Occupations Code Chapter 1053

The central concept is “registered interior designer,” a statutory title that only a person who holds a current certificate of registration from the board may use. Registration is not synonymous with a general license to practice interior design; it is a credential tied to the title itself. A second key concept is the board‑prescribed seal (Section 1053.058). Every registered interior designer must maintain a seal, the design of which is set by the board and must include the words “Registered Interior Designer, State of Texas.” The seal must be stamped or impressed on each drawing or specification issued from the designer’s office for use in Texas (Section 1053.160(a)). This seal requirement gives the registration practical force in the construction document chain, even though the registrant’s seal does not substitute for an architect’s or engineer’s seal.

Another foundational concept is the “limitation on interior designers” in Section 1053.003. The statute explicitly forbids a registered interior designer from planning or designing architectural interior construction, engineering any building system, practicing engineering, or practicing architecture. This concept separates interior design registration from the broader professional designations. It also means that drawings stamped by a registered interior designer cannot contain structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or other engineered elements unless those are covered by a separate licensed professional. The limitation is both a legal clarity and a liability boundary: registrants who cross into protected architectural or engineering work risk disciplinary action for practicing beyond their authorization.

The “examination” concept is embodied in Sections 1053.152, 1053.154, and 1053.155. The board must administer an examination at least once per year, covering subjects set by board rule. The statute explicitly authorizes adoption of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination or a comparable alternative. Applicants must apply separately for admission to the exam, presenting evidence of meeting educational and experience prerequisites. The examination requirement creates a significant barrier to entry for the title, as it demands both pre‑requisite qualifications and the cost and time of exam preparation and sitting.

“Emeritus status” (Section 1053.156) allows a registrant who is at least 65 years old and has practiced for 20 years or more to place their certificate on emeritus status. The registrant may then use the title “Emeritus Interior Designer” or “Interior Designer Emeritus,” must pay a reduced renewal fee set at a level not exceeding the cost to administer the section, and is exempt from continuing education requirements. The emeritus designer can return to active status upon written request, payment of an administrative fee, and compliance with education or other board‑established requirements. This concept gives older professionals a graceful, low‑cost way to retain affiliation without ongoing CE obligations, though it may also reduce the incentive for continued professional development among senior practitioners.

The “grounds for disciplinary action” concept (Section 1053.252) enumerates eleven specific behaviors that can trigger board sanctions: any violation of the subtitle or board rules; felony conviction or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; fraud or deceit in obtaining registration; recklessness, gross incompetency, or misconduct; practice detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare; deceptive advertising; aiding an unregistered person to violate the subtitle; failure to provide documents required by Chapter 469 of the Government Code; giving false evidence; using another’s certificate; or acting dishonestly. This list gives the board substantial discretion, particularly through the vague “public health, safety, or welfare” and “dishonestly” provisions, which could be interpreted broadly.

Finally, the “board” concept: the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners is the regulatory body. Unless otherwise set by the General Appropriations Act, the board sets registration fees, renewal fees, reciprocal registration fees, examination fees, and fees for duplicate certificates, rosters, reinstatement, and other administrative expenses. Fees must be reasonable and necessary, and cannot be used to earn extra revenue. The board may accept gifts and grants from any source, but only by majority vote in an open meeting with disclosure of the donor and purpose. This creates potential for private interests to influence board activities, though the transparency requirement mitigates some risk.

The law directly affects any person in Texas who wants to use the title “registered interior designer” or any variant that implies registration. That group consists primarily of professional interior designers who seek the state‑sanctioned credential for marketing, regulatory compliance, or contractual reasons. They must satisfy the board’s eligibility requirements, pass the board‑approved examination (typically the NCIDQ), pay registration and renewal fees, maintain a board‑approved seal, affix that seal to drawings and specifications, and comply with all board rules. The emeritus status provision affects older designers who have practiced for at least 20 years and are age 65 or older, giving them an option to reduce costs and CE burdens.

