In 1982, Alabama was the first state to pass a Title Act for the registration of interior designers!

The legislation was later revised in April 2010 by Governor Riley signed HB440. This is the Practice Act that Registered Interior Designers (RIDs) in Alabama operate under today. It established the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers and continued to protect the title “Registered Interior Designer.” As of 2023, Alabama is only one of two states that have legislation that includes commercial permitting privileges.

Registered Interior Designers are able to seal and submit construction documents for commercial interior projects of less than 5,000 contiguous square feet within a building of any size which has a total area of 2,500 square feet or more – as long as it is not a school, church, auditorium or other building intended for the assembly occupancy of people.

The law also allows RIDs to submit for permitting in single family residential projects of unlimited square footage and they may use the term “Registered Interior Designer” or “RID” and/or their State of Alabama registration number on any sign, card, listing, advertising, business name, stationery or in any other manner.

The Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers registers and regulates qualified individuals to practice as a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Alabama.

Key points about becoming a Registered Interior Designer after passing the NCIDQ:

Validation of Expertise:

• A license or certification signifies that you have completed rigorous education, passed a comprehensive exam and met industry standards proving your abilities to clients and employers. Registration establishes minimum competency of interior designers to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Registered interior designers have specialized education, possess qualified experience in design and must pass the NCIDQ exam for professional competency. They must also maintain a current knowledge base by participating in required continuing education each year.

• Registered Interior Designers have vast knowledge and experience of interior architecture and the construction process. Certified designers can create detailed and coordinated plans and drawings and are knowledgeable on codes, materials and infrastructure systems such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Contractors benefit from better coordinated designs and drawings and streamlined collaboration with a knowledgeable and experienced designer on their side.

Industry Advocacy:

• By registering, you contribute to the overall advancement of the interior design profession by raising the bar for quality and practice standards. High registration numbers can support efforts to strengthen interior design legislation within the state, leading to better regulations for the profession.

Increased Job Prospects and Earnings:

• Job Prospects: Many firms and projects require registered, licensed or certified designers, giving you access to a wider range of employment opportunities.
• Client Confidence: Clients are more likely to trust and hire a licensed designer, knowing they have the necessary knowledge to create safe and functional spaces.
• Professional Reputation: Certification elevates your standing within the design community and demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Being a registered interior designer elevates your professional image and sets you apart from non-registered interior designers.
• Potential for Higher Earnings: Registered interior designers may be able to command higher fees due to their recognized expertise.  In the 2021 IIDA Compensation Report, it found those with a NCIDQ, LEED or RID/CID certification reported a median salary $17,000 greater than those without.

RID Registration brings unity to our profession. Consumers are familiar with the terms registered, certified and licensed indicating competency in a field of study, accountability for work produced and a responsibility to ethical behavior.

It encourages continuing education, provides qualified mentors to new professionals and promotes confidence of ability to consumers and partner industries.

Numbers don’t lie. If we want to enhance our state’s interior design legislation, high numbers of RIDs show legislators that registration matters to the profession. Registration shows that interior designers are professionals on par with architects, landscape architects and engineers for their specific areas of expertise.