FAQ

  • An Interior Designer is an individual who has been trained to identify, research and creatively solve problems pertaining to the development of an interior environment, and who possesses the knowledge and skills to implement these solutions. Interior Designers apply their expertise of Design and the built environment to solving problems at the interior scale and at the level of direct human experience. 

    These skills include, but are not limited to:

    • programming

    • needs analysis

    • site inspection and analysis

    • budgeting

    • preparation of schematic drawings

    • space planning

    • application of building codes and regulations

    • interior architectural detailing

    • equipment planning and coordination

    • materials research and specification

    • furniture/furnishings specification and coordination

    • preparation of design intent drawings

    • engineering coordination, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing

    • preparation of construction documents, including drawings and specifications

    • permitting (when applicable)

    • construction administration; including site inspection, drawing review and coordination with the construction trades

    • post occupancy evaluation 

  • It will safeguard the public by creating accountability.  Consumers will know they’re working with qualified, responsible professionals utilizing the latest information regarding health, safety, and welfare and who have met specific, nationally accepted standards of minimum competency, including education (university and continuing education), experience and examination (NCIDQ).

  • No.  Oklahoma law does not prevent anyone from providing interior design services.  Licensure is optional for those who wish to work on code-regulated projects. For those who want to continue practicing Interior Design within the restrictions of current legal definitions there are no changes. 

  • No.  The licensure of Interior Designers does not create any new regulations; it allows qualified professionals to increase their scope of practice and work within an already-regulated environment. 

  • Professional level programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) voluntarily place themselves before the scrutiny of the profession to ensure that students receive an education that will serve them not only during their time at school, but also prepare them for future professional growth. Students enrolled in an accredited interior design program can be confident that the program meets the quality standards recognized by the profession.

    • Oklahoma Christian University, OKC, OK - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

    • Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK - Bachelor of Science

    • University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK - Bachelor of Fine Arts

    • University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK - Bachelor of Interior Design

  • As of September 2022, interior design candidates shall apply directly to CIDQ to begin testing. Upon completing the examination and satisfying the training requirements as stated in section 55:10-5 of the Acts & Rules of the Oklahoma Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Licensed Interior Designers, the candidate shall submit and initial application for registration with the Board.

OIDC Capitol Day, 2024

QUESTIONS ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING TASK FORCE FOR OKLAHOMA’S INTERIOR DESIGNERS

What is the Occupational Licensing Task Force?

In December 2016, Governor Fallin called for the formation of the Occupational Licensing Task Force to study occupational licensing in Oklahoma and to provide recommendations by December 2017.

How should I talk about interior design licensure in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a voluntary licensure of highly qualified interior designers. Anyone may enter the profession; anyone may call themselves an interior designer. Only those registered with the state may call themselves “Licensed Interior Designer.”

What is the compelling public interest for interior design registration?

The compelling public interest for interior design licensure is that interior design requires knowledge and training to design building and safety compliant commercial interior spaces. Interior designers know guidelines and codes such as: IBC, NFPA, ANSI, and ADA codes, as well as, FGI guidelines for healthcare design and construction. 

Who is on the Task Force?

The task force includes two state senators, two state representatives, representatives from various state agencies, and members from non-government organizations.

Does the state provide any oversight over interior design regulation?

Yes, the state legislature provides oversight over the joint board of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design through approving new or revised rules and regulations.  Additionally, the interior design licensure law has a regular sunset view, which allows the state to review the necessity of the law.

Are there anti-trust issues with interior design registration?

Since interior design regulation is controlled under a board that also regulates architecture and landscape architecture, anti-trust issues are not in question for the practice of interior design.

What actions have been taken to protect Oklahoma’s Interior Design Registration?

IIDA Headquarters, IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter, and the Oklahoma Interior Design Coalition are working together with a lobbying firm, A&A Advocates, to monitor the situation. Additionally, the task force created a draft blueprint for occupational licensing, which has been completed and submitted to the task force.

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