My name is Mary A. D. Petrino, a resident of the City of Alexandria since 1974, and a Certified Interior Designer in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2014.

As a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer since 1988, I have worked in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia for more than 35 years in the practice of commercial and institutional design, with a specialty in Federal facilities work. 

I completely support the certification of professional interior designers, who are required to comply with complex building codes and regulations in designing interior space.  Such responsibility requires education, professional internship and practice, and professional qualifying examinations similar to those completed by architects.  

Eliminating the regulation of the interior design profession will pose a threat to public health, safety and welfare.  Furthermore, it would seriously compromise the ability of professional interior designers to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country, especially in local, state, and Federal jurisdictions.  Our certification is recognized in the same way as professional architects are distinguished for their skills and responsibilities to uphold building codes and regulations. 

Our ability to practice our profession will be seriously impaired should such regulations be eliminated in the Commonwealth.  Thank you for considering my comments.  

Respectfully submitted 

Mary A. D. Petrino, ASID, CID, LEED AP

Commonwealth of Virginia CID No. 0412001003 (Exp. 2022) 

NCIDQ Certificate No. 7130