Washington Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on January 17, 2008

Click here to view bill details.

I trust anyone paying attention will easily understand why this bill/law would negatively impact many qualified professionals, colleges, their alumni, and the economic development of the building industry in Washington State. At this time there are only two “accredited” interior design programs in Washington State -- WSU & BCC. If this law is enacted all of the interior design programs from The Art Institute of Seattle, Central Washington University, Clover Park Technical College, Cornish College of the Arts, Highline Community College, International Academy of Design and Technology and Seattle Pacific University MAY not be recognized as sufficient education requirements to qualify to sit for the exam to allow interior design registration. Not only that, even IF a designers education were recognized—their “experience” MAY not be. Many designers with an abundance of industry experience would be forced to stop doing business as they have been successfully for years. In turn they would be forced to attempt to obtain a position of employment at an architecture firm or practice under a “registered” interior designer for a minimum of two years before one could QUALIFY to sit for the exam to enable registration. I graduated from the Art institute in 2003. Under this bill my education is not recognized. I am not alone -there are thousands of alumni that share my “status”. You can surely imagine all of the small business owners this would essentially put out of business. There are also many vendors and suppliers whose revenue would suffer severely if the large portion of designers who support their businesses were no longer allowed under the law to design & specify with their products. If you support this bill, you are not acknowledging and upholding our civil liberties under the bill of rights, and you are wrongfully and ignorantly persecuting hundreds -possibly thousands- of qualified individuals for choosing to simply make an honest living in the profession of their calling.

I love what I do. Do you really believe that after all my years of hard work & experience I’m not qualified? I have a 4 yr degree from an accredited out of state school & have been successfully practicing Interior Design since the mid 90’s. Even if I wanted to - I would still not qualify to sit for the NCIDQ test which focuses mostly on commercial (not residential) design. Many would agree that studying & passing a test does NOT make you a qualified professional.

I am a small business owner. I am not a designer but I work with four talented designers with over 45 years of combined experience in this state. If this bill passes, NONE of them will be able to work in a profession they love and ultimately, my business will be forced to close. Our designers are award winning, have numerous publications highlighting their design work and, like many other designers in our state they enrich the diversity of the interior design industry for all of us. If this bill passes all of these remarkable people wouldn't be able to work in a profession they are passionate about. All would be unemployed. Each and everyone of these designers would be required to start completely over in an industry that they have more than proven themselves capable, professional and successful in. My positive experience as a small business owner in the State of Washington would end abruptly with our doors closing. This is not how I envisioned my dream ending when I began my journey as a small business owner in the state of Washington.

As a member of the public that this bill purports to protect, I can tell you that I would never call an interior designer if I had concerns about my family's health or safety! That's why we have architects and engineers and building departments with stacks and stacks of codes. On the other hand, if I'm looking for interior design services I sure don't want to be restricted to a handful of (en)titled Registered Interior Designers (RIDs) who will certainly change even higher prices once they achieve the legal status of and control a state-sponsored monopoly. Get RID of this legislation ASAP!

You are qualified to sit for the NCIDQ exam if you went to an accredited school as you say. Our profession is changing and becoming more complex every day. In our daily roles we are asked to do proper space planning allowing for exiting and ada requirements, sustainablity awareness, specifying materials & furnishings that meet fire codes, barriatric needs and produce integrated interior details to name a few. We are elevating the profession and producing a better product for the consumer with this legislation.

The bill states that individuals graduating AFTER 2012 need to hold a CIDA accredited degree. Graduates before this date do not. If you currently qualify for the NCIDQ based on their current requirements, you qualify! What's also important to note, is that if the legislation is passed the board can accept applicants from schools it deams qualified... meaning that the board can waive the CIDA requirement for individuals on a case by case basis. It's all described in the bill language. Elevate the profession! Protect public, health, safety and welfare!

