INTERIOR DESIGN COLLABORATIVE-OREGON ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE AND MEMBER RESOURCES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2010

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


INTERIOR DESIGN COLLABORATIVE-OREGON ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE AND MEMBER RESOURCES


IDC-Oregon has launched a new website to provide up to date information on the passing of an Interior Design Practice Act in Oregon. The new website is a resource to inform practicing and emerging interior designers in the state how this legislation will have a positive impact on the future of the profession as well as on consumer protection. This website will also help to allay any concerns designers may have about the proposed bill.

"Our optimism is this new website will inform the public, as well as professionals, of the unique skills and knowledge we possess to design healthy and safe interior spaces", says President Alicia-Snyder Carlson. She continues, "Our organization offers professionals an alternative forum to collaborate within a budding but fragmented design community by recognizing each specialty practice area and encourages supporting our growth as an single profession."

With the climbing increase of interest in DIY home improvement as the "standard" of how the public views interior design, the interior design profession is one of the fastest growing careers across the United States. Although many homeowners might not be concerned about a Registered Interior Design distinction in Oregon, IDC-Oregon is concerned about healthy and safe interior design practice standards in places like hotels, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and anywhere the public might be assembling in a large crowd where fire and egress safety are important.

Today in Oregon, anyone can practice as an interior designer. The proposed Practice Act sets minimum standards for education, work experience hours, and requires passage of a 16-hour exam that tests competency in life safety and welfare in the interior built environment. This new practice of Registered Interior Design will ensure consumers are hiring competent interior designers for public spaces.

Supporters of IDC-Oregon include those in the architectural and construction fields that understand interior designers make important decisions within the design process, which directly affects the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Oregon. Their growing membership base includes designers who practice in the residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, retail, hospitality, and sustainability fields.

Visit their new website at www.idc-oregon.org to see how you can get involved or contact Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President, at president@idc-oregon.org to schedule a face-to-face brown bag lunch session to discuss the Practice Act in detail.


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INTERIOR DESIGN IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CAREERS IN THE UNITED STATES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2010


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


INTERIOR DESIGN IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CAREERS IN THE UNITED STATES

The Oregon Employment Department indicates the Interior Design occupation is expected to grow at a faster rate than the regional average.1. Between 2008 and 2009 the profession grew by nearly 100 individuals, even with a poor economy and high unemployment rates. More than ever it is relevant to distinguish the unique skills and knowledge which characterize qualified Interior Designers within this growing profession to provide regulation for consumer protection.

During the months of August, September, and October IDC-Oregon is holding brown bag lunch presentations at architectural firms and city building development offices throughout Oregon. These presentations engage in an open dialog for professionals to voice comments and concerns regarding Interior Design Legislation. In addition to clarifying the question "What is the interior design profession?" among professionals, clients will gain a informed choice between hiring a qualified person who is educated, trained, and tested to perform contracted interior design services from designers who specialize in additional areas of expertise. This will better educate the public of the many services Oregon's interior designers may offer and perform.

Interior Design Collaborative Oregon is proposing introducing a Practice Act in the 2011 legislative session to regulate the practice of Interior Design and to define the next generation of career professionals. Members of the organization believe in an ethical responsibility to execute thoughtful designs of interior environments to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants and clients they design for.

"It is our goal to obtain letters of support from Architecture and Design offices, or 'A&D firms', to present to the American Institute of Architects as well as to Oregon legislators. We are working on building our membership through these meetings and soliciting donations for our legislative efforts," says President of IDC-Oregon, Alicia Snyder-Carlson, LEED®AP ID+C. She continues, "If every designer who answered 'Yes' to the Practice or Title Survey in June donated $230, we would have enough money without any grants to hire a lobbyist."

Please consider joining IDC-Oregon by endorsing their efforts to promote and pursue an Interior Design Practice Act Bill. They are pleased to schedule a meeting with your team to discuss the bill language, legislative strategy, and how your professional practice can benefit from Interior Design Legislation. Contact Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-orgon.org and Sermin Yesilada, Vice President and IIDA past president at vicepresident@idc-oregon.org with questions.



