What is an interior designer?

What this means for your home project

1. Write down your needs for the interior project so you can raise unclear points with the designer. Source: New York State Education Department, read 2026-11-05.
2. Request a written scope naming the work, completed drawings or other products, and work schedule; compare these items in the reply. Source: New York State Education Department, read 2026-11-05.
3. For a New York project with a certified interior designer, inspect original final design documents for the designer’s handwritten signature under section 8302. Source: New York State Education Department, read 2026-11-05.
4. If the furniture cost concerns you, request a list of furnishing alternatives from the designer to review. Source: ASID Minnesota, read 2026-11-05.

What does an interior designer do?

Use BLS guidance (read 2026-11-05) to identify which design documents and room expertise to include in your interior design scope. “Some interior designers produce designs, plans, and drawings for construction and installation.” (source) “These products may include information for construction and demolition, electrical layouts, and building permits.” (source) “Kitchen and bath designers specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and have expert knowledge of cabinet, fixture, appliance, plumbing, and electrical solutions for these rooms.” (source)

What should I expect as a client of a certified interior designer?

For New York projects, NYSED guidance (read 2026-11-05) identifies what to request before comparing a designer’s proposed work and final documents. “You should expect to be provided with: a description of the designer's qualifications; names of former clients as references; a clear and complete description of the work that will be done and the products that will be delivered; a project schedule, including terms of payment; and, final plans, specifications and reports that contain the signature of the certified interior designer.” (source) “All original final interior design documents, plans and specifications, prepared by a certified interior designer or by a full-time or part-time subordinate employed under his or her supervision, shall be manually signed by the certified interior designer.” (source)

What can I do to ensure a good professional relationship with my certified interior designer?

Use NYSED consumer guidance for New York (read 2026-11-05) to turn your priorities into a shared project agreement. “Make your needs known as clearly as possible; ask questions if you are unsure about any elements of the project.” (source) “It is also in your best interest to have a written contract that contains the following: description of the work to be done; work schedule; a description of the completed products, including drawings, schedules and data; and the amount and terms of payment of the designer's compensation.” (source)

Are client records confidential?

NYSED consumer guidance (read 2026-11-05) explains what New York clients can expect when a certified interior designer handles their project information. “New York certified interior designers are required by the Rules of the Board of Regents to keep confidential any personally identifiable facts, data or information obtained in a professional capacity unless the client has given prior consent to release this information.” (source)

Do I need an architect or interior designer?

Check New York Education Law section 8303 in NYSED guidance (read 2026-11-05) before assigning architectural work to an interior designer. “Pursuant to Sections 8301 and 8303 of the Education Law, interior design work is not, and cannot be, architectural or engineering work.” (source)

What affects the cost of an interior designer?

Use ASID Minnesota guidance (read 2026-11-05) to review the furnishing choices and project changes behind your interior design scope. “Items such as antiques or custom-made furniture, and modifications that involve altering or moving load-bearing walls or beams will significantly increase the cost of your project, as will requesting changes mid-project or making excessive demands on the designer’s time.” (source)

Sources

• Interior Designers: Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; read 2026-11-05.
• Consumer Information for Interior Design — New York State Education Department; published 2009-05-19; read 2026-11-05.
• Education Law Article 161: Interior Design — New York State Education Department; read 2026-11-05.
• Architects and Interior Design: Practice Guidelines — New York State Education Department; read 2026-11-05.
• Costs and Fees — ASID Minnesota; read 2026-11-05.