Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 46 - PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS
Part XLIII - Interior Designers
Chapter 10 - Use of Term
Section XLIII-1001 - Limitation of Use of Term

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code XLIII-1001

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

A. Only those who are a registered interior designer licensed by the board may use the appellation registered interior designer or the plural thereof in advertising or in business usage when referring to themselves or services to be rendered.

B. Definitions. The purpose of this Section is to clarify the definition of a registered interior designer and to restate the definition of the practice of interior design. The primary purpose of a registered interior designer is to protect the public and to adhere to the Life Safety Codes, requirements of the Americans with Disability Act, and other building codes, statutes and ordinances which may apply to the interior spaces of a structure.

Board-the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Interior Designers.

Interior Design-includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination as required by statute, to protect and enhance the health, life safety and welfare of the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks.

a. Interior design includes but is not limited to space planning, finishes, furnishings, and the design for fabrication of nonstructural elements within and surrounding interior spaces of buildings.

b. Interior design specifically excludes the design of or the responsibility for architectural and engineering work, as defined by those occupations' organic statutes.

c. In all other matters interior designers are entitled to do all those things itemized in the practice of interior design stated below.

Interior Design Document-detailed drawings and specifications sealed and signed by a registered interior designer in accordance with applicable current building codes, ordinances, laws and regulations that define the work to be constructed in such form as is required for approval of a construction permit by a building official or fire marshal. Such document may be combined with documents prepared under the responsible control, seal and signature of other registered or licensed professionals.

Non-Structural or Non-Seismic -interior elements or components that are not load-bearing or do not assist in the seismic design and do not require design computations for a building's structure. It excludes the structural frame supporting a building. Common non-structural elements or components include, but are not limited to, ceiling and partition systems. These elements employ normal and typical bracing conventions and are not part of the structural integrity of the building.

Partition-a wall which does not support a vertical load of a structure other than its own weight, but may support loads attached to it such as cabinetry, shelving or grab bars, and does not extend further than from the floor of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy, to the underside of the deck of that structure.

Practice of Interior Design-

a. the rendering of services to enhance the quality and function of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy. The term includes:
i. an analysis of a client's needs and goals for an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy and the requirements for safety relating to that area;

ii. the formulation of preliminary designs for an interior area designed for human habitation or occupancy that are appropriate, functional, and code compliant;

iii. the confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines;

iv. the selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements;

v. the development and presentation of final design documents that are appropriate for the alteration or construction of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy;

vi. the collaboration with licensed professionals in preparation of interior design contract documents for the alteration or construction of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy, including specifications for partitions, materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment;

vii. the collaboration with licensed professionals in the completion of a project for the alteration or construction of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy;

viii. the preparation and administration of bids or contracts as the agent of a client;

ix. the review and evaluation of problems relating to the design of a project for the alteration or construction of an area designed for human habitation or occupancy during the alteration or construction and upon completion of the alteration or construction;

x. preparing interior design documents reflecting space planning, finishes, furnishings, and the design for fabrication of nonstructural interior construction within interior spaces of buildings; reflected ceiling plan and location of teledata and electrical outlets;

xi. preparing interior design documents in accordance with life safety of proposed or modification of existing nonstructural and non-engineered elements of construction such as partitions, doors, stairways, and paths of egress connecting to exits or exit ways; and

xii. modification of existing building construction so as to alter the number of persons for which the egress systems of the building are designed;

b. encompasses the ability to submit documents required for the issuance of building permits or other construction documents, either by the registered interior designer alone or in collaboration with other licensed design professionals responsible for structural, mechanical, electrical, or life safety systems. This includes those systems, such as sprinklers, fire alarms, special locking, or cooking hood suppression, that require a review by the professional of record prior to submittal.

Programming-the scope of work which includes, but is not limited to:

a. conducting research;

b. identifying and analyzing the needs and goals of the client and/or occupant(s) of the space;

c. evaluating existing documentation and conditions;

d. assessing project resources and limitations;

e. identifying life, safety and code requirements; and

f. developing project schedules and budgets.

Reflected Ceiling Plan-a ceiling design that illustrates a ceiling as if it was projected downward and may include lighting and other code compliant elements.

Registered Interior Designer-a person who has received a certificate of registration pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.

Space Planning-the analysis, programming, or preparation of design to meet special requirements, including preliminary space layouts, placement of partitions, furniture and equipment, and final planning in accordance with life safety codes.

Specifications-the detailed written description of construction, workmanship and materials of the work to be undertaken.

Sustainability-the use of resources in such a way that they are not depleted; a method of practice or use of materials that is capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:3171 and R.S. 37:3176.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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