Sparked by this washingting post column (sorry, you need to register), my office has become a heated battleground over the need of interior designers to become licensed.
Architects, engineers, and landscape architects are licensed by most states to protect the 'health, safety, and welfare' of the public. Interior designers, led by several national organizations, are campaigning to become a licensed and regulated profession too.
(I'm not talking 'bout decorators, but people really engaged in what could be best described as 'interior architecture'.)
Do they legitimately and regularly engage in making HSW decisions in their practice, or face significant liability for these issues?
Are they seeking to creat gender parity (if they are the stereotypical women/gay male designer) with the historically male dominated architecture profession?
Or, are they status seeking, under-educated, paint color/fabric selecting, cubicle layouting para-professionals who have no need to stamp drawings, as the columnist is suggesting?
Ms Beary
Mar 28, 07 3:33 pm
I love pillows.
Chili Davis
Mar 28, 07 3:33 pm
I love cold medicine.
David Cuthbert
Mar 28, 07 3:34 pm
I didn't know the US started using the Interior Architect title, in the uk they are formalised I'm not sure if individually or as companies.
Erin Williams
Mar 28, 07 3:38 pm
"The key word phrase is, in the role of an interior designer." I think anyone still can move furniture, you just can't design a furniture layout and "move" furniture on a plan, like put a 70" armoire in front of a door for instance. "
Why the hell not? If that's where you want it, that's where you put it.
Maybe the thing to regulate is not who can do such a thing, but who can charge to do such a thing?
David Cuthbert
Mar 28, 07 3:39 pm
sharkitten has convinced me...I'm not sure of what tho; but strong argument sugar << sorry that was my worse contractor's impersonation
nonetheless I think with license we need to be specific as to what is expected from Interior designers; and as a subsect of architecture...which is the domain of architects it should be done subject to the guidelines of the AIA (call it parental body in the US) or RIBA, CAA, etc etc
mightylittle™
Mar 28, 07 3:39 pm
i love lamp.
Ms Beary
Mar 28, 07 3:39 pm
Question: Who does the licensing of interior designers protect? Interior designers or the public?
There are already beauracratic means in place to protect the public. I think they are fine.
sorry i haven't read the article....will review during lunch
I am getting geared up for my accreditation exam. Dreading it a bit, especially the fee. Something like $800. I plan to become certified because I would like to stamp drawings and officially call myself an interior designer, instead of just plain old 'designer' according to the law of the land. I agree with the interior design professional organizations that are pressing all designers who want to be considered professional interior designers to become licensed. After all, Mrs. I-Have-Good-Taste-And-Wealthy-Connections can go down and get a resale license and open up for business. Legally, though, only as a designer, not an 'interior designer'. I'll read the article,though, and provide more appropriate feedback to this particular topic. I have never claimed to be an interior architect and would never even think about it. I don't do so well with structural support and know nothing about HVAC. My firm does 'interior architecture' because we do have some highly skilled architects on our staff. I stick to the interior design portion -- space planning, finishes, lighting, furniture, casework design and detailing, and interior architectural elements such as soffits, niches, interior glazing, etc. If the powers that be made me go to architecture school, I think I'd be a decorator.
Dapper Napper
Mar 28, 07 3:51 pm
I just talked an interior designer through how to print in excel. She had never heard of 'set print area'. It was fun.
snooker
Mar 28, 07 3:52 pm
I want to figure out how I can mark up all the products used on architectural projects....lets say I make five cents on a brick which is sold to the contractor for forty cents and I make ten cents a brick on a brick which is sold for sixty cents a brick....I would certainly take my material selection more seriously.
Then I think about insulation, knowing full well over the life of the building by specifying an Higher R value the owner will see a lower cost over the life of the building.....I want a cut of that as well cause it was part of my design....and thought process.
If designers can take a mark up for design and another for specified items why can't Architects...?
