Architecture and Interior Design – Board Information

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation supports the Governor in meeting his obligation to appoint qualified, representative and appropriate people to the important leadership roles within the department’s Professional Boards, Council and Commissions. Members are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The Board of Architecture and Interior Design members work with the department in meeting its mission to “License Efficiently. Regulate Fairly.” There are approximately 11,700 licensed Architects and 2,500 registered Interior Designers pursuant to Chapter 481, Part I, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 61G1, Florida Administrative Code.

A licensed Architect may plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Any Interior Designer may plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. They may also formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes – such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. Interior Designers may also specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design. In order to sign and seal interior design documents for permitting purposes, an Interior Designer must register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and obtain a seal pursuant to section 481.221, F.S.

The Board of Architecture and Interior Design is comprised of eleven members.  Five members must be registered architects who have been engaged in the practice of architecture for at least 5 years; three members must be registered interior designers who have been offering interior design services for at least 5 years and who are not also registered architects; and three members must be laypersons who are not, and have never been, architects, interior designers, or members of any closely related profession or occupation. At least one member of the board must be 60 years of age or older.

Each board member shall receive per diem and mileage allowances as provided in Section 112.061, Florida Statutes, from the place of her or his residence to the place of the meeting and return to the residence.

The Board meets approximately four times a year for two days, plus teleconferences as necessary. Prior to each meeting, there is an average of six to eight hours of pre-meeting preparation required. Preparation activities may include reviewing agenda items, reviewing application information, reviewing disciplinary information, and/or reading Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code.  No member may serve for more than the remaining portion of a previous member’s unexpired term, plus two consecutive 4-year terms.

As the terms of the members expire, the Governor shall appoint successors for terms of four years; and such members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The Governor may remove any member for cause. No person shall be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.