Experience Requirements

(1) Except as provided by T.C.A. § 62-2-905 (registration without examination), the experience requirements for an applicant for registration as a registered interior designer shall be those prescribed in T.C.A. § 62-2-904 (registration with examination). (2) For purposes of T.C.A. § 62-2-904(a), and this rule, “diversified interior design experience” shall mean that the applicant has been engaged in three (3) or more of the following activities of enhancing the function and quality of interior space: (a) Analysis of a client’s needs, goals, and life safety requirements for the interior space of a structure; (b) Integration of findings with knowledge of interior design; (c) Formulation of preliminary design concepts that are appropriate, functional and aesthetic; INTERIOR DESIGNERS CHAPTER 0120-04 (d) Development and presentation of final design recommendations through presentation media; (e) Preparation of working drawings and specifications for non-load-bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures and equipment; (f) Collaboration with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design required for regulatory approval; (g) Preparation and administration of bids and contract documents as the client’s agent; and (h) Review and evaluation of design solutions during implementation and upon completion. (3) An applicant shall have worked at least one thousand six hundred (1,600) hours in a calendar year to obtain credit for a year’s worth of diversified interior design experience under the provisions of T.C.A. § 62-2-904(a). (4) Interior design teaching with full-time faculty status in a college or university offering an approved interior design curriculum of four (4) years or more may be considered, at the discretion of the Board, as diversified interior design experience. (5) Diversified interior design experience shall be demonstrated to the Board by the applicant who shall furnish the following: (a) An affidavit by the applicant attesting that the applicant has engaged in the practice of interior design for the number of years for which the applicant is claiming experience; and (b) A minimum of five (5) references, on forms supplied by the Board, certifying that the applicant has provided interior design services for the period of experience claimed by the applicant. References from relatives will not be considered. No reference will be considered if prepared more than two (2) years prior to the date of application. (c) Three (3) such references must be registered interior designers and/or registered architects. In addition, one (1) client reference and one (1) employer reference are required. A client reference may be substituted for the employer reference if an applicant is self-employed. An employer reference or a reference from a registered interior designer or registered architect may be substituted for the client reference if the applicant is an interior design educator. (d) If a reference reply is uncomplimentary, derogatory, or unfavorable of the applicant, the applicant may be required to furnish additional references. If subsequent replies are unfavorable, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview with the Board for further consideration.