JMBarquero/squirrelly
Mar 28, 07 3:54 pm
Good point snooker.....
so it still seems like the argument/discussion is that interior designers, whether licensed or not are reaping many benefits from this and basically stick it to the architect!
just plain wrong
sharkkitten
Mar 28, 07 3:55 pm
love the pic!!!!
protects both designer and public...or at least meant to
architecnophilia--- good point. What we do is part of architecture. Much of what I create is regulated by ADA or CBC/IBC and we use the AIA guidelines for much of what we practice. I would hate to see interior designers lose their independence (would actually fight it) and have to answer to some parental architect. I think the system in place works pretty decently in that we have limited abilities to stamp drawings. AS far as I know we can only stamp for non-structural. (I'll know more once I open up that certification study guide.)
sharkkitten
Mar 28, 07 3:56 pm
we never make a dime off materials specified. a free lunch here and there.
only what we sell directly to the client, like furniture and accessories. architects if you really want to fight back, start selling furniture!
JMBarquero/squirrelly
Mar 28, 07 3:57 pm
SK:
ADA issues, whilst very important, aren't things that define architects. They are pivotal in many respects for design of projects, and it's good that you have a good handle on it. But it seems like you are the exception to the rule, and not the other way around!
PerCorell
Mar 28, 07 4:01 pm
"What has happened in Las Vegas will not stay there. It will come to Arizona!!!!!"
mdler
Mar 28, 07 4:02 pm
Damn, this interior design stuff is fun!
mdler
Mar 28, 07 4:04 pm
Damn, I need to learn how to size images!
sharkkitten
Mar 28, 07 4:05 pm
sq--
In my specialty (healthcare design) all interior designers know all (or almost all) the interior codes. We have to or we'd be in deeeeeep trouble. Funny thing... We're working with an architect on a certain project and I know more about ADA accessibility codes (with respect to casework) than he/she does.
sharkkitten
Mar 28, 07 4:05 pm
that lamp is terrible
off for now...
JMBarquero/squirrelly
Mar 28, 07 4:17 pm
haha lovin' it mdler!!!
mdler
Mar 28, 07 4:27 pm
Squirrelly,
Im sure you are...
David Cuthbert
Mar 28, 07 4:49 pm
IDs are the original design build tho
snooker
Mar 28, 07 4:51 pm
I love the work accessories....and getting paid for it. Buy it at a discount and then mark it up from suggested retail price. That has been my experience...and then charge a design fee on top of it.
treekiller
Mar 28, 07 5:22 pm
SK- feel free to join the fun on the ARE and LARE one stop thread to start discussing your NCID exam prep angst and tips!
JBDinteriordesign
Apr 23, 20 4:07 pm
Thank you for sharing the article, while I don't agree that Interior Design certifications/licenses are useless, I do understand the angst of the author trying to combat the addition of governmental red tape to places where unnecessary. I also appreciate all the Interior Designer jokes, really, I have a healthy sense of humor, and there are some crazy designers out there, for sure, as in all creative fields. I don't know that all of the laws regarding moving furniture are necessary, but as a Certified Interior Designer, let me tell you why it's important to my practice:
-I have great love and respect for architecture and architects; we would not be able to design the spaces if not for their work. At the beginning of any project involving an architect, we like to define the grey area of Interior Architecture as to who is responsible for what, so that we can work together without egos getting in the way, for best results in achieving a mutual vision and happy owners.
-Interior Designers and Architects work hand in hand in the built world: Architects focusing primarily on structural issues and the building envelope, waterproofing, fenestration and other important issues, Interior Designers focusing primarily on the development of interior spaces and finishes for their intended use, and yes, decoration and furnishing.
-Interior Architecture, while not a legal term, is the shared space where job functions are shared between Architects and Designers, such as: nonstructural partition walls, selection of correct architectural finishes, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and design and planning of cabinetry according to code and client requirements.
-A Certified Interior Designer is a legal distinction in California, requiring a combination of years of education, work experience, and competence through highly regulated testing. Is the testing quite as estensive as for Architects? No, but our scope of work is typically smaller, too. Sometimes this designation is required by clients, government or commercial type jobs just to make sure they have a competent person on the job with an understanding of the codes and requirements, as opposed to a Decorator or Designer who did not receive any education and/or complete a competency exam (and CEU's).
