Washington Votes

2008 Senate Bill 6707 (Addressing the practice of interior design)

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  • Introduced by Sen. Ken Jacobsen, (D-Seattle) on January 22, 2008, regulates the practice of interior design to improve the quality of environmental design, and to limit the practice of interior design to persons having specific design education, and experience (see companion HB 2895) .
    • Referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee on January 22, 2008.

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Comments

Introduced by Sen. Ken Jacobsen, (D-Seattle) on January 22, 2008. New Comment

1) California Interior Design Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on March 25, 2008]
They lost in Washington State but the Interior Design Cartel of ASID/IIDA/NCIDQ is trying to pass an Interior Design Practic Act in CALIFORNIA.

If this passes, it will be used to justify legislation in Washington State next year.

If you have design industry friends in California the time is now to let them know about this DANGEROUS LEGISLATION.

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California Interior Design Legislation & Licensing-IDCC Launches Push for Restrictive Interior Design Practice Act in Califronia

We've just heard that the Interior Design Cartel ASID/IIDA/NCIDQ & the College Interior Design Schools are launching a campaign to pass a restrictive Interior Design Practice Act & Licensing bill in California. This bill will remove the voluntary system currenty in effect in California.

In California the "front group" for the Interior Design Cartel is called IDCC:
www-idc-ca-org

The Califronia Bill Number is Senate Bill 1312 (SB 1312).

Here's a statement from the IDCC website:

"The Interior Design Coalition of California Presents Practice Act Legislation"

The Interior Design Coalition of California (IDCC) announces that after three years of research and meetings throughout California that they are sponsoring Senate Bill 1312 which will be introduced in April. Senator Leland Lee, PhD, is the author, and the Coalition has been able to secure many co-authors to support this action."


Please contact your California State Legislator and California State Senator to voice your OPPOSITION to new Interior Design Legislation in California and the restrictive Interior Design Practice Act SB 1312 that is being pushed by the Interior Design Cartel and IDCC.


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2) Public Safety & Inappropriate Aesthetics [by Anonymous Citizen on February 16, 2008]

Doesn't the legislature have any real issues to focus on?

Like Public health & Safety?
Bridges that could collapse?
Ferries that could sink?

??? Inappropriate aesthetics ???

Senators, you should be ashamed of yourselves.




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3) ??? Inappropriate aesthetics ??? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 17, 2008]
If you think the practice of interior design is simply about good aesthetics then perhaps you should be the one ashamed for so openly opposing a bill you clearly do not fully understand.

Interior design is about so much more. There have been numerous hotel fires that have ended in fatalities that could have been avoided had the designer known what materials they were specifying for the space. One in particular is the MGM Grand Hotel fire that happened in 1980 where 85 people died. Most of those people did not die from being burned but because they inhaled toxic chemicals that were off-gassed from furniture and other finishes in the space.
So what one designer or a team of designers thought were "pretty" finishes ended up proving to be deadly choices.
This same fact can apply to residential design and that is why this bill is a matter of public safety and health.

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4) MGM Hotel Fire [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
There they go again trying to blame the MGM Hotel fire in Las Vegas on rogue Interior Designers.

When will these brain washed students do their own research instead of just repeating what ASID and the so called interior design professors feed them in class?

From the Las Vegas Review article on the fire:

"The suggestion that the incident had anything to do with unqualified interior designer work is completely belied by a 2005 article in the Las Vegas Review Journal, which makes clear that the primary reason why the fire spread was a combination of: (a) inadequate sprinklers; (b) rampant code violations; and (c) the defective flammable adhesive used to attach ceiling tiles. Most of the victims died of smoke inhalation, but again I know of no evidence that the quantity or lethality of the smoke was in any way enhanced by improper decorating or design choices. Indeed, there is no mention of interior designers anywhere in the exhaustive Review Journal article.”




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5) Ashamed [by Anonymous Citizen on February 17, 2008]
I hope our senators and legislators take some time to reflect on this. What damage they have done by taking on this cause. Wasted time and money when other things could have been accomplished. Next year, when ASID tries again to create a monopoly I hope you are able to laugh at them instead being pressured to sponsor a shameful bill again.
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6) The New Unions-Forbes [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2008]
Go to the Forbes Article that just came out called "The New Unions" by Suzanne Hoppough.

Register on Forbes and post your comments opposing interior design legislation.
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7) Don't forget these people at election time [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2008]


Don't forget Senator McAuliffe, Senator Keiser & Senator Fraser.

They also want to regulate your interior designs.



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8) It takes a village [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2008]


Senator Jacobsen shouldn't get all the heat for this fiasco.

Senators Ed Murray & Joe McDermott also had their finger in this pie.



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9) Wasted time and energy [by Jakryabre on February 14, 2008]
We pay $140K to regulate pet massage therapists, why not regulate and micro-manage every occupation. We need leadership in Olympia not these continual ridiculous legislations.
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10) Next Year-Interior Design Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2008]
You can assume that they will be back next year with all kinds of amendments and new arguments to pass some kind of legislation.

The best thing you can do is to lend your support to designers in other states.

A bill is being voted on in Nebraska in a day or two and battles are ongoing over legislation in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Minnesota, Hawaii, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan and Massachustts. The ASIDers are always on the lookout for states with weak or no opposition so they can try to slip legislation through.

Any legislation that passes in other states will be used as justification for passing a bill in Washington State next year.

Everyone should also send a donation to the Institute for Justice.
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11) Fiscal Responsibility [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2008]


Any chance we could get Senator Jacobsen to agree not to introduce this legislation again next year?

It's been soundly thrashed.

Let's spend the legislative budget someplace else.
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12) Great Job Everyone [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2008]
Yes! WhoHoo the wicked bill is dead. Now, lets focus on really elevating our craft. Let's play fair and get along. There really is enough business for everyone. If we can work together to show the benefits of designers/decorators/and all who practice this craft we will all win.
Thanks to everyone who wrote to our senators. It made a big difference.
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13) Milton Freidman on Interior Design Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 11, 2008]
Milton Friedman, Capitalism and Freedom, 1962

The overthrow of the medieval guild system was an indispensable early step in the rise of freedom in the Western world. It was a sign of the triumph of liberal ideas, and widely recognized as such, that by the mid-nineteenth century, in Britain, the United States, and to a lesser extent on the continent of Europe, men could pursue whatever trade or occupation they wished without the by-your-leave of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority. In more recent decades, there has been a retrogression, an increasing tendency for particular occupations to be restricted to individuals licensed to practice them by the state.

In the arguments that seek to persuade legislatures to enact such licensure provisions, the justification is always said to be the necessity of protecting the public interest. However, the pressure on the legislature to license an occupation rarely comes from the members of the public who have been mulcted or in other ways abused by members of the occupation. On the contrary, the pressure invariably comes from members of the occupation itself. Of course, they are more aware than others of how much they exploit the customer and so perhaps they can lay claim to expert knowledge. Similarly, the arrangements made for licensure almost invariably involve control by members of the occupation which is to be licensed.

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14) Who pays for this bill? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 10, 2008]



The fiscal note attached to this bill indicates that the cost of this legislation over the next five years to be $1,141,798.00.

Who is going to pay for this?

Senator Jacobsen, doesn't the State of Washington have more important things to spend this money on?






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15) Health & Safety Statistics [by Anonymous Citizen on February 10, 2008]


How many people have been injured in the State of Washington as a result of bad interior design?
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16) The New Unions-Occupational Licensing Schemes [by Anonymous Citizen on February 9, 2008]
An excerpt from Forbes Magazine article called: The New Unions

Rose Botti-Salitsky, an interior design professor at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass. spends her free time lobbying the state to license interior designers, as 23 other states do. The proposed requirements: a four-year college degree, a two-year apprenticeship and a $720 fee to take an exam that only 49% now pass. She's irked that the little-known occupation--which involves picking the location of ramps for the handicapped, as well as plumbing and other fixtures inside buildings--is often confused with interior decorating. That's why the bill would prohibit decorators from using the title Registered Interior Designer. "Students leave for other states after graduating, and it's discouraging," she says. "I owe it to the next generation."

Botti-Salitsky's campaign helps explain why licensing laws proliferate. Her bill was getting nowhere until she called on the American Society of Interior Designers for help and went to its symposium for prospective lobbyists, in Minneapolis. With its coaching and funding, she rewrote the bill, recruited senators as cosponsors and hired a professional lobbyist. Last year the society and Botti-Salitsky's coalition hosted a reception honoring the chairman of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, her bill's first stop. Nationwide the society imposes a $15 annual fee on top of its dues for its 38,000 members to fund lobbying efforts such as Botti-Salitsky's.

Her students pitch in, too. Colleen Anderson, a senior, created a database to track each legislator's constituents who have signed an online petition for the bill; 2,000 have signed so far. In 2006 she placed second in the society's nationwide contest to pick the best student lobbyist, winning a $1,500 scholarship. Getting the bill passed "is going to make a difference in my career," she says. "It's huge."


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17) From the same Forbes Article [by Anonymous Citizen on February 10, 2008]

These modern-day guilds have replaced organized labor as the main vehicle for workers seeking to shield themselves from competition.