It is a fact that as a member of the public, whether you want to or not, you ARE calling on an interior designer for your family's safety and wellfare, indirectly. Please learn the difference between an interior DESIGNER and a DECORATOR. Decorators provide artistic services. True interior DESIGNERS do NOT just that, but when working for public areas like hospitals, restaurants, office buildings, shopping malls, etc, also design and coordinate practical features of the space, from the hallways to restrooms, from floors to ceilings. Interior DESIGNERS keep in mind universal accessiblility and bodily safety, not just the colors and fabric. It is because "architects and engineers and building departments deal with stacks and stacks of codes", that qualified, educated interior designers are focusing on the those interior elements that might easily be overlooked in the "stacks and stacks of codes" but are not any less a safety issue. Clarify what you are "looking for;" If you are looking for DECORATING services, then look to the talented decorators. "On the other hand, if [you're] looking for interior design services" you will WANT "to be restricted to a handful of (en)titled Registered Interior Designers (RIDs) who," yes, "will certainly change even higher prices" because they are educated and focused on hoalistically delivering a safe, practical, coordinated, and code-compliant design. I say, Keep the RIDs, and rid yourself of confusion. There IS a difference between DECORATING and DESIGN services.

As a small business owner, key things should be clear to you: Talent and love of a industry is not equivalent to EDUCATION and TRAINING. Talent will not get you out of a lawsuit should someone be injured because the decoration was more important than practical SAFETY. As a buisness owner, you should want to have the most QUALIFIED employees as possible in order to be SUCCESSFUL and to be competitive. If that requires your employees to have more/ continuing education, what is the worry? this can only ENRICH them as designers. If your buisness has to close, it is because you were unwilling to change and adapt to the ever changing industry your designers so love. Winning awards for AESTHETIC reasons is not an excuse for not being educated. If you want to continue doing things purely AESTHETICALLY, then do so, as long as its not in a public area. Stating such wild and passionate things like "All would be unemployed. Each and everyone of these designers would be required to start completely over..." is an all or nothing attitude that YOU as a small business owner should NOT have. How ill-educated are your "designers" that they do not know the BASIC CONCEPTS that our industry is founded on? How can they be practicing if they cannot pass a simple, national INDUSTRY test? Have you even READ the requirements? Have you EVEN READ THE BILL? What are they affraid of? Designers need to stay up with the times. Would we ask less of plumbers, electricians, accountants? Get your facts straight, then vote.

There are two key areas where this bill falls down, and thus should be killed on the spot. First, the terminology and “definitions of coverage” within this bill effect far more than just the “Interior Designers” are saying they want "protection" of the public for. By many of the definitions they are including remodeling contractors and builders who coordinate the entire structure they are working on (inside and out). There are also specialty niches within the building/remodeling industry that will be included, such as Kitchen & Bath design showrooms/companies, and Home Centers & Lumber yards with design services offered, (free or otherwise), and floor covering retailers who design & install their products are just some examples. Additionally the fallout will impact the manufacturers of products used and specified in interior projects like cabinetry, doors, windows, flooring, countertop surfaces, appliances, etc., by limiting the number of companies that can specify their products, many of whom also sell them by the way! This will cause a negative impact on the availability of sources for product, driving consumer prices up, and most likely reducing total sales volume in the market place relative to unit volume. This will impact the representatives for those products and undoubtedly will reduce their numbers as well. The financial impact will stretch far beyond the obvious increase in Interior Designers fees, due to the State imposed monopoly type restrictions, but will also spread through the broader market place impacting the number businesses & job opportunities available, a net loss of sales revenues across the industry, and effectively reducing the ability of this segment of the building industry to generate income, further reducing the global “benefit” to the consumer they are seeking protection for. Secondly, who established the two associations (ASID, & IIDA) listed as the only sources for interior design expertise, to be the exclusive group for the Governor to draw from in the establishment of their “Interior Design Board”? All the requirements listed to be “certified” are driven right from their membership requirements, with both groups heavily leaning toward the commercial end of the business. Where are the residential experts? Associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), or the National Home Builders Association (NAHB)? Anyone, with a base level of industry knowledge, can see this is no more than a turf war, with one sub group in the industry trying to get the government to make another poor decision to regulate more businesses under the pretence of “consumer protection”. A college education alone does not make the man, or woman, in any business a success. There are many people in this world who have become great leaders, business people, and yes even interior designers (by the definitions of this bill) without a formal college education. It is my experience that the many years of filed experience have given me far more practical and functional knowledge to use in my design work, than that of my formal education! To disregard years of real world experience for a narrowly focused, formal education and testing criteria, is not only poor business, but is also irresponsible! The net result is the consumer will get no better services, possibly worse on the residential side of the business, if this bill passes. Additionally they will have the back side benefit of increased pricing, reduced product resources, and another negative blow to an already hurting residential building market. If there were a real need for this type of legislation the consumer advocates would be driving the bill not the interior design associations listed as the limited sources for certification. This bill is another attempt by a small group of people to use the government to do for them, what they cannot in the free market, create a definable separation from the industry for the purpose of raising their prices.

