The difference between qualified and unqualified interior designers impacts everyone. To discover how interior designers can affect the health, safety and welfare of our community…and why it’s important to support pending legislation that will help protect the health, safety and welfare of the public please take a moment to read this important message.
Currently, interior design regulations vary by state across the nation. While many people believe interior designers only select curtains, paint and upholstery fabric, in reality, a designer is often responsible for making informed choices not only about style, but also about the health, safety, and welfare of people occupying the building they’re designing.
When designing a space in a hospital, a qualified designer understands the relevant safety code and practices necessary to design a safe, effective space. A qualified interior designer will know which type of products and finishes [list: foams, fabrics, flooring, ceiling materials] are flame retardant, antibacterial and anti-microbial; which products will withstand harsh cleansers and strict sanitary protocols; and which colors and types of lighting will aid recovery, enhance healing, or help a surgeon focus while operating. When designing a residential or commercial space, a qualified interior designer would address similar issues, such as product maintenance, air quality, environmental sustainability, and aging in place.
Professional interior designers are qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the safety, function, and quality of interior spaces. They’re trained to choose products that meet the functional needs of the user while understanding how those materials and systems behave in a fire, how they affect air quality, ergonomic issues and other factors. Interior designers decide how a space will look its best, but also make sure it satisfies accessibility requirements, applicable codes and that it’s safe and functional.
Without a clear understanding of important regulations, an unqualified designer might inadvertently violate codes…or even create life-threatening hazards. That’s why it’s important to support legislation establishing interior design qualification and oversight. Legislation will establish standards of practice, which will ultimately protect the consumer and increase the value and opportunity for every interior designer throughout the state.
Legislation will assist all consumers seeking to hire professional interior designers. Licensure will establish standards of minimum competency [including education, experience and examination]. It will ensure that interior designers working in business and public spaces are qualified to make the choices for safety. It will safeguard the public by creating accountability – offering consumers legal recourse against negligent or unethical designers who violate the law.
It will protect the use and title of interior design and interior designer. It will set guidelines for interaction with other design professionals such as architects and engineers on projects. Consumers will know they’re working with qualified, responsible professionals utilizing the latest information regarding health, safety and welfare.
Support responsible practices. Support legislation that will improve the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
