Architects and Interior Designers Pass Historic Legislation

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA PA) together with the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania (IDLCPA) are pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 1319, which amends the Architects Licensure Law to advance both professions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1319, signed into law as Act 144 by Governor Josh Shapiro on October 31st , 2024, contains many provisions including continuing education for architects, certification for qualified interior designers, and changes to the Pennsylvania Board of Architecture with an additional seat for a Certified Interior Designer thereby providing representation and a voice for the interior design profession within the board.

“Over the past two years, AIA PA has worked with IDLCPA to bridge past differences and build a framework for collaboration, recognizing that both architects and interior designers are essential contributors to integrated design teams. We believe this new law is a significant step toward advancing our professions and enhancing our collective impact on the built environment,” Michael Metzger, AIA, 2024 AIA PA President.

As part of this landmark legislation, continuing education (CEU) requirements for architects will now be mandatory in Pennsylvania for the first time. AIA Pennsylvania has long advocated for continuing education as a critical tool for architects to maintain the skills necessary to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. By requiring architects to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, the state aligns with best practices across the country, ensuring that architects are up-to-date on the rapidly evolving landscape of building codes, materials, technologies, and design strategies. This change will help ensure that Pennsylvania’s architects continue to deliver the highest level of expertise to their clients, improving the quality and safety of the built environment statewide.

“IDLCPA is thrilled to see this agreement finally signed into law. For decades, IDLCPA has worked to advance and elevate the interior design profession in Pennsylvania. Those designers who meet rigorous education, experience, and examination standards will have the opportunity for legal recognition as well as a path for continued collaboration with our colleagues in Architecture, without whom we would not be here today,” said Jennifer Gibian, IDLCPA President.

Senate Bill 1319 was a bi-partisan effort prime sponsored by Senator Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and cosponsored by Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware). AIA PA and IDCLPA thank both Senators for their leadership and tireless efforts to move this bill from concept to law.