ASID Applauds New Jersey Law to Legally Recognize Interior Design Profession

Furniture World Magazine

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the nation’s oldest and largest association of professional interior designers, applauds the signature of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey on the state’s new interior design title act. With Gov. McGreevey’s signature, New Jersey is the 24th U.S. jurisdiction to legally recognize interior design. Eight Canadian provinces also legally recognize the profession. The new law is a result of the efforts of the New Jersey Coalition for Interior Design Legislation. Phyllis Moore, FASID, chair of ASID’s Legislative Advisory Council, stated: “The New Jersey title law will raise the accountability and professionalism of interior designers and will directly benefit New Jersey consumers. Interior designers must be knowledgeable about many issues, including flammability ratings of fabrics and finishes, ergonomics, building codes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Because of these issues and others impacting the public’s health, safety and welfare, ASID felt that it was imperative that New Jersey join the 23 other U.S. jurisdictions which register interior designers.” The new law requires registrants meet the education and experience requirements set by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and pass the NCIDQ exam. Qualifying interior designers will be certified for a period of two years. Registrants who wish to renew their certification will be required to complete continuing education credits during the two years preceding the expiration date of their certificates. To view the title act in its entirety, visit the New Jersey Legislature’s Web site at www.njleg.state.nj.us “ASID is pleased to add New Jersey to the growing list of jurisdictions that recognize the contributions of interior designers to the health, safety and welfare of the public,” said ASID President H. Don Bowden, FASID, AIA. “This law will give New Jersey consumers an identifiable choice when contracting for interior design services. Consumers will now know if a professional designer meets certain standards – standards that will benefit the public.” ASID is the largest professional association representing the interests of interior designers. Its mission is to advance the interior design profession through knowledge generation and sharing, advocacy of interior designers’ right to practice, professional and public education, and expansion of interior design markets. The Society supports its more than 33,500 members – comprised of practicing interior designers from all design specialties, design students and industry representatives – through a variety of programs and services and a network of 48 local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada.