At their December 10th board meeting, the Board of Directors at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) voted to revise a long-standing organizational position statement of opposition to reasonable regulation of interior design in US jurisdictions. The new position eliminates “outright” opposition to interior design licensure, and due to the change, AIA state components are no longer compelled by AIA National to oppose interior design regulation proposals in their jurisdiction. According to AIA, the revision is intended to allow AIA state components to “be more flexible and to negotiate and discuss options and remedies with legislators, regulators, and partner groups that best suit their respective state since each state is different.” In addition to the new position statement, AIA has created an FAQ document about the Board’s decision.

The newly approved AIA position statement is as follows:

“In the public interest, the AIA holds that architects licensed through rigorous examination possess the necessary education, training, and experience to lead the design process and protect the health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. While other regulated or licensed professionals may participate or be responsible for specialized and focused components, architects are uniquely qualified to take responsible control for the coordinated integration of building systems through a comprehensive understanding of design, construction, and the coordination of project teams from project inception to completion.”

CIDQ believes this is a good first step towards a more informed and productive dialogue between the interior design and architecture communities on this issue, and an important development for the advancement of the public protection through reasonable regulation. There is still much work to be done, and more informed conversations to be had between the design professions. CIDQ commends AIA for taking this important first step, and we look forward to participating in and helping to inform those discussions.

Questions regarding reasonable regulation of interior design and the Consortium for Interior Design can be directed to Matt Barusch.