Those asking for the bill to be killed or opposed seem not to have read the bill. 1. ALL retail establishments are exempt. So cabinet shops, flooring companies, etc have nothing to worry about. As an example, this bill does not prevent cabinet companies from providing shop drawings. Why would it? As designers we need those documents and tools that our industry partners provide. PLEASE READ THE BILL! 2. "hold an accredited certificate, diploma, or degree in interior design". Accredited does not mean CIDA (formerly FIDER). Accredited means that the university or college is accredited. Example: Clover Park Technical College is an accredited institution. Anyone graduating after 2012 will be required to have a CIDA certified degree. So if you currently hold an interior design degree you should be able to sit of the exam, become NCIDQ certified and register with the state. 3. This bill does not prevent anyone from practicing decorative services. The following is STRAIGHT FROM THE BILL: "This chapter does not apply to a person who provides decorative services or assistance in selection of surface materials, window treatments, wall coverings, paint, floor coverings, surface-mounted fixtures, and loose furnishings not subject to regulation under applicable provisions of jurisdictional codes, regulations, or the jurisdictional fire codes, providing such persons do not refer to themselves as a registered interior designer." 4. Health, Safety, Welfare! Code compliance is Washington State is NOT optional. This bill does not decide who's most talented or what design style is "pretty". It gives consumers the ability to know that a qualified individual is entering their home or office. They can then choose a designer based on aesthetics. 5. Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects, Contractors... all licensed. Interior Designers are the only profession that is not. This has to change! This bill isn't intended to take business. I encourage you to read the bill.

Every designer at this company has a degree in Interior Design. Every Designer at this company continues their education in the industry. NO designer at this company has ever had a lawsuit filed against them. You are so very passionate!! I suggest you find a cause in life that will truly contribute to the health safety & welfare of human beings on planet earth. You are NOT FOOLING ANYONE! Playing on the FEARS of the public is an old worn out hand. It won't work in Washington State. WE are educated, experienced, talented, and we're paying attention. I suggest you read the sunrise review from 2005.

Yes - I have read the bill, websites & pro-legislation info. It is stated that experience shall be (2) years full time under the direct supervision of a registered interior designer or 15 years experience "may" be registered "as determined by the board"..... Again, the NCIDQ is focused mostly on commercial design. Passing a test does NOT mean you are a true professional. Did you know that there are many other well educated interior design groups with their own competent and relevant tests other than yours?

Addressing #5: Contractors are not licensed in the State of Washington. They are required to be registered but not licensed.

We oppose this legislation.... we have read the bill and this is what it says: Sec. 6 The governor shall appoint 7 members to an interior design board. Nominees shall come from a list of names supplied by Washington State chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and northern pacific chapter of International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Sec. 13 A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punishable as established by the board. The board of ASID & IIDA...This is nothing more than a ploy to control and monopolize the interior design industry. These two organizations would be the "gatekeepers" they are only using the government as a pawn in their game!

THIS IS A WASTE OF TIME! THERE ARE SO MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES! THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM! STOP WASTING OUR TIME!