Indirectly, the law affects unregistered interior design practitioners who do not use the protected titles. They are not subject to the chapter, but they must be careful not to inadvertently use words that imply registration. Anyone using the term “interior design” to describe a service may be covered by the chapter (since the exemption in Section 1053.002(a)(1)(A) requires non‑use of both the title and the term), but the only prohibition is on holding themselves out as “registered interior designer.” This creates a potential trap: a business that calls itself “Acme Interior Design” might be within the chapter’s scope, but the only restriction is on the word “registered.” However, the law does not prohibit them from calling themselves “interior designers” as a title, because that is not “registered interior designer.” The section 1053.151 prohibition is specifically on “registered interior designer.” So the practical effect is that a person can use “interior designer” without registration, but if they ever use the word “registered” they violate the law. The complexity may cause confusion, especially for out‑of‑state designers who are exempt only if they do not use the title or term and comply with consultant requirements (Section 1053.002(b)). Out‑of‑state designers who occasionally perform services in Texas must either hire a Texas‑registered interior designer as a consultant or act as a consultant to one, otherwise they risk being in violation if they use the protected title.

Architects registered under Chapter 1051 are explicitly exempt from the chapter per Section 1053.002(a)(2). That means an architect can describe themselves as an “interior designer” or use the term “interior design” without needing registration under this chapter. This exemption respects the existing architecture licensing regime. Similarly, engineers practicing under Chapter 1001 are not directly affected, but registered interior designers are barred from performing engineering.

The board itself is affected: it must establish qualifications, adopt and administer exams, set fees, approve seals, process applications, handle emeritus status, and enforce discipline. This imposes administrative costs that the fees are supposed to cover. However, the board may also accept gifts and grants, which could introduce third‑party influence.

Consumers and businesses that hire interior designers may be affected indirectly. Those who contract with a “registered interior designer” get a verifiable credential with state oversight. Those who hire an unregistered designer do not have that assurance, but they also avoid the cost that registration imposes. The law does not prohibit anyone from practicing interior design, so the consumer market has both regulated and unregulated providers. This can lead to a tiered market where registered designers may charge a premium to cover their compliance costs.

Finally, the law affects the competitive landscape. New entrants must pay fees, study, take exams, and maintain CE, which may deter some potential competitors from seeking the title. Established firms may benefit from the barrier to entry, as the number of registered designers is limited by the examination and experience requirements. The law also creates a potential for rent‑seeking: the board, controlled by registered professionals, may set eligibility requirements or examination standards that favor existing practitioners over new competitors. However, the “reasonable and necessary” fee standard and the requirement that fees not be used for revenue limit overt rent extraction.

The primary right conferred by registration under this chapter is the exclusive right to use the title “registered interior designer” and to represent oneself as such. Section 1053.151 states that a person other than an interior designer may not represent that the person is a “registered interior designer” by using that title or by using words that imply registration. The corollary right is to use a board‑prescribed interior designer’s seal on drawings and specifications, as set forth in Section 1053.160. That section mandates that every registered interior designer “shall maintain a seal” and must stamp or impress it on each drawing or specification issued from the office for use in Texas. This seal gives the registrant’s documents a formal, official character, which may be required by building officials or contract specifications.

The most important duty is to avoid the prohibited activities listed in Section 1053.003. Even with a valid registration, an interior designer may not plan or design architectural interior construction, engineer a building system (including structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air‑conditioning, or mechanical), engage in the practice of engineering, or engage in the practice of architecture. This duty is a scope‑of‑practice limitation that carries potential disciplinary consequences if violated. Registrants must be careful to stay within the boundaries of interior design, which the statute does not define but which by exclusion means non‑architectural and non‑engineering work.

Duty to use the seal properly: Section 1053.160(b)-(d) imposes several related duties. A person may not use or attempt to use an interior designer’s seal unless the use is by or through an interior designer. A registrant may not permit a non‑registrant to use the seal without the registrant’s personal supervision. And no person may present or attempt to use another’s seal as their own. These duties prevent credential fraud and unauthorized practice.

A registrant also has a duty to comply with all board rules adopted under the subtitle. The board has authority to set eligibility qualifications, examination content, application procedures, and continuing education requirements (though CE is not explicitly mandated for active status; it may be required by board rule). Section 1053.152 gives the board general authority to establish qualifications for issuance or renewal. If the board imposes CE, registrants must comply or risk non‑renewal.

Rights related to emeritus status: An interior designer who meets age and experience criteria may apply to place their certificate on emeritus status (Section 1053.156). The registrant has the right to use the title “Emeritus Interior Designer” or “Interior Designer Emeritus,” must pay only a modest renewal fee set to cover administrative costs, and is exempt from continuing education requirements. The registrant also has the right to return to active status upon written request, payment of an administrative fee, and compliance with board‑established education or other requirements.

Duty to pay fees: Section 1053.052 enumerates the fees the board must or may set. Applicants must pay a registration application fee, an annual renewal fee (unless the board sets a different period), a reciprocal registration fee, and an examination fee. The board may also set fees for duplicate certificates, rosters, reinstatement, and other administrative actions. Fees must be reasonable, necessary, and not used for earning additional revenue.

Right to transparency: The board’s acceptance of gifts and grants must occur in an open meeting with a majority vote and be reported with donor and purpose (Section 1053.053). This gives registrants and the public some assurance that private funds are not quietly influencing regulation. However, no equivalent transparency is mandated for fee setting beyond the general appropriations act override.

Finally, registrants have a right to disciplinary due process under Section 1053.251, which specifies that the board “shall” impose a listed sanction upon a finding that a ground exists, but also permits probation with conditions. The statute does not detail hearing procedures; those may be covered by board rules or other administrative law.

Enforcement authority rests with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Section 1053.251 lists the board’s disciplinary powers upon a determination that a ground for disciplinary action exists under Section 1053.252. The board must take one of three actions: revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a certificate of registration; reprimand a certificate holder; or impose an administrative penalty on a certificate holder under Subchapter I of Chapter 1051. The board may also deny registration to an applicant upon such a determination. These penalties are mandatory (“shall”) once a ground is established, leaving the board no discretion to take no action. However, the board may place a suspended person on probation, with conditions including regular reporting, practice limitations, or required education until the board finds the person’s skill satisfactory in the areas that gave rise to the probation.

The grounds for discipline (Section 1053.252) are eleven specific categories. Five of them involve fraud, deceit, or false evidence: obtaining or attempting to obtain registration by fraud; giving false or forged evidence; using another’s certificate; and acting dishonestly. These are self‑explanatory. Another group involves professional misconduct: recklessness, gross incompetency, or misconduct in practice; practicing in a manner detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare; and advertising that tends to deceive or defraud. The phrase “detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare” is particularly broad and could be applied to a wide range of conduct, potentially including design choices the board considers harmful. “Gross incompetency” and “misconduct” also give the board substantial interpretive leeway.

Two grounds deal with violations of regulatory structure: violating the subtitle or any board rule applying to interior designers, and aiding or abetting an unregistered person in violating the subtitle. Aiding and abetting could include a registered designer allowing an unregistered person to use their seal without supervision, or facilitating a false claim of registration. Another ground is conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. This does not require that the crime relate to interior design; any such conviction is grounds for discipline. The provision requiring failure to provide documents designated under Chapter 469 of the Government Code to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is a specific compliance obligation.

Administrative penalties are incorporated by reference to Subchapter I of Chapter 1051, which likely contains the maximum amounts and procedures for assessing fines. The statute does not specify the penalty amounts, but the board must follow those provisions. Penalties can be imposed on certificate holders; unregistered persons who violate the title restriction are not directly subject to administrative penalties under this chapter, though they may be subject to injunctive relief or other actions under the subtitle.

The disciplinary structure creates significant enforcement risk for registrants. Vague standards such as “public health, safety, or welfare,” “misconduct,” and “dishonestly” could be used to penalize design choices that the board dislikes, potentially chilling innovation or normal business practices. However, the statute does not provide for private rights of action; only the board can bring discipline. A consumer harmed by a registered designer’s work would need to rely on tort or contract law, not this chapter. The board’s disciplinary process itself is not described in the provided sections, so procedural protections (notice, hearing, appeal) would come from the board’s rules or general administrative procedure statutes.

The most explicit interaction is with Texas law governing architects (Chapter 1051) and engineers (Chapter 1001). Section 1053.003(3) and (4) state that registration as an interior designer does not authorize engaging in the practice of architecture as described in Chapter 1051 or the practice of engineering as described in Chapter 1001. This clarifies that the interior design registration is subordinate to the professional licensure of architects and engineers. An architect is fully exempt from Chapter 1053 (Section 1053.002(a)(2)). An engineer is not explicitly mentioned in the exemption, but the limitation prevents interior designers from engineering building systems, meaning any engineering work must be done by a licensed engineer. An engineer could theoretically also register as an interior designer, but that would be unnecessary given the architect exemption.

