Allows special provisions for certain interior designers

BILL NUMBER:S430

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing a limited exemption from certification requirements for certain interior designers

Purpose or general idea of bill

To allow individuals practicing interior design for fifteen years or more to be exempted from certain certification requirements.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends § 8305 of the Education Law by adding a new subdivision 1-a to allow for an exemption of individuals practicing interior design for fifteen or more years from certain certification requirements.

Section 2 stipulates requirements for exemption of section eighty-three-hundred-five of this article and verification and demonstration of experience of the applicant. The applicant must also present recommendations from clients and from present and, past employers and colleagues.

Justification

NYS Law requires that Interior Designers who wish to be licensed must receive a proper level of education and pass a State exam. When these requirements were introduced in 1990, there was no provision for currently-practicing designers to obtain certification without specific educational requirements. While there is a need to create consistent certification standards, especially for individuals working within an industry of expertise, the present laws limit who can apply for Design licenses. If an individual does not fulfill specific requirements, he or she has no recourse, despite experience, longevity, or quality of work.

There is much confusion in the public regarding interior design licensing. Many Interior Designers are unlicensed, but have been practicing longer than those who are licensed. Interior designers who lack certification but have been practicing longer than licensed designers are viewed as inferior to their licensed counterparts. Numerous non-licensed Designers have met and exceeded the standards of their field, and are well qualified for licensing.

This legislation would allow unlicensed Interior Designers who have been practicing for 15 years or more to apply for certification. The bill would not guarantee licensing for these designers, but instead would submit their experience and relevant qualifications for review. If found to be qualified, a designer would then be issued a license.

Fiscal implications

None.

Legislative history

2009-2010: S/5571A/A.8289A

Effective date

This act would take effect one year after it becomes law.