"These are monopolies created by the government," says William Mellor, president of the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit in Arlington, Va.




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18) Student Interior Design Pawns [by Anonymous Citizen on February 9, 2008]
It is clear that interior design students have become pawns in interior design college instructors efforts to enhance their own careers.
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19) ASID Legislative Funding (from their Website) [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
Financial Aid Applications to be Mailed
Late August
Each year, ASID offers chapters and coalitions the opportunity to apply for
grants designed to help fund their legislative initiatives through the
Society’s legislative financial aid program. Legislative financial aid is a
grant program administered by the ASID Government and Public Affairs
Department and the Legislative and Codes Advisory Council. Applications
will be e-mailed out in late August and will be due in early October.
Types of Legislative Financial Aid
ASID offers three different types of grant awards.
• LEGISLATIVE AID is granted to chapters and coalitions to support
them in a specific legislative objective. Using core ASID policies and
priorities as their foundation, the Legislative and Codes Advisory
Council awards grants based on qualified opportunities or threats to
interior designers’ right-to-practice and precedent-setting
implications. Awards can be granted in any amount.
• GRASSROOTS PROGRAM AWARDS are granted to assist chapters and
coalitions in developing programs designed to educate their
members and others about the general legislative process, rather
than to promote specific legislation. Awards can be granted up to
$1,500, or half of the estimated cost of the program.
• EMERGENCY AID exists to assist chapters and coalitions that, due to
an unforeseen or an unanticipated occurrence, have encountered a
need for funding that calls for immediate action. You may apply for
emergency aid at any time during the fiscal year.
Start Preparing
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20) IDEC Interior Design Education Council [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
Is IDEC an educational organization or just another part of the Interior Design Cartel? From the memo below posted on their website it feels like interior design legislation is definately "a solution looking for a problem".

Restricting the practice of interior design is their "solution", they just can't seem to find a "problem" to justify legislation.

You can be certain they will come up with some self-serving research paper.

There also seems to be a shortage of so called interior design educators. "Those who can do, those who can't teach".

12/13/2007: Critical Issues
Category: Critical Issues Posted by: admin
Dear IDEC Members,

Critical Issues

The IDEC Board discussed critical issues such as The Institute for Justice, the report by a Task force from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) regarding interior architecture, and organizations that are actively supporting anti-interior design legislation. The IDEC Board has heard from many of our members on various perspectives regarding these issues.

Here is the result of our board conversations:

• ACSA Task Force- A letter was sent to Michael Monti, Executive Director of ACSA that articulates how interior design and architecture collaborate to design the built environment. Specific details as to interior design accreditation standards and the profession’s educational and certification requirements were addressed. IDEC has requested conversation between the leadership of ACSA and IDEC to discuss these important issues. Click here to comment.

• The IDEC Board, in conjunction with other leaders of the profession, has discussed work of The Institute of Justice’ against interior design legislation. IDEC is participating in an effort to educate the state legislatures on the importance of title and practice acts. Currently, we are currently seeking information on 1) scope of interior design practice, and 2) case laws that specifically identify situations where the work of interior designers has impacted public, welfare, and safety. Click here to comment.

• National Kitchen and Bath Association—IDEC members frequently contact our headquarters requesting why IDEC continues to allow the posting of various opportunities sponsored by NKBA given their stance against interior design legislation. The issue is important, and yet difficult. IDEC desires to respond to NKBA as an organization—not specific to IDEC member programs that have NKBA curriculums. Because of NKBA’s anti-legislation position, IDEC declined NKBA’s request to be a vendor however, simultaneously invited NKBA to the Issues Forum’s meetings for continuing conversation.

The IDEC Board recognizes the need to formulate positions on these important issues. Other important initiatives that are in progress include the following:

• The Declining Pool of Educators Task Force that was formulated following a panel discussion at NEOCON and hosted by Kimball Office. Kimball Office has contributed $10,000 to address the problem of the shortage of interior design educators.

Sincerely,

Jane Kucko, FIDEC
President of IDEC


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21) Michigan Interior Design Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
LEGISLATION
Writer assails proposed Michigan interior-design legislation.
In an opinion piece for Michigan's Lansing State Journal (2/7), Patti Morrow, executive director of Live Free and Design, a New Hampshire-based group opposed interior design regulation, wrote that Michigan House Bill 4772 "will harm interior designers and will harm the economy." According to Morrow, suggesting that "the purpose of legislation is to protect the health and safety of the public is simply wrong," because there is no "evidence that the unregulated practice of interior design places the public in any form of jeopardy." Noting that there is "no consumer outcry for interior design regulation," Morrow suggested that the "push for regulation comes from a small handful of industry insiders who want to eliminate their competition and enhance their businesses." Morrow concluded that 26 states not have the licensing laws, and Michigan "should not regulate occupations for the sole purpose of 'enhancing' the professional stature of some interior designers by putting others out of work."

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22) Do the math [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]


Why would a legislator risk such negative press to benefit so few constituents.

Not gonna happen.

These folks like their jobs.



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23) Start a private certification program [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
All the proponents of this legislation need to do is vigorously and consistently promote their NCIDQ status in their advertising and contacts with clients. Put some ads on the radio and TV "Look for the NCICQ when you hire a designer". There are many ways to distinguish a superior level of expertise and training without legislation, and most of them would provoke little or no opposition. That they feel they need legislation indicates weakness in their confidence in their present credentials.
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24) [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
Wow . . . you mean utilize the free market system? Focus your marketing and advertising campaigns to set yourself apart by virtue of perceived superior worth/value? Gee . . . I never would have thought of that.

Some folks just don't want to play fair.


It takes a village idiot!
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25) NCIDQ Credentials [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
They've tried this but what they've discovered is nobody cares.

So they try to manipulate the legislature instead.
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26) Health, Safety and Welfare [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
Gawd this makes me crazy. If the government needs to be involved to protect the consumer from hiring/ buying from people that can do them harm by the products they choose then why don't we license everyone selling poisons that go on the yard, toxins that are in most household cleaners, acids that are in many items such as batteries. Sugar is about as lethal as it comes... should we license the people selling it to protect the consumer? Maybe the government would like to license the grocer to insure that he had full knowledge of nutrition and could safe guard against for the consumer who might choose the wrong foods. Yeah that's the ticket, lets get the already overloaded government agencies busy on all that. No sense acting as if the consumer has any brains at all and can't think to learn if the designer he is hiring is reputable. Lets protect ourselves here. OMG!!!! I can't even believe this kind of thing takes up our tax money for a second. It is ridiculous!
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27) NC Designer [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
Okay - Here is the real question for ASID, IIDA and the like.

I have a four year degree in interior design - from 1981. I chose not to join ASID, years ago, as my clients were not interested in appellations, behind my name, just my education and experience level. Now, years later, because of the requirements for the NCIDQ, I can't sit for the exam. Why - you ask? Because they say I need more class hours! The way it has been written, I'll need to go back to school and also work "under" another NCIDQ certified designer. Forget my previous education and 20-something years of experience.

I didn't and still don't have the desire to become involved in commercial design. I specialize in residential interiors. What is wrong with having different levels of certification for the design community? And . . . . why do you need to make folks go back to school, when they have the experience?!! Let people take the proficiency exams. If they know it, they know it, if they don't, they don't. There are study groups, held nationwide, to prepare for the NCIDQ exam. What is the big secret?

There have been comparisons of interior designers to physicians. First of all, don't flatter yourselves that much. Secondly, if you believe your own hype - Do you want a family specialist peforming heart surgery on you or a loved one? Don't you think, even within the medical community there are different levels of proficiency? Because you require your thoracic surgeon to know more than the family specialist, the family specialist needs to stop practice? Do you see how ridiculous it is to make one exam the "be-all" exam for licensing?

Our country is on the verge of a recession. If the "elitists" believe they can control the design industry, to their benefit, just wait and see how many vendors are pleased to loose customers. In times of economic downturns, they will be happy to gain all of the revenue they can. If they don't, they will go under and then you can see where you can go to offer your clients a variety of product. It all comes full circle.

I live in an NC city, at the state line of SC. The reintroduction of a bill - because some representative's girlfriend is an ASID member, impacts the area in which I live and practice. I hope this will be turned down, over and over again. Maybe the "cartel" will finally decide to put their funds to better use. Perhaps build a house for Habitat!

February 6, 2008 10:55 PM


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28) NC Designer... [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
You've been mis-informed. if you don't want to work in public spaces, this bill does not apply to you. especially since you are in NC.

as for the NCIDQ, Please re-read the paths to qualifying for the test. i'm not sure what the stipulations are in NC, but according to the NCIDQ website, you WOULD be eligible to take the exam, under the other routes (2-5). The requirements you are refering to are only for those people STARTING their education as of 2008.

