FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2010
CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative Oregon
(503) 200-5996
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org
INTERIOR DESIGN IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CAREERS IN THE UNITED STATES
The Oregon Employment Department indicates the Interior Design occupation is expected to grow at a faster rate than the regional average.1. Between 2008 and 2009 the profession grew by nearly 100 individuals, even with a poor economy and high unemployment rates. More than ever it is relevant to distinguish the unique skills and knowledge which characterize qualified Interior Designers within this growing profession to provide regulation for consumer protection.
During the months of August, September, and October IDC-Oregon is holding brown bag lunch presentations at architectural firms and city building development offices throughout Oregon. These presentations engage in an open dialog for professionals to voice comments and concerns regarding Interior Design Legislation. In addition to clarifying the question "What is the interior design profession?" among professionals, clients will gain a informed choice between hiring a qualified person who is educated, trained, and tested to perform contracted interior design services from designers who specialize in additional areas of expertise. This will better educate the public of the many services Oregon's interior designers may offer and perform.
Interior Design Collaborative Oregon is proposing introducing a Practice Act in the 2011 legislative session to regulate the practice of Interior Design and to define the next generation of career professionals. Members of the organization believe in an ethical responsibility to execute thoughtful designs of interior environments to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants and clients they design for.
"It is our goal to obtain letters of support from Architecture and Design offices, or 'A&D firms', to present to the American Institute of Architects as well as to Oregon legislators. We are working on building our membership through these meetings and soliciting donations for our legislative efforts," says President of IDC-Oregon, Alicia Snyder-Carlson, LEED®AP ID+C. She continues, "If every designer who answered 'Yes' to the Practice or Title Survey in June donated $230, we would have enough money without any grants to hire a lobbyist."
Please consider joining IDC-Oregon by endorsing their efforts to promote and pursue an Interior Design Practice Act Bill. They are pleased to schedule a meeting with your team to discuss the bill language, legislative strategy, and how your professional practice can benefit from Interior Design Legislation. Contact Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-orgon.org and Sermin Yesilada, Vice President and IIDA past president at vicepresident@idc-oregon.org with questions.
1. For Career Information, Visit Work Source Oregon's Labor Market Online Information System at http://www.qualityinfo.org/ and search within their Data Tools to find Oregon's Occupational Report Information about Interior Designers.
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