Question 1

Why are we pursing this?

Accepted Answer

Colorado has already determined, through C.R.S. §12-120-403, that interior designers may prepare and submit nonstructural interior construction documents for permit review, excluding Denver. The remaining public policy question is not whether interior designers should participate in this work—it is whether the individuals performing that work should demonstrate minimum competency through education, experience, and examination through the state. We are seeking regulation and professional recognition for the interior design profession in Colorado.

Question 2

What is a Sunrise Application?

Accepted Answer

A Sunrise Application is the formal process used by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to evaluate whether regulation of a profession is warranted. It is not legislation, nor does it create new laws. It is the first step in determining whether legislative action should be recommended.

Question 3

Does this mean interior design is now regulated in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

No. The Sunrise Application begins the review process. DORA will evaluate the application and make recommendations before any legislation is considered.

Question 4

What are we trying to accomplish?

Accepted Answer

Modernize Colorado's interior design legislation, establish meaningful recognition for qualified commercial interior designers, pursue title protection, and seek appropriate permitting authority for qualified designers working within their code-defined scope of practice.

Question 5

Why is this needed?

Accepted Answer

Colorado currently has interior design legislation but no regulatory board, no protected title, and outdated statutes that do not reflect today's profession. Qualified interior designers face unnecessary barriers when providing services they are educated and tested to perform.

Question 6

Who submitted the application?

Accepted Answer

The application was submitted by the IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter in collaboration with ASID Colorado and in partnership with the Consortium for Interior Design, a collaboration of  IIDA, ASID, and CIDQ in pursuit of reasonable regulation of the interior design profession. (https://sites.google.com/view/consortium-for-interior-design)

Question 7

Does this affect residential interior decorators or designers?

Accepted Answer

No. This effort is focused on qualified commercial interior designers practicing in code-regulated environments that affect public health, safety, and welfare. However, we believe that stronger legislation in the state of Colorado will broaden awareness and elevate all aspects of the interior design profession.

Question 8

Will every interior designer be required to become licensed or certified?

Accepted Answer

No. The effort is intended to recognize qualified professionals who meet established education, experience, and examination requirements who wish to submit for permit independent of an architect.

Question 9

Why is the right to permit important?

Accepted Answer

In many jurisdictions, qualified interior designers cannot submit permit drawings within their own scope of practice without an architect or engineer. Modernized legislation could help remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining public safety.

Question 10

What happens next?

Accepted Answer

DORA will review the Sunrise Application, gather stakeholder input, and issue recommendations. If appropriate, legislation may be pursued in a future legislative session.

Question 11

Where can someone learn more?

Accepted Answer

Questions should be directed to advocacy@iidarmc.org. Additional educational resources will be released as the process moves forward.

Question 12

What is the difference between an interior decorator and a qualified interior designer?

Accepted Answer

Interior decorators primarily focus on aesthetics, furnishings, finishes, and decorative elements. Qualified commercial interior designers receive formal education, complete supervised experience, and pass the NCIDQ Examination to demonstrate competency in building codes, accessibility, fire and life safety, construction documents, and other technical aspects of designing commercial interior environments. While many interior designers also provide decorating services, this legislative effort relates only to the code-regulated practice of qualified commercial interior design.

Question 13

Are we trying to practice architecture?

Accepted Answer

No. This effort does not seek to expand interior designers into structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or architectural practice. It seeks recognition for the work qualified interior designers are already educated, tested, and competent to perform within their own scope.

Question 14

Will this affect architects?

Accepted Answer

Architects remain essential partners. This effort is intended to better define the roles of each independent profession while improving efficiency on projects.

Question 15

How many other states already recognize interior designers?

Accepted Answer

Colorado is one of the few remaining states without meaningful professional recognition/regulation for qualified interior designers. 31 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, recognize interior design through title acts, practice acts, permitting authority, or registration tied to nationally recognized qualifications such as NCIDQ Certification. This effort seeks to modernize Colorado's statutes to better align with national standards while meeting Colorado's specific needs.

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