Did you know...
An interior decorator is not an interior designer.
Interior designers are technical, educated, and credentialed professionals who create safe, functional, and accessible interiors.
Interior decorating is often more a hobby than a job and focuses on aesthetics.
The regulation of the title "Interior Designer" is considered unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
All states regulate architecture, and the title "Architect."
In most states, an interior architecture degree does not allow use of the title "Interior Architect."
Many states reserve the use of the titles “architectural designer” and "design professional" for registered architects.
Only 36% of universities with accredited architecture degree programs also have an accredited interior design program.
The exam for interior designers is a 3-part, 11 hour exam covering interiors regulations. Interior design education and 2 years of work experience are required.
The exam for architects is a 6-part, 20 hour exam covering a range of regulations. 2 years of work experience is required. Educational requirements vary.
There are over 38,000 active NCIDQ certificate holders, most of whom are women.
There are over 120,000 licensed architects, most of whom are men.
Most interior designers are required to pay an architect or an engineer to stamp and sign their drawings.
From 1995 to 2021, the AIA openly opposed interior design legislation.
ASID and IIDA, leading interior design organizations, offer the top-tier membership to both NCIDQ designers and licensed architects.
AIA, the most well-known organization for architects, offers the top-tier membership to licensed architects only.
There is growing support for "reasonable" regulation, meaning no restriction on the title "interior designer" or practicing "interior design.”
Interior design has been stolen.
(and no, it's not ai.)
Learn the facts.
Hire accordingly.
Support equal regulation.
Meet Scrib - GTM's mascot. Scrib is a fictional animal character that looks similar to a monkey in detective clothing. Scrib first pops out on the right side of the screen with a magnifying glass then disappears off screen. Scrib then jumps into view and introduces itself as the Green Tape Measure's fact checker. Scrib then has a thought bubble that says: Reasonable regulation? Sounds like deregulation.
TM
The Green Tape Measure (GTM) is a research organization dedicated to improving work environments and expanding job opportunities for qualified interior designers in the United States while also protecting the health, safety, and welfare (HSW) of the public.
GTM believes that aligning public perception with facts will increase support for regulation and achieve our mission.
Use the arrow buttons to see the next or previous definition.
Drag a job title to where it says “place job title here”.
Screen reader users: use the dropdown menus under each definition.
A licensed architect who practices interior design.
place job title here
Designs interiors that are safe and functional. Education and certification are common but not legally required.
place job title here
Designs buildings. Requires a license.
place job title here
Furnishes a space with fashionable or attractive items. No education or experience is needed.
place job title here
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GTM offers one-on-one virtual lessons!
Our instructor has been teaching since 2017:
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Are you an NCIDQ designer with a workplace story? Let us know! Our YouTube* channel will feature 5 minute long animated stories. Stay tuned for more!
Participate in GTM's yearly survey
Email GTM, and we will send you a link in October 2026. The survey closes in December with results shared in February.
Share your work
Interior design is more than just furniture selections. Help us prove this by showcasing your work on our Instagram* page.
*Please note that our social media platforms are currently under construction and not final.
Have a fact to share? Contact GTM with the details.
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Last updated: 28 August 2025
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Last updated: 28 August 2025