SUPPORT Continued Regulation of Interior Design in Virginia
My name is Elizabeth Finnell . I write this comment in STRONG support of the continued regulation of the interior design profession in Virginia.
I live in Reston and have worked as a (non-certified) interior designer in multiple states/districts. My design background ranges from contract furniture dealerships to healthcare design and federal employment. I faced barriers when moving to Virginia and applying for state certification in my field due to the lack of certification in my previous state at the time (PA). These barriers exist only because states are not unifed on certifying designers; they need to be. I could also tailor my employment to clear the final hurdle to certification, but have chosen not to yet. I STILL STRONGLY SUPPORT CONTINUED REGULATION.
The template CIDQ sent out focuses on the harms repealing certification would cause; I agree with these whole-heartedly. It is most important to stress that regulation helps - the industry, the practitioner, and the customer. IT IS NEEDED. It is also important to stress that regulation is not hurting those who don't achieve certification. IT IS NOT AN UNDUE BURDEN.
Please understand the following:
(A.) Certification is necessary to maintain the integrity and proficiency in our field. The requirements are basic, reasonable and feasible. This is not a burden to the average worker, only the uncapable.
(B.) Certification does not hinder the practice, it simply defines those at a higher level who SHOULD be qualified for certain types of work. It is one of few ways to determine a designer has fulfilled basic education and practice experience. Many lesser jobs exist with very comfortable incomes. I am a testament to this as I've easily pursued well-paying jobs I enjoy without needing to perform tasks requiring certification.
(C.) The more states who fail to certify interior design, the greater the burden on the designer. A path to certification elevates the opportunities for designers, draws them to the state and helps retain them. This should be seen as economically beneficial to Virginia! Please keep certification and please retain/bring talent to Virginia!
Regulating interior design is a sensible practice. Washington D.C., Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, all have statutes in place for the regulation of the title and/or practice of Interior Design. In total, 27 states and two federal jurisdictions regulate interior design. No jurisdiction has ever deregulated the practice of interior design.
The interior design statute is not restrictive or protectionist. The title protection law—enacted during the 1990 Session of the General Assembly—does not restrict the scope of practice and serves as the framework for the voluntary certification program. While only certified interior designers may use the title “Certified,” any individual may contract with a client to render services as an interior designer, interior decorator, or similar practitioner if the client so chooses.
Eliminating the voluntary regulation of interior design in Virginia is bad public policy. Continued regulation is vital to the practice, profession, industry, consumers, and the public’s health, safety, and welfare. I ask you to not eliminate the regulation of this profession.
