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New Iowa Law for Interior Designers

Professional standards protect citizens.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 5/13/2005 12:00:00 AM

Last week, when Governor Tom Vilsack (D) signed the Iowa Interior Design Title Act bill into law, Iowa became the 25th state to legally register professional interior designers. Now, in order to use the title “registered interior designer,” Iowa professionals must meet the education and experience requirements--a combination of six years of education and experience--and pass a qualifying examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Professionals must also register with an interior design examining board to become licensed.

According to American Society of Interior Designers president Anita Baltimore, licensing is essential to the profession. "Interior designers protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. The new law will protect the citizens of Iowa because they will know if an individual entrusted to create their interior spaces meets baseline professional standards." Licensed interior designers must be knowledgeable about several safety and health issues, including flammability of fabrics and finishes, ergonomics, building codes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ASID is a strong supporter of legal recognition for interior designers in all U.S. states and jurisdictions, and worked diligently with the Iowa Interior Design Coalition to pass the law.