Get the facts here!

The opposition says this bill will regulate ALL interior designers. IT WILL NOT. The bill only regulates designers seeking to stamp and seal their own documents, submit for permit and have the ability to work in occupancies requiring registered design professionals. This bill DOES NOT regulate the entire interior design profession. It allows interior designer to become regulated IF they choose.

They say this bill will prohibit the majority of the design community from practicing. IT WILL NOT. We cannot stress enough that this bill EXPANDS opportunity, and benefits small business.

They say this bill is one of the most restrictive laws in the country. IT IS NOT. In actuality, it has received high praise from ASID, IIDA for being clear and inclusive of our diverse industry. It has been reviewed by the WA Department of Licensing.

They say that interior designers don’t protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. WE DO!

They say that this is a “back door way to practice interior architecture" without going to the trouble to become registered as architects. IT IS NOT. You know your education. You know your experience. You know the testing is different. You KNOW you're not an architect. Interestingly enough, when nurses began to seek licensure in the early 1900's, people said they should just become doctors. Same argument, different professions. Progress for emerging professions is always difficult, and interior design is facing those growing pains head on.

YES, they’re saying that about you! About your profession! And the IDPC even claims to be a “national organization exclusively dedicated to protecting the rights and livelihoods of ALL in the interior design community”. But they certainly aren’t protecting the rights of the public, their clients, or you!

Why are they saying all this? What is the real reason these designers don’t want legislation to pass?

They don’t want clients to know they have choice. They want our profession to only be based on aesthetics. That you don’t need a degree, or certification, or knowledge of codes when working in public occupancies. They don’t want the public to know there are standards in our industry that qualify interior designers to safeguard the community and design in hospitals, restaurants, government buildings and so much more.

The coalition struggles each year in Olympia because Legislators think this is a “turf war”. They just hear controversy without trying to understand our profession. But there should be no controversy. This should be about open doors for interior designers that want them. The coalition has worked hard to craft a bill that supports small business, expands opportunities and gives designers rights and responsibilities they are currently denied.

If we don’t stand up and do something to educate legislators, we will once again be beaten by propaganda and loud voices.

Raise yours up!

Emily Moses
President


Bill Fact Sheet 2011-2012 (PDF)
Legislative Leave Behind 2011-2012 (PDF)
VIEW THE 2011-2012 BILL

Mayor Nickels Welcomes NCIDQ Board (PDF)
Government Proclaims NCIDQ Day (PDF)
IDCW Rebuttal (PDF)