The bill seeks to enhance the profession of commercial interior design by amending various sections of the General Laws. It introduces a new definition for "Designer," encompassing individuals and entities involved in architecture, landscape architecture, registered commercial interior design, or engineering, with specific registration requirements based on the entity type. The term "Interior Designer" is replaced with "Commercial Interior Designer," emphasizing their role in nonstructural interior elements of buildings, contingent upon obtaining a nationally-recognized certification. The bill also establishes a designer selection board and a board of registration for commercial interior designers, detailing their composition, appointment, and responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill outlines the registration process for commercial interior designers, which includes passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam and completing continuing education courses. It sets regulations for the practice, including the issuance of a certificate of registration and the use of a professional seal, while also providing for disciplinary actions against registered designers. Provisional registration is introduced for individuals with at least 10 years of experience, allowing them a three-year period to pass the NCIDQ exam for full registration. The bill ensures accountability and professional standards within the field, while also allowing for the re-issuance of registrations and maintaining a publicly available roster of registered designers.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7C-44