Through the efforts of ASID members throughout Wisconsin, ASID national leadership, ASID Wisconsin chapter advocates, and in concert with IIDA Wisconsin and IIDA and interior design allies, we passed our bill into law with Governor Evers signature as of March 18, 2022! The new rules and regulations were approved on August 1st, 2024. Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer are able to fully practice according to the new law – including sign and seal – as of August 1, 2024.

The ASID Wisconsin Chapter Advocacy Committee is planning events to keep the Chapter informed! Review frequently asked questions below. If you have others we haven’t addressed, please email Leah.knox@creativebusinessinteriors.com. The committee will review your questions at the weekly committee meetings and respond back.

Interior Design Sign and Seal Law

Wisconsin 2021 Act 195 modernizes the scope of interior design in Wisconsin. It recognizes Wisconsin registered Interior Designers (WRID) as state credentialed professionals who have met certain qualifications to sign and seal their own non-structural, code compliant documents for submittal for construction.​

See Full Language of the Law Here

A-E Examining Board

• Comprised of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and now Registered Interior Designers. ​

• Members are nominated, approved by the Governor, and serve at the will of the Governor. ​

• Develop the new rules, advise on new issues that may arise, and are the final approval for renewal and new WRID. 

New Rules and Regulations

Why should I become a WRID? 

Becoming a WRID:

• Identifies you as a design professional credentialed by the State of Wisconsin.
• Enables the state of Wisconsin to give you information and updates from the state.
• Builds the number of WRID and provides more recognition and a voice for our profession.
• Provides you with the opportunity to sign and seal your own documents for submittal.
• Allows you to expand your professional services and economic opportunities.
• Establishes a baseline of industry content knowledge and expertise aligned with national standards vetted by the NCIDQ exam.

Will I get a notice to renew my WRID? ​

Renewal notices were emailed on or around June 11th, 2024, to all current Wisconsin Registered Interior Designers. The email is from the Department of Safety and Professional Services and provides step by step instructions on the renewal process. The biannual renewal period is June 12th, 2024 through July 31st, 2024. The credential will be renewed under the new rules. Renewal after July 31st, 2024 will cost about $86.00. ​

https://license.wi.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F 

If I am not a WRID now, and I want to become a WRID, will I get a notice?

No. ASID WI & IIDA WI will continue to make members and others aware through website and social media of the renewal period.

If my credential has lapsed, can I apply to become a WRID now?

If you have not renewed your credential within the last 5 years, you can renew for a small fee and not have to re-apply. Renewal will cost about $86.00.​

Can I apply to become a WRID now?

Yes! Use the following link: https://license.wi.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

How can my firm or company apply to become WRID now?

A firm that employs any WRID must register with the state at the DSPS LicensE site, listing their firm name, principals, address, and other basic information. No fee!​

https://license.wi.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

When will the New Rules including sign and seal become effective?

The new rules had final approval on August 1st, 2024!

When will I be able to practice under the new rules?

As of August 1st, you will be able to fully practice – including sign and seal.

How do I get a self-inking and/or a digital stamp?

We have gone through the process of ordering self-inking stamps with a vendor out of Menasha. Use these step-by-step instructions: https://wi.asid.org/lib24watch/files/download/23423/f53f9aeb62b596db22d91e1f2052ddce714741b5​

All stamp and digital stamp requirements are found here: Chapter A-E 2 - 2024-07-26

​When I am a WRID, where will I get my info?

Ongoing information on advocacy, renewal periods and issues pertaining to WRID credential will be available through ASID WI & IIDA WI. DSPS also provides information to credentialed WRID.

As a WRID, am I required to sign and seal plans?

No. It is completely voluntary. Being WRID allows interior designers to practice within the full ability and range of their education and experience, while allowing choice for the types of projects of their choosing.

Do I have to become a WRID to practice or call myself an interior designer?

No, but you may not identify yourself as a WRID (Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer), qualified as an expert in code compliant documents for submittal. You may not sign and seal your own documents. You will not get updates on credential requirements.

What are the qualifications required to apply as a NEW WRID?