The people supporting this are NOT elitist. many do NOT belong to any interior design organization but many do have a college education. and the group drafting this bill have been understanding that there are many venues of interior design, hence all the exemptions.

as for the reference to doctors, its an example, nothing more. that's the way i read it. there are countless other professions that have a minimum proficiency test in order to perform their job. and though the interior design profession does have an aspect of art, which cannot be measured, it current role in public spaces has a need for measurable body of knowledge.

like you said, NC "Let people take the proficiency exams. If they know it, they know it, if they don't, they don't." so, when it comes to public spaces (this bill), either designers get registered and work or designers stick to private residences, where owners will select a designer based on their personality and personal taste.

as for the economy/ recession, there will be plenty of private homeowners that need residential designers and residential products. hopefully what we will begin to see is better, longer lasting products in public spaces, which tend to cost more. in fact, according to the ones that i work with, they'll be happy that they won't be spending countless hours educating a designer why their perticular product should not go in a public area. i don't think any vendor will be suffering. they're a lot smarter than you give them credit.
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29) NO! You should learn to read and absorb! Stop with the lies! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2008]
This is straight from NCIDQ's website!

"The supervised experience requirement does not apply to exam candidates who begin to accumulate their interior design work experience on or before December 31, 2007."

"All work experience must be earned after the education program is completed."

So if the designers education program does NOT meet the minimum requirements, they must return to school, "complete" their education, and then...This NOW applies to the candidate that JUST completed the education requirement...

"Exam candidates who begin to accumulate their interior design work experience on or after January 1, 2008 will be required to complete all of that experience under the direct supervision of an NCIDQ Certificate holder, a licensed/registered interior designer, or an architect who offers interior design services. Independent practice time and work done under the supervision of an unlicensed practitioner cannot be counted toward the work experience requirement."

Sorry--it is YOU who is mis-informed!

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30) ASIDers and their exemptions [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2008]
The ASIDers love to talk about all of their exemptions as if you have nothing to worry about. They claim to be concerned about HSW but they will exempt anyone and everyone if that's what it takes to get a bill through.

As far as the statement that "many do NOT belong to any interior design organization"

Gee, lets do the Math. Of the 13 people listed on the IDCW website, 5 belong to ASID, 5 belong to IIDA and 3 don't claim an affiliation. That doesn't mean they aren't members. The three that don't claim an affiliation all work for commercial architects.

Are all these ASIDers and IIDAers who work for architects just pushing this so they can make partner in their firms?? It's not going to happen.

If they work for large commercial architect firms where's the threat to HSW?

There is no threat to health, safety and welfare.

These designers just want the government to give them a "merit badge" so they can say how wonderful and educated they are.

They need to grow up and realize that this isn't grade school soccer. Everyone doesn't get a trophy.
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31) Interior Design Hearings [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
WA interior designers fight each other over license bill
By RACHEL LA CORTE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The battle lines aren't over color swatches or accent walls, but interior designers are fighting over whether they should face greater oversight and be licensed by the state.

While groups like the Interior Design Coalition of Washington are pushing for more regulation, others argue that such requirements would put many designers out of business.

"What is the real purpose of this legislation?" Michael Bindas, staff attorney for the Institute for Justice, asked the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Committee on Tuesday. "It's not prompted by any public outcry. It's called for by industry insiders to restrict entry into the profession."

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle and chairwoman of the committee, said the measure wasn't likely to get out of committee this year.

Kohl-Welles said that while 22 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, regulate interior designers to varying standards, there doesn't appear to be any consistency state-by-state.

"The bottom line is that there's too much controversy with this bill for us to adequately deal with it all in a short session," she said after the hearing was over.

Currently, interior design is not regulated at all in Washington state.

Under the measure, interior designers would have to be registered with the state, and interior designer firms could not use the words 'interior design' unless they were registered.

The measure would establish the Washington State Board of Interior Design, which would establish standards and procedures for registration, licensing and other guidelines.

Registered designers would be required to have a degree in interior design or 15 years experience, to have passed a qualification exam and to provide proof of two years of experience. The examination requirement would be waived for designers who are registered in another state and have a certificate from the National Council for Interior Design.

Registration would have to be renewed every two years.

Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and if convicted could be fined as much as $1,000 per offense per day they violated the law.

Marie Lail Blackburn of MLB Design Group, a certified master kitchen and bath designer with 20 years experience, told the committee that while she is a qualified design professional, she would not qualify under the measure as it was currently written.

"And there are thousands of other designers who don't qualify either," she said.

But supporters said that professional interior designers need to be held accountable for keeping people healthy and safe in the spaces they design.

"We need this bill because right now anyone can call themselves an interior designer, regardless of education or experience," said Stephanie Deshaies, president of the Interior Design Coalition of Washington.

Deshaies said that the bill wasn't about home design.

Instead, she said it was to ensure public safety and health in large buildings, where ergonomics, the use of nontoxic materials and other safety issues were at play.

Increased standards would benefit everyone, the bill's sponsor, Sen. Ken Jacobsen, told the committee.

"I really didn't realize there was a difference in training," said Jacobsen, D-Seattle. "Some people have extensive amounts of training and as a consumer, I want the market to work and I think I should be informed."

The bill would exempt licensed architects, retail employees giving advice on interior design or furnishings, or a person who gives decorative help in selecting things like window treatments, paint and furniture.

The Institute for Justice successfully challenged a similar measure in New Mexico last year, and is currently challenging a similar bill in Texas. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court struck down a similar licensing law.

The high court ruled that the Alabama law was so broad that it requires people to be licensed as interior designers who simply offer advice on what color to paint a living room or what types of throw pillows to use.

Deshaies said that the Washington state measure was crafted differently.

----

The interior design licensing bill is Senate Bill 6707


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32) Registered, Certified, Licensed [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
Why all these so called compromises using words like registered interior designer or certified interior designer?

It's the only way they can buy off the opposition and claim they've compromised!

Once in place these terms are manipulated in their marketing to create the impression that only certified or registered interior designers can practice interior design.

What exactly is an un-certified interior designer or an un-registered interior designer.

Would you put that on your business card?
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33) Standards? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
Somehow the ASIDers think the longer their statements the more believable they are. This is the same old, same old coming out of ASID national as they try to force their will on the designers in Washington State.

Don't let them succeed.

The State of Florida has a practice act and they have hired an outside law firm to search the internet for any designer that uses the words interior, design, designer and Florida in the same paragraph on their website.

They then send out cease and desist orders and injunctions agains unsuspecting designers.

All this legislation does is legally allow one group of designers to use the government to put other designers out of business.
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34) Not as drafted please. [by dquigley on February 6, 2008]
My wife is a well-known and respected Interior Designer in district 45, with 30 years of experience and four years of education, two degrees (one from an accredited university, one from an non-accredited design school). During her 18-years in the Seattle area, she has built a strong and successful residential practice and has personally generated well over $300,000 in state sales tax revenue. She has designed and executed interior projects for a diverse set of clientele including executives of well-know corporations like Amazon, Haagen-Dazs, Oracle, Country Wide, Pepsi, Microsoft, Dryers, Boeing and The Seattle Seahawks. She is an allied member of ASID, though she has not actively participated in that organization.

We have read the proposed bills, discussed the content and are writing here to express our view.

These bills would require my wife to meet a broad set of qualifications and show competency by exam in the entire scope of the profession, not just in her well-established and practiced residential niche. My wife has earned the right to her title as interior designer in both her education and experience. We support “legitimizing” the interior design profession, however, to require such a broad certification, driven primarily by two organizations, would place an inequitable and unnecessary burden on my wife and her practice. It’s akin to requiring an degreed and established software engineer to certify in elements of mechanical engineering before he or she could reclaim title as an engineer.

Frankly, we do not see the need to regulate “Interior Designer” as a “shingle” term. Today, designers that specialize in commercial domains like hospitality, institutional and health-care, generally work within a team comprised of registered Architects and Engineers who also have project oversight responsibilities. Those designers can be required (by the nature of their specialty and those responsible for the project) to hold additional certifications.

We strongly urge opposition to these bills their current form. We understand and agree with the core intent, and suggest that regulating the title “Registered Interior Designer” aligns with similar legislation for other professions, and does not compromise the integrity of these bills or the businesses of constituents who have established Interior Design credentials and practices.

Further, a strong argument can be made that a state board comprised solely from lists generated from the ranks of the two organizations behind them effectively eliminates representation from an existing, larger, vibrant and diverse group of professionals practicing both the art and profession of Interior Design in our state.

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35) Regulation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
There are currently no standards means for determining qualifications to practice interior design in Washington State: anyone can be an interior designer and perform the functions of the profession.

Those practicing interior design in Washington State are not required to have any formal education in interior design.

Those practicing interior design in Washington State are not required to pass a professional examination that ensures a minimum level of competency in interior design.

Those practicing interior design in Washington State are not required to belong to a professional organization which monitors ethics, professional standards, and continuing education.



It is possible for someone without education or experience in interior design to practice interior design. Anyone can currently design and specify materials and finishes for use in hospitals, high rise condominium buildings, office structures, and hotel tower. The only way to ensure that the public occupies interior spaces that are safe is to define and regulate those qualified to practice interior design.



While there are codes surrounding egress and interior finishes/materials, building and health code officials do not have the time or manpower to review construction documents to a level that guarantees 100% compliance: they rely on the credentials of the professionals working on the documents to comply.



All professionals involved in construction documents are licensed except interior designers. Architects, engineers, contractors, and landscape architects are all registered and all have specific areas of expertise: for interior designers to be excluded from regulation is an oversight that can affect the outcome of a project.



