CHICAGO (Oct. 4, 2022) – On Tuesday, October 4th, the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID-IL) and the Illinois Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA-IL), celebrated the passing of HB4715; a practice rights bill signed into law on June 10th, 2022 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. This legislation establishes a robust slate of practice rights for Interior Designers in Illinois and confirms that interior design work positively impacts lives in the built environment. Interior Designers who qualify, will be able to stamp and seal documents for permitting.

Legislators, chapter members and supporters were welcomed atop the Grand Stair of Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart at Marshall’s Landing, theMART’s center for socializing, gathering, and dining. Guests enjoyed spectacular views of the Chicago River as they toasted this historic piece of interior design legislation.

Illinois Chapter Presidents Jill Dexter (IIDA) and Sarah Schwuchow (ASID) were in attendance and had this to say about the passing of HB4715.

“Whether you are a solo practitioner or part of a large team, the pride that comes with receiving one’s registration approval and stamp is significant. HB4715 brings access to practice rights to Interior Designers and recognizes the professionalism, rigor, and knowledge that these Interior Designers possess in a way that they have not before been recognized in the State of Illinois. This is an exciting time for Interior Designers everywhere, but especially for members of our IIDA Illinois Chapter, our partners, and our local design community. It’s important to thank our Legislators, Bill Sponsors, our Advocacy Partners who worked tirelessly to push this along, and the design community who helped advocate for this legislation to pass.”
- Jill Dexter, IIDA, NCIDQ, RID, IIDA Illinois Chapter President

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Interior Designers in Illinois. We have been advocating for our rights and abilities for decades. As Registered Interior Designers, we possess the knowledge, education, practical experience, and nationally recognized examination to be the protectors of public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. With the passing of HB4715, we are finally being acknowledged for our qualifications with the ability to independently sign and seal construction documents for permit. The interior design industry is an economic force within the United States and this profession is 75% female with over 80% small business owners. These new rights advance women’s economic empowerment and support equity and equality in the workforce. ASID-IL is incredibly grateful to everyone who helped pass this historic piece of legislation and we were honored to celebrate this achievement with the IIDA-IL Chapter, our Bill Sponsors, Legislators, Advocacy Partners, and design community.”
-Sarah Schwuchow, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, RID, ASID Illinois Chapter President

ASID-IL and IIDA-IL recognized their organization leaders, advocacy leaders, and legislators who all played a part in passing this important piece of legislation. Amongst those leaders are:

VIP Guests

• Liz Brown-Reeves, ASID/IIDA Lobbyist
• Bill Sponsoring Legislator Margaret Croke, Illinois State Representative
• Title Act Bill Sponsor Nicholas Smith, Illinois State Representative
• Lakeshia Collins, Illinois State Representative
• Kam Buckner, Illinois State Representative

National Leaders

• Lauren Earley Esq. | ASID Manager, Government & Public affairs
• Bryan Soukup Esq. | Past ASID VP of Gov. Affairs and Honorary ASID Fellow
• Marci Merola | IIDA Director of Advocacy
• Cheryl Durst Hon. FIIDA | IIDA CEO and Executive VP
• Khoi Vo, IIDA, ASID | ASID CEO
• Gary Wheeler, FIIDA, FASID | ASID Immediate Past CEO

Chapter Leaders

• Francesca Anderson, Allied ASID | ASID IL Immediate past President
• Sarah Schwuchow, ASID, RID | ASID IL President
• Jamie Cavalier, IIDA, RID, Fitwel Ambassador | IIDA IL Immediate Past-President
• Jill Dexter, IIDA, RID | IIDA IL President
• Morgan Maples, IIDA, | IIDA IL VP of Advocacy -
• Aisha Coats-Duncan, MA, Allied IIDA, Allied ASID | ASID IL Immediate past Director At-Large
• Bianka Daehler, Allied ASID | ASID IL 2022-24 Director At-Large

Advisory Committee

• Joan Kaufman, FASID | ASID Fellow
• John Cialone, FASID | ASID Fellow
• John Scott, ASID, ASID Past-President
• Veronica Ferro | ASID
• Tom Spanier, IIDA | IIDA
• Dan Bassano, IIDA | IIDA
• Valerie Jardon, IIDA, | IIDA & IDFPR Board, Fitwel Ambassador
• Matthew Barusch | CIDQ

Aisha Coats-Duncan provided closing remarks, thanking attendees and sponsors.

Event sponsors included The Shade Store; Matt Mansueto Photography; and IIDA IL’s annual sponsors along with ASID IL’s annual sponsors. Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago served as the event’s luxury media partner.