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Pennsylvania State Senate
04/30/2024 11:10 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20230&cosponId=41720
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: November 9, 2023 02:50 PM
From: Senator Frank A. Farry
To: All Senate members
Subject: Continued Education for Architects and Certified Interior Designers
 
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would require continuing education for architects and certified interior designers. The American Institute of Architects of Pennsylvania (AIA PA) and The Interior Design Coalition of Pennsylvania (IDLCPA) have worked together to come to develop this legislation and support this legislation.
 
Currently, there are no mandatory continuing education requirements for architects in the Commonwealth. I am seeking to amend the Architects Licensure Law by adding language that requires each licensee to provide certification of successful completion of a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education as a condition for the biennial license renewal. Architects, who are licensed professionals in the Commonwealth, play a crucial role in ensuring public health, safety, and welfare by effectively utilizing planning and design concepts, adhering to building codes, and incorporating innovative materials and technologies. These tools and innovations are rapidly evolving, making continuing education essential to stay up-to-date.

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that do not require architects to meet continuing education requirements to keep them current on construction codes, techniques, and materials, which ultimately safeguard and enhance the quality of life for building occupants in Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, this legislation aims to formally recognize interior designers in the Commonwealth who meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements. It will allow them to provide interior design services as Certified Interior Designers (C.I.D.). Interior designers who have passed the CIDQ's examination and hold an NCIDQ certification may obtain the title of Certified Interior Designer (C.I.D.) and will be governed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Board of Architecture and the Architecture statute.  Additionally, Certified Interior Designers will have a representative on the Pennsylvania Board of Architecture and will be required to, upon renewal, complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education, half of which must be in the subject areas of health, safety, and welfare.   

This legislation will also amend provisions in regulations and laws that currently prohibit interior designers from receiving compensation for space planning, thereby enabling Certified Interior Designers to receive payment for their work.

These issues have existed within these professions for years and it is great that both of these noble professions have worked together to find comprehensive solutions to issues within this industry.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this critical legislation for the design profession and for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth.