Defining Occupation Profiles for Interior Designers
Last year, the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) advocacy work in support of the interior design profession, uncovered a fundamental problem with the skill level listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Since then, DIA has raised its concern with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) who oversee ANZSCO together with Statistics New Zealand and the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
ANZSCO is an integrated framework for storing, organising and reporting occupation-related information in both statistical and client-oriented applications, such as matching job seekers to job vacancies and providing career information. ANZSCO codes are referenced in courses and used in ABS censuses and surveys. Ever wondered why a design occupation is not visible in drop down boxes? It needs an ANZSCO profile that is high up in the occupation hierarchy e.g., a 2-digit code.
When design occupations were introduced in 2006, Interior Design (ID) was listed as Skill Level 1 (Degree) on parity with Architects, Planners and Surveyors in ANZSCO 232 and all other design disciplines. However, changes were made as a result of a review which commenced in 2014 (published in 2019), lowering the ID occupation to Skill Level 2 (Diploma & Advanced Diploma). Now it sits on parity with Interior Decoration which is listed as Skill Level 2 under Other Miscellaneous Technicians and Trades Workers ANZSCO 3999.
For the ID profession, this change has carried repercussions, e.g., haphazard naming of qualifications, unsubstantiated use of the title 'Interior Designer', lack of clear definitions between vocation and profession, fines for referring to 'Interior Architecture' qualifications as part of a service, lack of recognition in Commonwealth and State Building Codes and lack of public and professional awareness of the role of interior designers.
The DIA is concerned that the changes were made without a satisfactory explanation and without consulting the DIA, which initially set up the profiles. Steps have been taken to be included on the stakeholders' list for the 2023 round of reviews when over 1000 occupations will be reviewed. According to the DIA, having both occupations (interior design and interior decoration) on the same skill level makes no sense, but also leaves interior design as an outlier amongst other design disciplines listed as Skill Level 1.
Why are the DIA’s Interior Design Working Groups (IDWG) being established?
In short, state working groups have been formed to bolster the case for licensing interior designers. In their advocacy work, they will need to articulate the benefit to consumers and define tasks that an interior designer performs as distinct from an architect, building designer or interior decorator. The evidence required to make a strong case includes providing examples of harms from unqualified work on residential and commercial projects. The IDWGs will also provide advice on the scope of work that a licensed interior designer would be permitted to undertake and the restrictions that would need to be imposed.
Legislative frameworks are changing, and without due attention, the profession risks being hijacked by commercial and competitive forces which are not necessarily making decisions for the greater good. The profession is bound from above by architects, from below by decorators on a pathway into the ID and from the sides by builder, all of whom are attracted to it in a co-dependent relationship. Whilst IDs depend on architects and builders for their very existence, the later need IDs for continuity and habitability. IDs are, therefore, in an influential position. The profession must define its boundaries and work collaboratively to protect its domain and make the necessary changes to the frameworks.
Members of the IDWGs are experienced and, together with DIA's team, hold a wealth of knowledge to redefine what it means to be an ID in 2023, how to preserve the pathways into the profession and provide valid arguments for change to ensure 16,800 Australian IDs will have a future.
What are the current legislative frameworks for Interior Designers?
Most IDs are unaware of the full extent of the legislation and not generally taught in ID Practice units as part of their qualification. When it is; it's only in part. IDs eventually become aware when they are compelled to comply with laws and then subject to regulations representing all the design professions. Current frameworks include:
Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)
Australia and New Zealand Standard Statistical Industry Classification (ANZSIC)
Employment Awards
Education (Vocation and Higher Education) i.e., naming of qualifications, skills clusters and advisory groups representation.
Skill Shortage lists
National Construction Code (NCC)
Intellectual Property (IP)
State Building Regulations, Design Practitioner Registrations and White Cards
State OH&S and national WHS legislation
Standards Australia (Local and international standards)
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star – Interiors
Insurances
What is the role of the DIA?
DIA has an overarching role which includes facilitating a consensus position for the profession on the issues impacting their work, communicating problems and solutions to the industry, developing resources that provide knowledge and support and attending to grassroots and direct lobbying campaigns.
This year, there is still much work to ramp up a grass roots campaign and provide input into direct lobbying activities, such as the ANZSCO Review of the Occupation Profiles 2023. Yes, there is an opportunity to have the skill level for ANZSCO 2325 Interior Designers returned to Skill Level 1. We are building the case for the change. We would like to hear your thoughts, and can be contacted at policy@design.org.au.
Jo-Ann Kellock
Chief Executive Officer
Design Institute of Australia