Colorado passed new legislation to create an interior design exemption in the Colorado Architectural Practice Act (H.B. 1153). The law gives some interior designers the authority to prepare and submit building plans for "interior finishes and nonstructural elements within and surrounding interior spaces of any size, height, and occupancy."

The new law, which takes effect January 1, 2002, includes a detailed scope of practice definition and outlines criteria an individual must meet to qualify for the exemption. However, legislators included no additional regulatory oversight to ensure that the measure's provisions are followed. AIA Colorado successfully lobbied the state legislature to amend the bill to include language to prohibit interior designers from conducting any "alteration affecting the life safety of the occupants of the building."

Colorado Governor Bill Owens (R) chose not to sign the bill. However, under Colorado law, a measure automatically passes into law if the governor chooses not to veto it within 30 days, once the legislature is no longer in session.

Limiting negative impact in Alabama
Alabama enacted the Interior Design Practice Act (H.B. 276), which establishes limited practice rights for individuals who meet certain education and examination requirements. Those who also pass a yet undetermined "sealed level examination" will be granted broad practice rights in the design of interior spaces, including "technical aspects of interior building systems, structural, framing, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical, as they relate to the profession of interior design."

The law grandfathers all currently registered Alabama interior designers, even those who do not meet the new education and testing standards.

AIA Alabama was successful in securing several amendments that limit the law's negative impact on the public and the architectural profession. However, the measure prohibits an architect in Alabama from using the title interior designer and related terms, or from advertising that he or she offers interior design services, unless he or she has passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications examinations and the new Alabama examination. Thus, while architects in Alabama may continue to practice interior design, they may no longer advertise that they offer these services or openly solicit for interior design work without first taking these examinations.

Most of the provisions in the bill go into effect January 1, 2002. The testing provisions are contingent upon the creation of the "sealed level examination."

Both AIA Colorado and AIA Alabama actively educated legislators about the adverse effects of these bills. In both instances a strong AIA lobbying presence led to the inclusion of amendments friendly to the architectural community.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.