The Iowa Legislature recently passed legislation that expands the interior design title act to include stamp and seal privileges. This new bill, SF 135 was backed by the Iowa Chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), with support from CIDQ, and was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on April 27. The law will now allow qualified interior designers to officially stamp and seal their plans and drawings, which will help ensure the safety and well-being of the general public.

Prior to this legislation, many interior designers in Iowa were limited in their practice due to their lack of stamp and seal privileges. This limitation prevented NCIDQ Certified interior designers from taking on larger and more complex projects, despite being qualified to practice independently. The new legislation will change that by allowing NCIDQ Certified interior designers who register with the state to stamp and seal their interior plans and drawings. NCIDQ Certification is awarded to interior designers who have completed the necessary education and practical experience requirements, consistently participate in continuing education courses, and have successfully passed a rigorous examination.

“This collaborative effort and modernizing legislation recognize that NCIDQ Certified interior designers are qualified to protect the public in independent practice.,” said CIDQ CEO Thom Banks. “We thank Senator Cournoyer and Representative Golding for their support of this legislation and commend the efforts of advocates for reasonable regulation on their collaboration towards the shared goal of protecting public safety.”

CIDQ congratulates advocates for their efforts, which will increase accountability, support economic growth, and improve the safety and well-being of the public. This new law is something that all interior designers in Iowa can be proud of, and it is something that will undoubtedly benefit their clients and the public for years to come.