No one on the project team has the ability to ensure compliance expertise in interior design except those who have interior design education, those that have passed a professionally recognized examination (NCIDQ), and those that have appropriate interior design experience.



In projects involving only non-load bearing and non-seismic construction, no supervision from an architect or engineer is required: anyone can perform the functions of interior design. Regulation of interior designers would ensure that the public has a guide by which to gauge a level of qualification.


The selection of inappropriate interior materials can contribute to fires, including ignition, spread rate, deadly gases and smoke. Interior designers are knowledgeable of fire codes, and are often the only member of a project team responsible for interior finish material specifications.



Building owners are subject to claims made because of slip-and-fall injuries due to inappropriate flooring material selections and non-code compliant transitions between flooring materials. Interior designers know minimum specification standards that can minimize slip and fall injuries.



Special provisions must be made in public facilities to be in compliance with the ADA. Interior designers are aware of these provisions and are able to identify when current facilities do not meet code, to what extent building owners are responsible for changes to be made, and to facilitate those changes. Building owners can be subject to lawsuits and to personal injury and damage claims should their facility be constructed without regard to ADA.



The Department of Labor reported that over 2.5 million workdays were lost in a recent year due to injuries and illness. Many of these illnesses were reported as “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS) and occurred for a variety of reasons, including inappropriate material specifications and adhesives used during installation of finishes. Individuals working in sick building environments for extended periods of time can develop flu-like symptoms. It is the responsibility of a professional interior designer to educate and assist clients in the promotion of healthy, safe work/living environments.



If inappropriate materials are selected for use within an interior space, they can fail and require replacement. Incompetent specifications can cause financial harm to project clients and the public.


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36) You're Wrong and Deceitful [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
Your long statement is wrong. It still silly to think that an architectural firm is going to build a hospital or high rise and hire someone off the street. You are crazy. It has never happened and never will. You are using elementary examples, they aren't real and you are trying to scare people. You again are a shameful and sad lot! Sick building syndrome...please! You 'designers' are just as responsible for this. You didn't know about until recently, nobody did. Now we know and we all have the right and ability to choose green or not. You are foolish jealous and deceitful.
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37) HOW MANY? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
and AGAIN we ask:
HOW MANY NCIDQ qualified designers are currently practicing in Washington????

They will not answer that simple question because there are not enough of them to sustain the industry!
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38) HOW MANY? PLENTY [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
Instead of asking "HOW MANY NCIDQ qualified designers are currently practicing in Washington????" you SHOULD be asking how many are qualified to TAKE the test. (and FYI, NCIDQ does not give that information out, due to privacy issues) The answer is plenty...plenty "enough of them to sustain the industry". There are many people that actually got a documentable education to do their current job. But there is currently no reason to take the test so people choose to not do it. if you are willing to submit the general public to your design choices, safe or not, be willing enough to take the test.

people, stop this overgeneralizing and overdramatizing that the world will end. it won't. it will just get better and filled with more educated, certified people.
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39) Designer Gig Harbor [by Anonymous Citizen on February 12, 2008]
All of this legislation is aimed to do is to boost up the ego's of NCIDQ equipped "designers". This is aimed to cure thier low self esteem. The Washington Interior Design Cartel's plan is to lie and tell the people in the industry that it won't effect them. At the hearings in Washington State they claimed exemptions that didnt exist in the bill. Are they this dishonest with thier clients?
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40) NCIDQ [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
If you want to Tattoo NCIDQ on your forehead, go ahead. That's your business.

But don't get irate because you spent all this time studying for a test that the interior design consumer couldn't care less about.

Stop asking the government to do your marketing for you.
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41) Michigan Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
Andy Meisner and Bill Huizenga: Interior designer licensing is good for state economy.

Dear Opponents of Interior Desgin Licensing: Michigan Interior Designers need your help.

Google the above article by the sponsors of similar legislation in Michigan.

Let Michigan voters know the truth behind this legislation by posting your comments.

ASID is everywhere looking to take your right to practice away!

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42) Are you kidding me? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
Monday, October 08, 2007
Latest Threat to Michigan - Unlicensed Interior Designers
In the midst of Michigan's taxing economic woes, our law makers apparently have plenty of time on their hands.

HB 4772, introduced on May 16, 2007 by Representatives Meisner, Huizenga, Vagnozzi, Coulouris, Johnson, Gonzales, Polidori, Cushingberry, Robert Jones, Valentine, Meadows, Gillard, Leland, Spade, Meekhof, Nitz, Emmons, Stahl, Steil, Pearce, Stakoe and Rick Jones, seeks to protect Michigan from the greatest possible danger.

Unlicensed Interior Designers

Apparently in the midst of all the economic disasters in Michigan -- The highest unemployment, the highest foreclosure rate, the greatest loss of jobs in a non-natural disaster area -- rogue interior designers were overlooked.

After all, you can't have the paint on the wall clashing with the chandelier and the dining room set now can you, it would be so gauche.

This bill, as ably analyzed by Dick Carpenter and John Ross in Keep Michigan interior designers free, an opinion column in the Detroit News, is nothing more than rent seeking on the part of already established Interior Designers seeking to prevent more people from practicing that profession.

Of course, this raises the cost of Interior Designers as it reduces the supply.

House Bill 4772 would force all interior designers to obtain a license from the government before they could practice interior design, or even call themselves "interior designers." The small group of interior designers pushing the bill (for the third time) seeks to create a cartel. That is, they want to establish government-imposed barriers to entry into the industry to limit competition.

The proponents of the bill, led by the Council for Interior Design Registration, argue this licensing scheme will protect public health, safety and welfare. Apparently, the unlicensed practice of interior design is a threat to the public.

The council has yet, however, to produce a scintilla of evidence to support this claim. Indeed, state agencies in Colorado, Georgia, South Carolina and Washington have analyzed the need for interior design licensure and found no potential for harm, according to Designing Cartels, a report on the nationwide push to license interior designers.

If the proposal is enacted into law, applicants for a license will have to pass a 13-hour exam. To even be eligible to sit for the exam, they must complete a degree or certification program in interior design and accrue thousands of hours of experience before they can legally recommend aesthetic and practical furniture arrangements and offer other interior design services.

.........

This unreasonable meddling in the economy will close off employment opportunities for interior designers and limit consumer choice, which is probably why only four other states in the entire country limit the practice of interior design the way HB 4772 would. None of the other 46 states -- where anyone who wants to may practice interior design -- have experienced any problems whatsoever. Why fix what isn't broken?

The constitutional right to earn an honest living in the occupation of one's choice is a sacred American birthright. Michiganians should head off this threat to occupational freedom.

Exactly so, this bill is simply an answer for which there is no real question.

At least the bill currently permits you to do interior design work on your own property -- as long as you do not hold yourself out as an interior designer, otherwise you could be charged with practicing without a license and potentially face jail time.

Yet another point for those proposing a part-time legislature, 'cause this one certainly has much too much time on its hands if it can think about regulating such a discretionary, non-vital and an industry that has no real need for government oversight.
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43) New Title: [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
For most of the people out there, your new title will be "unemployed". Do we qualify for unemployment?
I hope the senate is budgeting for all the extra benefits, food stamps and things that we'll need. Maybe we could add extra taxes onto interior design so we can pay for all of our low income housing now?
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44) New Title [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
Yes, well I suppose the ASID had this in mind the whole time. Their designers have been struggling for so long, I guess they had to resort to ugliness.
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45) Hawaii Interior Design Legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
I just heard that they've introduced interior design legislation in Hawaii of all places.

ASID is relentless!!
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46) Bogus Bill [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
This is the most bogus bill to come down the pike in years. What a joke. Licensing interior designer's makes as much sense as building a foundation on quick sand. Useless. Do what you will but don't place this group in with the Architect's and Engineers Practice Act. Keep those professions clean and pure.
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47) Pick up the Phone! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
Call the offices of your House Rep, your State Senator and every member on the Committee that will be hearing the Bill tomorrow.

It can make an impact! If you are opposed to this Bill tomorrow is the day to Pick up the Phone.

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48) Why Now? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
There are many WORKING DESIGNER'S that cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can,till we are gaged.

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49) Pick up the Phone [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
Call the offices of your House Rep, your State Senator and every member on the Committee that will be hearing the Bill tomorrow.

It can make an impact! If you are opposed to this Bill tomorrow is the day to Pick up the Phone.
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50) Sneaky! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I love how they sneak this in last minute. I guess it has to be secretive in order for it to have a chance.
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51) A hearing [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Oh my word! I can't believe our senate is going to actually waste time and money on this! SHAMEFUL and disgusting. This is just the saddest and sickest thing I've heard of in a very long time. Those of you in the ASID, you are truly tasteless jealous slimy cracked little people.
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52) Cannot Wait! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I for one and many other WORKING DESIGNER'S cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can ,till we are gaged.
So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?
You don't go to school for 2-4 years to be schucked off the corn cobb and told to clean the bottom of the bin from wence you came when you went to school to better yourself and make a better living.

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53) Title remains [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
"So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?"

