Oregon Legislators Hear from Interior Design Professionals

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.” 

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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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BUSINESSES GET ON BOARD TO LICENSE INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN OREGON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2011

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



BUSINESSES GET ON BOARD TO LICENSE INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN OREGON

Architects and sustainability experts in the business community are weighing in on their support of HB 2491, A Practice Act for Registered Interior Designers in Oregon. Letters of support are pouring in from leading industry design firms including Fletcher Farr Ayotte, Myhre Group Architects, BOORA Architects, GBD Architects, and Green Building Services. In addition to these large firms, small-specialized practices including Toni King & Associates and Bainbridge are also expressing their support on the positive impact this legislation will have on their businesses.

Registered Interior Designers will become responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and gain the ability to submit plans for permit for interior remodel projects that do not require a Registered Architect. This will increase the ability of independent interior design firms to do business and spur job growth in the importunate flagging construction market. The proposed Practice Act will not preclude anyone from calling oneself an interior designer or practicing residential design, but will define the services Registered Interior Designers practice relative to public health, safety, and welfare in commercial public spaces. The legislation will not impact a company if there is previously board registered or licensed professional on staff.

To get involved in IDC-Oregon’s upcoming committee meetings, contact Michelle at publicrelations@idc-oregon.org or Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-oregon.org to schedule a face-to-face meeting with your community leaders to discuss how the Practice Act will have a positive economic impact on the state.


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IDC-OREGON: CALL TO ACTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2011

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



IDC-OREGON: CALL TO ACTION

Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon is calling on interior designers throughout Oregon to support the proposed Interior Design Practice Act.

In order to promote the bill to be submitted during the 2011 Oregon legislative session, IDC-Oregon members would like to speak with you regarding the bill’s impact on the profession, strategy, and need for immediate funding. During the past year, Oregon professionals spoke out encouraging IDC-Oregon to pursue a Practice Act by answering a survey titled Practice or Title: You Decide. The published results of this survey can be found on the Legislation section of their website.

The fact that many interior environments are not up to ADA and life-safety codes is a cause for concern for visitors and occupants. With public code officials employed by the State of Oregon still on the decline due to state budget cuts, Registered Interior Design Professionals understand the importance of building safety issues and have chosen to take responsibility for their practice. Through regulation, interior designers will be recognized as qualified individuals to assist in supporting the design and enforcement of safe building and environmental codes and regulations.

Interior Design Collaborative-Oregon urges interior design professionals to unite and get involved voicing your preferences for Oregon's regulation of interior design practices before outside interests decide the future of the profession for you. The two most important ways to get involved now is: 1) donate online today to support IDC-Oregon's lobbyist and 2) write your legislator on why this issue impacts your practice. Visit www.idc-oregon.org for talking points and additional resources.

Contact Michelle at publicrelations@idc-oregon.org or Alicia Snyder-Carlson, President at president@idc-oregon.org if you would like to further discuss the impacts a practice act might have on the profession in Oregon.


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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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