Regulating interior designers

The Star 13/12/2006

INTERIOR designers are being regulated to ensure they provide proper service to property owners.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, in winding up the debate on the Architects (Amendment) Bill 2006, said the idea of regulating interior designers followed a suggestion by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers and the Malaysian Institute of Design.

He said several meetings had been held with the two bodies since the issue of regulating interior designers was first raised around 2001.

Responding to points raised by MPs, Samy Vellu said it was not compulsory for property owners, especially home owners, to hire interior designers but they could do so if they wanted to, even owners of low- and medium-cost homes.

“It is not compulsory for all building owners to use the services of interior designers.”

He said the fees would be based on the scope of work.

According to the Bill, the Board of Architects Malaysia will fix the scale of fees to be charged by an interior designer with the minister’s approval.

Samy Vellu also clarified that graduate architects not registered as professionals were not allowed to sign or send building plans.

“Only professionals can get approval,” he said.

On another note, Samy Vellu said they were also studying how to make Parliament more disabled-friendly especially its pathways.