In the News
Offit Kurman Attorney Anthony Potter Celebrates Legislative Win as Mandatory Continuing Education Bill for Architects and Interior Designers Becomes Law
After many years of advocating for mandatory continuing education for architects in Pennsylvania, AIA-Pennsylvania announced the Mandatory Continuing Education and Certification of Interior Designers Bill (SB 1319) was passed and signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on October 31. Anthony Potter, the AIA’s long-time general counsel and Offit Kurman’s Construction Practice Group Leader, was a strong proponent for getting the bill passed into law. He was involved with the drafting of the mandatory continuing education guidelines since its inception in Pennsylvania in late 2004.
The compromise legislation is the result of a collaborative effort between AIA Pennsylvania and the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania. The law requires that every two years architects complete 24 hours of mandatory continuing education focused on health, safety, and welfare. Additionally, the law changes the composition of the Architects Licensure Board with the addition of two registered architect members and one certified interior designer. The bill allows for the voluntary certification of interior designers who meet the NCIDQ requirements for education, experience, and examination in Pennsylvania, and will require certified interior designers to complete 24 hours of mandatory continuing education.
“Congratulations on a win for architects, interior designers, and Pennsylvania, as the mandatory continuing education requirements will serve to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Pennsylvania citizens,” said Potter.
