License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Interior Designer
Highlights
License required in 4 states
1st most burdensome licensing requirements
78th most heavily regulated occupation
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Definition
Interior designers plan, design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. They formulate design that is practical, aesthetic and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise or improving life style.
Summary
Only the District of Columbia and three states, Nevada, Louisiana and Florida, require interior designers to obtain licenses, and Florida's license is limited to interior designers working on commercial spaces. However, the process for obtaining a license in these jurisdictions is the most onerous of all the occupations studied. Applicants are forced to undergo six years of education and apprenticeship and pass an exam before they can go into business.
