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stevefrancis.com
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INTERIOR DESIGNERS, STATE REGULATION & ALPHABET SOUP:
or "What are those Decorators up to now?"
By: Judith Wilson, CLCID President
OK, "decorating" is a component of the work of interior design but only a portion. As a profession that has greatly matured in the past decade, interior design is now a permanent player in the legislative arena.
The importance and impact of legislation reaches all areas of interior design and will continue to grow. Interior designers are affected by building and practice codes, ADA issues, state and federal legislation, to say nothing of consumer protection and the need to offer better, safer, more informed and supportive services to our clients.
Today's professional interior designers deal with a staggering number of new problems, products and technologies. They must be educated in art, furniture and architectural history, psychology and business, not to mention the principles of design. Frequently, design decisions involve the health, safety, and welfare of others, so understanding law, contracts, construction principles, and building codes is imperative. Diverse knowledge is required of interior design professionals to establish high standards of competence and credibility.
A thumbnail sketch of ID legislative history in California: Interior designers have been active in the state legislative arena since 1983, through the voice and efforts of the California Legislative Conference on Interior Design
(CLCID). CLCID is a coalition organization whose current members include the California Chapters of
ASID, IIDA, IDS, IFDA, NKBA and Independent Professional Interior Designers. More alphabet soup, anyone?
A collective voice was organized to insure that a favorable business environment exists in California in which to practice interior design and for protection of consumers. To this end,
CLCID:
o Monitors and initiates legislation that affects the interior design industry.
o Interacts with government officials and agencies on design issues as they relate to the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
o Disseminates information for the interior design profession, industry, and consumer groups regarding pertinent legislative plans and actions.
Because of the efforts of CLCID, interior design became officially recognized in the state Business and Professions Code and a law was passed allowing the certification of interior designers. Subsequently, the California Council for Interior Design Certification
(CCIDC) was founded in 1991, as the administrative board for the certification process. It is currently the responsibility of CCIDC to certify interior designers who meet the qualifications for certification as specified in the Business and Professions Code. It is within the power and discretion conferred upon
CCIDC:
o To determine the eligibility of candidates for certification as dictated by law.
o To receive and file complaints.
o Issue notices of investigation and hearing.
o Receive and file notices of defense.
CLCID (think "California Legislation") and CCIDC (think "California Certification") are continuously working to raise the acceptance of Interior Design as a truly professional practice. It is a practice that goes well beyond the selection of surface materials; i.e. furniture, fabrics, carpet, etc.
As an important tool for the advancement of knowledge for interior designers, CLCID continues to offer the California Codes & Regulations CEU Course for all Certified Interior Designers (CID' s) in California. This course further reinforces our concern for the health, safety and welfare of the public, be the project residential or commercial. It is required by CCIDC that all CID's must complete this 10-hour course by 2002 in order to maintain their certification.
In California, our legislation is a "Title Act" which doesn't stop non-certified people from providing services. A title act and certification of interior designers does give the public a choice to select a professional with proven qualifications
The registration of interior designers is in the best interests of all licensed architects and engineers; clearly defining under law the occupational standards of an interior designer. It should be recognized that Certified Interior Designers do not practice or attempt to practice outside of their areas of competency and the law. The registration of interior designers in 20 plus states has not negatively affected the practice of architecture in the United States nor is it the intention of the interior design profession to do so.
Certification and title protection offers assurance that an interior designer is qualified by education, experience and testing. CID's are qualified to design, prepare and submit non-structural, non-seismic interior constructions plans and specifications to local building departments. CID's have met these high standards of qualification and have agreed to uphold a strict code of ethics and conduct.
The teaming of all of the built professions required for each project offers the best protection, performance and end result for the end users. Working together we can greatly increase the effectiveness and value of each of our specialties.
Please check out the web sites of the two organizations for ongoing information. They can be found at
www.clcid.org and www.ccidc.org
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Judith Wilson, FIIDA, CID, is a member of the College of Fellows of IIDA and a Certified Interior Designer. She has served on the boards of IIDA and CLCID for a number of years in many positions, currently holding the office of President. She has taught in the UCLA Environmental & Interior Design Program. Ms. Wilson is the Principal of Wilson/Graham Design Group and has a varied practice in both residential and contract areas of design.
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