Success in Salem: Capitol Day 2013

Capitol Day 2013 was an enormous success! This year’s efforts were effective and focused, helping to move toward our goal of obtaining commercial interior design licensing.

On February 22nd, a group of over 20 professionals, students, and educators met with a number of legislators to state their case and gather information from legislators about any concerns or ideas on moving the effort forward. Many legislators voiced support, others requested additional information regarding fiscal and economic impacts and where interested in the changes to the bill from years past.

IDC-Oregon President, Ingrid Hoffman, said the day was about building relationships with legislators, garnering support, listening to concerns, and using the information to inform the next revision of the bill for the 2014 session. Attendees reported that legislators understand the difference between interior designers and decorators, noting the technical nature of commercial interior design work. Student attendees were pleased to be part of the legislative process. One Marylhurst student said, “I was so happy that legislators were so gracious, willing and open in talking to us about this important movement.”

Capitol Day attendees took time to write letters to their legislators urging supporting and retelling their personal stories about their connection with interior design licensing. Other designers proudly held up signs around the Capitol proclaiming, "I am an Interior Designer" and explaining their passion for the profession.

Senator Shields, Chair of the General Government, Consumer and Small Business Protection Committee, stated, “I was really happy to give the interior design community a hearing in the 2012 session and would encourage all the members of the community to meet with their own representatives and senators to make the case for the bill in 2013.” Senator Shields is supportive and hoping the legislature can come to agreement to move the idea forward.

We're taking our Capitol Day momentum and hitting the ground running. We can't wait to see what the 2014 legislative session holds.

Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

Thank you contributing bloggers and IDC members: Sermin Yesilada, Linda Coffeen & Ashley Nored