WHAT IS A CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER?

Although there is no restriction on the use of the title “Interior Decorator” or “Interior Designer” in California, there is a difference in the inference of the title within the profession.

B&P Code Section 5800,5538

As opposed to a non-certified interior designer, a Certified Interior Designer is a competent design professional who is qualified to design, prepare, and submit any type of non-structural, non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to local building departments as well as supervising the construction and installation of the work.

Certified Interior Designers have demonstrated through education, experience and examination their knowledge of the building code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability and disabled access code issues. This person in essence becomes your agent to deal with local building codes and building departments, and licensed contractors. They have the expertise to handle all of these different players.

Interior designers cover all types of projects from commercial (offices, medical facilities, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, retirement and nursing facilities, to name a few) to residential. Typically, an interior designer has years of education and experience, as well as having passed one or more examinations in order to test competency and to attain state recognition of their profession.

A “Certified Interior Designer," is a title that is written in to the California Business and Professions Code and protected by law to prevent anyone using the title that has not complied with the law.

California Council for Interior Design Certification Web Site
 

 Contact Annie at 415.637.9890 or annie@annienesbit.com