1. For Career Information, Visit Work Source Oregon's Labor Market Online Information System at http://www.qualityinfo.org/ and search within their Data Tools to find Oregon's Occupational Report Information about Interior Designers.

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IDC-OREGON ASKS IF OREGON FACILITIES ARE UP TO ADA REGULATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 5, 2010


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


IDC-OREGON ASKS IF OREGON FACILITIES ARE UP TO ADA REGULATIONS

President Obama signs Executive Order increasing federal employment of individuals with disabilities. Check out the full story here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/27/celebrating-with-substance

In a 2004 public case report, The Department of Civil Justice, Project Civic Access, stepped in to remedy common problems found in new construction and alternations of The City of Bend Oregon federal buildings. As quoted from the Project Civic Access Cities and Counties: First Steps Toward Solving Common ADA Problems brochure: "It is very common for architects and contractors to follow only their local building codes, which may not provide the same degree of accessibility to persons with disabilities. Compliance with local building codes does not ensure compliance with the ADA."

The City of Bend Project Civil Access is one of 4 known civic cases in Oregon where The Department of Justice has cited non-compliance with the American with Disabilities Act requirements in new and altered federal buildings and adjoining public spaces. Other Department of Justice civil action cases are noted in Desuchtes County [2004], City of Ashland [2001], and Tillamook County [2003].

Interior Design Collaborative Oregon is concerned that Oregon’s buildings may not be adequately designed for an aging work force. With this additional increase of employment for individuals with disabilities at the federal level, IDC-Oregon asks if local facilities are meeting the physical and psychological needs of the general population.

A qualified interior designer is uniquely educated, trained, and practiced in solving design challenges for all people - including those who require extra design to meet their capabilities or needs.As ADA coordinators, facility designers, and construction documentation specialists, these skills are an asset to help the public voice their needs and to assist with Oregon Federal Building upgrades. It is imperative we maintain healthy and safe places to work through exceeding local and federal regulated codes and ADA practices so that all citizens can equally participate in Oregon's economic future.

We join the President in celebration of the continued great work being done by his administration to ensure the equal human rights of Americans. Happy 20th Anniversary ADA!

Join IDC-Oregon on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on how the two new rule amendments will have a positive impact on your clients and the future of your interior design practice.

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IDC-OREGON INVITES YOU TO GET INVOLVED AT ANNUAL MEETING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2010


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


IDC-OREGON INVITES YOU TO GET INVOLVED AT ANNUAL MEETING

Interior Design Collaborative Oregon welcomes the design and construction communities interested in voicing their comments regarding the future of Oregon’s interior design professional practice to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting July 13th 6:00pm at Pratt and Larson Tile located at 1201 SE 3rd Ave in Portland.

IDC-Oregon is a non-profit; grassroots organization of interior designers dedicated to shaping the future of the profession. Their mission is committed to securing a state regulated licensing program and will be submitting an Interior Design Practice Act in the Oregon State Legislative 2011 Session. The purpose of the Practice Act is to protect consumers from unethical and possibly dangerous building practices. This legislation will establish minimum benchmark levels for education, experience, and examination in order to define a minimum level of competency for those who are liable to safeguard the interior environments we all play, live, and work in.

Consumers will be able to make more informed choices when hiring a state qualified licensed interior designer, and understand the many services different specialty qualified experts may offer and perform. Many professions in the State of Oregon who perform services for the public require state regulated licensing to practice including building contractors, realtors, and educators. Currently, of the practitioners involved in the design and construction industry, only interior designers are unregulated. Supporters of IDC-Oregon include those in architecture and construction that understand every decision an interior designer makes affects the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Oregon.

On a national level, 25 states and 9 provinces have adopted Interior Design Registration Acts. Oregon is one of roughly 14 states currently in pursuit of either a Title Registration or Practice Act legislation. For additional information on IDC-OREGON, to RSVP for the upcoming meeting, or to get involved by supporting our campaign, contact Michelle Neidiger PR-Chair, or visit us online at www.idc-oregon.org.


