Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Interior Design Collaborative – Oregon participates in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Oregon Chapter Fall Conference

“Re-Design Your Path to Success" was the motto for the ASID Oregon Fall Conference held October 7-8, 2011 at a Mountain Resort in Welches. The Conference allowed ASID members to connect with IDC-Oregon, who had a table at the event.

Conference attendees were able to ask IDC-Oregon questions about legislation and how they could get involved. IDC-Oregon President Alicia Snyder-Carlson explains how licensing will benefit commercial interior design businesses, “Licensing is a tool for every designer's success. A license will expand business opportunities for designers in the commercial design field." ASID members responded and showed their support in IDC-Oregon’s efforts.

ASID member, Heather Woods, supports legislation; “Alicia and Lynne provided a concise and informative introduction and update on the activities of IDC-Oregon at the 2011 ASID Fall Conference. I support the need for legislation in the interior design industry to qualify designers who affect the health, safety and welfare of the public.”

Timberline lodge was the perfect setting for the conference which allowed designers, vendors and other members in the industry to re-connect. IDC-Oregon Vice President, Lynne Dewhurst, confirmed the success of the event: “The ASID conference was a fantastic experience. The speakers were informative and the topics were educational. We had several people express interest in IDC-Oregon and we're looking forward to working more with ASID in the future.”

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

IDC-Oregon teams up with Local Interior Design Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon is reaching out to interior design students throughout Oregon about the proposed Commercial Interior Design licensing bill. IDC-Oregon had the opportunity to present to Michele Kremers’ Intro to Interior Design class at Marylhurst University on October 3rd, 2011.


Marylhurst University has a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited program for Interior Design and supports IDC-Oregon’s effort in pursuing legislation. "Licensing for commercial interior designers is a natural extension of professional design education. Graduates of our program are prepared to creatively solve complex spatial problems while ensuring the safety and welfare of the public," says Nancy Hiss, Interior Design Program Director at Marylhurst.

The presentation informed students of the requirements in the proposed bill and they responded openly to the need for legislation for practicing Commercial Interior Designers. The students also voiced their interest in writing to their legislators to move forward with the Commercial Interior Design Practice Act. Instructor Michele Kremers, who is equally supportive, comments that "The students feel that licensing will validate their hard work and education by creating an industry standard of knowledgeable professionals that will be able to create and specify safe, healthy environments."
IDC-Oregon looks forward to continued collaboration with the Marylhurst Interior Design department and students.

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Monday, October 10, 2011

Call for Letters: Sustainability Month extended

The public relations committee has extended Sustainability Month into October.  We need 13 more letters to send to news publications.  Please submit letters to publicrelations@idc-oregon.org.

These letters are important because legislators read letters to the editor.  These do make a difference.  Make your voice heard.

Need ideas?  Here is an example:
Date


Dear Editor,

In Oregon, green building is standard practice. As a commercial interior designer, it is my job to ensure my clients have healthy, non-toxic, and sustainable environments. I layout plans to maximize daylight, views and fresh air. I support local economies by specifying regional materials. I also specify materials that are high quality, natural, durable, and free of toxins.
I urge Senator XXXX and Representative XXXX to support licensing for commercial interior designers in Oregon because qualified interior designers are committed to and trained in sustainable, healthy, and energy-efficient practices that reduce waste and toxins. Licensing will define this responsibility within the commercial interior design field.
Oregonians deserve healthy and sustainable buildings.

Sincerely,

Your name
City, State, Zip

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Interior Design Collaborative – Oregon will volunteer at the Portland Marathon

10 IDC-Oregon members will volunteer this Sunday at the 40th Portland Marathon. Volunteers will be at Water Aid Station #16 at NW 9th and NW Northrup near the 25 mile marker. The shift is 4 hours between 10:30 and 2:30pm. This is the second year IDC-Oregon has participated and has found the relationship to be a good fit.


“We support activities that benefit Oregonians’ health and wellness,” says President Alicia Snyder-Carlson, “We’re working to license Commercial Interior Designers in order to support health and welfare of Oregonians in the built environment. The money raised from the marathon’s direct giving program goes to fund our educational seminars. Those seminars focus on how interior design decisions affect occupant health and welfare.” Last week’s seminar covered evidence based design as it relates to specifying appropriate flooring for areas like neonatal intensive care units and other hospital inpatient areas.

Educational outreach is not the only benefit. Snyder-Carlson adds, “We’re paired with other organizations at the aid station. That is a great opportunity to meet other groups and learn about their organization’s mission and communicate our goals.” For example, IDC-Oregon has been meeting with Interior Design departments at Oregon Universities. Licensing Commercial Interior Designers will support the graduates’ careers. Additional outreach efforts include partnering with consumer advocacy organizations dedicated to safer and healthier environments.

For more information please contact Sermin Yesilada, Public Relations Chair, or visit us at the aid station on Sunday.

