State to Certify 4 Interior Designer Categories
The approximately 7,000 interior designers in California have the remainder of 1992 to apply for a new state certification that is intended to increase their credibility and that of the profession.
The listing of “Certified Interior Designer” was added to Section 5800 of the California Business and Professions Code under a bill introduced by Sen. William A. Craven (R-Oceanside) that became law Jan. 1.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. May 17, 1992 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday May 17, 1992 Home Edition Real Estate Part K Page 3 Column 1 Real Estate Desk 3 inches; 75 words Type of Material: Correction
New listing-- In reference to the May 3 article on interior design certification, the new listing “Certified Interior Designer” in Section 5800 of the California Business and Professional Code, is not a “state certification.”
It gives permission to the California Legislative Conference on Interior Design to certify interior designers within their profession. The process is one of “self-certification” that requires and follows certain criteria outlined in the law, including the Building and Barrier Free code sections.
The new measure reflects years of legislative efforts by interior design groups and by the California Legislative Conference on Interior Design, and outlines the responsibilities and parameters of work that interior designers can perform.
“In the eyes of the consumer, it will help differentiate the professional interior designer from interior decorator, a term that in modern usage is often improperly used and misleading,” said Roger Greenlaw, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and one of the proponents of the legislative action.
As mandated by law, a “certified interior designer will demonstrate competency to protect and enhance the health, safety and welfare of the public through the designer’s education, experience and compliance with National Council for Interior Design Qualification requirements.
Applications for certification are being processed through the nine-member California Council for Interior Design Certification Board and must include proof of passage of the NCIDQ examination, including the Building and Barrier Free code sections (for better access by the handicapped).
The professional designation applies to all interior designers whether they practice residential or commercial design, “and assures the general public that the certified interior designer has met high standards and agrees to uphold a strict code of ethics and conduct,” Greenlaw added.
“Proof of certification . . . a stamp to affix to the non-structural, non-seismic drawings and documents submitted by the certified interior designer will be easily recognized by the public and at building departments.
Designers may qualify at the following levels:
Category A: an interior designer who is a graduate of a four- or five- year accredited interior design degree program, with six or more years of professional experience.
Category B: an interior designer who has completed a three-year accredited interior design certificate program, with six or more years of professional experience.
Category C: an interior designer who has a combination of interior design education and/or diversified interior design experience totaling eight years or more.
Grandparenting: any practitioner who has a combination of interior design education and/or diversified interior design experience totaling eight years or more. In this classification, the designer must apply by Dec. 31, 1992, and provide evidence of passage of the NCIDQ exam no later than Dec. 31, 1993.
Interior designers should address their requests for applications to the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) at 7485 Rush River Drive, Suite 710314, Sacramento 95831 or call Jo Ellen McChesney at (916) 392-2565.