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The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Contact: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development: 202-708-0685 Office of Public Health and Science: 202-205-0143

Acting Surgeon General Issues ‘Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes’

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., today issued The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes at a press conference from the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. The Call to Action looks at the ways housing can affect health; its release will initiate a national dialogue about the importance of healthy homes.

“The home is the centerpiece of American life,” Galson, a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service, said during today’s press conference. “We can prevent many diseases and injuries that result from health hazards in the home by following the simple steps outlined in this Call to Action.”

Some examples outlined in the Call to Action include preventing falls by taking measures such as installing grab bars in showers and preparing a fire escape plan. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults.

Other steps outlined in the Call to Action include:

• Check gas appliances, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces yearly and change furnace and air conditioning filters regularly. 
• Keep children safe from drowning, lead poisoning, suffocation and strangulation, and other hazards. 
• Improve air quality in their homes by installing radon and carbon monoxide detectors, eliminating smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, and controlling allergens that contribute to asthma and mold growth.
• Improve water quality by learning to protect and maintain private water wells.

Galson urged everyone from parents and homebuilders to community leaders and policy makers to embrace the holistic approach to creating healthy homes outlined in the Call to Action.

During the event, Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also announced the release of HUD’s Healthy Homes Strategic Plan.  HUD’s plan demonstrates why healthy homes is a national priority, describes what steps should be taken to achieve healthier housing, and highlights the key public and private partners for implementation.

“We are pleased that we are able to release our strategic plan to the nation today,” Sims said.  “We must continue to work together across communities and the nation to ensure our homes are sited, designed, built, renovated, and maintained in ways that support the health of residents.”

The Call to Action outlines the next steps of a society-wide approach to healthy homes that will result in the greatest possible public health impact and reduction of disparities in the availability of healthy, safe, affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly homes.

• Individuals can make their homes healthy and more environmentally friendly by improving air quality, safely using household products, properly using safety devices, adequately supervising children, and abating the use of toxic chemicals.
• Organizations can educate at-risk populations about the connection between health and housing, and identifying and addressing home deficiencies.
• Health care providers can incorporate healthy housing solutions into their protocols.
• Government can help create homes that are affordable and improve people’s health. Adequate supplies of affordable housing must be made available in order for healthy homes to be achieved.

“Good health begins at home. Home is the place that most families connect, talk, and make decisions about their health,” said Dr. Howard Frumkin, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health within the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.  “Ensuring that the nation’s homes are safe, healthy, affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly will have a direct, immediate and measurable effect on the health of the nation.”

The Call to Action also highlights the need for research that links housing conditions with specific health outcomes and that highlights the impact of disparate access to safe, healthy, affordable, and accessible homes. The outcomes of this research should result in tangible improvements to people’s lives by translating practice into policy.

The release of this document is part of a larger Healthy Homes Initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and HUD with support from such organizations as the National Center for Healthy Housing, the Alliance for Healthy Homes, and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.

Please visit www.surgeongeneral.gov  for more healthy home information, to download The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes, or to listen to a podcast from the Acting Surgeon General.

To order a printed copy of The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov  and reference the publication title.
Please also visit:  www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes and www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.

BUILDING MONTH SAFETY TIPS BY IDC-OREGON OREGON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010

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


BUILDING MONTH SAFETY TIPS BY IDC-OREGON OREGON

In recognition of National Building Safety Month, Interior Design Collaborative Oregon is raising awareness of interior design's role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The fact that some environments are not always up to code is a cause for concern pertaining to the health, safety and welfare of Oregon's building occupants and visitors. Interior designers understand the importance of these issues and are choosing to bring accountability to what we do by assisting building officials and clients through practiced knowledge of up to date code regulations and enforcements to maintain safe homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

The members and supporters of IDC-Oregon make it a priority to become Qualified Professionals in their field through their education on how to design solutions for safe egress paths, ergonomics, cleaner air, better energy use, acoustics, and many other human needs in the built environment.

Our Weekly Tips include how a Qualified Interior Designer ensures consumer safety through designing solutions for "Energy & Green", "Disaster Safety & Mitigation", "Fire Safety & Awareness", and "Backyard Safety". Please contact us at info@idc-oregon.org for a PDF copy of all four weekly tips or visit the news section of our website at www.idc-oregon.org.