Friday, September 16, 2011

September PR Campaign

Letter To Editors 11 more letters NEEDED


Topic: Sustainable Design


What is the most sustainable way to build? Adapt existing buildings. From reuse and recycling to eliminating indoor toxins, you make decisions every day to ensure Oregonians have access to the safest and healthiest sustainable buildings. We want to hear about your latest sustainable design project.

• Request template letters and/or submit letters, 200 words or less, to publicrelations@idc-oregon.org.

• We will be coordinating these and tell you which newspaper editors to send them to.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

August PR campaign

Have you been left out of an RFP? Can’t get drawings permitted? Have to duplicate your work by hiring an architect to stamp your drawings?


IDC-Oregon wants to hear your story.

Submit letters to publicrelations@idc-oregon.org

200 words or less. We will be coordinating these and tell you which newspaper editors to send them

Monday, May 9, 2011

Florida Senate Votes to Protect Registered Interior Designers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2011


CONTACT:
Allison Levy, JD
Senior Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs
International Interior Design Association
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 567, Chicago, IL 60654 USA
312-467-1950 or alevy@iida.org


Florida Senate Votes to Protect Registered Interior Designers
House Bill 5005 Defeated in Senate


CHICAGO, IL -- On Friday, May 6 the Florida Senate defeated H.B. 5005, the “Deregulating of Professions and Occupations” bill, by a vote of 32-6.

“Licensing in Florida has created a robust design industry that employs thousands of Floridians and contributes significantly to the economy,” said Allison Levy, IIDA Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. “This vote by the Florida Senate ensures interior designers’ continued opportunity to contribute to their fullest capabilities.”

The Senate’s decision to vote down H.B. 5005 will allow Florida’s more than 2,800 registered interior designers to continue in their current practice. We thank our many members, whose tremendous grassroots efforts contributed to this decision.

IIDA and ASID strongly support voluntarily licensing that provides expanded practice opportunities for interior designers, allowing qualified designers to work independently in code-based built environments.



For more information, please contact International Interior Design Association info@iida.org


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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Oregon Legislators Hear from Interior Design Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2011


CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org


Oregon Legislators Hear from Interior Design Professionals
Commercial interior designers testify on protecting health, safety, and wellness of Oregonians


SALEM, April 25, 2011—On Monday morning, the House Business and Labor Committee heard from design professionals during an informational hearing on “Commercial Interior Design in Oregon.” In addition to an overview, the Interior Design Collaborative of Oregon testified to clarify the intent behind a licensing bill they supported earlier this session.

“Commercial interior design has evolved dramatically over the past 15 to 30 years,” says Alicia Snyder Carlson, IDC-Oregon President. “Those who design our hospitals, universities, nursing homes, and public spaces require special knowledge to protect the health, safety and welfare of Oregonians.”  Snyder-Carlson testified that included building and fire codes, ADA guidelines, infection control, indoor air quality, and ergonomics.

Commercial interior designers in Oregon are the only unlicensed professionals on the interdisciplinary team largely responsible for design of large-scale public and commercial buildings, which includes architects, engineers and contractors. Over half of U.S. states and jurisdictions have enacted legislation that regulates interior design to enhance public safety.

“Licensing of interior designers will be a great benefit for our practice,” testified Troy Ainsworth, principal architect at Portland architecture firm Fletcher Farr Ayotte. “Our clients’ bottom line is always served if we do a great job for them, and do it right the first time.”

Sandy Friend, a veteran commercial interior designer from the Medford area debunked the myth that building code provides an adequate safety net. Finish and furnishing remodels do not require building permits, Friend testified, and therefore there is no code oversight in those cases except for the designer providing the services.

“IDC-Oregon believes effective and well-crafted licensure of commercial interior designers will not close the door on any form of residential interior design practice or related retail industry,” says Snyder-Carlson. “Today’s hearing was a testament to the huge strides the commercial interior design profession is making in the market place and an acknowledgement that we’re moving in the right direction.” 


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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Oregon Interior Design Practice Act Bill Defines Vague Designers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2011


CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org



Oregon Interior Design Practice Act Bill Defines Vague Designers

68% of the US’s existing building stock is made up of single story buildings.  This is a growing market for construction bidding within the commercial real estate market.  It is also prime territory for hundreds of qualified interior designers already practicing their profession to market their unique knowledge, yet Interior Designers are the only unregulated profession in the design and construction industry. 


Some jurisdictions, like Eugene and Bend require all plans for building construction and remodeling to be stamped by a Registered Professional.  Interior Designers are trained to provide design services for interior construction remodels, but are not allowed to practice to their fullest capabilities in these cities. By defining 'Registered Interior Designer' and the scope of work Interior Designers are qualified to practice, as outlined in House Bill 2491, consumers will have more informed choices for the type of design services their projects require.  This bill provides carefully crafted, generous exemptions, so a new category of Registered Interior Designers does not put residential interior designers, retailers, or contractors out of business.  


