NKBA speaks out against interior design licensing
The June 2008 issue of KITCHEN & BATH BUSINESS published an article by Edward S. Nagorsky esq, who is the general counsel and director of legislative affairs for the National Kitchen & Bath Association in Hackettstown, NJ. Entitled “Lawful Enterprise“, Mr. Nagorsky lays out a comprehensive and reasonable argument against ASID’s “campaign to convince its members of a desperate need for interior design licensing to “protect the public” from those designers who are deemed unqualified because they have not met standards arbitrarily set by the organization.”
A swift and contrary reaction was published in the June 26, 2008 DESIGN DAILY, the email newsletter for members of ASID:
ASID Responds to K+BB Op-Ed
The June 2008 issue of Kitchen and Bath Business magazine includes an opinion piece from Ed Nagorsky, director of legislative affairs and general counsel for NKBA, entitled “Lawful Enterprise,” that criticizes ASID for its position on interior design legislation and its support of legislative efforts in the states seeking adoption of interior design legislation. Among other accusations, Mr. Nagorsky contends that ASID “has made it very clear that it intends to be the sole gateway to the entire design profession.”Many ASID members have written to the editor of K+BB about the article. ASID has written a response to the article which the editor has committed to publish in the August 2008 issue, along with the responses from the design community. (The July issue has already gone to press.)
If you have further questions or comments about the article or the ASID response, please direct them to Korenna Cline, PR manager for ASID, at kcline@asid.org.
The various interior design organizations need to find a way to peacefully co-exist with one another. It is obvious that the entire profession does not want to be taken over by one national group that repeatedly ignores and excludes other qualified professionals. ASID, get over yourself.
Japanese invent car that runs on water
Alternative Approach to SB 1312 (Yee)-Registered Interior Design
[be sure to read comments to this post]
Here’s good news
I received a memo dated June 19, 2008 that has been given the go-ahead for public consumption.
The memo is addressed to the author of Senate Bill 1312, Senator Leland Yee from lobbyists Dave Ackerman and Jamie Khan, Subject: ” Alternative Approach to SB 1312 (Yee) – Registered Interior Design.
The gist of the memo is their clients, “the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Design are prepared to support an alternative to SB 1312″. The alternative “addresses the issue some interior designers claim is a difficulty in having plans and drawings accepted for review by local building officials.” This issue was presented by Senator Yee in Legislative Committees and ” as the principal reason” he carried SB 1312.
The memo goes on to say -
“The International Building Code (IBC) makes reference to a “registered design professional” as an individual who is “qualified” to submit plans and drawings to local building officials where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed (Sec. 106.1 IBC). The California Building Code (CBC) refers back to definitions of engineers and architects as the only individuals recognized as “registered design professionals”. However, there is no statutory requirement that local building officials accept plans only from a registered design professional – that decision is left up to the local building department official based upon their own requirements.”
“Since California already certifies interior designers under Section 5800 through 5812 of the Business and Professions Code, we propose to amend Section 5805 stating that for purposes of definitions in the California Building Code, an individual who is certified as a “Certified Interior Designer” under the provisions of Business and Professions Code Sections 5800 through 5812, would also be recognized as a “registered design professional”.
“This proposal would avoid the controversial provisions of SB 1312 that create a restrictive practice act and create a new licensing entity.”
“We believe this approach will not interfere with the separate certification and membership approaches existing interior design organizations take with their members and will not discriminate against anyone currently in the industry. Achieving certification as a “Certified Interior Designer (CID)” under Business and Profession Code Section 5800 is appropriate for certification in California because the exam requirements to be granted CID status focus on California law and California Building Codes.”
A separate document came with the memo -
“PROPOSED CHANGE TO Section 5805 of the Business and Professions Code shall be amended as follows:”
“5805. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude certified interior designers or any other person from submitting interior design plans to local building officials, except as provided in Section 5538. In exercising discretion with respect to the acceptance of interior design plans, the local building official shall reference the Uniform California Building Code. For purposes of definitions referenced in the California Building Code, an individual certified pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed a registered design professional.”
