Across the country, IIDA chapters are turning passion into policy. Through relentless advocacy efforts, members are stepping up — educating legislators, building strategic partnerships, and pushing for legislation that recognizes the vital role of interior designers in shaping the built environment. Whether it’s the rollout of webinars in Virginia, packed Capitol Days in Oregon and Idaho, or a high-impact registration drive in Nebraska, these actions represent more than just progress — they reflect the power of a united design community. From coast to coast, advocacy is accelerating. And in 2025, IIDA members are showing that when it comes to protecting and elevating the profession, there’s no slowing down.

Practitioners and advocates in Alaska are working diligently to pass legislation via Senate Bill (SB) 54. They recently participated in the Alaska Professional Design Council (APDC) February fly-in, held 44 meetings with legislators, and discussed infrastructure issues with the Department of Transportation. These fly-ins brought together interior designers, architects, and industry partners to advocate for professional recognition and regulation of interior design. “One fly-in is complete,” says Arroyo, “with three more planned to support SB 54, which extends the Alaska Board of Registration for eight years, adds registered interior designers as a regulated title with stamp and seal privileges, and creates two new board seats for a designer and an engineer.”

In Idaho, advocates have been building awareness for legislation through meetings with AIA Idaho and the design community. In early March, the first Capitol Day took place, where the group engaged legislators alongside design professionals, students, and professors from the University of Idaho. Efforts continue as they work to complete a “Sunrise Application,” which will qualify them to enter legislation due next month, and they’re also preparing for the upcoming “Barkitecture” fundraiser on May 31. At the event, Katie Edwards, IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Idaho, and Mae Myers, IIDA, Director of Advocacy, Idaho, helped lead the Consortium for Interior Design- Idaho, along with the ASID chapter and support from a state advocacy group, the Interior Designers of Idaho.

In Washington, fundraising events like Product Runway are helping to support advocacy efforts and strengthen community ties. Interior design students are also being engaged through presentations and project tours. Additionally, the WA Interior Design Legislation Task Force Joint Statement has been published: The Consortium for Interior Design - WA (comprised of IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter and ASID WA) and AIA Washington Council are collaborating through a joint task force process to explore 2026 legislation for commercial interior designers in the state. The joint task force is being led by Stacey Crumbaker, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, President Elect of the IIDA International Board of Directors, and Megan Onley, IIDA, President Elect of the IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter. Cecilia Arroyo, IIDA, is the new VP of Advocacy with the Northern Pacific Chapter (Washington) and has been part of the committee for the past year helping organize events with students.

Nebraska’s Registration Guide — and Goal

Although Nebraska passed legislation just last year, advocates there understand that legislators value high registration numbers. They’ve set a goal of getting 100 designers registered within the first 100 days. “And we have 77 registered so far!” writes Stacy Spale, IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Great Plains (Nebraska). In the state, registration is valid for two years, costs only $50, and includes the cost of the stamp. To assist practitioners in the registration process, Stacy and her colleagues have published “The Nebraska Interior Design Registration Guide 2025.”

Way to Go, Ohio

Ohio IIDA members have joined forces with local ASID chapters to strengthen their collective advocacy efforts. “We’ve recently explored opportunities for fostering reciprocity across our chapters, aiming to boost engagement and raise awareness about our initiatives,” writes Kristin Stubbs, IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Ohio/Kentucky. The chapter is in the process of contracting with a lobbyist who has previously worked with the state as they gear up to pursue legislation. “As part of this initiative,” Kristin adds, “our Advocacy and Outreach teams are collaborating to create tangible resources that our members can use when engaging with legislators or practitioners in related fields.”

Missouri Enters Year Two

Both the Gateway and Mid-America Chapters continue to make strides in advocating for interior design, introducing legislation for the second year with House Bill 566 and Senate Bill 287. These bills seek a Practice Act with sign and seal privileges for Commercial Interior Designers for the permitting of non-structural, non-seismic, and non-load-bearing interior design projects across the state.

To further engage their community and rally support for this crucial legislation, the chapters have hosted events throughout the year to further raise awareness to their legislative efforts. A recent Advocacy Day brought professionals from across the state to the capitol to meet with their legislators. The Gateway Chapter will also be hosting a pickleball tournament, to bring together industry professionals and advocates. “This event will not only promote awareness of our legislative efforts but also provide an opportunity for networking and discussion on how these bills will impact the future of interior design in Missouri,” says Kelly Kirtland, IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Gateway.

Virginia Continues Collaboration

Operating as part of the Consortium for Interior Design-Virginia, IIDA Virginia/West Virginia and IIDA Mid-Atlantic, started off the new year with two webinars: “Advocacy Update for Virginia” and “Step by Step for the Certified Interior Designer (CID) Application,” co-hosted by Nastaran Benam, Assoc. IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Mid-Atlantic and Caroline Alexander, IIDA, VP of Advocacy, Virginia/West Virginia.

“These events were strategic to laying the groundwork with members and non-affiliated designers for future Advocacy-specific engagement opportunities to come,” says Alexander. A third webinar this fall will focus on the NCIDQ exam, timed to align with the start of the academic year.

“The Consortium team is now focused on strategic planning through the summer,” continues Alexander, “as a way to shape how 'advocacy for Virginia' fits into each chapter's priorities, this year and for the next three-to-five.”

With Virginia efforts taking shape, Nastaran Benam is working to strengthen efforts in Maryland and Washington, DC, all part of the Mid-Atlantic chapter. “We’re expanding our team and adding more volunteers,” Benam writes. “Educating and bringing awareness of why we need to register — as well as increasing numbers in each state — matters.”

Learn more about IIDA's Advocacy efforts or find out how to be involved in your state.