You will need:​

• Evidence of a Passing score on the NCIDQ​

• References from at least 3 individuals having knowledge of applicant’s work – (2) from a registered interior designer and (1) from a registered interior designer or registered architect​

• May be required: additional data, exhibits, or references

Chapter A-E 14 - 2024-07-26

What is required for RENEWAL of my WRID credential?

15 total CEUS, 10 of which are specific to health, safety and welfare. Last renewal period was August 2022 - July 2024. ​

Chapter A-E 15 - 2024-07-26

​Does the state biannual renewal period coincide with the ASID WI & IIDA WI CEU period?

No. The for instance the current ASID CEU period is Jan. 2024 - Dec. 2025. CEU’s qualify for the WRID renewal CEUS, as long as they fall within the state renewal period. ​

What CEUS qualify?

CEUS from the following authorities:​

• IDCEC​

• GBES​

• AIA​

• IIDA ACADEMY​

• ASID ACADEMY​

​If I pass the NCIDQ, can I call myself a WRID?

No, after you pass the NCIDQ exam, you need to register with the state of WISCONSIN as a WRID.

If I am a member of ASID or IIDA, can I call myself a WRID?

No.

Should I maintain my annual NCIDQ certificate through CIDQ?

Yes. Maintaining your certificate for the annual fee of $55 contributes to providing and improving the NCIDQ exam, provides funding for content experts and research, and supports professionalism of interior designers. Some states require proof of annual CIDQ maintenance.

 

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Step-By-Step Videos for Interior Design Technical Submission

CEU Presentation by Katherine Setser

Reference Documents & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These reference documents and FAQs were created to provide answers and to clarify the issues surrounding the proposed sign and seal legislation for interior designers in the state of Wisconsin. If you have other questions, please email leah.knox@creativebusinessinteriors.com

ASID National Publications: 

• AdvocatexDesign Video Series

• ASID-GPA_Handbook

Effects on the Interior Design Profession & Wisconsin

• How Does this Help the Profession of Interior Design

• State Economic Impact

Interior Designers & Their Impact on Public Health:

• ASID IIDA Fully Qualified Professionals 2019

• How does Interior Design Impact Health, Safety, & Welfare?

• Interior Design Functions Impacting Public Health, Safety, & Welfare

• Interior Designers Protect the Public

Signing, Stamping, or Sealing for a Project Permit:

• Are there advantages to the Sign and Seal Privileges?

• ASID IIDA Stamp & Seal Practicing to the Fullest Ability 2019

• What if I do Not Want to Sign and Seal My Own Documents?

• Where is a Plan Submitted?

• Will there be a Limit on the Size or Type of Space a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID) can Design, Stamp, and Seal for Submittal?

Education, Experience, & NCIDQ

• A Comparison of Practice Analysis Defined Competency Requirements for the Architecture and Interior Design Professions

• NCIDQ-Certified Interior Designers: Highly Qualified Design Professionals

• What is the NCIDQ Examination?

• NCIDQ FUNDAMENTAL EXAM

• NCIDQ PRACTICUM EXAM

• NCIDQ PROFESSIONAL EXAM

• What Education and Experience is Needed to Take the NCIDQ Exam?

• NCIDQ Examination Eligibility Paths

• If One Has a 2 Year Degree, What Does this Mean?

Who Can be a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID)

• Are There Any Limitations as a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID)?

• How Much Does it Cost to Become a WRID?

• What is a Wisconsin registered Interior Designer (WRID) and Who can Become a WRID?

• Where Do I apply to Become a WRID?

The Interior Design Profession & Prior Legislation

• History of the 1996 Legislation

• Modernization of the 1996 Legislation

• Summary of Proposed Legislation

• Who carries professional liability insurance?

• What is Interior Design?

• What is the Timeline for this Legislation Going Through the State Capitol?

• State by State Practice Map

Who to Talk to & How/ Government Affairs Ambassadors

• How Can I Engage With My Legislator? (Sample Letter)

• How Can I Help Support This Legislation?

• How Can I Send a Text Message to My Legislators Via Phone 2 Action?

• Statewide Assembly Map

• Statewide Senate Map

• Who Should I be Talking to About this Bill?

• What is a Government Affairs Ambassador?

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 If you have other questions, please email administrator@wi.asid.org.