Greetings,

I live in L.A. CA, and I'm interested in starting a
consulting/coaching business.  I would like to know if there are any
specific requirements/licenses needed for the service I'm interested
in offering, which is as follows:

I would like to offer a service in which I advise clients as to how to
make over their interior or exterior environments, from a holistic
perspective.  Meaning, in addition to offering basic advise regarding
colors, decor, and furniture arrangement, I would provide coaching in
regard to making the space a more positive and healthful environment,
i.e. clearing  clutter, organizing, removing negative influences,
bringing in positive influences (air cleaners, artwork, plants etc.). 
I would only assess, advise, assist, and coach.  I would not do any
physical labor and would not make changes to the clients space myself.
 They would have to implement the changes themselves, or hire someone
else to implement the changes.

This service differs from interior/landscape design, in that it's not
about full service high design aesthetics and implemenation of such,
but rather, it is an holistic approach to assisting (via advising and
coaching) clients in creating an environment that is visually
appealing, healthful, and supportive of their life.

With that said, are there any problems I might run into, in providing
this service?  Any special licensing required?

Thanks!

Hello nerv-ga,

I?ve checked the California licensing laws and regulations and none of
the professions you might be classified under (interior designers,
landscape designers, counselors, coaches, consultants) require
licensing by the State of California. Some of these professions have
certification programs offered by the professional organizations in
their field. This means that if there is a certification program for
the profession you cannot call yourself a ?certified xxx? unless
you?ve qualified under the certifying organization. In your situation
it seems that there are no constraints to your setting up business as
a Holistic Home Environment Consultant / Designer / Coach or whatever
title you feel is most suitable for you.

I?ve included links to the appropriate California government web sites
if you want to continue your research.

All the best for your new business.

~ czh ~



http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllquery$.startup
Department of Consumer Affairs

Welcome to the Department of Consumer Affairs license lookup web page.
You may use this page to look up a company or individual who has a
license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs for the
professions listed.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.commerce.ca.gov/state/ttca/ttca_business_display.jsp?path=Permits%2B&%2BLicenses&childPath=License%2BHandbook
Professional and Business License Handbook

This online handbook is a good starting point to help you identify
state requirements for licensing. It also tells you which group in the
state is responsible for licensing, and provides addresses and phone
numbers.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.latc.ca.gov/publicinfo/publicfaqs.htm
FAQ
Public Information
What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

Landscape designers are not licensed or regulated by the State of
California and are limited to making plans or drawings for the
selection, placement, or use of plants when the execution of such
plans or drawings does not affect the public health, safety, and
welfare (BPC 5641). As such, they are not required to obtain
educational and/or training background.

For a general description of the various landscape professions/trades,
please see the Landscape Design Professions Chart for Consumers.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.ccidc.org/q_a_on_cid_s.html
California Council for Interior Design Certification

7. ARE CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNERS STATE CERTIFIED? (B&P Code Section
5800 (b) and Section 5538)
No. The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC)
is a private nonprofit corporation and is responsible for certifying
interior designers. The certification process in California is a
public private "partnership", as directed by the Business and
Professions Code Section 5800.

8. DOES THE INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATION LAW PRECLUDE ANYONE FROM
CALLING THEMSELVES AN "INTERIOR DESIGNER"? (B&P Code Section 5800 and
Section 5538)
Anyone may use the term "interior designer". However, their
qualifications for professional practice are unknown. If they are not
a Certified Interior Designer they may not have the ability to protect
health, safety and welfare of the public.



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Thanks czh-ga....much appreciated!