The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is seeking passage of Practice legislation to regulate the practice of interior design in Ontario. Although only ARIDO members can legally call themselves interior designers in Ontario, there is no law to prevent unqualified persons from practicing interior design. At present, members of ARIDO voluntarily join the Association and agree to meet strict professional requirements and adhere to standards of practice and a code of ethics, but there is currently no legal requirement for persons offering interior design services to belong to ARIDO or to meet its standards.
The purpose of this legislation is to protect public health and safety by limiting the practice of interior design to those persons having specific interior design education, experience, examination and other regulatory requirements.
Although there is a law protecting the title interior designer, there is currently no law to prevent an unqualified person from practicing interior design in the province of Ontario as long as they do not call themselves an interior designer. This can confuse the public. If passed, practice legislation would authorize ARIDO to establish standards for competency and ensure that all persons practicing interior design meet those standards.
Consumers would benefit from this proposed legislation that:
Seven provinces in Canada, including Ontario, have Titles Act legislation for interior designers. In May 2003, Nova Scotia became the first province to pass the Interior Design Act, authorizing the self-regulation of the profession and limiting the practice of interior design to qualified interior designers. In the United States there are 26 states with legislation in place that regulates the practice of interior design.
Ontario, with the largest number of interior designers in Canada and one of the 10 largest centres for interior design in North America, needs to continue to be a leader in the regulation of the interior design profession.
ARIDO has widespread support for a Practice Act and has consulted extensively with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including the Ontario Association of Architects and the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
Did you know that, in Ontario, the designation "Interior Designer" is restricted by law, as is the designation "ARIDO"? Bill Pr6, an Act respecting the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, gives only Registered ARIDO members the legal right to call themselves interior designers and to use "ARIDO" after their name. Other ARIDO members may identify themselves as such according to their type of membership: i.e. ARIDO Intern, ARIDO Educator, ARIDO Affiliate, and ARIDO Industry Ally. Should you wish to confirm that an individual is a Registered Member of ARIDO, simply call or email us with your questions. We will be happy to check our registry during business hours and let you know. Please be advised that the Association will take all necessary legal steps to protect the title "Interior Designer" and ensure non-authorized parties do not use this designation or "ARIDO" behind their names.