December 22, 2021

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) applaud the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for undertaking a review of its policy statement concerning the regulation of other professions within the built environment (I.C.3), and the interior design community is encouraged by this progress.

IIDA and ASID consistently support that NCIDQ-certified interior designers possess the education, experience, and testing “to lead the design process and protect the health, safety, and welfare in the built environment” for interior, nonstructural projects and currently have “comprehensive understanding of design, construction, and the coordination of project teams” for interior, nonstructural projects. IIDA and ASID encourage the interior design industry and our members to review the statement and discuss it with their interior design and architecture peers and chapters and, in particular, the FAQ document produced by AIA National.

The interior design community looks forward to robust and ongoing conversations with AIA National on these subjects, supported by the recent CIDQ-NCARB report: A Comparison of Practice Analysis Defined Competency Requirements for the Architecture and Interior Design Professions and A Comparison of Examination Objectives of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) and the NCIDQ® Examination. This report clearly demonstrates that there is significant overlap between the competencies of both professions, in contrast with AIA’s revised statement and support documentation.

IIDA and ASID are excited about the collaboration ahead, and for a new chapter in this important conversation—one that is critical to building and creating equity within the design profession.

ABOUT IIDA
The International Interior Design Association, known as IIDA, is the commercial interior design association with global reach. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. We advocate for advancements in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of people’s lives every day.