to sign and seal small projects with little or no structural or other engineering impact, and 2. To charge them an annual fee to maintain their license, as they do for architects and engineers. Texas is a fairly simple-minded state....we are 1 of only 6 states to have a " Title " law as opposed to a " Practice " law. So, for those of us that were already providing interior design services to our clients, in order to use the title " Interior Designer ", ( as we had been marketing and doing for years ), we had to pay this additional fee or stop calling ourselves interior designers....some of us rightly called it extortion at the time....we are part of a free country only if we pay the fees....I have never used my interior designer's seal, its scope is too narrow for what it currently allows. Thanks for your comments, John.

Posted by Jim Watkins, AIA, CSI, NCARB | March 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Posted on March 20, 2008 14:55

J B Weger:
The interiors people I have worked with have been qualified to choose furnishings, colors, and some int. finishes - that's about all. Lighting, air quality, Life Safety, communications, structure -the HSW issues- Not a clue.

Posted by J B Weger | March 26, 2008 8:45 AM

Posted on March 26, 2008 08:45

Anonymous:
I recently hired a graduate of an interior design program of a major California university. She started off in architecture and decided to switch to interior design after a two years. She was frustrated with the interior design degree program mentioning that focus was placed more on "style", space planning (without focus on code issues), and furnishing specifications. Fellow students in her final studio were not aware of any of the basic code issues (mostly relating to ADA requirements - no life safety issues) required for their final project. Furthermore, the current certification testing process (NCIDQ and others) seems to focus on professional practice issues and PD, SC, DD, and CD phases in terms of specifying finishes and space planning issues pertaining mostly to the ADA. So, based on the obvious lack in the education and testing of potential interior designers they cannot provide services related to HSW issues without reform in their education programs and more extensive licensure testing (similar to the ARE). To our firm, architecture intrinsically includes "interior design". A great building on the exterior is nothing without great spaces on the interior. So, if someone wants to be licensed to only design interior spaces why wouldn't they also want to be licensed to design the building? The answer is this, a person only interested in the interior of the building is really only interested in the "fluff".

Posted by Anonymous | April 2, 2008 12:18 PM

Posted on April 2, 2008 12:18

Anonymous:
A very well known and "sought after" interior design firm was brought on during construction on a large residential project of which I was the archiect. They have since caused endless problems in trying to express their design voice after the fact......they have attempted to move shear walls, eliminate structural columns, rearrange plumbing, etc. without thought for the vast consequences of such decisions (especially since the project is well under construction). Their lack of basic knowledge regarding building systems and construction processes is testiment to the fact that even the most "sought after" interior design firms cannot handle HSW issues.

Posted by Anonymous | April 2, 2008 12:33 PM

Posted on April 2, 2008 12:33

shane:
I see interior design as part of Architecture. If an interior designer wants to be recognized as registered fine. But by no means should that preclude any architect from practicing the full scope of architecture which interiors happens to be one part of.

Posted by shane | June 24, 2008 10:52 AM

Posted on June 24, 2008 10:52

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