Licensed interior designers would seal final technical documents in Missouri

Licensed interior designers could plan covered indoor changes and would seal final technical documents they prepare or personally supervise. Covered projects change a room’s function or layout, or its permanent fixtures or equipment, inside a proposed or existing building. Designers must have the education, training, and experience needed for the technical work they take on. Licensed interior design work excludes structural and exterior changes, building systems, and certain exit and fire safety work.

The state design licensing board would handle interior designer applications and set education rules for renewing or restoring licenses. These rules cover people seeking, renewing, or restoring a Missouri interior designer license. Others may offer interior design services without claiming the licensed title. Applicants using the exam path must pass an approved exam and have an accredited interior design degree plus two or four years of experience, depending on the degree. Missouri licensed architects may qualify through another path. Applicants with a board-approved curriculum or transcript need not provide separate proof of a listed degree and experience path. Renewal education rules must be much like those for architects.

Missouri’s design licensing board would take over the Interior Design Council’s duties and money. The 17-member state design licensing board would include two licensed interior designers. The governor must appoint the first two licensed interior designer members, and the Senate must confirm them before the transfer. The council’s rules would remain in effect until the board changes them. The transfer would occur when both first designer members are appointed and confirmed. The board must revise, amend, or repeal the council’s rules by January 1, 2027.