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Designing Within the Law: Legal tips for interior designers
Imagine Sarah, an interior designer, was commissioned to revamp a boutique retail space.
Her client wanted an open floor plan, requiring the removal of a partition wall. Sarah, eager to please, organised the demolition without consulting a licensed architect.
As it turned out, the wall was load-bearing, resulting in structural instability and legal consequences for Sarah.
This scenario highlights the legal boundaries in interior design.
While creativity is at the heart of your profession, the law in Australia sets clear limitations to protect public safety.
Understanding the Distinction
Interior designers focus on aesthetics—selecting materials, furniture, and finishes that enhance a space’s visual and functional appeal.
Architects, on the other hand, are legally responsible for structural design, ensuring compliance with Australia’s National Construction Code and building regulations.
Only architects are authorised to make structural modifications or remove walls, as seen in Sarah’s case.
Legal Responsibilities for Interior Designers
Interior designers must navigate general consumer safety and while their work doesn’t require the same level of regulation as architects, they need to consider:
- Avoiding taking on unauthorised structural work
- Clarifying responsibilities in agreements (see DesignCoach’s templates if you need help with that: https://www.thedesigncoach.com.au/product-page/contract-set)
Why Knowing the Law Matters
For interior designers, understanding legal limitations isn’t just about avoiding liability—it’s about building trust and credibility. When collaborating with architects, respecting their role ensures smoother project delivery and greater client satisfaction.
Successful projects often involve architects and interior designers working together. Architects create the structural framework, ensuring functionality and safety, while interior designers add their creative flair to bring a space to life. This partnership not only ensures compliance but also results in beautifully crafted environments that meet client expectations.
Stay Protected with Clear Contracts
At Sharon Givoni Consulting, we specialise in helping interior designers protect their businesses with legally sound contracts. From ensuring clear scope definitions to addressing liability concerns, our templates—available through DesignCoach—are tailored for design professionals. With our motto, Legal Ease, not Legalese®, we make the legal side of your business straightforward, so you can focus on your craft.
For additional resources, look at these helpful links:
- National Construction Code – https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ (Australia’s key resource for building and construction standards)
- Australian Institute of Architects – https://www.architecture.com.au/ (The professional body for Australian architects)
- Building Codes Australia – https://www.abcb.gov.au/ (Learn about building codes and compliance standards)
- Design Institute of Australia – https://www.design.org.au/ (The professional body for interior designers in Australia)
- DesignCoach Interior Design Template Kit – https://www.thedesigncoach.com.au/product-page/contract-set (Practical contract templates for interior designers).
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – https://www.accc.gov.au/ (Understand consumer protection laws)
Please note the above article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
Please email us info@iplegal.com.au if you need legal advice about your brand or another legal matter in this area generally.