Chapter 3.9Interior Designers

Section § 5800

Explanation

This California law defines key terms related to interior design. A "Certified Interior Designer" is someone who can create detailed interior plans that require a contractor to carry out, focusing on nonstructural and nonseismic elements to enhance public safety and welfare. Their qualifications include education, experience, and exams. The law also defines an "interior design organization" as the California Council for Interior Design Certification, a nonprofit that oversees Certified Interior Designers and includes public representatives on its board.

As used in this chapter:
(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5800(a) “Certified Interior Designer” means a person who prepares and submits nonstructural or nonseismic plans consistent with Sections 5805 and 5538 to local building departments that are of sufficient complexity so as to require the skills of a licensed contractor to implement them, and who engages in programming, planning, designing, and documenting the construction and installation of nonstructural or nonseismic elements, finishes and furnishings within the interior spaces of a building, and has demonstrated by means of education, experience and examination, the competency to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 5800(b) An “interior design organization” means the California Council for Interior Design Certification (council), a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, and consists of Certified Interior Designers whose governing board includes representatives of the public.
Certified Interior Designer California Council for Interior Design Certification nonstructural plans nonseismic plans interior spaces building departments licensed contractor interior design qualifications public safety in design interior designer competency nonprofit organization
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 22. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5801

Explanation

This law explains that a Certified Interior Designer can get a special stamp from the council. This stamp will have a unique number, the designer's name, and show if they're a regular Certified Interior Designer or one with a commercial designation. To get this stamp, the designer has to prove they meet certain education, experience, and examination standards set by another statute.

A Certified Interior Designer may obtain a stamp from the council that shall include a number that uniquely identifies and bears the name of that Certified Interior Designer and identifies the individual as either a Certified Interior Designer or a Certified Interior Designer with commercial designation if the Certified Interior Designer has met the requirements pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 5811.1. The stamp certifies that the Certified Interior Designer has provided the council with evidence of meeting the education, experience, and examination requirements pursuant to Section 5811.1.
Certified Interior Designer stamp unique number name identification commercial designation council education requirements experience requirements examination requirements Section 5811.1 certification evidence submission designation verification interior design standards professional credential
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 23. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5801.1

Explanation

This section outlines that the procedure for issuing a stamp, as detailed in a related section, needs to follow specific rules about how exams are analyzed and validated. This review and validation need to happen every five to seven years.

The procedure for the issuance of a stamp by the council under Section 5801, including the examinations recognized and required by the council, shall be subject to the occupational analyses and examination validation required by Section 139 every five to seven years.
stamp issuance council examinations examination validation occupational analyses five to seven years procedure for stamp certificate examination council requirements regulatory compliance periodic validation
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 24. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5802

Explanation

In California, any plans or documents created by a Certified Interior Designer for government review must have a special stamp and the designer’s signature. These documents should clearly state that they are for interior design, not for architecture or engineering.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5802(a) All drawings, specifications, or documents prepared for submission to any government regulatory agency by any Certified Interior Designer, or under their supervision shall be affixed by a stamp, as specified in Section 5801, and signed by that Certified Interior Designer.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 5802(b) All documents shall be identified as interior design documents, which are not architectural or engineering documents.
Certified Interior Designer drawings specifications government regulatory agency stamp interior design documents architectural documents engineering documents signature submission requirements Section 5801
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 25. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5803

Explanation

If you're a Certified Interior Designer in California, you don't have to follow certain contractor regulations when your designs are part of a project that a licensed contractor will carry out.

A Certified Interior Designer, as defined in this chapter, is exempt from Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 insofar as they are designing systems for work to be performed by a licensed contractor.
Certified Interior Designer exemption licensed contractor designing systems Chapter 9 Division 3 contractor regulations work performed interior design projects California interior design licensed professionals design exemption construction collaboration
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 26. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5804

Explanation

This law makes it illegal for anyone, including Certified Interior Designers, to claim they are 'state certified' to practice interior design in any advertisements or public communications. This includes things like signs, business cards, stamps, seals, or any media.

