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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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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