My name is Diane Weiss and I live in Virginia.  I am writing this comment in strong support of the continued regulation of the Interior Design profession in Virginia.  Not only do we all benefit by beautiful interior design in public and private businesses we benefit in the adherence to building codes, standards and other laws and regulations which make our buildings safe.  Interior designers do more than pick colors and designs, they make sure our hotels, hospitals meet requirements.

Virginia requires employees to be licensed or certified in their profession to serve on professional boards.  Removal of the regulation of Interior Design would prevent these well educated  professionals from serving on such boards.  Also it would prevent the Interior Designer from submitting proposals for RFP ( Request for Proposals) and RFQ (Request for Qualifications) in the state of Virginia and for Federal Government Projects which require certification.

Please leave in place the regulation and licensing of Interior Designers in the state of Virginia.