In a recent survey published by the Daily Journal of Commence, over 80% of respondents, about 200 people, agree interior design should be regulated.   House Bill 2491 would regulate the profession and initiate a registration process for interior designers to become licensed and qualified through industry accepted minimum levels of education, experience, and the passing of a national examination.


On February 21st 2011 Interior Designers throughout Oregon converged in Salem to meet with legislators in person. The biggest takeaway from the success of the1st Annual Capitol Day is for Oregon Interior Design businesses to continue to voice their support for a hearing of HB2491 by contacting members of the business and labor committee now.


For more information on HB2491 please contact Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon.



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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

US Circuit Court Upholds Florida’s Interior Design Licensing Statute, Oregon Considers Similar Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 09, 2011


CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org



US Circuit Court Upholds Florida’s Interior Design Licensing Statute, Oregon Considers Similar Law


The United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit unanimously affirmed a 2010 district court decision to uphold Florida’s interior design statute. In the 2010 decision, Judge Robert Hinkle wrote the law “promotes compliance with fire and accessibility codes, helps reduce indoor pollution, and protects consumers.” The Oregon legislature is reviewing a proposal for a similar law. HB2491 sets minimum standards of competency to protect consumers and opens business opportunities for designers who wish to submit documents for construction permits in commercial/public occupancies.  HB2491 does not prevent anyone from using the title “interior designer,” practicing residential design for single-family homes, or continuing to work under the supervision of licensed professionals.


Oregon’s chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association laud the court’s decision. Sandy Hendricks, Past-President of ASID Oregon stated, “The unanimous decision in Florida is very big news. For designers who are seeking recognition in Oregon, realizing that purpose is one step closer. The proposed legislation in Oregon will clarify our industry and benefit us all.” IIDA Oregon President Roberta Pennington added, “HB 2491 will define professional interior design in Oregon, similar to the now-upheld act in Florida. IIDA, both locally and nationally, continues to support legislation to establish standards safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of the general public, define responsibility, and encourage excellence in the interior design industry.”


For more information on HB2491 please contact Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon.



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Thursday, February 17, 2011

BUSINESSES GET ON BOARD TO LICENSE INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN OREGON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2011

CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org



BUSINESSES GET ON BOARD TO LICENSE INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN OREGON

Architects and sustainability experts in the business community are weighing in on their support of HB 2491, A Practice Act for Registered Interior Designers in Oregon. Letters of support are pouring in from leading industry design firms including Fletcher Farr Ayotte, Myhre Group Architects, BOORA Architects, GBD Architects, and Green Building Services. In addition to these large firms, small-specialized practices including Toni King & Associates and Bainbridge are also expressing their support on the positive impact this legislation will have on their businesses.

Registered Interior Designers will become responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and gain the ability to submit plans for permit for interior remodel projects that do not require a Registered Architect. This will increase the ability of independent interior design firms to do business and spur job growth in the importunate flagging construction market. The proposed Practice Act will not preclude anyone from calling oneself an interior designer or practicing residential design, but will define the services Registered Interior Designers practice relative to public health, safety, and welfare in commercial public spaces. The legislation will not impact a company if there is previously board registered or licensed professional on staff.

To get involved in IDC-Oregon’s upcoming committee meetings, contact Michelle at publicrelations@idc-oregon.org or Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-oregon.org to schedule a face-to-face meeting with your community leaders to discuss how the Practice Act will have a positive economic impact on the state.


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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

IDC-OREGON: CALL TO ACTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2011

CONTACT:
Michelle Neidiger, PR Chair
Interior Design Collaborative Oregon
(503) 200-5996
Email: info@idc-oregon.org
www.idc-oregon.org



IDC-OREGON: CALL TO ACTION

Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon is calling on interior designers throughout Oregon to support the proposed Interior Design Practice Act.

In order to promote the bill to be submitted during the 2011 Oregon legislative session, IDC-Oregon members would like to speak with you regarding the bill’s impact on the profession, strategy, and need for immediate funding. During the past year, Oregon professionals spoke out encouraging IDC-Oregon to pursue a Practice Act by answering a survey titled Practice or Title: You Decide. The published results of this survey can be found on the Legislation section of their website.

The fact that many interior environments are not up to ADA and life-safety codes is a cause for concern for visitors and occupants. With public code officials employed by the State of Oregon still on the decline due to state budget cuts, Registered Interior Design Professionals understand the importance of building safety issues and have chosen to take responsibility for their practice. Through regulation, interior designers will be recognized as qualified individuals to assist in supporting the design and enforcement of safe building and environmental codes and regulations.

Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon urges interior design professionals to unite and get involved voicing your preferences for Oregon's regulation of interior design practices before outside interests decide the future of the profession for you. The two most important ways to get involved now is: 1) donate online today to support IDC-Oregon's lobbyist and 2) write your legislator on why this issue impacts your practice. Visit www.idc-oregon.org for talking points and additional resources.

Contact Michelle at publicrelations@idc-oregon.org or Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-oregon.org if you would like to further discuss the impacts a practice act might have on the profession in Oregon.


-- End --