The law also interacts with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) via the reference in Section 1053.252(8), which makes it a ground for discipline to fail to provide to TDLR any document designated under Chapter 469 of the Government Code as a document the person is required to provide. This suggests that Texas law imposes some cross‑agency document‑sharing requirements, possibly related to disability access or building code compliance. Registrants must be aware of TDLR requirements beyond the board’s own rules.

The seal requirement in Section 1053.160 may interact with local building codes and permitting processes. Some municipalities may require drawings for non‑structural interior alterations to bear a registered interior designer’s seal, while others may accept unsealed drawings. The law does not mandate that any particular permit require a seal; it only requires registrants to seal documents they issue. However, if a registered designer issues drawings without a seal, they are in violation. Builders or contractors who receive unsealed drawings from a registered designer may have no recourse under this statute, but the designer could face board discipline.

The emeritus status provision interacts with continuing education requirements. While emeritus registrants are exempt from CE, they still hold a certificate that can be returned to active status. This may affect any other state law that ties professional qualifications to CE hours, such as liability insurance or state contract procurement rules.

The fee‑setting provisions interact with the General Appropriations Act. Sections 1053.052(a) and (b) both include the clause “unless otherwise set in the General Appropriations Act.” This means the Texas Legislature can directly set fees via the appropriations process, overriding board discretion. This is a check on the board’s authority to raise fees.

The board’s acceptance of gifts and grants under Section 1053.053 may interact with state ethics and campaign finance laws. Gifts from private sources could create conflicts of interest if donors have matters before the board. The open‑meeting and reporting requirements provide some transparency, but the law does not prohibit gifts from regulated entities or individuals, which could lead to perceptions of capture.

Finally, the law interacts with the law of contracts and torts. Because the chapter does not create a private right of action, consumers cannot sue for violation of the registration requirement. However, if a person falsely holds themselves out as a registered interior designer and causes harm, they may be liable for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, or deceptive trade practices under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The mere failure to register is not itself a cause of action.

The chapter was originally added by Acts 2001, 77th Legislature, Chapter 1421, Section 1, effective June 1, 2003. It was amended soon after by Acts 2003, 78th Legislature, Chapter 331, Sections 5.01 through 5.06, effective September 1, 2003. These amendments appear to have made technical and substantive changes to several sections: Section 1053.002 (application) was amended; Section 1053.052 (fees) received an amendment; Section 1053.058 (seal design) was added as new language, replacing or supplementing the previous seal provision; Section 1053.160 (use of seal) was amended; Section 1053.251 (disciplinary powers) was amended; and Section 1053.252 (grounds for discipline) was amended twice (once by Chapter 331 and once by Chapter 1276, Section 14A.062(a), also effective September 1, 2003). The duplicate amendment to the grounds section in the same effective date suggests coordination between bills.

The next amendment came with Acts 2009, 81st Legislature, Chapter 13 (H.B. 1484), effective May 12, 2009. This bill amended Section 1053.002 (application) and Section 1053.151 (registration required). The 2009 changes to Section 1053.151 are notable: it was the section that originally prohibited only the use of the title “registered interior designer,” but the amendment may have refined the prohibition language. The current text prohibits a person other than an interior designer from representing as a “registered interior designer” by using that title or words that imply it. The 2009 amendment likely clarified that the prohibition covers “words that imply” registration as well.

In 2007, Section 1053.156 (emeritus status) was added by Acts 2007, 80th Legislature, Chapter 1360 (H.B. 2060), effective September 1, 2007. This created the emeritus pathway for long‑term older registrants.

In 2017, the legislature amended Section 1053.155 by Acts 2017, 85th Legislature, Chapter 956 (S.B. 1932), effective September 1, 2017. That bill repealed subsection (c) of Section 1053.155 and made a related amendment to subsection (a) or (b). The repealed subsection is not provided in the excerpt, but its removal likely streamlined the application process for the examination.

The most recent amendment provided is in 2019: Acts 2019, 86th Legislature, Chapter 1144 (H.B. 2847), effective September 1, 2019, which amended Section 1053.251 (disciplinary powers) to add the reference to imposing an administrative penalty under Subchapter I of Chapter 1051. This change gave the board an explicit administrative penalty option, possibly aligning the interior designer discipline process with the architecture discipline process.