-There are many talented Decorators who make more money/more famous than some Interior Designers, though they may/not have ability/technical skill/education to create non-structural architectural drawings, draw and design original custom cabinetry, furniture, or other graphics/elements, as opposed to simply selecting them or buying them off the shelf. While there is nothing wrong with being a Decorator, an Interior Designer, more specifically a CID implies to a potential client, additional abilities, competencies, skills and education. We are not just talking about how expensive or pretty fabrics are, but also their fire/stain/antimicrobial/abrasion properties that may be required, the types and densities of foam and framing structures in cabinets and furniture, flooring and finish materials that make them durable, and sustainable, as they won't need to end up disappointingly in a landfill in a matter of a few years.
-The CID designation denotes which designers are qualified to stamp non-structural and non-seismic architectural drawings which may be required for permitting approvals by a jurisdiction. The benefit is that qualified designers can stamp and permit drawings that already fall under their purview, without being required to go through an architect in circumstances that should not be required. Anything structural/seismic in nature, we gladly work with architects and structural engineers to achieve, so we can each do what we do best. I spent my life savings and four years to complete a post-bacc education in Interior Design & Interior Architecture, gain field work experience and complete testing for the certification. Now over 11 years in the industry, it was worth every penny; I am passionate about design, and I love working as a designer.
-This may not matter to some, but to the discerning client may know that this is one of a few ways to determine if a Designer by any title has the ability to complete their project, work competently with their architect, and produce something that will stand the test of time, as opposed to an unskilled, uneducated person with a flair for color that has decided to tell others they are a Designer. Don't misunderstand, there are talented designers of different backgrounds, but this is a tool for a client to determine qualifications. Every client should know that real interior design is not as it might seem from a TV program, where a designer and contractor create a completed space in a matter of days, some more complex projects take a year or more to bring to fruition.
-Interior Design is both an art and a science- using hard and soft skills, left and right brain. The impact of an interior space on human psychology and well-being is immense, just ask anyone who is sheltering in place during COVID19 how their home/space is affecting them.
-What the CID designation does not tell a client is the designer's style and taste level, understanding of materials/usage, and creative ability to coordinate and design custom or customized items and finishes that make a space safe, functional, healthy and beautiful. There is a Designer for every type of client, whether they just need pillows and paint, remodeling of an existing space, custom furniture, or a hotel project in a new space requiring an entire interior envelope beyond the structure.
There are people out there that feel Interior Designers are useless, but anyone can step into a well-planned, beautiful space and appreciate it- it didn't just happen accidentally or with a quick trip to a furniture store. Regardless of understanding the amount of thought and work that went into it by the designer, architect, builder, and all parties involved.
Sparked by this washingting post column (sorry, you need to register), my office has become a heated battleground over the need of interior designers to become licensed.
Architects, engineers, and landscape architects are licensed by most states to protect the 'health, safety, and welfare' of the public. Interior designers, led by several national organizations, are campaigning to become a licensed and regulated profession too.
(I'm not talking 'bout decorators, but people really engaged in what could be best described as 'interior architecture'.)
Do they legitimately and regularly engage in making HSW decisions in their practice, or face significant liability for these issues?
Are they seeking to creat gender parity (if they are the stereotypical women/gay male designer) with the historically male dominated architecture profession?
Or, are they status seeking, under-educated, paint color/fabric selecting, cubicle layouting para-professionals who have no need to stamp drawings, as the columnist is suggesting?
I love pillows.
I love cold medicine.
I didn't know the US started using the Interior Architect title, in the uk they are formalised I'm not sure if individually or as companies.
"The key word phrase is, in the role of an interior designer." I think anyone still can move furniture, you just can't design a furniture layout and "move" furniture on a plan, like put a 70" armoire in front of a door for instance. "
Why the hell not? If that's where you want it, that's where you put it.
