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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