In The Press

South Carolina Interior Design Coalition Update

NEW 2011-2013 SOUTH CAROLINA INTERIOR DESIGN COALITION SLATE OF OFFICERS & BOARD

President: Nicole Norris, ASID
Vice President: Cathy Greene, IIDA
Director of Correspondence: Donna Horack, ASID
Director of Communication:DionneH. Gadsden, AlliedMember ASID
Director of Finance: Kara L. (Cook) TURNER, ASID
Directors at Large: Upstate: Jennifer Belk, IIDA
Mid-State: Danny S. Shelley, AIA, ASID
Coastal: Jane Jilich, ASID

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Heather Smith, lobbyist with Capitol Consultants reported that the final language of the bill has been approved. Jimmy Merrill, one of our current co-sponsors will re-introduce the bill (in its new concise language) and be our “guiding force” in the State House. Richard Davis, of Capitol The new bill language includes both ASID & IIDA comments.

LEGISLATIVE TALKING POINTS

WHY THE LEGISLATION NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION

Protects the Heath Safety and Welfare of the public.
Gives the Public a choice in selecting professionals to provide construction documents for permitting of non load-bearing interiors.
Gives Qualified Interior Designers the opportunity to work at their maximum potential.
Designers that are qualified have completed their education, have a full range of experience and passed NCIDQ Codes Examination.
Provides consumers a venue for the redress of grievances.
Allows interior designers to bid on state and federal interior design contracts.

BILL H 4073 WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR AND WILL BE RE-INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER BY HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE MERRILL

There are around 800 Students that have graduated in the last 4 years paying between $50,000 and $90,000 to obtain interior design degrees. Without registration they are not allowed to fully use their degree in this state.
There are 917 Interior Designers that are NCIDQ Certificate Holders that would be potential Registered Interior Designers.
Currently 26 US states and jurisdictions and 8 Canadian provinces have laws recognizing interior designers.

THE PROPOSED INTERIOR DESIGN BILL H – 4037

“Registered Interior Designer” to be used by individuals qualified by the 3 E’s (EDUCATION|EXPERIENCE & EXAMINATION) and registered with-in the state

Will allow individuals Not registered to continue to do so as long as they do not use the title “registered interior designer” to describe themselves.
Will not restrict anyone to continue to practice or provide services of their chosen field including Kitchen and Bath Design.
Will accept requirements set by NCIDQ to sit for their exam and pass the codes section.
Within the 2 year window of the bill passing – designers with 10 years experience and having passed the codes section of NCIDQ will be eligible to apply for registration•Will allow registered interior designer to provide services as defined in bill and submit stamped drawings and documents required for permit by IBC.

Adrienne Warner