Monday, May 9, 2011

Only a Bill on Capitol Hill.

Anyone else been keeping up with all the action the profession of Interior Design is gettin down in that peninsula state of Florida? Well they've been hit hard by people who just don't get it. Not understanding a profession is one thing but ignorance by choice and arrogance is a ridiculous game for grown adults to be playing.

House passed a bill called "Deregulation of Professions and Occupations" or House Bill 5005 and ASID members of Florida and many other states have been fighting tooth and neck to ensure this bill did NOT pass Senate. With interior design being one of the professions to be deregulated in the state of Florida, they assumed this would be beneficial...giving more people a chance to explore the world of design and make that leap from merely a decorator to a designer without laws and restrictions.

Pssshtt. What this would really do is actually detrimental and had it passed, could have affected the careers of designers in many more states. Regulation allows designers to practice commercial design and work on projects with building codes, LEED potential and really get their hands on some of those big markets in hospitality, health, education facilities and other spaces. These designers able to practice are licensed professionals who have worked hard, taken exams and achieved and maintained this status themselves, meaning no one should be able to take it away from them.

Last Friday, the bill for deregulation in Florida was defeated by an incredible 32-6 Senate vote. While this is a celebrated victory, that does not mean the profession won't continue to be a target for those wishing to simplify professions they may simply not understand.

Just because I don't understand medicine, does not mean I plan to take your MD away. Licensing is a great honor and show of commitment to a field that these people are passionate about. Hopeful to become a licensed designer and even a LEED AP myself, I plan to support the continued efforts to push away opposition and encourage understanding of the importance of regulation. The profession of Interior Design depends on it.

2 comments:

  1. I can't believe people wanted to pass that bill, that is just ridiculous. I'm so glad you wrote this!

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  2. Preach it sister! As I am currently suffering through the NCIDQ I would be PISSED if some "decorator" could just waltz right in and be labeled a designer when they don't know squat about codes or the health safety and welfare of the public. I'm so glad that you are fighting this! And I'm SO tired of telling people that I don't just pick out pillows. People need to be educated about our profession! Thanks for writing this :)

    xo Catharine @ Your Modern Couple

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