ADVOCACY
CHAMPION
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ACTION
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UNIFY
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AMPLIFY
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CULTIVATE CHANGE
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CHAMPION ✺ ACTION ✺ UNIFY ✺ AMPLIFY ✺ CULTIVATE CHANGE ✺
In Pursuit of Reasonable Regulation
IIDA advocates for the advancement of interior design through design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community engagement to increase the value and understanding of the profession. We strongly support voluntary registration, permitting privileges, and certification for interior designers working in non-structural, code-impacted environments. Formal education, supervised experience, and examination to demonstrate qualifications that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public are essential to the sustained strength and growth of the interior design industry.
Through advocacy, IIDA works to strengthen recognition of the profession, elevate public awareness, and ensure interior designers have the ability to fully practice their expertise, advancing both the profession and the communities it serves.
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Addresses current limitations that prevent qualified interior designers from practicing fully and independently in code-impacted environments
Supports the ability to stamp and submit drawings for permits without relying on another licensed professional
Expands access to projects, contracts, and greater career ownership within the construction industry
Strengthens legal recognition and elevates the profession’s standing alongside other licensed disciplines
Protects public health, safety, and welfare through qualified, code-compliant design
Builds a unified voice that increases visibility, shapes public perception, and influences legislation
Guided by IIDA’s Advocacy Advisory Council to advance recognition of the profession’s education, experience, and expertise
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Confirms minimum standards are met through education, experience, and examination
Builds trust with clients and consumers while ensuring competency in code-impacted environments
Protects public health, safety, and welfare through regulated standards and accountability
Provides a formal process for consumer protection, including the ability to address complaints and grievances
Expands access to projects, contracts, and permitting authority, including stamp and seal where applicable
Demonstrates that interior designers are on par with architects, landscape architects, and engineers within their scope of expertise
Strengthens advocacy efforts, as higher numbers of registered designers signal the profession’s value to legislators
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Title Act: Protects the use of specific professional titles such as “Registered Interior Designer” or “Certified Interior Designer” but does not regulate scope of work or allow permitting authority.
Practice Act: Defines the scope of interior design practice, establishes qualifications, and enforces professional standards while protecting designated titles.
Stamp and Seal Privileges: Typically granted alongside a Practice Act, allowing qualified designers to sign and submit non-structural construction documents for permitting within their defined scope of practice.
Design Legislation
Explore why reasonable regulation matters for interior designers and the communities they serve. Watch the video from CIDQ explaining the purpose and impact of registration, and use the color-coded map to see the current status of interior design legislation across all U.S. states.
SOUTHWEST LEGISLATION
Learn more about interior design legislation across the Southwestern states. For states without legislation, find resources below on how to connect with legislators. And for states with active legislation, use the tools below to register after passing the NCIDQ exam and help advance the profession.
ARIZONA
No Legislation;
No Permitting Privileges
NEW MEXICO
Title Act with
No Permitting Privileges
NEVADA
Practice Act with
Permitting Privileges
Text “Interior Design” to 50457
to receive updates regarding important issues regarding your profession locally, at the state level, and nation
How to Get Involved
Professional Certification and Leadership
--> Become NCIDQ Certified or serve as a study group tutor/CIDQ ambassador
--> Join IIDA advocacy committees or mentoring programs
--> Attend panels, roundtables, CEUs, and design forums
Hands-On Participation
--> Provide testimony at House and Senate hearings
--> Meet legislators in person to advocate for policy
--> Join local initiatives to raise awareness of interior design
Stay Informed and Connected
--> Subscribe to legislative updates and respond to action alerts
--> Engage with local IIDA chapters and community programs
--> Attend symposiums and events to learn and network
Education and Public Outreach
--> Host or attend advocacy workshops
--> Serve on library, school, or historic preservation boards
--> Listen to advocacy podcasts to stay informed
Engage with Legislators and Policy
--> Identify and connect with your legislators
--> Send letters, emails, or invitations to projects and events
--> Participate in Advocacy Day or Capitol trips
Advocacy Merch
Custom designed apparel and swag to proudly display your pride in IIDA SW Advocacy Initiatives. Check out our collection and support our efforts today!
Show Your Support & Submit Your Name
We proudly display our IIDA Southwest Chapter Advocacy’s Wall of Names to showcase the community of supporters who have committed their name as advocates for the pursuit of reasonable regulation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
* By submitting your name for the IIDA Southwest Chapter Advocacy Wall of Names, you are hereby granting IIDA Southwest Chapter your permission to use your name on the website as denotation of being a supporter of the pursuit for reasonable regulation in the commercial interior design industry.
“The passage of House Bill 384 in New Mexico, along with our advocacy in Virginia and Wisconsin to protect the profession, demonstrates the willingness of legislators to support the critical role that commercial interior design plays in the health, safety, and well-being of the public”
- Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. | IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO
Be an Advocacy Sponsor
By sponsoring IIDA Southwest Chapter Advocacy specifically, you ensure your allocations are used towards Advocacy initiatives and efforts to spread the word and gain support.
Donate Directly to Our Advocacy Initiatives
Your donations allow us to stay proactive in our sustained efforts for reasonable regulation. Use the button below to donate directly to our Advocacy efforts. Every dollar counts!
Email Us at iidasw.advocacy@gmail.com or fill out the form below.
Questions or Ideas? Reach out today!
Kari Lemon, NCIDQ
Industry IIDA
VP of Advocacy
April Enzi, NCIDQ
IIDA
Director of Advocacy