My name is Teresa Ko and I am a Certified Interior Designer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  I feel strongly that we need to continue with certification to assure professionalism, proper former training and continued education to ensure safety of the public in all commercial buildings as well as residences.  The certification motivates students and illustrates the importance of obtaining and maintaining credentials over the course of one's career to ensure quality design solutions as well as public health and safety.  It also holds professionals accountable to maintain current knowledge of codes, advancements in performance materials and universal accessibility.

I am an advocate of even stronger regulation by having interior designers become registered professionals, similar to architects and engineers.  To eliminate even this Certification level is a step backward that is not in the best interest of the citizens of Virginia and across the nation.

Thank you for considering m comments,

Teresa Ko, CID, ASID, LEED AP