I strongly support the continued certification of interior designers. Loss of this would severely diminish the profession as a whole and practitioners specifically by reducing their ability to compete in both public and private projects. 

Interior designers spend years in training both in university and practice to gain the knowledge and skills to serve their clients. They serve as sole proprietors and integral members of project teams. They maintain a deep knowledge of building codes, standards of practice and the myriad laws and regulations essential to the construction industry. Their clients are private individuals, corporations and government agencies. They must provide the same standard of care as other allied professionals. 

Eliminating the certification will harm interiors designers both professionally and economically in the eyes of the public and confuse potential clients as to their value in the marketplace. Lack of certification will also limit their professional opportunities as entrepreneurs by preventing them from responding the job listings for the Commonwealth and Federal bureaus that have requirements for professional certification. It will also limit their advancement as leaders in both architectural and interior design-only firms by disqualifying them as potential members of a firm's board of directors. 

Maintaining this important certification is a win-win for interior designers, the State of Virginia and the public at large.