You can still call yourself an interior designer, just not "registered interior designer."
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54) New Title [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
Unemployed
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55) Cannot Wait! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I for one and many other WORKING DESIGNER'S cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can ,till we are gaged.
So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?
You don't go to school for 2-4 years to be schucked off the corn cobb and told to clean the bottom of the bin from wence you came.

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56) Cannot Wait! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I for one and many other WORKING DESIGNER'S cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can ,till we are gaged.
So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?
You don't go to school for 2-4 years to be schucked off the corn cobb and told to clean the bottom of the bin from wence you came.
You would think an educational board would jump at the chance to put their two cents worth in.
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57) Cannot Wait! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I for one and many other WORKING DESIGNER'S cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can ,till we are gaged.
So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?
You don't go to school for 2-4 years to be schucked off the corn cobb and told to clean the bottom of the bin from wence you came.
You would think an educational board would jump at the chance to put their two cents worth in.
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58) Cannot Wait! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I for one and many other WORKING DESIGNER'S cannot wait to see and or hear what kind of diahrrea comes out of the mouths,pens or computers from tomarrow's hearing in Olympia Washington.
We want to be there but apparently we better be making our money while we can ,till we are gaged.
So what will our new title be? Retail Assocciate?
You don't go to school for 2-4 years to be schucked off the corn cobb and told to clean the bottom of the bin from wence you came.
You would think an educational board would jump at the chance to put their two cents worth in.
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59) Hearings Tomorrow 2/5/08 in Olympia [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
INTERIOR DESIGN HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW

New--> February 5th -- Senate Hearing Olympia, WA

1:30 PM in the John A Cherberg Building-Senate Hearing Room 4.


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60) The Hearing, [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Please tell me you'll all be there to testify. Anyone can show up and give your opinion. GO GO GO! Even if you are busy, if this passes nobody will be busy for a long time.
To the senators: If you believe in freedom, you are no for this bill.
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61) Brilliant Marketing [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
This is government sponsored marketing. Its brilliant. You can put your competition out of business plus get free marketing from the government. This is just fantastic use of our senator's time. Forget all the crime and poverty out there. Mr. Senator, you should resign in shame for wasting our time and money. This is NOT why we elected you! Please explain how this is in line with your oath to serve us?
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62) The exemptions [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
So, I guess we are to assume that the very wealthy must be protected. The middle class - not so much. Is that why we have the 4000sq ft exemption? You might as well just exempt people who make less than 500k a year. They don't matter anyway right? Just the first class? I think we see through your little plot here...You "decorators" can have the middle class. We "designers" will take the big fish. You guys are a sad sad group. Evil plots like this only hurt your reputation and your kharma! I'm thinking you'll have the worst financial year ever!
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63) Public vs Paycheck [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2008]
How come the IDCW designers market themselves with pictures of work they have done that include flammable material/

How come they can use flammable material but the other designers can't?

Is it the public they are trying to protect
or is their own paycheck????
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64) Because they are better [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Of course they can use it. They are specially trained. Kind of like how you can train a monkey to recognize letters. They are so funny with their "we understand fire codes". So, you spent how much money to get that understanding? I understand them too...I know how to read. Its just not that complicated. The ada codes...um is anyone out there finding that they are just too confusing and you must spend time in a classroom to understand them. Last I checked they are written in English. In fact, very simple English. I have a two BA degrees, neither is in ID. Why? Cuz its a waste of time. You can learn these codes etc very easily without a professor walking you though...well at least us decorators can. I guess you ASID groupies are just are a bit slower than most?
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65) Building Codes [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
You have to love this! The ASID claims they are so great b/c their designers learned all about codes in design school. Why do they have a very elementary "Building codes for beginners" for sale on their website? Their members didn't learn these codes in school? My oh my, you are sorry group!
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66) Codes 101 [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
They probably have a "beginner's code on their website so people not in the industry can understand what the codes mean (???) Just a guess.
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67) Codes 101 [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Okay, so why does the public need this when our designers are there to protect us from ourselves? I do believe it is designed for their members. Probably because the ASID understands that a design degree as about as useful and watching HGTV.
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68) Codes 101 [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Hahaha... My husband has made a good living as a designer and a contactor. He still needs to check the codes. No one can possible remember it all. I'd rather hire someone I can be sure will build something to code rather than have the inspector come and tell me I have to tear it down...or worse have it fall down because it wasn't built right. You're pulling my leg on this...right?
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69) codes [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I think the point here is that everyone checks them now and again. What does a design degree have to with it though? Nothing. Besides, the real fact is: Designers don't build anything. Nothing. They don't install, they don't paint, they do nothing. They are at best consultants on projects. That is why contractors need to be familiar with the codes. The codes are already in place. Again, why this is just the silliest marketing scheme ever.
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70) What happens if there is a recession? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2008]


What happens if you can't find a job after you are done with school?


Senator Jacobsen: Do you propose to fine these $1000 for every day they try to find work for themselves?

You sponsored this legislation.
Could you please explain your intent?



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71) Senator Jacobsen [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2008]


Which one of your relatives is an Interior Designer?





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72) Friends & Family [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2008]
Without a doubt some of the sponsors have friends and family pushing them to sponsor this nonsense.

They tried to pass this in New Hampshire last year. The principal sponsor had a daughter working in DC as an interior designer so she sponsored the bill because her daughter thought it was a good idea.

I'm sure she never bothered to ask any of her constituents if it was something they wanted her to sponsor.
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73) Follow the money [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2008]


I will bet that at least one of the key sponsors to this legislation has a partner or a girlfriend or a daughter or a wife who is an interior designer.



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74) The money [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
Don't forget, Brendan is sponsoring this because his friend who pays him is the lobbyist. He in turn is helping her to get elected to a local race in Oly. He doesn't care about design, just greasing the palms of his buddy.
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75) Should only NKBA people be licensed [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]




Maybe the NKBA should press for legislation that only certified members of that organization could legally be allowed to design kitchens?


Let the Interior Decorators be in charge of carpets and wallpaper and Feng Shui and the professionals can take care of the kitchens & baths.



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76) More legislation [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2008]
I think only NKBA members should be allowed to work with kitchens and baths and only certified decorators can pick carpets, furniture and wall coverings. Certified designers can feel free to decide where the electrical outlets and heating ducts go. Have fun.
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77) Prank [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]
Sounds like a Frat house prank. This is not a Serority contest. Get over yourselves.
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78) Playing GOD [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]
Who appointed you as the Immoral Majority? I cannot believe that 120 some people are going to change a law and are allowed to do it.Greased You Betcha! Public Vote where? What happened to a petition? All I see is a selfish who greased who or who slept with who this time event once again.
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79) I Agree [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]
What gives these people the right to act like High School Cheerleaders. Me no me look at ME ME ME!
I don't know about you but I was taught that cooperation is the key to harmony.
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80) Judge Not [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]
Judge Not the spelling of the last entry anger gets the better of people. Understood Hear Hear!

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81) Bill What Bill [by Anonymous Citizen on February 2, 2008]
Who greased who's palms for this one ? I was considering adding to my Visual Communications doing Interior Design but this state has only two accredited schools and the gas alone would eat me alive to be there thanks to the political wrangles of the Whitehouse budget and the war (shhh) we haven't declared it a wabbit yet. The countries deficit Well how about this we aduit the government and that includes this money greasing for a bill that has the potentially will force the smaller INTERIOR DESIGNORS out of business (intention or not). Elite Phooey We are not in High School looking for approval and popularity not unlike the Presidential Election what a Rotten Example of working together. GROW UP!
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82) What happens to the homeowner if...... [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
Comments

Introduced by Rep. Brendan Williams, (D-Olympia) on January 24, 2008. New Comment

1) What happens to the homeowner if...... [by Anonymous Citizen on January 29, 2008]
What happens if the mailman or neighbor makes a recommendation that has bearing on "aesthetically appropriate"?

Is that person considered a "decorator" under this bill?
Will they be fined $1000 for providing this advice?

What happens if a remodel customer inadvertently hires one of these "rogue" decorators and the interior designers become aware of this?

Does the remodel project get shut down?

Does the homeowner have to now select from a "List" of acceptable arbiters of "aesthetically appropriate"?

What happens if it turns out that getting a certification is really based upon politics (such as this bill)? What happens if they make a mistake and their errors & omission insurance is not adequate to make the customer whole? (Certification does not necessarily really mean credentials)

Does the IDCW have a balloon insurance policy to indemnify a customer against bad judgement by a 23 year old designer? (The presumable age of early certified designers)

If these designers provided such a compellingly useful and necessary service, why does the public not already beat a path to their door?

If they are this competent, why do they need to lock out competition?
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83) Interior Design Licensing Scheme [by Anonymous Citizen on January 27, 2008]
Comments
Introduced by Rep. Brendan Williams on January 17, 2008. New Comment

1) Are you going to close my business down? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 27, 2008]
I'm an interior designer.
I have many satisfied customers.
My work is all based on referral.

Are you going to close my business down?
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2) Shut your business down [by Anonymous Citizen on January 27, 2008]
They will if you don't speak up and call your state rep and state senator, or better yet, pay them a visit in Olympia.
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3) Are you going to close my business down? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 27, 2008]
I'm an interior designer.
I have many satisfied customers.
My work is all based on referral.

