The proposed text of the revised statewide building code includes on page 64, a definition of a "registered design professional" You'll find this in section 13 VAC 5-62-250. The Department of Housing and Community Development has, in writing this definition, chosen not to follow the International Building Code, but instead to go back to text that is similar to what is included in the existing code. I am writing to disagree with this decision. Certified Interior Designers are recognized by Virginia and 25 other states as construction design team professionals who are regulated by the state. While our drawings are limited to non-loadbearing walls and features, they are nevertheless used by contractors for remodel work on a regular basis. Architects, building owners and developers also use the expertise of interior designer for decorative details, lighting and space planning. Like other regulants of the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA), we must seal our drawings when submitted for permits. Therefore, the Department of Housing and Community Development should use the definition of a "registered design professional" that was included in the original text of the International Building Code, or the similar one recommended to you by the Virginia APELSCIDLA Board rather than the definition included in the proposed Code. This definition is more inclusive, recognizing all the various members of a construction design team. It would be applicable to Landscape Architects as well as to Certified Interior Designers. Like Certified Interior Designers, they also submit drawings for permit within their area of expertise and should not be excluded by a narrow definition that recognizes only architects and engineers. Finally, as to the current text,it makes no sense to use the term "engineer" if what the Department is trying to do is to include only professions that are specifically trained in structural elements of the building since there are several different types of "engineers", some of whom have limited knowledge of building construction. We do not need the definition in the building code to protect our citizens from people who would practice outside their areas of expertise. We have other laws to do that. Please reconsider this definition. Thank you.