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Oklahoma Recognizes Interior Design Profession

Currently, 26 states and jurisdictions have interior design legislation.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 5/24/2006 12:00:00 AM

In Oklahoma, interior designers seeking professional status must register with the state. On May 15, the State Architectural and Interior Designers Act, was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry.

Oklahoma joins 25 other states and jurisdictions with interior design legislation which legally recognizes the profession. In Canada, eight provinces currently have similar laws. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) embraced the news. "With Governor Henry's signature, the citizens of Oklahoma will know that when they hire an interior designer in the state, they are hiring someone who meets baseline professional standards of education, examination and experience," says ASID president Robert Wright.

To achieve the professional title interior designer in Oklahoma, individuals must meet the education and experience requirements set by the law (a combination of six years of education and experience), pass the qualifying examination for interior designers, administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, and register with the joint Board of Governors of the Licensed Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers.

"The law will raise the accountability of interior designers in Oklahoma to the betterment of consumers in the state," Wright adds. "Professional interior design legislation protects the health, safety and welfare of consumers."