For over 35 years I was a Certified interior designer, practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia in both commercial and residential projects. I am dismayed to learn that legislation is currently being drafted to remove Certification for practicing designers. In my opinion, it is vital to require interior designers be Certified especially for commercial spaces, where it protects the public from unqualified individuals who do not possess the knowledge of Building Codes or educational background essential for contract design projects. Unfortunately, the profession includes such individuals who present themselves as qualified designers when in essence they are not, and present greater risk to the public. Case in point, consider fabric draperies installed in a public space, like a hospital, where flame retardant or flameproofed fabric is required by Code. Designers that are not qualified would not be aware of this, specifying a fabric, that undoubtedly present a great risk to the public should the fabric catch fire.  Please consider retaining the Certification for interior designers.

Sincerely,

Christine S. Kennedy, Retired ASID