Advocacy
Interior Design laws assist in establishing and maintaining professional standards that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. IIDA believes that legal recognition achieved through licensing, registration, or certification brings uniformity to the profession, defines responsibility, provides accountability, increases the quality of client services, and encourages excellence in the Interior Design industry.
To date, Interior Design laws have been enacted in 29 U.S. states (and Utah is now one of those states!), including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 9 Canadian provinces. You can view a map of all the states that have enacted legislation here. Learn more about the existing Interior Design licensing and registration laws by visiting the IIDA Advocacy page.
Interior Design Legislation
Did you know that Utah is the first state in the country to embrace voluntary certification for Commercial Interior Designers?
According to the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs must adhere to all state and local codes and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.
Thanks to the efforts of our local coalition and the many designers and industry partners who advocated for our profession, in February 2016 the Utah State Legislature unanimously voted to approve certification for Commercial Interior Designers. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is now accepting applications from interior designers who qualify for the newly enacted certification.
Current state laws that regulate interior design in Utah
Voluntary certification of commercial interior designs:
ALLOWS commercial interior designers to submit their work for permits, which opens up competition for consumers and clients.
DOES NOT prevent anyone from providing interior design services as they do today. It does not prevent anyone from calling themselves “interior designer” and it does not limit entry into the field.
REQUIRES commercial interior designers to successfully pass a rigorous exam.
Type of Act: Allows for sign and permit
Year Passed: 2016
Continuing Ed: 20 hours per biennium
Exam Required: NCIDQ
State Legislature: Visit our state legislature online to check the status of a bill, learn more about the legislative process, or find your elected officials.
View the map to see what type of interior design regulatory law may apply in your state or province of North America.
Join the Advocacy Committee
We are always looking for more members of our community to become involved with Interior Design advocacy in the state of Utah. If you would like to be involved please fill out the form .