As of October 2007, WA State L&I DOES require that Contractors be registered, this includes property developers, consultants and owners that build multiple structures. pls visit their website for details. .lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HowReg/default.asp in addition, specialty contractors will ONLY be allowed one trade or craft. Looks like Washington State doesn't think its a WASTE OF TIME! it is important.

Testing the qualifications of an individual fails to produce the results advertised for the bill. Simply stated the tests are usually one size fits all. And usually tests only the person's abilities to answer questions that the state considers important. In my profession I am required to have a real estate license which has little or nothing to do with merger and acquisitions. Every two years I am required to waste 33 hours of my time to maintain continuing educational credits. The hot button for the state is residential real estate. The State will not recognize credits earned in real M & A courses. I fear the same may be true in the broad field of Interior Design. Is it commercial or residential. What other topics are covered. What are the current "hot buttons". Licensing does not insure the skills consumers expect are evidence. Nor does it afford any protection for the consumer. In short it is nothing more than a benefit to a special interest group.

Testing the qualifications of an individual fails to produce the results advertised for the bill. Simply stated the tests are usually one size fits all. And usually tests only the person's abilities to answer questions that the state considers important. In my profession I am required to have a real estate license which has little or nothing to do with merger and acquisitions. Every two years I am required to waste 33 hours of my time to maintain continuing educational credits. The hot button for the state is residential real estate. The State will not recognize credits earned in real M & A courses. I fear the same may be true in the broad field of Interior Design. Is it commercial or residential. What other topics are covered. What are the current "hot buttons". Licensing does not insure the skills consumers expect are evidence. Nor does it afford any protection for the consumer. In short it is nothing more than a benefit to a special interest group.

YES, as I said they need to register. There are no tests or educational requirements. Below is taken directly off of the website you recommend! "Q: Do I need to take any special classes or tests before I register? No. Coursework and tests are not required to become a general or specialty contractor at this time." Why should or would an interior designer need to be more highly regulated than a contractor? Especially when in the bill definition of interior designer it says we work with NONstructural & NONseismic elements.

while there are provisions in the bill for decorative services, it is prohibited to produce plans or specifications to communicate the selections or layout of materials, which are defined as the sorts of "interior design services", that a license will be required for.

I think this is the real crux of this issue. Most of the people who are for this bill are commercial designers. Residential designers just don't need the same information that is required for complex commercial work. There should not be a big tent test for everyone. I agree with the previous comment.

Read it again. Contractors in WA must be LICENSED, but they are NOT tested, and they do not have to have a 4-year degree and two years of experience before they are eligible to TAKE a test! That's what this group is trying to require! Contractors have a much greater potential effect on the safety of consumers than interior designers. Hmmm, a building, or fabric? Which could hurt you more?

This bill, on its face, sounds fine, until you get down to the nitty gritty of what is required of someone to be able to TAKE a test! a 4 year degree, and 2 years working for someone else, before you can even TAKE the test. It doesn't matter that someone might actually be intelligent enough to pass it. Not only that, people outside of Seattle or Bellevue have an extremely tough time finding a design school (there aren't any outside of PUllman, Bellevue, Lakewood, or Seattle) If you live in Bellingham, you're screwed. And then you have to find a job working for someone with NCIDQ certification, or an architect who practices design. AGain, if you live in Bellevue or Seattle, you have an easier time finding such a job. Everyone else, again, is screwed. If you are so concerned with public safety, then let people TAKE the test. If we pass it, we can do the work.

Qualified is one thing. Over qualified unnecessarily is another. A design degree is MORE than people who actually build buildings have to have!!! A design degree and two years of supervised experience is MORE than people who actually build buildings have to have! Engineers building airplanes and airplane parts have less requirements than the sponsors of this bill want you to have! If you want to ensure people follow codes, Then propose a bill that they have to take a certain code and safety test. The NCIDQ requirements are ridiculously restrictive, and leave everyone outside of Bellevue, Seattle, or Pullman out in the dark, extremely difficult to qualify to even TAKE the test!! That's why the bill is unfair. NCIDQ is NOT the answer!!!!!

