New Massachusetts Law Favors Interior Designers in State Projects

A new Massachusetts law, which will take effect on November 21, 2014, recognizes the rights of interior designers in the state. The Interior Design Bidding Bill or Bill H.4303 signed by Governor Deval Patrick allows interior designers to bid as prime contractors in state contracts.

ASID Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Don Davis said, “This is a monumental victory not only for the members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), but also for the profession as a whole.”

Davis explained that with this law, professional designers will have the opportunity to expand their business and use their skills in participating in state-initiated designs and construction projects. Davis also said that this will inevitably help the economy of the state.

The organization and its members played a crucial role in removing the limiting and obsolete restrictions which prevented interior designers in Massachusetts from competing for works which require state codes. Before the legislation, Massachusetts was the only state which specifically forbade interior designers from participating in state-project bids. Similar laws in 29 other states follow this provision along with the US General Services Administration (GSA).

“ASID has been working toward designer rights in Massachusetts for 25 years. The passage of the Interior Design Bidding Law is an important first step and one we hope will lay the groundwork for other states in the region to follow suit,” remarked ASID President and CEO Randy Fiser.

From November 21, designers who meet the set of criteria stipulated in the legislation will have the right to bid on state projects in Massachusetts. Designers who have an interior design degree and a certification by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) will be considered eligible. The qualifications based on the designer’s experience and work portfolio will be determined by the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. The department is responsible in monitoring state buildings and facilities. Davis cited that none of the other states have pushed for this kind of legislation although many are pursuing regulations on taxation and professional practice.