DENVER — IIDA and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) have successfully worked with the state of Colorado to advance interior design practice with the passage of Colorado HB1165, which goes into effect on September 14, 2020.

This critical piece of legislation was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on April 1, 2020. Colorado HB1165 acknowledges the impact of interior designers on life safety in the interior built environment, clarifying a previous contradiction. The new law also streamlines the process in Colorado for interior designers submitting construction documents for building permit.

“Strengthening the interior design profession through legislation like HB1165 only improves public life safety. It also provides greater and more equitable business opportunities for interior designers and choices for consumers.” explains Interim CEO of ASID, Gary Wheeler, FASID. “We are grateful to the legislators and partners who understood the value of design and advocated for its passage.”

“We are thrilled that this streamlines the process our members have already been striving to use for years,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “IIDA knows the significant impact that commercial interior designers have on the safety of public spaces throughout Colorado, and we are proud that Colorado’s elected officials recognize that as well.”

Under this new law, interior designers wishing to submit interior design plans must only sign their signature, their active NCIDQ number, and proof of their insurance policy to the plans, making the submittal process much less onerous for designers. It also ensures that designers wishing to submit plans have met continuing education requirements mandated by CIDQ, adding additional protections for Coloradoans. By resolving the contradiction concerning life safety, the changes in the law make clear that interior designers are able to impact life safety within the defined scope of interior design practice.

After diligently working with the American Institute of Architects Colorado Chapter, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council, and the American Council for Engineering Companies (ACEC), IIDA and ASID reached consensus on a bill that had no opposition, and the support of ACEC. It was passed overwhelmingly through both chambers of the Colorado legislature before being signed by Governor Polis on April 1.

About ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.


ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.


About IIDA

IIDA is the commercial interior design association with a 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. www.iida.org