Are you going to close my business down?
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4) Forcing us to join their club [by Anonymous Citizen on January 26, 2008]
That is all this is. More revenue by force to the ASID. That is like forcing us to join a religion. Most normal designers do NOT want to associate with this group. They have serious ethical issues and wreak with elitism. I qualify for this group, but I'd rather go out of business than join this cartel. I can't see how it legal to make me do this!
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5) Investigate [by Anonymous Citizen on January 26, 2008]
It sounds like this bill is all about Brendan's family and corruption. Why does he want us out of business? I think some investigation into this is called for.
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6) Boycott Starbucks [by Anonymous Citizen on January 26, 2008]
I know it's difficult to do but guess who one of the advocates for this licensing scheme is:

Jackie Hanson, ASID | Past PresidentStarbucks Coffee Company | email“I’m so happy to have been given the opportunity to pursue a career in interior design. I’ve had the opportunity to work on many wonderful projects, which have introduced me to so many talented individuals. The industry has come a long way in the twenty years that I’ve been practicing, but I know it can go farther: legislation is a tool that will elevate the profession and protect the general public. When I look back in another twenty years, I’m confident that the best “project” I’ll ever have is fighting for interior design legislation.”
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7) What? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 26, 2008]
The state frog, bigger bottles of malt liquor now this. Where do you pull these from Brendon? Obviously you can be bought at any price. I'm sure glad you aren't in my district.
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8) New Bill Number-Interior Design [by Anonymous Citizen on January 26, 2008]
They just lost 4 of the 7 sponsors in the House. They remaining 3 are Williams, Hunt & Dickerson. I guess that's why they changed the bill number. Keep in mind that an identical bill has been sponsored in the Senate. (I'm sure the sponsors have never even read the bill).

They must have taken some big bucks $$ from ASID or they wouldn't continue to sponsor this nonsense.

This is politics 101. Pick up the phone and call their offices.

Tell them that you are an interior designer and you are "mad as hell and you aren't going to take it anymore".
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9) It's 3223 Now [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
They changed the number of the bill. So make sure you follow that one now. I don't know why? Brendan, can you please tell us why?
You can look the bill up on this site and I guess post your comments there now. Do we have to RE-Email our legislators now too??
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10) Updated, new bill# [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
FYI - this bill has been updated as HB 3223!
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11) lobbyist [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
I think the lobbyist for the IDCW is a friend of the WIlliam's family. hmmm?
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12) Lobbyist Sandra Romero [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Yes, She is a very very good friend of Brendan's Family. They give her money, she gives them money. This gives me a sick feeling in my stomach. Why would Brendan take on such a sick cause like this? If it is legal, it shouldn't be! Check the public records. His step mother: Melanie Stewart is a lobbyist and good friend of Sandra. So, in kind Brendan has been giving her money and she in return gives Brendan money. Now she is the NCID's lobbyist and got him to introduce the bill. Like someone said earlier, Brendan could be bought with $20.00 and drink.
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13) The Lobbyist [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Look at her website. Brendan Williams is on her steering committee and his father is a major supporter. This is sounds messy? This is why Brendan is taking on her ASID cartel cause.
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14) Re: Lobbyist [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
His step mother who lives in Olympia near him is a major lobbyist. So yes, the lobbyist is a friend of hers and the family!
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15) Lobbying for dollars [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Yes, she contributed to his campaign and now he is contributing to her campaign for a local race. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Both of his parents and his wife are friends of hers. Easy money if you can get it.
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16) Lobbyist [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Actually, He contributed to her campaign too. Years ago. They have all been family friends for a long time. They give and take favors. Its old Olympia Corrupt Politics.
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17) not surprising [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
this bill is a travesty. it's not surprising that they are all old pals. Looks like IDCW didn't do their research.... All of this info is SO easy to find online! OR perhaps they did do their research! I guess this is the only game they have. Playing with people’s lives, careers, and educations.... Do you think their having fun...? It's sinister. Disgusting.
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18) Does this make Brendan Corrupt? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
I think we deserve an answer Brendan! What is going on here. Politicians always go down when they cover things up. Tell the truth now! This has nothing to do with safety does it? To the average gal, it sounds like you are trying to please your step mama!
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19) Lobbyist Sandra Romero [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
She was active in donating to his campaign. Nice how this all works isn't it! Now she is working for ASID and her friend Brendan is pushing her bill for her. What a tangled web.
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20) Sheep!!! BAhhh BAhhh! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
baaah baaah IDCW sheep have you any ideas of your own?....no sir no sir....just a bunch of ideas shoved down our throat by ASID....IDCW is....made up of "ladies" who need some recognition... maybe it was the architects who made you feel so stupid...made you feel the need to latch on to something...important? FIGHT FOR..... INTERIOR DESIGN!!!! YEY!!!! You're important now!!! YEY! YOU HAVE A PORPOSE IN LIFE!!! YEY!!! YOU’RE ACTING LIKE REAL MEN NOW!!! Good job soldiers!

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21) Re Sheep [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Ladies, let's not turn to ugly insults. What did a sheep ever do to you?
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22) RE RE Sheep [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Well as many of you know...sheep are led...in herds.... by a shepherd… The duty of a shepherd is to keep their flock intact and protect it from wolves and other predators. The shepherd is also used to supervise the migration of the flock and ensured they made it to market areas in time for shearing....so when I say sheep....it’s not necessarily an insult… it’s a factual analogy.

ASID is the Shepherd, IDCW supporters are the sheep. ASID is trying to protect you from the wolves….guiding you, supervising you and your actions. The predators might just be the designers…with all the talent…getting the business! Can’t you see it IDCW? ASID is leading you to the free market….and exposing you! You’re true colors…you’ve been sheered! Remember IDCW, your shepherd can’t protect you forever…someday you will be forced to stand on your own, vulnerable and humbled.
We’d like to see your portfolios, client testimonials and referrals, not your shepherd’s initials!

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23) Re Sheep [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
I see. That make sense, the ASID is much like cult. Its kind of like trying to force us all to believe in the same religion. Their Mantra is basically: "If you don't conform, we will smash you all."
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24) Life Safety [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Please remember, fabric specification is only a small concern in regards to life safety. Anyone who actually abides by the codes would know the main issue does not lie within finishes, but space planning. This is something only learned through education and the appropriate experience. Please don't be fooled by designers who claim this bill is useless because "pretty design" isn't a public safety issue.
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25) Clarify [by Anonymous Citizen on January 25, 2008]
Please give an example of when space planning injured someone. The codes that already exist protect people from this already. That is why nobody has been hurt by space planning. The law is already there. This is again, only about titles.
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26) Mr. Anonymous Critic (Again) [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
BACKGROUND PAPER FOR HEARING

CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATION

IDENTIFIED ISSUES, QUESTIONS FOR CCIDC, BACKGROUND CONCERNING ISSUES, AND PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS


PRIOR SUNSET REVIEW:

In 1990, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 153 (Craven) (Chapter 396, Statutes of 1990), which provided for a voluntary system whereby an interior designer could become certified and obtain a stamp from an interior design organization by demonstrating their competency by means of education, experience and examination (B&P Code Section 5800 - 5810). The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) was established in January 1992, with the intent of being the organization responsible for determining whether interior designers met the education, experience and examination requirements.

The Joint Legislative Sunset Review Committee (JLSRC) last reviewed CCIDC five (5) years ago (1995-96). The JLSRC identified a number of issues and problem areas concerning the voluntary certification system. For example, the JLSRC noted that concerns have been raised that the interior design law provides for a state-sanctioned cartel, which can raise fees and revenues without any oversight, where only a select few are allowed to become certified and any requirement of stamp certification by governmental agencies may restrict competition for a large number of otherwise qualified interior designers. The JLSRC also noted that there is no evidence that eliminating the voluntary certification would endanger the health, safety or welfare of the public or cause significant public harm nor does there appear to be any significant public demand for the regulation of interior designers.

That is what was said about similar attempts to control the marketplace by the same cartel in California. Where's the beef? It is apparently been proven time and again that there is no need for this legislation Mr. Williams! What is the ASID promising you for proposing this kind of legislation? Because what you're getting is a serious dose of a lack of credibility from the communities that you claim to be protecting.

The opposition to this legislation shall be overwhelming, Mr. Williams. HB 2895 is D.O.A.
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27) California [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
California actually has an unusual law with voluntary registration that accepts tests from several other trade groups including NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association).

Of course the ASIDers are hard at work in California to overturn the voluntary system and implement a NCIDQ ONLY licensing scheme.

