Alaska is advancing legislation to regulate interior designers and extend oversight to landscape architects, aiming to enhance public safety and professional standards.
Senate Bill 73 (SB 73), introduced by Senators Claman and Bishop, seeks to establish requirements for the practice of registered interior design. The bill proposes renaming the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors to the State Board of Registration for Design Professionals, thereby encompassing interior designers. This change would allow registered interior designers to work independently on non-structural elements, occupant planning, and code compliance, without the need for an architect or engineer. The legislation is designed to be cost-neutral and is expected to positively impact the state’s economy. (akleg.gov)
In parallel, Senate Bill 110 (SB 110) aims to extend regulation to landscape architects. The bill proposes amendments to the existing statutes to include landscape architects under the purview of the State Board of Registration for Design Professionals. This move is intended to ensure that landscape architects meet specific educational, training, and experience requirements, thereby enhancing public safety and the quality of landscape architectural services in Alaska. (akleg.gov)
Both bills have undergone committee reviews and are progressing through the legislative process. If enacted, these regulations would align Alaska with national standards for design professionals, ensuring that practitioners possess the necessary qualifications to safeguard public health and safety.
The proposed legislation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of professional standards in design fields and a commitment to protecting the public through regulated practices.
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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
