My name is Wenbren Coleman and I just moved from VA to NC, but still continue to WORK IN VIRGINIA as a certified interior designer. I write this comment in STRONG support of the continued regulation of the interior design profession  in Virginia. 

Currently I am the corporate interior designer for the South Central VA regional health system, Centra Health, Inc. located in Lynchburg, VA. My title is Senior Certified Interior Designer and Project Manager. I touch almost all aspects of design and construction over our more than 5 million SF of facilities. This certification allows me to be respected by my peers, lets others know that I have the serious interior design education and experience for my position. And that I am not a decorator! This certification is to show that we have passed rigorous education, national testing, working experience and knowledge in our field. We work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors and need a way to show we are serious professionals. This title act allows us to show we are certified professionals in VA.

Prior to this position, I worked for an architectural firm and travelled to Washington, DC on a weekly/monthly basis for several years as a contract interior designer for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The Federal Government requires designers working for them to be licensed or certified. There are so many interior designers, especially in Northern VA, who live in VA and work in DC for federal agencies. They depend on this work for their livelihood. They would not be allowed these federal govt contracts if this regulation and certified title was taken away! Please seriously think about your constituents who pay your salaries in VA taxes & vote, who require this certification for their livelihoods. 

I beg you to keep this certification for professional interior designers in the Commonwealth of Virginia!

Most Respectfully,

Wenbren J. Coleman, CID, ASID, LEED AP