Advocacy Works: December 2023

Dec 04, 2023 By Jessica Jones

Empowering change in interior design through legislation and community engagement

By Jessica Jones Dec 04, 2023

Published in Articles

IIDA chapters across the country are dedicated to advocating for change, through new legislation, and a deeper understanding of interior design. Their efforts in state-specific legislative changes, along with promoting design excellence, leadership, and community outreach, are key to driving positive transformations in our industry.

Minnesota

Northland Chapter VP of Advocacy: Mai Xiong
Most Recent Activity:

The Northland Chapter’s current focus is on re-engaging with the design community, educating and spreading awareness of current legislative efforts, and understanding current industry regulations in Minnesota through the Bi-Annual FRAME event, in collaboration with the Minnesota ASID chapter. FRAME focuses on topics and strategies that help designers frame conversations that educate others and elevate the profession. On October 7th, the first session featured Marci Merola with IIDA HQ, Lauren Earley with ASID HQ, and Matt Barusch with CIDA HQ, focusing on the importance of certification and current legislative efforts nationally. On November 2nd, the second session focused on a deep dive into the state's regulatory board, the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID. This included conversations with two of the board members, Erica Larson and Claudia Reichert, and understanding the role and workings of the board. The third and last session of the event will take place in person on December 9th with a focus on ethics in the design profession.

Mid-America

Mid-America Chapter VP of Advocacy: Meghan Dudek, IIDA

Most Recent Activity:

IIDA Mid-America chapter leader, Julie Sayers, IIDA becomes Mayor-Elect of Lenexas Kansas.

New Orleans

Delta Regional Chapter VP of Advocacy: Mai Xiong
Most Recent Activity:

The Delta Regional has been making an intentional effort to commingle their interior design community with the architectural community, in order to further the architects’ understanding of what interior designers do. They are hosting a panel discussion event on November 15 at the New Orleans AIA Design Center in collaboration with AIA, where panelists will discuss career growth and professional development.

Florida

North Florida VP of Advocacy: Seka Collins, IIDA
South Florida VP of Advocacy: Arelis Ferro, IIDA
Florida Central VP of Advocacy: Rodney McCasland, IIDA
Most Recent Activity:

The IIDA North Florida Chapter recently hosted the Second Annual Battle of the Firms event benefiting the chapter advocacy fund. Along with this event, they also held a food drive benefiting Feeding Northeast Florida. They collected 3,221 items of non-perishable foods, exceeding their goal of 2,500. The North Florida Chapter is working in alliance with the Central and South Florida Chapters to align efforts and education across the states. They are planning to visit the Florida State Capital this December and meet legislators along with the Florida ASID chapters. In the new year, they are planning a month of Advocacy Education in February with weekly opportunities to educate our membership and interior designers at large.

A substantial number of IIDA and ASID members were in attendance at the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design (BOAID) meeting, on November 3, 2023. Attendees were able to hear from The Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Melanie Griffin, who addressed the board.

Texas

IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter VP of Advocacy: Andrea Reray Wahl, IIDA
Bill: HB 2024 passed by Rep. Jeff Leach

This bill relates to the statutes of limitations and repose for certain claims arising out of residential construction, reducing the years from 10 to 8 years. This bill was signed by the Governor on June 9th and went into effect immediately. SB1659 by Senator Schwertner extended the Sunset review of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners from September 1, 2025, until 2033. This bill was signed by the Governor on June 18th and was effective immediately. TAID (Texas Association for Interior Design) passed HB1657 in 2017, which extended the date for those who had grandfathered to pass the NCIDQ exam by September of 2027. It was hoped that when the Sunset bill was filed in 2025, we could get the exam date eliminated or extended another 10 years. However, the timeline jeopardizes the 435 grandfathered registered interior designers who have not passed the NCIDQ. TAID is currently fundraising to raise funds to enlist our lobbyist to pursue this extension to continue, and not exclude these seasoned RIDs.