Judge Rules Interior Design "Title Act" Unconstitutional in Connecticut
Since 1983, the state has prohibited those not registered with Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection from referring to themselves as "interior designers."
Laurel Petriello -- Interior Design, 7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM
Susan Roberts, Cynthia Hernandez, attorney Clark Neily, and Lynne Herrmann
Licensed or not, those practicing interior design in the State of Connecticut are now legally free to refer to themselves as interior designers.
Since 1983, the state has prohibited those not registered with Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection from referring to themselves as “interior designers” despite the accurate assessment of the services they professionally perform.
The crusade to alter the two-decade-long legislation, titled “Roberts vs. Farrell” was led by industry members Susan Roberts, Cynthia Hernandez, and Lynne Hermann, who argued the law was unconstitutional and in violation of the First Amendment. Roberts’s opposer was commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection, Jerry Farrell, Jr.
Last Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Mark Kravitz rejected the state’s arguments in support of the challenged “title act” stating “the term ‘interior designer’ is not a term of art and it is not inherently misleading.” Moreover, “[i]f the State were seeking to convey the existence of a regulatory regime in this field, then a term such as ‘licensed interior designer,’ or ‘registered interior designer,’ would far better serve that interest.”
As a result of the ruling, Connecticut now joins 45 other states who now allow individuals to work as interior designers without special licensing or government oversight.
Those who can prove through an extensive body of work and practical knowledge should be allowed to take the exam. Their experience will speak for itself when/if they pass the exam. What we are really discussing here is the Health, Safety and Wellfare of the general public when it comes to design. Just as doctors practice specialties, so does the design community. The codes governing the construction or redesign of certain types of buildings grow increasingly tighter, and more voluminous in their verbage. If you don't have an intimate knowledge of and experience with those codes, you have no business practicing, or misleading others that you have the same knowledge as someone who has passed a Nationally Certified exam proving that they do. For example the NFPA has strict regulations regarding types of materials used not only in the construction of the building, but of the items used to "decorate" and furnish it. I have seen many times where Interior Designers have tried to pass "practice acts", where they have the ability with that state, to stamp drawings similar to a registered architect or engineer, but not have those stamps accompany their own. This in my opinion is extremely dangerous. When designers have an architectural education and follow the internship process that NCARB has laid out, and take and pass that National exam, then by all means they have passed all the required elements to stamp drawings. Currently I have not seen a design school for Interior Design that goes to that level of education, nor does the NCIDQ test for that level of knowledge. So there should be a specific designation showing that those who have an education or background in design and have taken and passed the National exam, to show the public that they have the knowledge that is needed to correctly and safely design buildings that aid the public. But to let them both carry the same designation will only confuse a potential client, and potentially harm those using the space, no matter how beautiful it is. The term Interior Designer should not just be linked with the ability to make a space more beautiful or warm and inviting, but to keep the people who use the space safer in the event of a tragedy happening, so that they can survive.
Kristi Miller - 2010-09-12 15:56:37 EDT
I think licensing or registering is a good idea, but, I think the education requirements are unfair to those who have an extensive record of practical knowledge and work excellence in interior design but lack the education requirements. I was in design school in the 70''s when I opened a gallery and my career took off, I did not have time to finish my degree. I also started a historic restoration construction business (we are registered dwelling contractors) that has received national recognition for excellence. I have taught college courses on art and antiques and also ethics relating to those subjects, and I have worked in the field of interior design for 30 years without a single complaint of any kind. My state instituted licensing in 1996, they did this quietly, and because I happened to be recovering from a life threatening accident an unable to work for a three year period, I missed applying and receiving a license under the "grandfather" provision. I would like to complete my degree, but I have been too busy working steadily and supporting my family, and also my elderly mother, to do so. I am sick to death of these kids just coming out of design school putting me down just because my body of work was so good that I never needed to show anyone a diploma to have my designs chosen over others. I think that you should have the skills required for the job to do the job, but,I think anyone that can prove good and qualified work experience and pass the exam should be able to be registered or licensed I think a educational degree requirement is ridiculous. Either you have the brains and talent for this type of work, or you don''t. I have met many that did well in school, but failed miserably in practice.
Signe Gronbeck - 2010-04-01 03:24:00 EDT
Interior decorators who choose not to hold themselves to a higher standard are the professions worst enemy.
Unfortunately the decorators are screaming louder.
Ignoring them and hoping they will go away is not the answer.
Michael Dudek - 2009-07-21 17:53:00 EDT
Unfortunately the decorators are screaming louder.
Ignoring them and hoping they will go away is not the answer.
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