Why It Is Illegal to Use the Title “Interior Architect”

🚫 “Interior Architect” — An Illegal Title in California

The term “Interior Architect” may sound prestigious or descriptive, but its use is illegal in the State of California unless the individual using it is a licensed architect.

Protected Titles Under California Law

Under the California Business and Professions Code, the titles:

  • Architect

  • Architecture

  • Architectural

are legally protected and restricted to individuals who are licensed architects in California. The California Architects Board (CAB) enforces these protections vigorously. The term “Interior Architect” includes the word “Architect,” and therefore cannot be lawfully used by anyone who is not licensed.

Using this title—verbally, in print, on websites, business cards, portfolios, or contracts—is not just misleading, it’s a violation of state law.

⚠️ No License? No Title.

Graduating from a program labeled Interior Architecture, or working within the interior design field, does not entitle you to use the title “Interior Architect.” The California Architects Board has made it clear:

Using “Interior Architect” implies licensure and is considered unlawful representation.

Even Certified Interior Designers are prohibited from using this term. Whether your intent is marketing, branding, or describing the scope of your work—it is not allowed unless you hold a valid California architect license.

💡 “Interior Architecture” Programs Don’t Grant Legal Rights

While some universities and organizations use terms like Interior Architecture to describe their programs or services, this does not grant graduates the right to use the term professionally. The curriculum of these programs does not meet the requirements for architectural licensure or the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

This misleading terminology has unfortunately led many well-intentioned designers to unknowingly break the law.

💰 Penalties and Enforcement

Violations are taken seriously. The California Architects Board routinely issues:

  • Cease and desist orders

  • Formal citations

  • Fines ranging from $1,000 to several thousand dollars

Even using the term “Interior Architect” on a website or resume can trigger enforcement actions.

✅ What You Can Call Yourself

If you are not a licensed architect, but work in the design field, you can legally describe yourself using accurate and permissible titles, such as:

  • Interior Designer

  • Certified Interior Designer (if applicable)

  • Interior Decorator

  • Space Planner

Avoid any use of titles that could imply architectural licensure, including:

  • “Interior Architect”

  • “Architectural Designer”

  • “Practitioner of Interior Architecture”

📚 Know the Law. Protect Your Career.

To ensure you remain compliant:

Respecting legal title boundaries protects your reputation, avoids costly fines, and preserves the integrity of your profession.

CAB Enforcement Actions Against the use of Interior Architect (click on the links for complete details):

A Word of Caution to Academic Institutions Offering “Interior Architecture” Programs

The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) has consulted with the California Architects Board (CAB) regarding the legality of academic institutions using the title “Interior Architecture” for their degree programs. According to CAB, the Board has no jurisdiction over what post-secondary institutions choose to name their programs. Schools are free to label their courses as they wish.

However, the critical distinction lies in the legal limitations placed on individuals who graduate from such programs.

Title Usage is a Legal Responsibility—Not an Academic Privilege

Although schools may offer a program titled Interior Architecture, graduates of those programs are not legally permitted to use the title “Interior Architect” unless they are licensed architects in the State of California. This is not simply a matter of professional preference—it is a matter of state law.

The responsibility for complying with these legal title protections falls squarely on the individual. However, schools that fail to inform students of these limitations may face liability if students leave their programs under the false impression that they are authorized to use restricted titles.

Potential Legal Exposure for Institutions

As enforcement by CAB increases, students who use the title “Interior Architect” may be cited or fined, and could look to their alma maters for accountability—especially if the program name or faculty members implied legitimacy of that title.

Even if a school has formally disavowed the title, a single faculty member encouraging its use could expose the institution to legal action. Given the potential for costly and time-consuming litigation, institutions may wish to reconsider the terminology they use.

Simply put, renaming programs to reflect what is legally and professionally accurate—such as “Interior Design”—could help institutions avoid unnecessary conflict and reputational risk.

Our Position: Two Distinct Professions Under the Law

CCIDC stands in full agreement with the California Architects Board:

  • Interior Design and Architecture are separate professions.

  • There is no recognized hybrid such as “Interior Architect.”

  • If a student wants to become an architect, they must pursue licensure through CAB.

  • If a student wants to become a professional interior designer, they can become a Certified Interior Designer through CCIDC, as permitted under California law.

Educational institutions have a responsibility to align their program messaging with the realities of legal title usage and licensure pathways. Let’s work together to ensure students are empowered with honest, accurate, and lawful guidance for their future careers.