The best licensing scheme is none at all.
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28) No Conumer Outcry....NONE [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Has anyone noticed that it is NOT the consumer crying out for protection from interior designers/decorators/home beautification specialists/people who make things pretty or whatever vernacular you prefer? Have you noticed that is is NOT any other industry organization other than ASID and IIDA (who so desperately wants to merge with ASID) crying out for legislation? Have you noticed that legislators as a body are NOT crying out for legislation. Wouldn't any reasonable person take that to mean that there is no problem with unlicensed whoevers (I'm loath to use the term interior designers so as not to upset folks)? If not, wouldn't the records kept since 1907 showing only 4 suits against designers by consumers on issues other than contractural issues be sufficient? And has anyone noticed that since the first Practice Act was established in 1982, most of the claims are designers turning each other in? Do these coalitions and proponents who have been hoodwinked not want to confuse the issue with the facts?
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29) State Reps: Read No Conumer Outcry....NONE [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
This is best summary of this discussion so far. Yes I am a designer with a degree. But this legislation just goes too far and is unclear. As a designer, I find ASID's move to monopolize their club elitist and wasteful. The law suits and problems that this bill will create make my head spin. We know you are reasonable, lets keep decorating/design/creating legal for all. The codes already exist to keep our citizens safe. No designer puts in her own flooring/plumbing/fixtures. She uses contractors and plumbers etc whom are already regulated enough. This bill would not add any safety measure.
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30) elitist [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
This bill is elitist and unfair. Mr. Williams tell us what you were thinking when you came up with this one. There is a huge difference between interior design and interior decorating, and this bill will eliminate all the creative, artistic people working as decorators.
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31) Elitist Brendan [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Yes please Brendan, tell us what you were thinking. Is your goal to put thousands of people out of work? Is your goal to raise the costs of creating a nice home for the middle class? Is it because you come from such a rich family that you don't care about the middle class anymore? Did you even read the bill? It does nothing to protect public safety because of the retail exemptions. Not to mention the fact that NOBODY as ever been hurt from a decorator/designer/artist before. All it does is allow the ASID to eliminate competition and create a monopoly. Please, re read the bill and vote no. Doing otherwise will only show your lack of caring for our community and your constituents.
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32) Grand parenting and the NCIDQ exam [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
All of those applicants who meet the qualifications for the grand parenting provision in the bill would still need to pass the NCIDQ exam. They would be put on a list by the regulatory board, which would be given to NCIDQ to administer the exam. There would be no application to NCIDQ, but you would still have to pass the exam to be a "Registered Interior Designer".
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33) Grandparenting? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Nice choice of words. What these people really want to do is put all of their competitors "out to pasture".

They hope if they parade a bunch of letters after their name that potential clients won't ask to see their portfolio.
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34) Retail Excemption [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
This part says it all. It is so clear that public safety is NOT the issue. Losing in home design business is the only issue here. If it was really about public safety, we would simply create codes about what fabrics can be used where etc. Why in the world would you exempt retail fabric suppliers but not in home fabric suppliers? You really should be ashamed. This is elitist biggotry and snobbery. Usually you try and hide this side of our industry, but here you are showing your ugly side for all the world to see. This is why you are struggling. Kharma gets you in the end.
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35) Regulatory Board? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Give us a break with this regulatory board staffed by ASID/IIDA cronies.

If you passed NCIDQ you are free to say you did in your marketing materials. Nobody cares.

Any designer that's any good competes with their portfolio and references.

Keep the government out of this.
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36) Regulatory Board [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
This board makes it sound like we're living in the Soviet Union in 80's. SCARY!
Please feel free to put all your letters and all your exams that you passed in your portfolio and marketing materials. Put in bold letters. Scream it from the streets. Have a badge made that you can wear to all your appointments. I am sure it will help you close the sale with your clients. Tell them all about fire concerns you have and how you have memorized the ADA codes. Let your education and exams work for you. That is great!! Just leave the rest of us to let our creativity, knowledge, experience, portfolio and referrals work for us. None of us want to design a hotel, a hospital, a mall or even a dentists office. I go to homes and help the homeowner create a warm, beautiful and yes even safe environment for her family.
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37) Regulatory Board... [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
If you "go to homes and help the homeowner create a warm, beautiful and yes even safe environment for her family", great! This bill DOES NOT CONCERN YOU. READ THE BILL! Read the exemption. Don't just listen to whatever mantra this super-hero "justice league" (talk about giving someone a break!) has to say. Read before you make all this fuss.

But if you decide to work on a project that effects the public, then you should be able to prove you are competent professional, just like everyone else on the team from contractor, to plumber, architect to engineer. All of these TRADES and professions need certification. Not being certified is doing a disservice to your client and the public's safety.
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38) Re: Regulatory Board [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
With all due respect, you are wrong. Look, as a group we can all agree that this bill is causing hurt and strife and difficulty in our industry if nothing else. On one hand it says you can decorate, on the other hand you can't draw anything or pick out materials. It contradicts itself. Draft a new bill that says only ASID members can design public places and I think we'll all be okay with that. This one, just hurts so many people and really benefits no one. If you really have public safety in mind, God bless you. But this bill does not accomplish your goal.
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39) This isn't Texas. [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
The bill language in Washington State would protect the title "Registered Interior Designer" anyone could still use the title "interior designer" when providing design services to clients under the exemption clause.
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40) anonymous citizen [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
I'm pretty sure that the bill states you can not use the title Interior Designer unless you have satisfied all of the requirements.
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41) Titles [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
No matter what title is put in place they are always manipulated by the title holders to criticize and bash competitors who don't have the title.

The claim that 25 states (or whatever the number is) have interior design legislation is just one example of this marketing manipulation. Most states only have modified title acts with the words "certified", "registered" or "licensed" interior designer.

What are these titles? Nothing more than state sanctioned "feel good" merit badges that are manipulated to create the impression that you have to have one of these titles to practice interior design. You don't, but they won't tell you that if you ask them.

Compete with your portofolio (if you even have one).
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42) design services [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
You say you would allow us to still use the title "Interior Designer" while providing design services BUT your bill won't allow us to provide the design services our clients need!
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43) Anonymous Critic [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
The famous Irish author Oscar Wilde upon his deathbed in Paris was quoted as saying "The wallpaper is killing me. One of us has to go". This is the last time I can remember Safety and Health in Interior Design actually being an issue.


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44) Texas Interior Design Lawsuit [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
MELANIE SPENCER: INTERIOR DIALOGUE
Austin American Statesman

Texas decorators sue to use title 'interior designer'
4 sue state board members over law that limits unlicensed decorators.

Thursday, January 24, 2008
On Jan. 15, Courtroom 4 at the historic, 1930s-era U.S. Courthouse at 200 W. Eighth St. was the meeting space for several Austin interior designers, decorators, members of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and the Texas Association of Interior Design and several other interior design and decorator professional organizations.

And although the room, with its startling cerulean blue carpet, archaic wood paneling, Aggie maroon curtains and harsh metal miniblinds could use an extreme makeover that better celebrates the building's late art deco architecture, this group wasn't meeting to discuss cutting-edge courtroom design or historic restoration. Instead, they were talking through their lawyers about a case related to the 1991 Texas interior designer title act.

According to the act, to use the title of interior designer, a person must have a two- or four-year degree in interior design from a school accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research and two years of work experience and must pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam. Interior designers must also take eight hours of continuing education and renew their licenses yearly.

The case is a civil rights lawsuit by Austin decorators Vickee Byrum, Joel Mozersky and Veronica Koltuniak and Nancy Pell of Houston against Gordon Landreth, chairman of the architectural examiners board, and nine other members. The suit challenges the title act, which prohibits unlicensed decorators from referring to themselves as interior designers, lest they be fined up to $5,000. The suit was filed in 2007, on the same day a bill to limit interior design practice in commercial spaces was defeated in the Texas House.

This preliminary hearing, presided over by U.S. Magistrate Robert Pitman, was in advance of the pretrial hearing. None of the parties involved wished to make comments at the Jan. 15 hearing, but in an earlier news release, Pell, owner of Beautiful Things, a design center outside Houston, said the title act has hurt her business.

"When people come into our office and ask if we're interior designers, it's not fair for the state to keep me from honestly telling them what I am," said Pell, who has an associate's degree in interior design but is not a licensed and certified interior designer. "I am an interior designer, but the state won't allow me to say so. That's censorship."

In a statement issued by the Texas Association of Interior Design, executive director Donna Vining said that because of the title act, "The citizens of Texas know that when they hire an 'interior designer' in Texas, that person meets the professional standards of education, examination and experience."

During the hearing, Clark Neily, senior attorney at the Institute for Justice in Arlington, Va., and a University of Texas alumnus, argued that the law is a violation of the First Amendment right to free expression. He said that the title act forbids the plaintiffs from describing what they do for a living and that the law is also contradictory, because although one has to have the education, training and testing required to use the interior designer title, he or she can still practice interior design without the title.

Marina Grayson, lawyer for the architectural examiners board defendants and assistant attorney general in the general litigation division, said the plaintiffs' desire to use "interior designer" and "interior design" when advertising their services is misleading, because they aren't certified and Texas law gives specific meaning to the designations "interior designer" and "interior design." Grayson further asserts that commercial speech isn't as protected as other forms of speech.

Also discussed is the professional organization the American Society of Interior Designers, which, according to its Web site, has "a full-time government and public affairs staff that includes three lobbyists registered with the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate" and whose staff works to help enact title and practice acts across the country.

Clark said that in the designer referral service at asid.org, one-third of designers within a 500-mile radius of Austin are not registered in Texas.

