Pennsylvania’s Interior Designers Pass Historic Legislation Elevating Marywood University’s Leadership in the Field

A monumental change in Pennsylvania’s design and architecture landscape has occurred with the passage of Senate Bill 1319, now Act 144 of 2024. The legislation, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, establishes "Certified Interior Designer" as a protected title, ensuring that only professionals with a four-year accredited degree, certification, and requisite experience can use this designation. This landmark development reaffirms the importance of formal education in interior design—such as the accredited degrees offered at Marywood University’s School of Architecture—and underscores the role of interior designers in promoting public health, safety, and well-being.

Act 144, spearheaded by the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania (IDLCPA), amends the Architects Licensure Law to create a clear pathway for legal recognition of interior designers. By requiring education, experience, and examinations, the bill safeguards industry standards and elevates the profession. For students and alumni of Marywood University’s accredited Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) and Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) programs, this legislation validates the comprehensive training and expertise they bring to the field.

Marywood University, ranked as one of the top three architecture schools in Pennsylvania, is uniquely positioned to prepare students for this new professional landscape. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, Marywood ensures that its students meet and exceed the rigorous qualifications now codified into law. The four-year BIA degree program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), combines creative exploration with technical training and mandates a transformative study-abroad experience in Florence, Italy. The MIA program provides advanced standing for students with relevant undergraduate degrees and focuses on adaptive reuse, a cutting-edge area in interior architecture.

Maria Basalyga, Director of the Interior Architecture program at Marywood University, called the legislation “a milestone for the interior design profession in Pennsylvania.” She noted that it validates the role of education and certification in creating safer, healthier spaces and highlighted Marywood’s commitment to preparing students to meet these rigorous standards while fostering meaningful community impact. With more than 25 years of experience in professional practice and education, Basalyga said she has seen firsthand how service-driven learning shapes both students and the communities they serve.

What This Means for Aspiring Interior Designers

The passage of Act 144 cements the distinction between interior designers and decorators, recognizing the specialized knowledge required for interior designers to create safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. With Pennsylvania now requiring a four-year degree, such as Marywood’s NASAD-accredited BIA, and certification through the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), students and professionals alike will need to prioritize formal education to excel in this competitive field.

Marywood’s programs are specifically designed to prepare graduates to meet these standards. The BIA curriculum offers a robust foundation in design principles, materials, lighting, and sustainability, while also providing real-world experience through internships and global learning opportunities. Meanwhile, the MIA program builds on this foundation with advanced studies in design strategies and the adaptive reuse of buildings, setting students apart in a growing industry trend.

A National Trend Reaches Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania joins a growing list of states including Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—that have passed similar legislation to protect the title of "Certified Interior Designer." These changes reflect the industry’s evolution and the recognition of interior design as a critical component of public health and safety.

For Marywood students and alumni, this recognition means more than just a title. It signifies the value of their education and the importance of their contributions to creating safe, functional, and beautiful spaces. Act 144 also removes previous barriers that prohibited interior designers from being compensated for space planning, further legitimizing the profession and opening new opportunities for graduates.

Marywood Leads the Way in Interior Design Education

As one of the few NASAD-accredited schools in Pennsylvania, Marywood University’s School of Architecture offers unparalleled resources, expert faculty, and innovative curricula tailored to the evolving needs of the design industry. The integration of the MIA program into the School of Architecture creates a dynamic learning environment, exposing students to cutting-edge pedagogies and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Marywood’s graduates are not only equipped with the technical and creative skills needed to succeed but also with the credentials required for certification as "Certified Interior Designers" under Pennsylvania law. With accreditation reaffirmed in 2018 and the next review scheduled for 2028, Marywood ensures its programs remain aligned with the highest national standards.

The passage of Act 144 is a milestone for interior design in Pennsylvania, and Marywood University is proud to lead the way in educating the next generation of certified professionals. As students embark on their journeys, they can take pride in knowing their degrees will empower them to meet the challenges of a profession that is now recognized for its essential role in the built environment.