The amendment history shows a pattern of periodic refinement, with the board gaining more specific tools (explicit seal design, administrative penalties) and some procedural streamlining (exam application). There is no evidence of major ideological shifts; the title‑protection structure has remained consistent since 2001.

The provided statutory text contains no references to court cases, so a litigation history based solely on this source would be empty. However, the analyst can discuss observable legal risks and potential types of litigation that have arisen or could arise from this chapter. Because the statute is a title‑protection law rather than a practice‑restriction law, constitutional challenges under the First Amendment or the dormant Commerce Clause have been brought against similar occupational licensing schemes in other states. Texas’s law, being narrower than a practice restriction, may be more defensible, but litigation could still occur if the board enforces the prohibition aggressively against persons using the words “interior design” without registration. The scope provision’s ambiguous application to those who use the term “interior design” could invite lawsuits over whether a particular use of language constitutes “implying” registration.

Another likely source of litigation is disciplinary actions. Registered designers who face revocation, suspension, or fines may challenge the board’s interpretation of “gross incompetency,” “misconduct,” or “detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare.” These terms are inherently vague, and an adverse decision could be appealed under Texas’s Administrative Procedure Act. Cases may turn on whether the board’s rules provide sufficient guidance.

Antitrust litigation is also possible. Title‑protection laws can restrict competition if the board sets unnecessarily onerous requirements. The Supreme Court cases North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. FTC (2015) and Texas Board of Professional Surveyors remind that state‑regulated professions must have active state supervision to avoid federal antitrust liability. The board is a state agency, which may provide immunity, but if the board is dominated by market participants (e.g., registered interior designers), it could face scrutiny. The emeritus status provision and fee limitations may be intended to reduce rent‑seeking, but the examination requirement (adoption of NCIDQ) could be challenged as an unreasonable restraint on entry.

Finally, there may be litigation over the interplay between this chapter and building codes. If a city refuses to accept stamped interior design drawings because the designer is not an architect, the designer may sue for breach of statute. Similarly, if a designer is sued for professional malpractice, the fact of registration may be used as evidence of a standard of care, though registration does not itself create a duty.

Without actual case law from the source, these are speculative but grounded in structural features of the statute and general legal principles.

Several provisions contain traps for the unwary. The most important is the false sense of scope. Many professionals and consumers may assume that registration under this chapter creates an exclusive right to practice interior design. It does not. The only right is to use the title “registered interior designer.” Anyone can practice interior design without registration, as long as they avoid the protected label. However, the exemption in Section 1053.002(a)(1)(A) says the chapter does not apply to persons who do not use the title “interior designer” and do not use the term “interior design” to describe services. This implies that if a person uses the term “interior design” to describe their services, the chapter does apply to them. But the chapter itself does not forbid using “interior designer” as a title without registration; it only forbids using “registered interior designer.” So the “application” language creates confusion. A business that advertises “interior design services” may be within the chapter’s coverage but has violated nothing unless it uses the word “registered.” However, if the board chooses to interpret “words that imply” registration broadly, it could target a business that says “certified interior designer” or “licensed interior designer” as implying registration, even if no statute uses those terms. The “imply” language is a gotcha.

The out‑of‑state exemption in Section 1053.002(b) requires the out‑of‑state designer to either employ a Texas‑registered interior designer as a consultant or act as a consultant to such a designer. This means a simple occasional project for a Texas client, without a Texas‑registered consultant, could be a violation if the out‑of‑state designer uses any protected title or term. Even if they do not use the title, they must comply with the consultant requirement, which adds cost and complexity.

The seal requirement is mandatory: each drawing or specification issued from the office for use in Texas must be stamped. If a registered designer forgets to stamp, they violate Section 1053.160(a). There is no de minimis exception. Also, the designer must have “personal supervision” over anyone using their seal (Section 1053.160(c)). This could create liability if an employee affixes the seal without the designer’s direct knowledge, even if the employee is authorized.

The disciplinary ground of “practicing in a manner detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare” (Section 1053.252(5)) is breathtakingly broad. A single client complaint, even if based on aesthetic disagreement, could trigger an investigation if the board deems the practice detrimental. There is no requirement of actual harm. Similarly, “acting dishonestly” could cover minor disputes.