Later Clark said, "They, and their state-level organization, TAID, push for this titling act, ginning up this totally fictitious legislative record about how consumers are supposedly being 'misled' about what credentials interior designers have, but then they turn around and hold out their own allied members — who do not meet the credentialing requirements for licensure in Texas and are not in fact licensed — as 'interior designers' through their designer referral service."

In a later call to American Society of Interior Designers director of government and public affairs Deanna Waldron, I asked for clarification.

"We are sensitive to the fact that not everyone can call themselves an interior designer," Waldron said. "We do make a distinction between allied members and professional members. Standards for professional education and experience have changed significantly in the last 33 years. Due to that fact, at the current time, there is a broad range of people in this organization that meet varying ranges of that criteria."

Case in point: Not all of the allied members listed on the site have taken and passed the National Council exam. So it is important for consumers to ask about qualifications, regardless of a designer's professional affiliation.

Another issue discussed was the grandfather clause, which allowed some Texas interior designers who do not hold interior design degrees or did not sit for the required exam to use the interior designer title.

"Grandfathered interior designers still have to meet the experience, background and continued education but don't have to take the test," Grayson said. "Anyone off the street can be an interior decorator."

As reported in earlier stories, interior decorators and interior designers alike have expressed to me that they think those who were grandfathered in should have to take the exam or disclose how they became designers.

On Tuesday, Pitman denied both parties' motions for summary judgment, which means they will likely go to trial.

Regardless of the outcome, when you consider hiring for work around your house, interview the person you want to work with. Ask questions, view his or her portfolio, call references and do your research.


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45) Fire Safety to consider [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), interior furnishings and content is the second most important issue in the protection of life and property during a fire in public assembly spaces. In public spaces (not including residences, apartments, industrial and storage facilities), over 700 fires per month involve interior content as the first ignition point of the fire, leading to an average 23 deaths, and 330 injuries, and over $399 million in direct property damage each year.
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46) Decorator Arsonists?? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Here they go again about fire safety.

So why did the Massachusetts Fire Marshall testify against a similar licensing scheme hearing last year. They also love to blame the famous Las Vegas MGM Hotel Fire on incompetent decorators.
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47) Fire Safety?? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Most furniture is sold through retail outlets, not interior designers.

Yet they propose a retail exemption in this bill.

What hypocrisy. They will say anything to pass this bill.
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48) Interior Designers specify furniture [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
A retail store doesn't go in an select whatever looks good...
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49) nothing to do with increasing taxes... [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
LICENSING GENERATES REVENUE. No tax increases are needed to enact this bill. The Individual State Agency fiscal note saw no capitol budget impact and estimated revenue of $40,000-$57,000 annually.
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50) No New Taxes?! [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
What about all of the unemployment benefits and other services that will need to be paid out to people who go out of business or lose their jobs.
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51) Designer Licenses [by I'm Tired of Taxes on January 23, 2008]
Wouldn't it be nice to know where the drafter(s)of this bill get there lobby money from.
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52) The money comes from ASID [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
ASID Members are forced to pay up:

Why is an assessment necessary? Quite simply, ASID needs more money to
effectively pursue the legislative activities necessary to protect the future of the
interior design profession in today’s legislative arena. Lobbying expenses continue
to grow and the opposition is becoming increasingly aggressive in their
campaign to stop any further interior design legislation. Without an increased
monetary commitment from ASID, the movement to legally recognize the interior
design profession in every state will lose momentum and eventually come
to a halt. Currently, legislative activities are funded out of the Society’s general
budget. As the general budget must fund all ASID programs and services, your
Society cannot increase the money spent on right-to-practice legislation without
cutting other vital member programs and services. The assessment will
enable ASID to continue providing the high level of programs and services currently
offered and also increase financial support for interior design legislation.
Why an assessment instead of a dues increase? There are several legal
and financial reasons why an assessment is a better option than a dues increase,
but the basic principle at work here is “truth in advertising.” By assessing members
for a specific purpose, ASID is obligated to spend the funds for that purpose
and only that purpose. Members know that the monies collected through the
legislative assessment will be spent to pass legislation legally recognizing the
interior design profession and protect your right to practice.
Who is required to pay the assessment? All professional and allied members
are required to pay the assessment, with the exception of advancing
student members who will not be assessed during their first two years of allied
membership. Student members and Industry Partner members will not
be assessed.
How will the assessment be spent? The assessment will be used to help fund
the legislative initiatives of ASID chapters and state interior design coalitions. A
portion of your assessment money will be sent to your chapter and designated
for use in its legislative activities. The remaining portion of your assessment will
be pooled with the money from other members to aid chapters and interior design
legislative coalitions that are actively pursuing legislation. This way, funds
are spent where they are most needed and will have the most immediate impact.
This is the most effective way to fund initiatives.
Will the assessment be for 2007 only? No. The assessment will continue
until such a time as it is deemed that the increased level of funding is no longer
necessary. The ASID Board of Directors will re-evaluate the legislative climate
each year to determine the need to continue the assessment.
What will happen to the voluntary dues check-off for legislation?
The voluntary dues check-off of $25 will remain in place, and members are
encouraged to make that extra contribution. As always, all funds that are collected
by the voluntary dues check-off will be returned in full to chapters and
earmarked for legislative purposes.
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53) $500 a year to ASID for what? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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54) 500 A year? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
Why its clear, to put your competitors out of business. The only question to ask is: "is it cheaper to just join the mob?"
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55) Emperor's New Clothes [by Anonymous Citizen on January 23, 2008]
Whatever legislator sponsored this dumb-ass proposal needs to be outed on YOUTUBE. What a waste of taxpayer's money.

"The purpose of this act is to safeguard public health.......to provide confirmation that design concepts are..."aesthetically appropriate"?????????

This bill will shut down every small Design-Build Contracting Company in the city. It will make every remodel project take 3 times as long as it needs to, and cost 5 times what it ought to.

If you want a candid appraisal of the contribution of interior designers, ask the professionals they supervise. These are the people who actually have the credentials.

If you are struggling to make a living as an interior designer, offer a better product.


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56) Brandon Williams [by Anonymous Citizen on January 23, 2008]
The sponsor is Brandon Williams. Let him know how you feel. He actually has a video of himself on his website.

How to Reach Rep. Williams
House 22nd District Page

Olympia office:
Rep. Brendan Williams
PO Box 40600
132F Legislative Bldg.
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Olympia phone: (360) 786-7940
Form mail: Message for Rep. Williams
Toll-free Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
TTY-TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-635-9993

Biography
PERSONAL INFO:

Date of Birth: May 16, 1968.

Birthplace: Eugene, OR

Lives in Olympia with wife, Nicole, and son, Blake, who was born in 2002. Both of Brendan's parents grew up on farms. A Northwest native, Brendan went to Iowa City High School (Little Hawks) before moving back to Olympia.

EDUCATION:

B.A., The Evergreen State College

M.A., Criminal Justice, Washington State University

J.D., University of Washington School of Law

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Attorney and business consultant in private practice. Past executive director of the Washington Health Care Association.

GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE:

Has worked in all three branches of state government: As a judicial law clerk for Justices Gerry Alexander and Bobbe Bridge of the Washington Supreme Court; as executive secretary for former House Speaker Brian Ebersole, and an aide and intern for former Senator Al Bauer; and as a governor’s intern for former Governor Booth Gardner.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:

· Honor dedicated state workers by ratifying their collective bargaining agreements.

· Invest in our future by properly funding public education.

· Protect our quality of life by preserving environmental laws.

· Assure access to quality, affordable health care, including long-term care.




HB 2895 - 2007-08 (What is this?)

Addressing the practice of interior design.

Go to documents...


History of Bill
as of Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:10 PM


Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Campbell, Jarrett, Dickerson, Liias, Hunt, Ormsby
Companion Bill: SB 6707

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57) Brendan Williams [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
If you look further into Brendan you will find that is the kind of person who could be bought with $20.00 and a drink. He is super liberal and puts out legislation to get attention. His goals are to get attention and become a career politician. He has no real cause or ideals. He takes on legislations that gets press and that's about it.
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58) "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up" [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
If he want's press, he certainly picked the right issue.

However, the proponents of this legislation are usually only successful when they can sneak the legislation through at the midnight hour.

It snuck through the Michigan House because the Committee Chair and sponsor were one in the same.

He liked to call hearings at 4:59 PM for the next morning. Somehow the proponents were aware of the hearings but the proponents were not.

If there's enought advance notice for these hearings they will need to get the biggest room in the Washington State House.
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59) Challenge To Brendan [by Anonymous Citizen on January 24, 2008]
We ask you to do the right thing and NOT to sneak this though. If you truly care about justice then ensure we all have the ability have our say and that our representatives have time to hear our opinions.
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60) Consumer Protection? [by Anonymous Citizen on January 23, 2008]
From a Blog in Michigan that is trying to pass a similar licensing scheme.

Who is Protected by “Consumer Protection?”
Michigan ranks sixth in the nation when it comes to occupational licensing, with 116 different occupations requiring state approval, according to a recent Reason Foundation report.
Michigan even has a license for reptile catchers. You’d think with only one native venomous sna