It is an unfair business practice for any Certified Interior Designer or any other person to advertise or put out any sign or card or other device, including any stamp or seal, or to represent to the public through any print or electronic media, that the person is “state certified” to practice interior design, or to use any other words or symbols that represent to the public that the person is so certified.
unfair business practice Certified Interior Designer state certified advertising restrictions public representation interior design certification electronic media print media unauthorized claims business cards stamps seals false advertising certification misrepresentation signage
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 27. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5805

Explanation

This law section clarifies that Certified Interior Designers and others are allowed to submit interior design plans for both commercial and residential buildings to local officials. However, the officials must follow specific criteria referenced in another section, Section 5538, and consider certain standards like the California Building Standards Code and specific job titles when reviewing these plans.

Nothing in this chapter shall preclude Certified Interior Designers or any other person from submitting interior design plans for commercial or residential buildings to local building officials, except as provided in Section 5538. In exercising discretion with respect to the acceptance of interior design plans, the local building official shall reference the California Building Standards Code and the occupational title standard set forth in Section 5800.
Certified Interior Designers interior design plans commercial buildings residential buildings local building officials California Building Standards Code occupational title standard Section 5538 plan submission design plan review discretion of officials building code compliance designer qualifications building regulation design standards
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 28. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5806

Explanation

This law means that anyone can offer interior design or decorator services without restrictions from this chapter.

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit interior design or interior decorator services by any person or retail activity.
interior design interior decorator services retail activity prohibition restrictions person design services chapter regulations California Business and Professions Code
(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 333, Sec. 1. (SB 308) Effective January 1, 2014. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5807

Explanation

This law requires Certified Interior Designers in California to have a written contract with their clients before starting work. The contract must include details like the services provided, payment terms, and procedures for adding services or ending the contract. It should also have information about the designer's insurance and a clause allowing the client to cancel within three days. This contract rule doesn't apply if the services are free or if the work is for licensed architects, landscape architects, or engineers. The contract can be electronic, not just on paper.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a) A Certified Interior Designer shall use a written contract when contracting to provide interior design services to a client pursuant to this chapter. The written contract shall be executed by the Certified Interior Designer and the client, or the client’s representative, prior to the Certified Interior Designer commencing work. The written contract shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(1) A description of the services to be provided to the client by the Certified Interior Designer.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(2) A description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract and the method of payment agreed upon by the parties.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(3) The name, address, and certification number of the Certified Interior Designer and the name and address of the client.
(4)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(4) A description of the procedure that the Certified Interior Designer and the client will use to accommodate additional services.
(5)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(5) A description of the procedure to be used by any party to terminate the contract.
(6)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(6) A three-day rescission clause in accordance with Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1688) of Title 5 of Part 2 of Division 3 of the Civil Code.
(7)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(a)(7) A written disclosure stating whether the Certified Interior Designer carries errors and omissions insurance.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to any of the following:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b)(1) Interior design services rendered by a Certified Interior Designer for which the client will not pay compensation.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b)(2) Interior design services rendered by a Certified Interior Designer to any of the following:
(A)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b)(2)(A) An architect licensed under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500).
(B)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b)(2)(B) A landscape architect licensed under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 5615).
(C)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(b)(2)(C) An engineer licensed under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700).
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 5807(c) As used in this section, “written contract” includes a contract in electronic form.
Certified Interior Designer written contract interior design services compensation method of payment client information additional services procedure contract termination three-day rescission clause errors and omissions insurance non-compensated services licensed architect licensed landscape architect licensed engineer electronic contract
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 29. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5810

Explanation

This law says that the rules in this chapter will be reviewed by the Legislature's policy committees, and the chapter will be automatically canceled on January 1, 2027, unless further action is taken.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5810(a) This chapter shall be subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 5810(b) This chapter shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.
Legislature review policy committees January 1 2027 repeal automatic cancellation sunset provision chapter expiration effectiveness period termination date legislative oversight
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 311, Sec. 1. (SB 1437) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Chapter 3.9, comprising Sections 5800 to 5812.)