Gosh, I can't believe how many news stories there are in the paper and on TV. It seems like every day someone is getting killed or hurt because some unqualified person selected the wrong fabric! When will this madness stop? When will we wake up and stop the daily bloodshed! Contractors only need to be licensed, they don't even have to have any college OR experience. And they must follow the same codes and regulations as designers. They don't even have to take a test. The requirements of this bill are like putting a full body cast on a sunburned arm!!!!

This is a national problem but legislation is being rejected across the USA: 2007 Legislation/Lawsuit Update 1. New Hampshire – (a) On March 23rd the Executive Departments and Administrative Committee considered HB-881, a practice and title act. Live Free and Design and the Institute for Justice testified against the bill. The Committee recommended that HB-881 was ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate). On March 27th, the full House of Representatives unanimously voted to uphold the Committee’s recommendation. (b) On October 15, LSR 2209, a proposed bill to certify and regulate interior designers, was withdrawn by Legislative Services because the language was too close to the previously submited and defeated earlier in the year. 2. Mississippi – On January 30th, SB-3032, SB-3033, and HB-1294 all died in Committee. 3. Minnesota – On February 15th, SB-799 and HB-991 both died in Committee. 4. New Mexico – On March 2nd, the Institute for Justice successfully sued to eliminate the prohibition of designers from using the title “Interior Designer.” 5. New York - On March 13th, SB3659 and AB6534 wer both referred to the Committee on Higher Education; no further action was taken. 6. Arkansas – On March 21st, HB-1269 died in Committee. 7. Tennessee – On April 24th, HB-84 was withdrawn from Committee. On May 30th, SB-210 was withdrawn from Committee 8. Indiana – On May 3rd, SB-490 was vetoed by Governor Daniels, who stated, “Government must be careful to exercise such powers in a restrained and limited way, in order to avoid limiting competition in occupations where no significant public health or safety concerns are involved.” 9. Texas – On May 10th, HB-1985, an interior design practice died on the House floor. SB-832, the companion bill died in committee on May 21st. 10. South Carolina – On May 16th the Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee considered the proposal to adopt H 3918, a practice act. MKBA, IDS, and AIA-SC testified against the bill. The bill failed in Committee, and two members were overhead to comment that they saw no health, safety or welfare reason for the legislation. 11. Colorado – On June 1st, SB-84 was vetoed by Governor Ritter. Governor Ritter stated, “It is inappropriate to use powers of the state to provide the type of additional recognition provided for in Senate Bill 84.” 12. Massachusetts – On July 10th, a hearing on SB 178 and HB 341was held. Since one of the Chairs of the Joint Committee has his photo on the coalition’s website, there was little doubt as to how he will vote. His comments during the hearing made it apparent that he had already made his own decision, and is implying that some type of regulation will be enacted. However, the bill has not made it out of committee and it is reported that other committee members may not be favorably inclined to regulate. It is also alleged that at least one of the sponsors has withdrawn support. 13. Pennsylvania – HB807 introduced; hearings conducted Sept. 11 – still in Committee. 14. Michigan – HB4770, HB4771, HB4772 passed the House. Will move on to Senate vote. 15. Ohio – HB 340 introduced October 2 16. Alabama -- On October 12th, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Trial Court that the practice act is unconstitutional and removed it from the books.

