California Law: License to Practice Interior Design?

liz348 No, anyone should be able to put their talents to work and develop a professional book that demonstrates what they are doing. The best interior designer I have ever seen is not licensed.

Denise Vilim I had actually thought that interior designers already had to be licensed to be considered a designer. I did not realize anyone could call themselves a designer without at least having a certification. Maybe the laws are different here in Texas, but I do support the new licensing legislation, be it here, California or anywhere. If I am going to pay a person $100 an hour or more, I want to know that individual has the education and credentials to do the job properly and, hopefully, well. Yes, we as consumers have the ability to educate ourselves, verify credentials, portfolios and the like, but I know from experience that not only is this a time consuming endeavor, it can also be confusing given the massive amount of information that exists on the internet alone.
As someone who has undertaken many house renovation projects and has been compensated for such work on friends homes, I have done a great deal of research over the years and know more about decorating and design than most people I know, but I dare say that knowledge isn't a tenth of what an educated designer knows and can do. One may have a passion and/or talent in a specific field, but that does not qualify that person to perform a job in that field for a profit.
Sorry, I know this is a lengthy response, but that's my one cent on the matter.

Karen Heffernan I agree with Denise, I thought interior designers had to be licensed; I thought that was one of the differences between an interior designer and an interior decorator.

oracle Design is about vision and style. It's not brain surgery. I say no license required!

motherbear Just another tax!

Denise Vilim I do agree with you, oracle, that interior design is not brain surgery, however to sum up design as merely vision and style I think discredits all designers who have spent years obtaining degrees and knowledge in their field, although I do not believe that was the intent of your response. From what I understand, vision and style are key components of interior decorating as well as interior design, but designers are required to have a vast amount of knowledge that decorators are not. For any who may be interested in reading up on the differences between the two, here is an informative link with a more in-depth explanation...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Interior-Designer-Versus-Interior-Decorator---What-is-the-Difference?&id=3526577

Suncrest Builders, Inc I've been a residential Design and Construction professional in Nevada for 20 years. Licensing is required for Interior Designers and Decorators in my state. I have not found that the law helps ensure that designs coming from Designers are structurally sound, safe, follow building codes, or are effecient in their use of materials or space. When a question comes up regarding building code issues, the Contractor works with all parties to ensure that code is met. The Contractor is ultimately responsible.

We've never seen a lighting plan from a licensed Designer that could go, as is, with out the Electrician's assurance that the amperage was sufficient. Many Interior Decorators work without a license at risk of large fines because the hurtle for obtaining a license is huge, and beyond what is a reasonable expectation for Decorators. All projects requiring structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC require a licensed Subcontractor in addition to a General Contractor, as they should for safety reasons.

As any good Designer will tell you, there is a big difference between their scope of work and that of an Interior Decorator. That the license requirement for Decorators is the same as for Designers is absurd. If no drywalls is cut or anything more dangerous than some handyman (license required) items like hanging blinds or putting up a ceiling fan, why would the welfare of the homeowner be put in jepordy? All of these licenses do absolutely nothing to relieve the General Contractor, or Subcontractors of their feduciary responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their clients. Maybe for commercial projects where ADA is a requirement, the story is different.

Regarding the NCIDQ exam; all building codes are legislated by county. Not all counties have adopted the IBC (replaced the UBC in 2000) This California law seems to me a move by politicians to throw a bone to a public clamoring to be protected, but from everything I've read about it, this window dressing does no such thing.

Signature Designs by Bonnie Bagley To "ReTweet" what Suncrest Builders has commented on. Even though I am in the state of CA which does not have a current imposed law., ..." I have NOT found that the law ensures that designs coming from Designers are structurally sound, safe, follow building codes, or are efficient in their use of materials or space. When a question comes up regarding building code issues, the Contractor works with all parties to ensure that code is met... "

This California Prop Bill is a proposal for a certain group of Design Professionals to control and stop the majority of designers practicing. This Prop bill would put a large majority of Interior Designers out of work or require them to return to school to get a BA & work under a Licensed Interior Designer for a few years in the state of CA, even if they have 15 to 20 years in the field currently.

It would then require them to pass the NCIDQ that is primarily driven and focused on commercial work within 2 yrs, there is NO grandfathering into the proposed bill.!!!! This bill is NOT written well and needs to be defeated!

I believe there should be some guidelines and schooling to an Interior Designer and I also believe it is what separates us from the “Dolly Decorator” . There is a lot of responsibility and professionalism that we have to express in written documents in order for a project to be produced in a cost effective and timely manner for the general good of the clients outcome of good project. .

I am currently preparing to take CID in the state of CA by this summer.
If a interior designer has a degree in design, has sought additional education in their specialty and is consistently pursing further development such as the CID which holds Interior Designers to a standard of practice and ethics, that is sufficient!

www.bonniebagley.com

lalydia This is the government seizing control of yet another aspect of our lives. What ever happened to personal responsibility? People who are going to hire a designer need to practice due diligence and check out credentials and past projects before signing on the dotted line. If they don't like what they discover, they can find another designer. This seems to me to be an area of economic activity that polices itself very well without Big Brother.

Cathy Lara In case any of you are interested in the community's thoughts on this issue, the results of the poll (http://www.houzz.com/discussions/107779/California-legislation-necessary-for-interior-design-field-or-too-restrictive-impractical-) are:

41 votes > No license should be required
23 votes > Would like to see some certification, but deem the pending bill as too restrictive
18 votes > Yes, all designers should be licensed

Becky Harris I think someone should have an education and license to call themselves the title of interior designer, though I don't understand that requirement about "Registered interior designers would be limited to working on small single-family and four-unit multifamily residential dwellings with wood frame construction no more than two stories high." I'm confused by that - then who gets to decorate hotels, restaurants, etc.? Am I reading it wrong?

I certainly think self-taught designers should be able to practice, but they should be called decorators. When I was in school for landscape architecture ten years ago, we were having the same issue, where unlicensed people who had no knowledge of issues like grading and drainage, for example, could give themselves the "landscape architect" title in some states (you must have a license in order to sign off on construction drawings; it's a bit liability issue). They should have been calling themselves "landscape designers" or "garden designers." I recall while architecture had licensing requirements fully in place in every state, the same struggle with title that landscape architects had was shared by interior designers.

Denise Vilim I thought the same thing Becky after just re-reading that last line item,
"•Registered interior designers would be limited to working on small single-family and four-unit multifamily residential dwellings with wood frame construction no more than two stories high." That can't be accurate can it?
I also absolutely agree with you that decorators should be able to practice, but not under the title of designer.

I also appreciate the designers' feedback here as well and after reading their comments, I can see why so many are opposed to this particular bill.

Maybe I am not understanding the issue and can only speak from a consumer's point of view, but this legislation debate is not the first time I have felt it would be helpful if there were more industry-wide standards in place for the entire decorating/design field on a national level. I have previously hired a contractor and a designer at two different times, both of which left me with a big headache, confused as to who should be doing and responsible for what, and wondering what services I was actually paying for, especially when my newly laid kitchen tile had to be completely ripped out and re-installed due to lack of industry standards for flooring installers. I have found it much more calming and cost-effective to do my own research and renovations unless it is just absolutely impossible for me to take on myself. I realize that doesn't speak very well for these 2 professions, however I truly support and respect both fields and feel if there were more standards in place, everyone would benefit.

One more point...
I believe if I were a designer and had spent years obtaining an education and experience, I would want to know that not just anyone could be called a designer, essentially taking jobs away from those with an education.

Okay, I'm done. I don't think I've posted this much in the last year here at Houzz. This has certainly been an educational ideabook and topic.

Mortise & Tenon Custom Furniture Store There is a difference between Interior Decorator & Interior Designer. Decorators purchase furniture, and accessories. Let anyone call themselves a Decorator, it's a form of art, and to require a license is unnecessary.

An Interior Designer is responsible for hiring General Contractors, pulling building permits, drawing up blue prints and making sure that everything is up to code. I think a license is completely necessary. You would want the same from your contractor, electrician, etc.

kimber11 I don't believe licensing interior designers make them any better at what they do or are passionate about it. Seems that this is just another money grab. I find some designers with an extensive educational background in this area, are so stuck on one specific way of doing things (the way they were taught in school) that they have trouble trying new ways of presenting an idea or design. So this should be very carefully considered. The law makers ought to be careful what they are asking for...we don't want all interior designers to be singing from the same page. I like creativity, and instinct & self taught design has been my education, not a classroom or government testing program. Let the professionals decide for themself if they want to be licensed, don't take the choice away from them and insist on what they will do.
Glad we aren't dealing with this rule/law in my country...yet.

Cathy Lara Becky, if you read the bill language, it does have a few exemptions:

The persons exempt from this chapter pursuant to this subdivision
include, but are not limited to, a person who prepares drawings of
the layout of, or provides assistance in the selection of, any of the
following materials:

- Decorative accessories.
- Wallpaper, wallcoverings, or paint.
- Linoleum, tile, carpeting, or floor coverings.
- Draperies, blinds, or window coverings.
- Lighting or plumbing fixtures that are not part of a structure.
- Furniture or equipment.
- An employee of a retail establishment providing consultation
regarding interior decoration or furnishings on the premises of the
retail establishment or in the furtherance of a retail sale or
prospective retail sale.

So interior decorators and registered interior designers could still decorate restaurants and hotels and retail spaces over two-stories high without having to be "registered interior designers" SO LONG AS they are dealing SOLELY with layout preparation or selection of the aforementioned materials. But once they get into structural or seismic components (meaning, interior elements or components that are load bearing,or assist in the seismic design, and require design computations for a building’s structure), a structural engineer or licensed architect should be called in.

Cory Stout There is a significant difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator. A license should be required to practice Interior Design for a number of different reasons. An Interior Designer is a college graduate with normally a Bachelors or Masters degree, they also go through rigorous training and studies to understand ergonomics, anthropometrics, the psychology of color and space, space layout, and I could go on for a number of sentences. They are capable of doing everything an Architect can do but two things, they are not allowed to move or change load bearing walls and ceilings. This is just a small amount of what an Interior Designer is qualified to do and why they should be required to get a license to work. An Interior Decorator does not go through any of these types of training, there is not a test to take to become a decorator that I know of, and there is not a college you can really go to to become a decorator that I know of, though I have heard rumors about a couple, I do not know if it is true.

brenda09 less government. experience counts. book smarts and passing a test doesn't make you the best designer. some of the most successful & brilliant designers didn't graduate with a degree. Buyers of any products or service need to beware. Know what you purchase. It's the consumers job to select their purchases based on their values and needs - not the the governments. It's called free enterprise. I know that is foreign to most CA legislators. is this really just another way for the government to charge an extra fee or tax or hire more government officials to monitor and police another private industry?

Wintercreative Interior Design : Maika Winter ASID How you approach regulation really depends on how you define "Interior Design." Legislation has been a battle happening for years within the design industry, so it is interesting to see the issue brought to light in a more public venue.

This is a very new profession when compared with Interior Decorating or Architecture. It is still struggling to define itself, so the issue of regulation through licensure, however valid or necessary it may be, really can't progress much until that is done. And it will probably take some time for that to happen. Any time a designer is dealing with the Health, Safety and Welfare of the public (primarily commercial projects), there needs to be minimum requirements that are met. But it is the creative "grey area" that is hard to regulate, because no...it doesn't take a rocket scientist to decorate. The problem lies in that there are both technical and creative components that make up the design profession. Are they regulating only one component, or both? Commercial design, residential or both? Right now each state has different laws....some have no restrictions on being licensed and some require continuing education and separate state exams plus the NCIDQ. It is really a mess.

The profession has a long way to go before it has a solid understanding by the public and can achieve a more streamlined method of ensuring minimum competency.

Cathy Lara Hi Maika, thanks for your balanced response. Do you think the "creative grey area" is left out in the exemption language of the bill? The legislation says that registered interior designers would still be able to decorate, prepare layout drawings and select decorative materials in structures over two stories, as long as they are dealing with non-structural or non-seismic components.

stephanie_weddle It is the license that separates the designers from the decorators. If you are just a 'designer' that changes throw pillows and color selections, which is a decorator, then I would say a license is not necessary. However, those who attend a higher education institution to learn Interior Design have to learn several areas of design that a decorator does not know but may learn through experience. Experience is what will set them apart. I think that licensure is important but it would depend on your scope of services being provided.

judyaevans I know what you all are saying, about the value of an education and all. But here in California, it's really about the poor state trying every angle to get more money from the hard-working taxpayer, now the interior designer.

Why now? California is hurting greatly in the job economy, and now is certainly NOT the time to be requiring another trade for licensure. Many well-deserved designers with life-long skills and talents, especially more mature designers, could be out of work if this goes into effect. With the economy the way it is, unlicensed designers won't be able to compete in the very field that they have developed. It's undermining their hard work and success by the state imposing this requirement. Shame on the legislation for trying to pass this requirement.

Soon the states will be requiring licensing for fine artists...where will it stop? You either have the passion, skill, talent and 'knack' for design, or not. State testing and licensing should not be required in the arts, including interior design. Don't you think we already have too many government regulations influencing our choices? Stay out of our individuals' means of expression. We need to stop this regulation, especially in our creative fields.

Regulations only inhibit creativity!

diyjunkietn NO on the required licensing. Any plans involving structural, electrical, plumbing—technical expertise—will do doubt require local code building permits. THAT is where the supervisory authority is placed. Liability is then a shared burden with that authority; both should carry insurance.

If practitioners want to demonstrate their training/credentials, there are more than enough professional/trade associations offering initials to place on one's shingle in addition to one's earned degree/s.

I agree with the National Kitchen & Bath Association's assessment; there is no demonstrable need for legislative action. It ain't broke—don't fix it. Red tape that will only hinder more people's entering the workforce is counter-productive in this economy. Laws like this demean the intelligence of consumers, who are already VERY motivated to check credentials, portfolios, history of success or failure. It is THEIR money being invested.

Trivial legislation just makes work for trivial lawyers, and entangles every body else. There are more pressing needs at hand.

Mint Design design is an art. do they requires artists to be licensed? this is clearly about generating more fees for the state and exerting more government control, it is not about protecting the public. there are more than enough state and federal laws protecting consumers in this country. if this passes people will have to pay more for fewer choices. I do not want more governmental regulations in my life and if this passes I will simply not operate in CA.

MAC Design CORRECTION: In the article above it states that Registered Interior Designers would be:
"Registered interior designers would be limited to working on small single-family and four-unit multifamily residential dwellings with wood frame construction no more than two stories high.
Registered interior designers would still be able to decorate, prepare layout drawings and select decorative materials in structures over two stories, as long as they are dealing with non-structural or non-seismic components, as outlined in the bill."
If AB2482 Passes NON Registered Interior Designers would be limited....and NON Registered Interior Designers would still be able to decorate.....
This bill is an attempt by an exclusive group of designers to edge out the competition and hold a corner on the market. It would raise costs to the consumers and put a vast majority to current very qualified designers out of business. It would also make it next to impossible for students coming out of design programs to find work in the field because not only would they be reliant on one of these Registered designs to employ them but the rest of the design community would have to work for one of them as well. There are just not enough of these designers to support this requirement. I have been designing homes for clients for over 25 years. I am a "Certified Interior, Kitchen& Bath Designer and well and certified Green Building Professional CID, CKD, CBD and CGBP. They are saying that I am not qualify and want me to take another exam to add more letters following my name. I think I have enough. I agree with other posts that the com users are smart enough to check out the experience and qualifications of the professional they wish to do business with.
The Bill must not pass. It should be noted that you do not need an architect to prepare plans for a home renovation or some Commercial Tenant Improvements. If there are structural changes to the project weather you are an architect or a designer you have to consult an engineer for those structural changes. The difference between a designer and a decorator is Education. Some designers choose to become certified which elevates there knowledge and may provide more expertise to there clients. Experience is another element that will add to a designers knowledge.

MAC Design Cathy: If AB2482 passes the only designers who would be allowed to decorate or design commercial spaces would be a Registered Interior Designer. This is because the bill stipulates that anything regulated by code falls under RID purview. Any material that is specified for these spaces such as restaurants, hotels, offices etc... are regulated by code. These materials are tested and rated for fire resistance and other requirements and the code defines Occupancy Classes and stipulate what types of materials are allowed in these environments. There are Means of egress codes and traffic flow requirements to be considers for safety and much more. If you are not educated and or have experience with these types of spaces you should not attempt to design them. Education, Experience and Certification (Examination) are important when developing the knowledge to work on these projects. But to allow one exclusive group to decide who can work on them is not right. As your article states, There is current path for Certification in California
"In California, anyone can call himself or herself an interior designer. However, to use the title "Certified Interior Designer," an individual must demonstrate experience and education, and must pass an exam (IDEX) that deals with California-specific building codes and systems."

dorrienelle Ms. Sherman above has nailed it. "This bill is an attempt by an exclusive group of designers to edge out the competition and hold a corner on the market." This is not the role of government - to favour one group's monetary interests over the general public's right to make decisions and take action in their own behalf. If the National Council for Interior Design wants to gain a larger section of the market for themselves and their allied organisations, then they need to advertise and market themselves better to those who are building and remodeling. Do the work, see to it that your reputation is well deserved and well known, and then your market share and influence will grow apace. Taxation and the law courts are wasted on this sort of activity and will profoundly reduce the revenue available even to those on the NDIC. There are a ten thousand things more vital to the public good than this type of regulation.

Signature Designs by Bonnie Bagley TAKE ACTION!!!! FROM Edward Nagorsky

FINAL CHANCE TO OPPOSE INTERIOR DESIGN LICENSING IN CALIFORNIA. CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTE TODAY TO OPPOSE THE AMENDED BILL
URGENT; LETTERS NEEDED TO OPPOSE AMENDED DESIGN LICENSING BILLTake Action!
OPPOSE AB 2482

"Although the amendments to the design licensing bill have removed some of its most restrictive provisions, it still provides for the licensing of a small group of designers - making all other designers "unlicensed" , it still establishes a state board (now called a "committee") which will be funded by state tax dollars, it still mandates the private, costly and unregulated NCIDQ exam which tests nothing about California law, it still authorizes licensed interior designers to sign and seal plans for building permits which may make it more difficult for you to submit such plans without a seal, it still imposes fines upwards of $12,000 for practicing registered interior design without a license, and is now completely unnecessary and worthless.


While the new amendments do not directly limit your right to work as the original bill did, if the lobby gains a foothold by the establishment of a state-approved licensing body which is charged with "safeguarding life, health, and property", just how long do you think it will be before the committee begins passing rules and regulations which slowly begin to restict the work that unlicensed interior designers can do? We've seen this all too often in other states where the interior design board establishes new, excessive rules and requirements which hinder the ability of our members to work and force them out of business. One need only look to states like Florida ($500,000 in fines against "unregistered designers"), Illinois (passing a rule that removed the alternate exam which had been accepted for years so that now only the NCIDQ is accepted) or Minnesota (recently amended its rules to require more education to become registered) to see what will happen in California should the lobby become the gatekeeper of the public health and safety for interior design.


Since the hearing is this Tuesday, your letter to the Committee is needed now!


Please send a fax to the members today to let them know that additional regulation of the profession is unnecessary, and this bill is a complete waste of time and taxpayer dollars. Letters should be faxed as emails are probably not going to be read in time for the hearing."

dca1989 let simple things remain simple.Codes already make the buildings fit for use.But A reasonable freedom ,flexibility should be enjoyed without restrictions at interior Or beautification level whether its outdoors or indoors. A change in color,Window dressing or furniture styling should be customer's choice & that's very private statement not to be coded. And That cannot be taught even,though its handling, laying can be trained.An interior designer Or Decorator's can go on fetching degrees & adding expertise,licenses if one chooses to be.But as some one said, there are some people who have natural talents & are so good in perceiving spatial experience that they can do the gap filled by employing a good contractor.So please leave the small /middle level projects to be an owner's say & let him choose his doer either a licensed one or a naturally talented whom the owner is more privy,comfortable,understanding & in same vibes to design or decorate his/her's kind of space,in a budget of one's liking.So please leave freedom to doers & getters.

ellabella12 I don't think licensing interior designers is necessary. Interior designers are does not have autonomy nor are allowed to do any work that involve or compromise the structure of the building. Having knowledge of building code is a plus and consumers see that and they will find a competent professional to work with them. Interior design is more art than science. They make the current interior building look good on the paper/computer based on clients requirements and other factors that are common sense, then make write some specifications to make it buildable.

I think people are trying to gain some sort of status. The consumer on gain any value out of all of this. Interior designers are still required to work in collaboration with other professionals such as general contractors, trade, etc. If they want all that power why don't they become architects? This one of the alternatives. But no lazy people wanting easy route to get money, because to become an architect required one hundred times more work than an associate degree in interior design and forty times more work than a bachelor degree.

Interior designer will always be seen as beauty professional of interior spaces rather one like it or not. Consumers wants add value to their investment which is something that interior designers do not learn anything about. They sure know when to evaluate someone's work.

ellabella12 According to Cory Stout said in his post: "They are capable of doing everything an Architect can do but two things, they are not allowed to move or change load bearing walls and ceilings. This is just a small amount of what an Interior Designer is qualified to do and why they should be required to get a license to work." First of all, that's not true. Interior designers does not take nor are required to take advanced math required like architects are. Therefore, if you don't know how to calculate you can't calculate. So if interior designers learn subjects that are 1/5 of architects do. They learn but can't practice. i can learn about a disease that doesn't make me a doctor nor "capable of doing everything and doctors do." If they can't do this work what is left? Picking and choosing finishing materials to make a whole composition of a room. Gainning knowledge or professional enhancement should not be basis for licensing.

I have a bachelor in environmental design (pre architecture) and a Master degree and a lot of hours of continuing education and research. When I was trying to find an internship I got sick of my stomach after specking or looking at some of the work of the "licensed interior designers."

It is sad to see this hapenning. But as I gain more experience over the years I realize how comic this issue is.

Wintercreative Interior Design : Maika Winter ASID Having knowledge of codes is more than just a "plus" that's helpful to the consumer, it helps the entire team, including the Architect, engineers, and contractors. When a client is spending 50 million dollars, having a qualified team (and designer) is more than just a plus-- it's a necessity. Incompetency can literally ruin a project, whether it's a large scale commercial job or a single family custom home.

I have worked with many contractors who tell stories about working with designers who "didn't have a clue" on construction jobs. The contractor (and other consultants) feel like they have to babysit, and do everything because the designer doesn't have a basic understanding of construction materials and methods, or codes. This leads to frustration and animosity on the design team, and mistakes being corrected by others and in the field, ultimately leading to Change Orders.

Licensing ensures a minimum competency in all of these areas, and that is the most valuable purpose it serves. The profession is still evolving and trying to establish credibility apart from Interior Decorating.... The biggest problem now is the lack of consistency state to state.

ellabella12 That's why there are architects. What percentage of interior designers have been responsible for 50 million dollar project? Exactly... and like I said a plus means helpful. A well informed and educated client won't look for a professional on craigslist. The relationship in this field is by professional competence and trust. what happen if un employer find out that their employee not competent? Exactly...

If an interior designer wants the respect from their peers, start doing so by COOPERATING as a team player no a title holder.

International and local building codes and other stipulations are more than enough parameters to ensure safety and plus before submitting any draft it need to be reviewed by an architect anyways. It is useful to know since the design is meant to build a living environment.

One of the tasks that are listed for interior designers is set design. Can you imagine if professional set designers star the same non sense argument? Interior designers has no training as so ever in this type of work but the organizations still claiming they are allowed/qualified to do type of work.

It is all just sad. It is the attempt to regulate something that is extremely unnecessary. I would relate interior design with other creative professionals such as advertisers, PR agents, promoters and other professionals who work in cooperation with one another to achieve a specific goal. Each still have their associations, groups etc... to share, to expend knowledge, and information. That is team work...Something new to this industry.

Mint Design so does anyone know where this stands at this point?

Cory Stout Does this sound like a promoter ellabella12?

Definition of Interior Design

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals.

Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience and examination, to protect and enhance the health, life safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks:

Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs

Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior

Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines

Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements

Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture

Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules

Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts

Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space

Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants

Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials

Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent

Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.