Who Should I Hire?
The California Architect and Engineer Practice Act mandates certain work be prepared, designed,
signed, and stamped by an Engineer or Architect for the project. Owners, contractors, and/
or designers may prepare and sign plans for remodeling work on, or the new construction of, a
single family dwelling of wood frame construction not more than two stories in height with spans
between bearing walls not exceeding 25 feet.
What is a CID (Certified Interior Designer)?
A Certified Interior Designer (CID) can help you create a commercial or residential environment that is safe, healthy, cost-effective and attractive.
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE
SECTION 5800-5812
As used in this chapter:
(a) “Certified interior designer” means a person who prepares and
submits nonstructural or nonseismic plans consistent with Sections
5805 and 5538 to local building departments that are of sufficient
complexity so as to require the skills of a licensed contractor to
implement them, and who engages in programming, planning, designing,
and documenting the construction and installation of nonstructural or
nonseismic elements, finishes and furnishings within the interior
spaces of a building, and has demonstrated by means of education,
experience and examination, the competency to protect and enhance the
health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To learn more about the Certified Interior Designer’s Law, visit CCIDC.
What is the difference between a Decorator and an Interior Designer?
Although there is no restriction on the use of the title “Interior Decorator” or “Interior Designer” in California, there is a difference in the inference of the title amongst the profession.
Interior Decorator
An “Interior Decorator” is someone who primarily deals with colors, finishes, and furniture and typically stays within the residential boundary of interiors. Typically they might charge a fee for their creative services such as laying out the furniture in a room, or putting together different colors and finishes in order to create several palettes from which the client can choose. In most cases a decorator will charge a “mark-up” on all the products they sell to you. This mark-up can vary wildly, anywhere from 20% to 50% in some cases. Most decorators are reluctant to prepare a formal contract or letter of agreement spelling out what the services are that they are going to provide, and how much they are going to charge.
Interior Designer
An “Interior Designer” is someone who can complete an interior design project from start to finish, including preparing construction documents for bidding and permitting, as well as supervising the construction and installation of the work. This person in essence becomes your agent to deal with local building codes and building departments, and licensed contractors. They have the expertise to handle all of these different players, whereas you may not, or may not have the time or inclination.
Interior designers cover all types of projects from commercial (offices, medical facilities, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, retirement and nursing facilities, to name a few) to residential. Typically an interior designer has a lot of education and experience, as well as possibly having sat for one or more examinations in order to test their competency and to attain state recognition of their profession.
Again, just because someone uses the title “Interior Designer”, it doesn’t mean they are any more qualified than an “Interior Decorator”, or any one who chooses to use either title irrespective of their qualifications or experience, which may be none at all.
The only guarantee that the person you are hiring is qualified in some way or another is to hire someone who is a “Certified Interior Designer”, a title that is written in to the California Business and Professions Code and protected by law to prevent anyone using the title that has not complied with the law.
What is the typical process for design services?
PROCESS:
A typical commercial or residential remodel follows the following steps during design and construction:
*Programming Phase
*Schematic Design
*Design Development
*Contract Documents
*Contract Administration
Every project is unique and may or may not require services in each phase of the project. We will review with you in detail what is necessary for your project requirements.
What if I end up needing an architect, structural engineer, contractor, landscape architect, etc.?
No problem! We have numerous connections and resources to pull for you.
How do I learn more about the cost of your services?
Simply send us a message on our CONTACT page or call us at 415.637.9466.