Maybe the thing to regulate is not who can do such a thing, but who can charge to do such a thing?
sharkitten has convinced me...I'm not sure of what tho; but strong argument sugar << sorry that was my worse contractor's impersonation
nonetheless I think with license we need to be specific as to what is expected from Interior designers; and as a subsect of architecture...which is the domain of architects it should be done subject to the guidelines of the AIA (call it parental body in the US) or RIBA, CAA, etc etc
i love lamp.
Question: Who does the licensing of interior designers protect? Interior designers or the public?
There are already beauracratic means in place to protect the public. I think they are fine.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000000000000
sorry i haven't read the article....will review during lunch
I am getting geared up for my accreditation exam. Dreading it a bit, especially the fee. Something like $800. I plan to become certified because I would like to stamp drawings and officially call myself an interior designer, instead of just plain old 'designer' according to the law of the land. I agree with the interior design professional organizations that are pressing all designers who want to be considered professional interior designers to become licensed. After all, Mrs. I-Have-Good-Taste-And-Wealthy-Connections can go down and get a resale license and open up for business. Legally, though, only as a designer, not an 'interior designer'. I'll read the article,though, and provide more appropriate feedback to this particular topic. I have never claimed to be an interior architect and would never even think about it. I don't do so well with structural support and know nothing about HVAC. My firm does 'interior architecture' because we do have some highly skilled architects on our staff. I stick to the interior design portion -- space planning, finishes, lighting, furniture, casework design and detailing, and interior architectural elements such as soffits, niches, interior glazing, etc. If the powers that be made me go to architecture school, I think I'd be a decorator.
I just talked an interior designer through how to print in excel. She had never heard of 'set print area'. It was fun.
I want to figure out how I can mark up all the products used on architectural projects....lets say I make five cents on a brick which is sold to the contractor for forty cents and I make ten cents a brick on a brick which is sold for sixty cents a brick....I would certainly take my material selection more seriously.
Then I think about insulation, knowing full well over the life of the building by specifying an Higher R value the owner will see a lower cost over the life of the building.....I want a cut of that as well cause it was part of my design....and thought process.
If designers can take a mark up for design and another for specified items why can't Architects...?
Good point snooker.....
so it still seems like the argument/discussion is that interior designers, whether licensed or not are reaping many benefits from this and basically stick it to the architect!
just plain wrong
love the pic!!!!
protects both designer and public...or at least meant to
architecnophilia--- good point. What we do is part of architecture. Much of what I create is regulated by ADA or CBC/IBC and we use the AIA guidelines for much of what we practice. I would hate to see interior designers lose their independence (would actually fight it) and have to answer to some parental architect. I think the system in place works pretty decently in that we have limited abilities to stamp drawings. AS far as I know we can only stamp for non-structural. (I'll know more once I open up that certification study guide.)
we never make a dime off materials specified. a free lunch here and there.
only what we sell directly to the client, like furniture and accessories. architects if you really want to fight back, start selling furniture!
SK:
ADA issues, whilst very important, aren't things that define architects. They are pivotal in many respects for design of projects, and it's good that you have a good handle on it. But it seems like you are the exception to the rule, and not the other way around!
"What has happened in Las Vegas will not stay there. It will come to Arizona!!!!!"
Damn, this interior design stuff is fun!
Damn, I need to learn how to size images!
sq--
In my specialty (healthcare design) all interior designers know all (or almost all) the interior codes. We have to or we'd be in deeeeeep trouble. Funny thing... We're working with an architect on a certain project and I know more about ADA accessibility codes (with respect to casework) than he/she does.
that lamp is terrible
off for now...
haha lovin' it mdler!!!
Squirrelly,
Im sure you are...
IDs are the original design build tho
I love the work accessories....and getting paid for it. Buy it at a discount and then mark it up from suggested retail price. That has been my experience...and then charge a design fee on top of it.
SK- feel free to join the fun on the ARE and LARE one stop thread to start discussing your NCID exam prep angst and tips!
Thank you for sharing the article, while I don't agree that Interior Design certifications/licenses are useless, I do understand the angst of the author trying to combat the addition of governmental red tape to places where unnecessary. I also appreciate all the Interior Designer jokes, really, I have a healthy sense of humor, and there are some crazy designers out there, for sure, as in all creative fields. I don't know that all of the laws regarding moving furniture are necessary, but as a Certified Interior Designer, let me tell you why it's important to my practice:
-I have great love and respect for architecture and architects; we would not be able to design the spaces if not for their work. At the beginning of any project involving an architect, we like to define the grey area of Interior Architecture as to who is responsible for what, so that we can work together without egos getting in the way, for best results in achieving a mutual vision and happy owners.
-Interior Designers and Architects work hand in hand in the built world: Architects focusing primarily on structural issues and the building envelope, waterproofing, fenestration and other important issues, Interior Designers focusing primarily on the development of interior spaces and finishes for their intended use, and yes, decoration and furnishing.
-Interior Architecture, while not a legal term, is the shared space where job functions are shared between Architects and Designers, such as: nonstructural partition walls, selection of correct architectural finishes, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and design and planning of cabinetry according to code and client requirements.
-A Certified Interior Designer is a legal distinction in California, requiring a combination of years of education, work experience, and competence through highly regulated testing. Is the testing quite as estensive as for Architects? No, but our scope of work is typically smaller, too. Sometimes this designation is required by clients, government or commercial type jobs just to make sure they have a competent person on the job with an understanding of the codes and requirements, as opposed to a Decorator or Designer who did not receive any education and/or complete a competency exam (and CEU's).
-There are many talented Decorators who make more money/more famous than some Interior Designers, though they may/not have ability/technical skill/education to create non-structural architectural drawings, draw and design original custom cabinetry, furniture, or other graphics/elements, as opposed to simply selecting them or buying them off the shelf. While there is nothing wrong with being a Decorator, an Interior Designer, more specifically a CID implies to a potential client, additional abilities, competencies, skills and education. We are not just talking about how expensive or pretty fabrics are, but also their fire/stain/antimicrobial/abrasion properties that may be required, the types and densities of foam and framing structures in cabinets and furniture, flooring and finish materials that make them durable, and sustainable, as they won't need to end up disappointingly in a landfill in a matter of a few years.
-The CID designation denotes which designers are qualified to stamp non-structural and non-seismic architectural drawings which may be required for permitting approvals by a jurisdiction. The benefit is that qualified designers can stamp and permit drawings that already fall under their purview, without being required to go through an architect in circumstances that should not be required. Anything structural/seismic in nature, we gladly work with architects and structural engineers to achieve, so we can each do what we do best. I spent my life savings and four years to complete a post-bacc education in Interior Design & Interior Architecture, gain field work experience and complete testing for the certification. Now over 11 years in the industry, it was worth every penny; I am passionate about design, and I love working as a designer.
-This may not matter to some, but to the discerning client may know that this is one of a few ways to determine if a Designer by any title has the ability to complete their project, work competently with their architect, and produce something that will stand the test of time, as opposed to an unskilled, uneducated person with a flair for color that has decided to tell others they are a Designer. Don't misunderstand, there are talented designers of different backgrounds, but this is a tool for a client to determine qualifications. Every client should know that real interior design is not as it might seem from a TV program, where a designer and contractor create a completed space in a matter of days, some more complex projects take a year or more to bring to fruition.
-Interior Design is both an art and a science- using hard and soft skills, left and right brain. The impact of an interior space on human psychology and well-being is immense, just ask anyone who is sheltering in place during COVID19 how their home/space is affecting them.
-What the CID designation does not tell a client is the designer's style and taste level, understanding of materials/usage, and creative ability to coordinate and design custom or customized items and finishes that make a space safe, functional, healthy and beautiful. There is a Designer for every type of client, whether they just need pillows and paint, remodeling of an existing space, custom furniture, or a hotel project in a new space requiring an entire interior envelope beyond the structure.
There are people out there that feel Interior Designers are useless, but anyone can step into a well-planned, beautiful space and appreciate it- it didn't just happen accidentally or with a quick trip to a furniture store. Regardless of understanding the amount of thought and work that went into it by the designer, architect, builder, and all parties involved.