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.”
