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7)
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ARE CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNERS STATE CERTIFIED? (B&P Code Section 5800(b)
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No. The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) is a private nonprofit corporation and is responsible for
certifying interior designers. The certification process in California is a public/private partnership, as directed by the Business and Professions Code, Section 5800.
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Anyone may use the term Interior designer. However, their qualifications for professional practice are unknown. If they are not a
Certified Interior Designer, they may not have the knowledge and ability to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
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8)
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MAY A CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER ACT AS A GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND HIRE SUBCONTRACTORS FOR PROJECTS? (B&P Code Section 5803)
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No. The Certified Interior Designer would have to hold a valid contractors license in order to hire subcontractors and/or perform
contracting work. Certified Interior Designers prepare designs for work to be performed by licensed contractors.
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9)
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MAY CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNERS DESIGN HANDICAP ACCESS SYSTEMS?
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Yes. Certified Interior Designers are required to pass a building and barrier free codes exam to demonstrate proficiency in
handicap access and other code requirements.
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They are recognized by Section 5800(a) to have ...”demonstrated by means of education, experience, and examination the competency to protect
and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the public.”
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10)
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MAY CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER PLANS INCLUDE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DRAWINGS?
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Yes, if the mechanical and electrical elements have been prepared and stamped by a licensed mechanical or electrical engineer or
architect.
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11)
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HOW CAN I FIND A CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER FOR MY PROJECT?
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You can find a Certified Interior Designer by searching The CID Pages on our Web site or by contacting us for a
list of names in your area. Certified Interior Designers have the education, training, and experience to guide you through the entire design process from helping define the initial project goals, to meeting cost and
time budgets. A certified professional can actually save you considerable time and expense by knowing how to get the most out of your design budget, and by avoiding costly mistakes. Fees for certified interior
designers are very competitive in the marketplace.
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12)
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WHAT ARE THE PROPER FEE STANDARDS AND BILLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A PROJECT?
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There is no single set of industry fee standards for interior design, so during the interview process, you’ll want to make sure
you ask the designer questions (sample questions follow):
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- Billing method: How will the designer charge for professional services? Is it a fixed fee, or one based on square footage? Is it an
hourly rate? If hourly rates apply, then what is the hourly billing rate, and what is the estimated number of hours for your job? If applicable, also be sure to ask about billing rates for travel time, and any
other reimbursable expenses. Ask for a signed contract.
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- Be aware that some interior designers, certified or not, may purchase goods, and may include with their professional fees a markup on
items (such as furnishings, window and wall treatments, floor coverings, hardware, etc.) purchased on your behalf. As work progresses, you are entitled to an itemized list of these goods, including the total
price. Also, in this case, a Certified Interior Designer is required by the CCIDC Code of Ethics to disclose to the client the billing method used.
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Some interior designers provide professional design services only, and are not involved in the actual purchase of items for a
project. In this case, the designer would charge only for design services and other reimbursable expenses, but should help you locate and coordinate suppliers or other resources for obtaining the necessary
merchandise for your project.
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While determining which billing method the interior designer uses, establish a budget together. Ask to see a copy of the
designers project contract, and verify your payment responsibilities as listed in the contract. Before signing, make sure you understand it. If you have questions, ask!
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Terms: What will be the payment schedule for the project? If the proposed schedule doesn’t meet your needs, negotiate a
reasonable compromise.
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13)
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH THE CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER I HIRED?
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Following these procedures will greatly reduce the chance for any misunderstanding. However, should any problems arise, you
should openly and candidly discuss the problem with your designer. If you are still having difficulty solving the problem, contact us at CCIDC. We can often suggest solutions, or act as a resource until the problem
has been solved satisfactorily. If necessary, we can determine whether the designer in question has violated the CCIDC Code of Ethics or our Rules and Regulations. The CCIDC has the duty and authority to investigate
alleged violations by its Certified Interior Designers, and, in extreme cases, to even revoke their certification if warranted.
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For your convenience, there is a complaint form in this guide or on our Web site at www.ccidc.org
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