California IDEX Practice Exam

An interior design project involves cutting a small opening in a bearing wall for a single door. According to the California Business and Professions Code, which of the following professionals is allowed to submit plans for such a modification to the local building department?

1. Architect or interior designer

2. Contractor or interior designer

3. Structural engineer or contractor

4. Architect or structural engineer

The correct answer is: Architect or structural engineer

The correct option allows for the submission of plans for modifications involving a bearing wall, which has specific structural implications. Only professionals who are qualified to address these concerns are permitted to submit proposals to the local building department for such alterations. Architects and structural engineers are both licensed professionals who have the requisite training and authority to assess the structural integrity of a bearing wall. They understand the necessary calculations and design implications related to load-bearing structures, ensuring that the integrity of the building is maintained when an opening is introduced. While interior designers and contractors play essential roles in the design and building processes, they typically do not possess the same qualifications regarding structural modifications related to bearing walls. This is why the inclusion of either an architect or a structural engineer in the correct answer is critical for compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.