Section § 5811

Explanation

This section establishes the California Council for Interior Design Certification to manage and execute specific duties related to interior design. The council's meetings are governed by the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act to ensure they are open and transparent to the public. The council has the authority to adopt necessary bylaws, rules, and procedures for its operation. It can also set fees for applications, renewals, and other regulatory activities, but these fees must only cover the actual costs of their services and responsibilities.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811(a) The California Council for Interior Design Certification, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 5800, is hereby established to carry out the responsibilities and duties set forth in this chapter.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811(b) The meetings of the council issuing stamps under Section 5801 shall be subject to the rules of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811(c) The council may take reasonable actions to carry out its responsibilities and duties, as set forth in this chapter.
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811(d) The council may adopt bylaws, rules, and procedures necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
(e)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811(e) The council may establish application fees, renewal fees, and other fees related to the regulatory costs of providing services and carrying out the council’s responsibilities and duties pursuant to this chapter. These fees shall not exceed the reasonable costs to the council of providing those services and carrying out those responsibilities and duties.
California Council for Interior Design Certification interior design certification Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act open meeting rules council meetings adopt bylaws application fees renewal fees regulatory costs council responsibilities public transparency interior design regulation
(Added by renumbering Section 5811.1 by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 30. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5811.1

Explanation

If you want to become a certified interior designer, you'll need to prove that you've passed an approved exam and have the right combination of education and experience. There are several pathways to qualify, ranging from having a degree plus some work experience to having plenty of experience alone. You also need to pay the required fees. Once certified, you can get a commercial designation by fulfilling extra requirements set by the council. Your certification must be renewed every two years, and there may be additional continuing education requirements to keep your certification active.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a) The council may issue a certification to any applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that they meet all of the requirements of this chapter and who complies with the bylaws, rules, and procedures established by the council.
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1) In order to obtain a certification, an applicant shall submit an application as provided by the council and provide the council with satisfactory evidence that they meet all of the following requirements:
(A)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(A) Passage of an interior design examination approved by the council.
(B)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(B) Any of the following education and experience pathways:
(i)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(B)(i) The person is a graduate of a four- or five-year accredited interior design degree program, and has two years of diversified interior design experience.
(ii)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(B)(ii) The person has completed a three-year accredited interior design certificate program, and has completed three years of diversified interior design experience.
(iii)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(B)(iii) The person has completed a two-year accredited interior design program and has completed four years of diversified interior design experience.
(iv)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(B)(iv) The person has at least eight years of interior design education, or at least eight years of diversified interior design experience, or a combination of interior design education and diversified interior design experience that together total at least eight years.
(C)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(1)(C) All fees required by the council, as described in subdivision (e) of Section 5811, have been paid.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(a)(2) The council may issue a commercial designation to a Certified Interior Designer or qualified applicant who, in addition to the requirements in paragraph (1), passes additional interior design courses and examinations, as determined to be required by the council.
(b)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(b)
(1)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(b)(1)   Any certificate under this chapter shall be subject to renewal every two years in a manner prescribed by the council, and shall expire unless renewed in that manner. The council may provide for the late renewal of a registration.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 5811.1(b)(2) The council may require Certified Interior Designers to complete continuing education specific to the practice of interior design each two-year certification cycle.
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(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 31. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)

Section § 5812

Explanation

This law makes it wrong for someone to call themselves a 'Certified Interior Designer' or use similar titles like 'licensed' or 'registered' unless they actually have the proper certification. If they don't have that certification, using these terms is considered a misleading business practice.

It is an unfair business practice for any person to represent or hold themselves out as, or to use the title “Certified Interior Designer” or any other term, such as “licensed,” “registered,” or “CID,” that implies or suggests that the person is certified as an interior designer when they do not hold a valid certification as provided in Sections 5800 and 5801.
Certified Interior Designer unfair business practice misleading title interior designer certification imply certification unlicensed claim title misuse CID representation valid certification certified licensed registered certification requirements
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 723, Sec. 32. (SB 816) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 5810.)