Being an interior designer is serious business — it comes with the responsibility to protect and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the public. After all, a well-designed space does all of these things while telling a story, having an aesthetic appeal, and being a flexible and welcoming space. Designing code-impacted environments, it’s important to be familiar with rules, regulations, and building codes that play a role in shaping functional and equitable spaces which is why alongside our partners in the Consortium for Interior Design, IIDA is committed to advancing and supporting policies that protect public health, safety, and welfare through qualified interior design practice. 

In some states, this means establishing legislation that recognizes the profession, while in others, it means modernizing existing legislation, all with the goal of independent practice rights — the ability to sign and stamp drawings without the hire of a third party. In today’s political climate however, there is a push for deregulation across the U.S. in many industries, including interior design. Recent efforts to deregulate the interior design profession in states such as Florida, Utah, and Tennessee underscore a growing trend of government rollbacks that, while often framed as reducing barriers, risk undermining critical safeguards in place to protect the public. Reasonable regulation of the interior design profession ensures that spaces are safe, accessible, and code-compliant, while allowing qualified professionals to be able to practice fully within their qualifications and competencies. Regulations that establish education, experience, and examination standards are not arbitrary hurdles; they are the foundation of public protection and professional accountability.

What does this all really mean? IIDA’s Senior Director of Advocacy, Marci Merola breaks it all down:

Tennessee was not the only state  to overcome deregulation efforts this year. A similar bill was brought forth and defeated in Utah, despite concurrent legislation designed to expand the current scope of practice. (Utah’s SB 286 passed shortly thereafter.) In Florida, legislators considered a proposal to eliminate all regulatory boards and continuing education requirements for licensed professions. Luckily, lack of Senate support plus grassroots mobilization brought those efforts to a close. 

What is deregulation? 

By definition, deregulation is the process of removing or reducing government-mandated occupational licensing. For the interior design profession, it means eliminating laws that restrict who can legally practice and any governmental oversight of their work. Ultimately, it means fewer safeguards for the public when they’re occupying public spaces. 

Why is it happening to the interior design profession?

The idea of deregulating the interior design profession may seem unfathomable, particularly as the profession continues to gain national momentum. Multiple states enacted legislation this year, indicating a growing awareness of the profession's role in protecting health, safety, and welfare.

In most cases, deregulation efforts are not personal: the threat of deregulation is one that touches all occupational licensing professions, which includes everything from barbers, auctioneers, and locksmiths to interior designers and architects. What all of these professions have in common is that they have a role in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. 

Many legislators deem occupational licensing as a barrier to employment, because there’s often  so much paperwork and red tape involved in getting licensed. Military families, who move frequently, are often used as case studies that personify these barriers to entry, particularly military spouses. Many military spouses work in licensed professions that are somewhat portable, yet each move to a new state often requires them to complete a new licensing or registration process before they can legally practice. As anyone who has registered with the state knows, these requirements can involve extensive paperwork, fees, and waiting periods, which delay their ability to return to work and maintain a stable income. 
But when licensing is eliminated, safeguards for the public are also eliminated. Ironically, our stance is that licensing of the interior design profession actually eliminates barriers when qualified professionals are able stamp and seal their own construction documents. 

Is deregulation a new idea?

The concept of deregulating occupational licensing dates back to the 1970s—some argue even earlier. However, in the past decade, opponents of occupational licensing have become more organized and methodical in their efforts to deregulate. That said, it’s important to think about the responsibilities of state decision makers: to ensure that their state continues to make progress – and mostly in an environment where there are fewer resources to keep things moving. Most states are dealing with budget deficits, especially as federal Stimulus funds and COVID relief funds have been depleted. Deregulation has become a handy tool in many legislators’ toolboxes to save money. 

Is there a happy medium?

I think that a better solution would be for local governments to invest in solving these issues of bureaucracy. In most states, the important work of licensing falls to the state regulatory board. If, indeed, that’s where the perceived bottleneck is happening, then local governments should be assisting those boards to make the process more efficient. This could eliminate the “barrier to work” issue, while maintaining protections for the public, and maybe even boost public confidence in local government. 

What can I do to protect my state from deregulation?

It really comes down to continual education of legislators and decision-makers. Every chapter representing states with legislation should remain active in their advocacy efforts and continue building relationships with legislators. 

At the individual level, qualified practitioners should register with the state and keep their registration current. This simple act helps build numbers, which demonstrates to lawmakers that the existing legislation is meaningful and that interior design contributes to the economic vitality of the state.

Get to know your regulatory board. Attend meetings to stay informed about issues affecting the profession. Take time to learn about your state legislators—their policy priorities, areas of interest, and initiatives—and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and build relationships with them. Finally, get involved with your chapter’s advocacy efforts. Connect with your chapter Vice President of Advocacy and participate in initiatives that help protect and advance the profession.

Learn more about IIDA's Advocacy efforts or find out how to be involved in your state.