Resources & FAQs

The current law is a Title Act. This is a voluntary certification that gives interior designers who meet state requirements the right to call themselves a “Certified Interior Designer”. It does not allow for permitting privileges. Being certified with the state distinguishes your skill set from others as a professional who is educated on designing code compliant spaces. The term “Interior Designer” in New York is not regulated, meaning anyone can call themselves an interior designer, but not a “Certified Interior Designer.”  

8301 Use of the title “Certified Interior Designer”.

Only a person certified pursuant to this article may use the title “certified interior designer”. Authorization contained within this article to use the title “certified interior designer” shall not be construed to permit the practice of engineering, as described in article one hundred forty-five of this title, or the practice of architecture, as described in article one hundred forty-seven of this title, by persons not otherwise authorized to engage in such practices.

For additional information: NYS Interior Design

Under Tax Bulletin ST-400 (TB-ST-400), sales and use taxes apply to interior design and interior decorating services. In summary, design services requiring free-standing furniture, artwork or staging are taxable. Space planning services without a building permit required are taxable. For clients who are tax exempt (not for profit, etc.), sales tax does not apply.

Tax Law Quick Guide: 

(This is based on IIDANY’s interpretation of the law and is meant as a broad overview only. All services should be reviewed with a legal professional.)

• Services that may not be taxable:
  • Programming, “furnish ability” plans to verify program fits within the space, or floor plans/designs on a project requiring a building permit is not taxable if done by an architect or an interior designer working with an architect.
  • Design aesthetic selections and direction under Masterspec Divisions that are governed by the New York State Uniform Fire Protection and Building Code on a project requiring a building permit is not taxable if done by an architect or an interior designer working with an architect.
• Services that may be taxable no matter what your profession:
  • Services that do not require a building permit.
  • Using the term “space planning” and the project doesn’t require a building permit.
  • Renderings for projects that are in the feasibility stage and do not require a building permit.
  • When lighting selections are made and the project doesn’t require a building permit.
  • Repair, maintenance, or servicing of real property, such as the repainting or wallcovering of existing interior spaces – selections for a project not requiring a building permit.
  • When free-standing furniture, artwork, or staging is provided whether a building permit is required or not.

Refer to the Tax Law

www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/inte_deco_and_design_serv.htm

No, the State does not currently require continuing education. Professional and Associate members of IIDA have continuing education requirements. Refer to the Academy FAQ: CEUs and Continuing Education section for more information NCIDQ Certificate holders and ASID members have their own requirements.

Keeping your NCIDQ certificate active (renewed) provides you with the opportunity to use the appellation “NCIDQ”. Use the NCIDQ appellation to display your professionalism, expertise, and commitment. Be included in a searchable public directory of NCIDQ Certified interior designers, available to prospective clients. A current certificate holder can obtain proof of exam passage by contacting CIDQ and requesting the documentation to submit with their registration application. Have your verified information provided to any regulatory board you wish. If your certificate is not current you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to obtain documentation.

For more information please visit: https://www.cidq.org/certificate-renewal

Current Legislative Objectives

• Increase the number of Certified Interior Designers in our State
• Align New York State interior design education requirements with those of CIDQ
• Reduce our New York State Interior Design Application and Renewal Fees to be closer in line with the national average

Grassroots Efforts

• We continuously work to inform and educate the public, clients, colleagues and legislators about the issues surrounding the interior design profession. This includes providing information on Interior Design vs. Interior Decoration: educating and explaining what our profession encompasses and how we protect the health, safety and welfare of occupants.
• Continue to collaborate with our fellow AIA and PE colleagues. Certified Interior Designers are looking to legally practice what we are educated, trained, and qualified to do, and not beyond that.

Long Term Objectives

• Elimination and/or clarification of the Interior Decorating and Design Services Sales Tax
• Inclusion of Certified Interior Designers as “Design Professionals”, permitting Certified Interior Designers to own a majority of a design professional service corporation
• Passage of a Voluntary Title Act, defining the practice of interior design, including Stamp and Seal privileges.

• Work on your elevator speech – what does an interior designer do? 
• Take the NCIDQ exam and become a Certified Interior Designer in New York
• Become a member of IIDA 
  • Become a committee member for advocacy in NYS
  • Attend and plan advocacy events
• Become an advocate by joining the Phone2Action campaign and tell at least three other colleagues, clients, friends, and family members to join
  • Phone2Action – Text IIDA to 52886
• Become familiar with the state interior design laws and know the issues interior designers face
• Know who your state and local legislators are (remember they care about their constituents!)
  • Follow them on social media
  • Build a relationship with your legislator

For more information or to get involved in the IIDANY Advocacy Committee contact [email protected]