What the Public Needs to Know About Design/Construction (And what the 'Designers' Won't Tell You!)

It's no secret that I love everything about a building; urban context, rural context, architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting, finishes and on and on....I'm so dissapointed with the influx of unlicensed and self-taught 'designers' and self-labelled 'architects' who practice in our profession and know nothing about our the industry standards we've had for over 100 years. They cost the client time and money because often times the client doesn't know the process either. The self-taught imposters have found loopholes in the municipal permitting/bureaucratic system and go undetected....they know how to cheat the system. They have no liability insurance. They are just wrong. They endanger the public. Not to mention that their activity is illegal under Florida Law: Statute 481.

Also know that in Florida, the law now allows a residential designer to call themselves "interior designer" which used to be a titled reserved only for licensed interior designers. (Licensed means you went to school, are professionally trained by another senior licensed individual and that you've passed State exams). It's a sad thing that a residential designer can now dupe the public. Please beware.

***Please, please ask for your designer or architect's:
 1. License number and insurance?
 2. Where they got their professional education - what diploma do they have?
 3. Where they worked before they got licensed?
4. Ask for not only client references but colleague references.
This will save a bundle of time and money. So many talented legit individuals in this world. Don't reward the wrong people who will waste your time and money.***

Best wishes,
CCSArchitect