Interior Design Legislation Can Affect Your Career

Getting the right education can mean the difference between legal and illegal work in the interior design industry.

by Joe Cooper
Interior Design School Search Columnist

It’s not illegal to be an interior designer, right? If you don’t have the right license in the right state, it could be. For the best chance at qualifying for interior design jobs, earning a degree, completing work experience, and getting a license in your state can help give you the best legal protection and career opportunities.

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is lobbying for stricter legislation governing interior design, legislation that would effectively prohibit a large segment of the designer population from doing their jobs: those who are not licensed.

The Law of Interior Design

Interior design legislation generally falls into two categories: Title acts: A title act sets regulations for who can obtain a certain title. It does not regulate those who do not have this title. Practice acts: A practice act requires all professionals to obtain licensing before practicing.

Essentially, practice acts would make it illegal for professionals to work interior design jobs without a state license. Only around half of the states in the US have title or practice acts regarding interior design at the moment.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the license exam requires a combined 6 years of education and interior design job experience. This makes interior design school essential. It also makes designing without a license illegal.

Reaction to Practice Acts

Many industry critics resist practice acts, as they can prevent qualified designers from doing their work. For many interior design jobs, clients do not ask to see state licenses. Others believe that in order to establish an industry standard, practice acts must be put in place. (This is the position of the ASID).

The message here? Work on the safe side. Get educated.

About the Author

Joe Cooper writes home services and design articles and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.

Source(s)

Kitchen and Bath Design
“Interior Designers,” US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Posted on July 16, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Share this article: