Do You Need to Be Registered in Pennsylvania to Be an Interior Designer?
In the competitive field of interior design, creative professionals strive to improve the appearance and functionality of indoor spaces. As is the case with many creative endeavors, it is difficult to quantify the qualifications of an interior designer. At the time of publication, Pennsylvanians debate this very subject; some believe the designer's artistic qualifications are subjective, while others believe that the state should regulate design professionals.
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Pennsylvania Registration Requirements
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Though some states require designers to register or obtain a license from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), the state of Pennsylvania, as of 2011, does not. There are no legal requirements imposed on interior designers in Pennsylvania, making it what is known as an unregulated profession. In this case, a designer's practice is judged on the product of her work rather than on credentials alone, leaving it up to the consumer – not the state – to judge the qualifications of the designer.
Pennsylvania Interior Design Legislation
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In June of 2010, Pennsylvania state lawmakers proposed new interior design-oriented legislation to the House Professional Licensure Committee. If passed, the proposal would require interior designers to have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of interior design experience. Designers would then have to register and pass a national design exam to become licensed and legally able to practice professionally. At the time of publication, this measure has still not gone to a vote.
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Optional State Credentials
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Pennsylvania interior designers can seek education from institutes accredited by design organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Accredited Pennsylvania schools include the Art Institutes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Chatham University, Drexel University, La Roche College, Moore College of Art and Design, and Philadelphia University. Though licensure is not required, qualifying Pennsylvanians can apply for the NCIDQ licensure exam, which the organization offers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
General Qualifications
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that postsecondary education is necessary for entry-level interior designers. Commonly, designers graduate from two-to-four year design programs with bachelor's degrees, preferably from NASAD or CIDA-accredited schools. As well as a strong sense of design and functionality principles, designers must have strong communication skills, as they regularly interact with contractors, architects and electricians, as well as clients. To perform professionally, interior designers must be able to draft plans, use the latest design and business software and read blueprints. Designers need a thorough understanding of local building and fire codes, as well as the ability to create handicap-accessible spaces.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Interior Designers
- PennLive.com; Pennsylvania Lawmakers Consider Licensing Interior Designers; Kari Andren; June 2010
- National Kitchen and Bath Association; Pennsylvania Legislation 2009 Proposal...
- Council for Interior Design: Accredited Programs
- National Council for Interior Design Qualification: NCIDQ Exam Locations
Resources
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