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Collaboration Newsletter - Opposition

Over the last year, many of you have voiced concern about opposition to interior design regulation. Challenges to existing and proposed regulation are plenty. The Institute of Justice, a libertarian special interest law firm, is one strong adversary representing decorators in Texas, Oklahoma, and Connecticut to challenge those states’ Title Registration Acts. Currently all of these States regulate the use of the title “Interior Designer” but not the "Practice of Interior Design". The Institute of Justice's argument is that the title of “Interior Designer” is too broad and violates the first amendment rights of the decorators to market their work.1

The Institute of Justice threatened such a lawsuit in New Mexico in 2007. In response, New Mexico’s Board changed the title to “Licensed Interior Designer.”2

Also in 2007, Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled the 2001 Practice Act unconstitutional.3 Their Board amended the Act in 2006, which is the version Alabama's Regulatory Board currently operate under.4

There is also some controversy over Florida’s long standing Practice Act. The Florida Board is busy working with an outside group contracted to enforce their law to ensure that it is being enforced properly.5

The outcomes of the all these cases will be very important to Oregon’s future efforts in pursuing professional regulation - weather that comes to be a Title Act or Practice Act. We continue to pay attention to these and other issues to better inform Oregon's cause. It is important to keep a positive and objective outlook when studying these developments and not get distracted by untruthful arguments often found within the opposition.

If we can delve past the plethora of adverse advertising and articles 6, we can start to see the root of the issue. Building projects require a team of qualified professionals to deliver a project that is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Studies assert that the design process is becoming less linear and more fluid with the adoption of integrated design and BIM.

Architects, building owners, and engineers have been promoting integrated design for a few years.7 This provides an opportunity for interior designers to assert ourselves as experts in ergonomics, human context and psychology, functionality, materials, and furnishings. Integrated sustainable design, LEED, and Evidence Based Design are all areas where an Interior Designer’s knowledge of the health, safety, and welfare of the public are needed. Health, safety, and welfare are the basis for recognized professional regulation.

IDC-Oregon’s approach for professional regulation is based on collaboration. Currently we are the only professionals working in the construction and building trades not registered or regulated through the State. We are working with the local ASID, IIDA, and NWSID chapters and collaborating with the AIA, industry representatives, building officials, fire marshals, and contractors to discuss the need for regulating interior designers through legislation that establishes minimum standards of defined competency.  The end result will be a clearly written bill - Either a Title Act or Practice Act - that will establish consumer protection and define our profession.

Please join our next Town Hall session on Tuesday January 27th 2009 at the White Stag building. We will discuss the process of legislating our profession. Your voices are crucial to this effort and we hope you will participate in shaping the future of interior design. For more information please visit: www.idcoregon.org.

Sincerely,
Peg Suzio, Past President IDC-Oregon


Footnotes:
1 GRA Committee conference call (October 8 2008)

2 New Mexico Ends Unconstitutional Censorship of Interior Designers. The Institute for Justice. 6 April 2007. (21 November 2008)

3 Alabama Supreme Court invalidated interior design practice act. Interior Design Freedom Coalition. Edward Nagorsky. 22 October 2007. (21 November 2008)

4 Alabama State Board of registration for interior designers administrative code. Effective October 20 2008. (4 December 2008)

5 GRA Committee conference call (October 8 2008)

6 See articles listed below from Institute for Justice. Many additional articles are available to read on their website: www.ij.org

Designing cartels: How industry insiders cut out competition. (September 2006)

Designing liberty: Pulling the curtains on the interior design cartel. (2007)

Designed to mislead: How industry insiders mislead the public about the need for interior design regulation. (2008)

7 The Construction Users Roundtable. Collaboration, Integrated Information, and the Project Lifecycle in Building Design, Construction, and Operation. American Institute of Architects, August 2004. (21 November 2008)

For rebuttal please reference the following:

Rebuttal of the Report by the Institute of Justice’s Designing Cartels: How Industry Insiders Cut Out Competition. Martin, Caren S. (7 November 2007)