Interior Design Regulation Across North America

Twenty-nine U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and eight Canadian provinces have legislation regulating the interior design profession. With the collaborative efforts of CIDQ, Member Boards, professional organizations, and industry coalitions, further progress is expected at both local and federal levels.

Interior design regulation in the U.S. and Canada falls into two categories: Practice Acts and Title Acts. Practice Acts require certification and registration to practice, while Title Acts offer optional registration with a protected title—and in some cases, additional practice rights such as permitting privileges. The map below highlights the regulatory approach in each North American jurisdiction.

Explore the map—click the image below to download!