New York Vetoes Interior Design Title Legislation

Currently, the title certified designer does have title legislation.

by Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 11/3/2005

The title interior designer has met with controversy in recent years--those pushing for legislation argue it has become a calling card for unqualified individuals. As a result, design organizations in New York, as well as several other states, are trying to pass interior design legislation with Title Acts or Practice Acts, requiring education, experience and examination requirements in order to use the title interior designer. This legislation is routinely supported by the International Interior Design Association and the American Society of Interior Designers.

For the second straight year, Governor George Pataki has vetoed New York’s Interior Designer Title Act, sponsored by the Interior Designers for Legislation in New York (IDLNY). Last year, the form was passed (unanimously) by both the New York House and Senate.

Presently, New York State has title legislation restricting the use of the title “Certified Interior Designer,” but current law does not prohibit anyone from using the title interior designer.

Pataki argues that the current law provides enough separation between interior designers with demonstrable experience, skill, and training. Only licensed individuals may call themselves certified interior designers.

IDLNY argues that the general public--in other words, the clients looking to hire--is not aware of the certified title, therefore unprotected. In addition, only a few of the qualified interior designers currently practicing have registered to use this title.

In response to the veto, IDLNY has concluded future efforts must wait until after a new governor is elected in 2006.

Those wishing further information can contact IDLNY president James Lothrop via email.