The fee‑setting provision in Section 1053.052(d) prohibits fees from being used for “earning additional revenue.” That suggests fees must cover costs only. But the board may still set fees that, due to imprecise cost accounting, exceed actual costs. The prohibition may be difficult to enforce. The board may also charge a processing fee of up to 5% for electronic payments (Section 1053.052(c)), a small but recurring cost.

The emeritus status trap: a designer must apply before their certificate expires (Section 1053.156(a)). If they miss the deadline, they cannot place the certificate on emeritus; they must renew and then apply? Possibly not. The statute does not specify a grace period.

Finally, the board may accept gifts and grants from any source (Section 1053.053). While the open‑meeting and reporting requirements provide transparency, there is no cap or prohibition on gifts from regulated entities. A gift from an exam vendor or a design firm could compromise the board’s impartiality without violating the statute.

To comply with this chapter, an individual who wishes to use the title “registered interior designer” in Texas must follow a multi‑step process. First, determine eligibility under the board’s qualifications (Section 1053.152). The board sets these by rule; typical requirements likely include a degree in interior design from an accredited program, a specified number of years of supervised work experience, and completion of the NCIDQ examination or a comparable alternative. The applicant must gather verified documentation of education (academic transcripts) and a detailed summary of interior design work experience (Section 1053.153). These must be submitted on board‑prescribed forms with a verified statement.

Second, apply for admission to the registration examination (Section 1053.155). The application must include evidence that the educational and professional experience requirements are met. The board offers the exam at least once per year, and the applicant must pay an examination fee set by the board. Upon passing, the applicant may apply for the certificate of registration, which requires passing the exam and paying the registration fee (Section 1053.152(b)(2)-(3)). The board issues the certificate upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of compliance (Section 1053.159).

Third, after receiving the certificate, the registrant must obtain and maintain the board‑approved seal (Section 1053.058). The seal must be designed per board specifications, using the words “Registered Interior Designer, State of Texas.” The registrant must stamp or impress this seal on each drawing or specification issued from their office for use in Texas (Section 1053.160(a)). The registrant must not permit unregistered persons to use the seal without personal supervision (Section 1053.160(c)).

Fourth, the registrant must pay annual renewal fees on time (Section 1053.052(a)(2)). The board may set a different renewal period, but annual is the default. If the registrant is at least 65 years old and has 20 years of practice, they may apply for emeritus status before the certificate expires (Section 1053.156). This requires a form, a reduced renewal fee, and may require meeting board‑established criteria. Emeritus status exempts the registrant from continuing education but restricts the title to “Emeritus Interior Designer” or “Interior Designer Emeritus.” To return to active practice, the registrant must file a written request, pay an administrative fee, and comply with board‑set education or other requirements.

Fifth, throughout the registration period, the registrant must avoid the prohibited activities in Section 1053.003: no planning or designing architectural interior construction, no engineering of building systems, no practice of engineering or architecture. Any work that touches on structural elements, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other engineered systems must be done by or in coordination with the appropriate licensed professional. The registrant must also avoid the disciplinary grounds in Section 1053.252, which require careful recordkeeping, truthfulness in advertising, and avoiding any conduct that could be deemed detrimental to health, safety, or welfare.

Sixth, the registrant should monitor board rules for any continuing education requirements, even though the statute does not explicitly mandate them for active status. The board has authority to set eligibility requirements for renewal (Section 1053.152(a)), which may include CE. Compliance with board rules is itself a ground for discipline (Section 1053.252(1)).

For out‑of‑state designers who are licensed or registered elsewhere and want to provide services in Texas without obtaining a Texas registration, they must comply with Section 1053.002(b). They may either (1) employ a Texas‑registered interior designer as a consultant, or (2) act as a consultant to a Texas‑registered interior designer. Additionally, they must not use the title “interior designer” or the term “interior design” to describe services in Texas, unless they also satisfy the consultant requirement. This means an out‑of‑state designer cannot independently hold themselves out in Texas using even the term “interior design” without a consulting arrangement.

Finally, any person who does not intend to use the protected titles may simply refrain from using “registered interior designer” or any words that imply registration. They may use other descriptors such as “decorator,” “space planner,” “furniture consultant,” etc., without any registration requirement. They should be careful that “words that imply registration” could be interpreted broadly; using “licensed interior designer” or “certified interior designer” might be seen as implying a state registration, even if the certification comes from a private body. When in doubt, avoiding any suggestion of state credential is prudent.