Only two states and the District of Columbia require a license to work as an interior designer. Michigan lawmakers are trying to bring the state into that group.
House Bill 5960, sponsored by Rep. Carol Granville (D-Walker), would create an accredited interior design program for individuals who assist in the design of layouts, fixtures, and furniture for homes, schools, and commercial buildings (with some exceptions). Require students to take a course and pass a test. and regularly complete 12 hours of continuing education.
This bill is unnecessary. There are numerous exceptions for various current jobs and organizations, which are confusingly written. Anyone trying to plan an interior layout will have a hard time determining whether they need to comply with the law. HB 5960 primarily serves as a vehicle to create a board of directors that would allow established designers to limit their own competitors.
It is important to understand that licensing laws were primarily enacted by individuals in the industry to defend the law to prevent competition. Licensing laws set fees, testing, training hours, and limit the number of people eligible to work in the field.
If licensing requirements are stated to establish standards that actually protect the public, they may be justified. But they rarely do.
Despite the claims of some in the industry, interior design has nothing to do with public health or safety. When Florida first tried to repeal its interior design law, interior design association leaders (who profit directly from licensing) blamed lawmakers for the rising number of deaths from fires, falls, and disease. He argued that it would be.
There is no evidence that states enacting interior design licenses improve health and safety outcomes (Florida has repealed its law). Consumers and businesses can decide for themselves whether they want to hire an architect, project manager, licensed interior designer, or unlicensed interior designer. designers of their projects.