Interesting to read the comments about i.d. legislation. there are some points that must be made. 1.the issue of health, safety and welfare is purely bogus. According to a comprehensive study recently published by the Institute for Justice (ij.org), there is not one documented case where any designer since 1907 has been shown to be the cause of any injury to a client or his/her property on the grounds of H,S,W. In fact, when the term health, safety and welfare is tossed around, legislators tend to pay more attention, which is why ASID has recently latched on to this term. In past years and other states, it was "needed" to protect the right to practice or to allow designers to stamp their own plans. A new day. A new reason. 2.It matters not what the language of this bill says. Historically, every single state that has passed any kind of legislation to date has had that law modified and upgraded over time. ASID and the coalitions will do anything and make any supposed concession in order to get any bill on the books because their ultimate goal it to upgrade to a restrictive Practice Act when you have stopped watching. in 2007 alone, 9 attempts were made to tighten existing laws to be more restrictive. Fortunately, none passed. 3.If there is really an issue of health, safety and welfare, why are bills & states offering temporary grandfather clauses? Is it because those practicing today are not as dangerous as those who may practice in a few years? What rubbish! The days of the so-called housewife designer are long gone. Please get past that. Most designers are highly trained and highly professional. And for those who are not, no test is going to change that. 4.Everyone should be perfectly clear as to what the qualifications are to even sit for the NCIDQ. Those current qualifications alone rule out the majority of todays practitioners, including most of the ASID Allied members. While there well may be language that waives the rules for certain designers, ASID is already turning down applicants based on their educational experience, bill waivers notwithstanding. 5.There other tests that are just as good or better to test the skills of interior designers such as the CKD and the CQRID. These tests are not even allowed as qualifiers in all but one state, proving this is really about ASID hi-jacking the interior design industry. 6.Laws are easy to get passed. When they end up being a mistake due to what they do to small businesses like interior designers, good luck getting it wiped off the books. Be careful what you wish for.

I sincerely hope you do not limit the responsibilities of an interior at choosing fabric. If so, you are highly uneducated and are the reason legislation is so important. There must be a clear understanding between a DECORATOR that focuses mainly on the aesthetic quality of a space and an INTERIOR DESIGNER that focuses on the functional and physical aspects of an interior while inherently considering the aesthetic quality of space. Additionally, a general contractor does not design a building, nor do they prepare construction documents. They are there to construct a three dimensional structure that has been thoroughly documented by architects, interior designers, engineers, lighting designers and various other consultants. To give an illustration - It is not their fault if the incorrect drapery fabric is specified in a hotel project that leads to the death of an innocent consumer who is caught up in a fire that could have been prevented if the drapery textile met the NFPA 701 (Test for flame propagation of building materials). I believe most would agree it as the specifier that was at fault, especially if it was your loved one. Although many belittle the qualifications and responsibilities of interior designers by making blanket statements that limit the responsibilities to selecting fabrics and colors these are most likely lay people. I find it more disturbing that one would put down their own profession, especially if they felt they had the proper training and years of experience.

In response to the accusatory comments that the NCIDQ is biased towards the commercial side of design – there are many commercial designers that say that the test is more residential based. It’s always greener on the other side. More importantly, why draw the line between residential interior design and commercial design? Is it fair to care more about the health, safety, and welfare of commercial consumers than residential? There are many design aspects of commercial design that impact the same health, safety and welfare aspects of residential design. Or are you implying that commercial design is more technically difficult and comprehensive? If so, how is a lay person supposed to be able to distinguish the difference between designers that is qualified or not without any designation? It is not enough to have only a title act because the public really has no clear distinction between decorating and interior design as it is – another prudent reason to pass this legislation.

The reason contractors do not need as many requirements to become licensed is because they do not prepare the documents that are used to instruct the contractor how to build the building. And still, they must be licensed. I think this defiantly proves that there is a need for interior design legislation - this is the only design service left that is not regulated (and contractors do not even refer to themselves as designers). In response to the comments about news stories, etc. about deaths and injuries because someone was "selecting the wrong fabric," I really hope you are trying to be humorous because the loss of life and even bodily harm is a very serious matter and should be treated accordingly. Sometimes the best requirements are tough and stringent because it provides the most comprehensive protection. Aloe might be enough for a sunburn but someone who mistakens a sunburn for a more serious thermal burn is not providing the appropriate treatment and is risking the patient's health and welfare.

The bottom line is that the interior design schools are selling a bill of goods to their students telling thm that they have to have a degree in interior design to have a succesful career. Then when the students can't get a job, the schools use the lack of regulation as the scapegoat. If you dig into who is behind these licensing schemes you will find a lot of so called interior design profesors who have very little real world experience. They are just trying to protect their jobs so they don't have to go out into the real world and earn a living. The professors will also most certainly drag a few of their own students (maybe it's part of their grade) in front of the legislators to testify that they will have to move out of Washington to find a job if this legislation does not pass. Don't be fooled. The Health, Safety and Welfare argument is a total scam.

