Legislation
Interior Design – Myths vs. Facts
Background:
Since Puerto Rico first passed legislation to license interior designers in the late 1970’s, many “myths” have developed about the purpose of interior design legislation. ASID believes that laws, regulation and legislation that allow designers who demonstrate advanced education and code knowledge to open new practice opportunities should be supported. Designers who become registered, certified or licensed do not limit others from practicing but open new areas to the entire profession. This legal process is no different from state regulations for architects, engineers, accountants or the hundreds of other professions that are subject to professional licensure regulation.
Myths and Facts
Myth: Interior design legislation puts non-registered interior designers out of business.
Fact: Interior design laws supported by ASID do not put anyone out of business, and designers may continue to perform current services regardless of any legislation. ASID- supported interior design legislation allows designers to expand into areas (e.g., stamping, signing and submitting plans for permitting) that they were barred from previously.
Myth: Interior design is a purely aesthetic talent that deals with colors, fabrics, finishes, and furniture. There are no technical aspects of interior design.
Fact: Interior design is an evolving profession includes many technical aspects. Individuals working in residential settings must comply with state and local building codes. While individuals working in more heavily regulated spaces such as office, hospitality, health, education and retail must comply with building and energy codes, indoor air quality and the American’s with Disabilities Act requirements, among other health and safety issues.
Myth: Interior design registration, certification or licensure is an attempt by national associations to create monopolies for their members.
Fact: States set the criteria for licensure of interior designers and other professions. Any individual who meets the requirements set forth by the state may become licensed. No national association has the authority to restrict or limit licensure or the authority to issue credentials.
Myth: Other professions don’t have “special” laws or licensing procedures or requirements.
Fact: Most professions require testing and licensing. Some in similar professions, for example landscape architects, become certified to expand practice opportunities. Testing and licensing simply allow any designer to expand the range of services offered by affirming specific knowledge, skills and abilities.
About ASID: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a community of people—designers, industry representatives, educators and students—committed to interior design. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives. Its more than 36,000 members engage in a variety of professional programs and activities through a network of 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
www.asid.org - Memorandum of Understanding - Letter to California Chapters
