MIID: Check legitimacy of interior designers, contractors before renovation

• A lot of the companies are not registered with respective governing bodies while some misuse other designer's portfolio and claim that it belongs to them, while “some make ridiculous offers that are beyond the normal standards of practice”.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 30): Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) has called on the public to check if the interior designer or contractor they are planning to employ is the real deal before embarking on any renovation.

A lot of the companies are not registered with respective governing bodies while some misuse other designer's portfolio and claim that it belongs to them, while “some make ridiculous offers that are beyond the normal standards of practice”, stated MIID in a media release yesterday.

“We can see the increase of online directories/marketplace promoting interior design services and renovation services. These websites rigorously try to connect these service providers to their potential customers, in the name of advertising, which is a lucrative and convenient business, with the advent of today's digital technology,” said MIID president, Ooi Boon Seong

“Most of them do so without verifying the legitimacy and accuracy of information, exposing viewers to unverified information,” he added.

Ooi was commenting on the issue in light of a recent report concerning people who have been scammed up to RM1 million by rogue renovation companies.

“This is such an unfortunate event, and we truly sympathise with the victims. We feel that it is part of our responsibility to create public awareness with regards to the matter,” said Ooi.

MIID reminded the public to engage only interior designers registered with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and those registered with MIID.

One can check their registration number in LAM's website by keying their names and/or firm names and MllD's website at https://miid. org.my/membershi p-roll/.

“It is imperative for you to engage with a registered interior designer prior to executing any renovation works or projects. This is to ensure competency in all areas relating to interior renovation. Make no mistake about it.

“Any other persons unregistered with LAM is NOT an interior designer in the eyes of our Malaysian law,” warned Ooi.

To check on contractors, refer to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)'s website. Its directory will provide the detail information of contractors and their scope of works and expertise.

MllD is the national institute representing the interior design profession in the country.

“One of MllD's key priorities would be to raise awareness that people must hire registered professional interior designers.

“This would protect consumers and the public at large, ensuring that they are receiving quality design services.

“And if there's a shortfall in the services rendered, they have legal recourse in protecting their rights,” Ooi explained

Under the Architect Act 1967 (amendments Feb 2015), Act 117, Clause 33(e), individuals whom provide the service of interior design without having themselves or their company licensed by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM), will be charged as Impersonating or misrepresentation, and if found guilty of an offence, shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.

Interior designers also need to adhere to the Code of Conduct, to faithfully discharge duties and obligations, amongst others, shall:

*Only undertake services where he can ensure that he possesses adequate knowledge, abilities, and resources to fulfil his commitments to his client in every aspect.

*Exercise a reasonable standard of skill and diligence normally accepted by his / her profession in respect of but not limited to the following:

i. all forms of certification. ii. contract administration;

iii. site supervision; and

iv. compliance with statutory requirements.

“A disciplinary order may be brought against any interior designer who falls to abide by this Code of Conduct If the individual is convicted of a criminal offense and fails to meet the Standard of Professional Conduct, relevance to the fitness to practice as an Interior Designer this will inevitably result in disciplinary proceedings,” added Ooi.