What's the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator? An interior decorator is what some interior designers call other interior designers who do not favor licensing schemes and legislation.

...."To give an illustration - It is not their fault if the incorrect drapery fabric is specified in a hotel project that leads to the death of an innocent consumer who is caught up in a fire that could have been prevented if the drapery textile met the NFPA 701 (Test for flame propagation of building materials)".... If you'd like to differentiate your self from all these so called "DECORATORS" why is your example of a specification about fabric? Wait....didn't you say that a "DECORATOR" CAN specify fabric....in the language of YOUR bill...? Now why in the world would you let some dummy decorator do a thing like that?? Don't you know that fabric could KILL some one? Don’t you know that knife your using to cut off a bite of that steak your eating could kill someone....oh wait...you already did kill it and now eating it....! What about the cow? Some people say this is wrong…some people say its right….. I guess it all comes down to WHAT your values are. It’s seems you are very passionate about differentiating your self from what you say a “DECORATOR” is…your argument is absolutely transparent! You won’t SCARE anyone into believing your right. We are also designers…like YOU who care about our clients, and people who inhabit the spaces we design. That is why we ARE passionate about what we do! It is also WHY we won’t allow narrow thinking views like your own control our lives and how we live them…..and we won’t tell you not to eat steak. That’s your decision.

Amen to that

Sounds like the ASID members must need more business, or is Brendan Williams just set on wasting our time and money again? For goodness sake, Please list at least one time when a measly decorator caused a public safety issue. Just one example. You can't, because it has never happened. Commercial design is a very specific industry and no developer is going to hire someone with out a degree and the proper experience to design a mall or a hotel. As for residential design, the codes are already in place. Builders cannot build just any dumb design from a designer who doesn't know what they are doing in the first place. This just adds more confusion for everyone and saves nobody. ASID members, just be happy with your letters and let the rest of us make the world more beautiful as our clients see fit.

If this were to pass it could create nightmares situations in so many cases. Could a teacher still decorate her classroom, or might she hang the drapes wrong and put her students in danger. Can she still have bulletin board? Can the principal still put signs up around the school? Can an office building still pick out their own stuff? I mean this is just stupidity. There are so many real public safety issues out there! How could Brendan Williams even think about taking his time to support this when real issues exist in our state? This is shameful and embarrassing for all.

I've read this bill. Many times. I encourage you to study the bill....not the "handouts" you’re getting from the Interior Design Cartel of Washington. Section 2 (7a) states .....""Interior design" means designs, consultations, studies, drawings, specifications...."Interior Design" includes but is not limited to space planning, finishes, furnishings".... Section 10 (2) states ......"a person who provides decorative services, or assistance in selection of surface materials(i.e. finishes), window treatments wall coverings, paint, floor, coverings, surface mounted fixtures, and loose furnishings".... So a "decorator" and a "designer" BOTH select finishes and furnishings....RIGHT! If a "decorator" has a "consultation" or "specifies" those finishes or furnishings then the decorator is "designing" So the decorator can't actually do their "Decorating" can they? The language in this bill contradictory and will not allow DECORATORS and many DESIGNERS to practice. This legislation is not needed for designers or decorators. If passed it will "elevate" EGOS! Is that a good thing? Is your EGO worth it? Perhaps for some of the "DESIGNERS" out there. Prove you are a professional with your work and your reputation, not your test taking and manipulation abilities.

This is so frivolous! Pretty soon, we won't even let home owners put up their own pictures anymore. What if they banged their thumb or (Gasp) hung it too low?? My goodness, its laughable. To the legislature, when you vote on this I ask you to picture in your mind the next time you want to decorate a room in your home. Do you really want to have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars and hour for your certified designer to sell you furniture and drapes? You will put so many small women and minority owned businesses out of business. The careers of your citizens, who have done absolutely nothing wrong nor put the public at risk will be destroyed along with their family's security.

This is the difference. Save a dollar and hire a decorator when you want to hang a picture.