THIS ALTERNATE APPROACH IS A FINE SOLUTION as SB 1312 was poorly crafted, yet in light of the new California Building Code, this would help building officials accept design plans from those who are certified in California. In one neat package, the California Architects won’t have to share their board with interior designers, the state won’t have to pay out a cent, consumers will still be protected, as will all those interior design students and designers who are not certified. No one will be put out of business by this, and the supporters of SB 1312 who felt the title Registered Interior Designer would give them the ability to submit plans should also be pleased.
Air-Powered Car Coming in 2009/2010 at Sub-$18,000
Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range
The CityCAT, already being developed in India will be available for U.S. production in three different four-door styles. But it’s the radical dual-energy engine, with a possible 1000-mile range at 96 mph, that could move the Air Car beyond Auto X Prize dreams and into American garages.
By Matt Sullivan
Published on: February 22, 2008
The Air Car caused a huge stir when we reported last year that Tata Motors would begin producing it in India. Now the little gas-free ride that could is headed Stateside in a big-time way.
Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) confirmed to PopularMechanics.com on Thursday that it expects to produce the world’s first air-powered car for the United States by late 2009 or early 2010. As the U.S. licensee for Luxembourg-based MDI, which developed the Air Car as a compression-based alternative to the internal combustion engine, ZPM has attained rights to build the first of several modular plants, which are likely to begin manufacturing in the Northeast and grow for regional production around the country, at a clip of up to 10,000 Air Cars per year.
Legislative Analysis of SB 1312 – Support & Opposition
When trying to understand what SB 1312 was about and why it failed, interior designers should not rely on hearsay, whether or not that information was for or against the legislation. Here (below), in its entirety is the Legislative Analysis of SB 1312 from leginfo.ca.gov
For designers who have no interest in reading the entire bill, here is the list of support and opposition and the arguments for and against the bill. SB 1312 failed because the legislation was poorly written, restrictive even to practicing designers, did not fill a need and therefore, did not receive support.
SUPPORT: (Verified 5/27/08)
Interior Design Coalition of California (source)
American Society of Interior Designers
International Interior Design Association
OPPOSITION : (Verified 5/28/08)
American Institute of Architects – AIA California Council
American Lighting Association
Building Owners and Managers Association
California Architects Board
California Building Officials
California Legislative Coalition for Interior Design
California Retailers Association
Canada College
College of the Canyons
Community College League of California
Fullerton College
International Furnishings and Design Association -
Northern California Chapter
Long Beach City College
Los Rios Community College District
Lumber Association of California and Nevada
Merced College
Modesto Junior College
Monterey Peninsula College
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
National Federation of Independent Business
National Kitchen and Bath Association – California Chapters
Ohlone College
Palomar College
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Monica College
Santa Rosa Community College
Shasta College
The Interior Design Society
West Valley Mission Community College
Western Home Furnishings Association
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the bill’s sponsor,
the Interior Design Coalition of California:
“In the interest and for the protection of the public
health, safety and welfare, SB 1312 creates a Practice
Act for Registered Interior Designers in California. The
measure amends the current California Architects Board
into the California Architects and Registered Interior
Designers Board. It further defines a scope of practice,
and establishes education, experience and examination
requirements, and provides a voluntary registration
process and regulation for interior designers who provide
specific code-affecting services.
“This bill ensures that interior designers that do not
provide code-affecting services may continue to use the
title ‘interior designer.’”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION : The California Legislative
Coalition for Interior Design believes the bill
discriminates against many current professional interior
designers in California by “requiring us to become licensed
through an out of state organization that will not
recognize our qualifications.” They argue the bill does
not protect the consumer and adds an unjustified layer of
bureaucracy to the already overburdened state budget. This
bill raises exam and licensing costs which will result in
higher prices passed on to the consumer and only adds
additional cost to the services that an interior designer
provides making it more exclusive and out of reach for many
consumers. The Coalition states that the current
certification process in California already requires an
interior designer to follow a code of ethics and pass an
exam covering California codes and regulations. They argue
that this bill will exclude many designers from becoming
registered because of hard-to-meet requirements and will
criminalize certain acts subjecting them to severe
penalties.
JJA:mw 5/28/08 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
**** END **** BILL ANALYSIS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
————————————————————
|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1312|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
|1020 N Street, Suite 524 | |
|(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | |
|327-4478 | |
————————————————————
THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1312
Author: Yee (D), et al
Amended: 5/27/08
Vote: 21
SENATE BUSINESS, PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE : 5-3,
4/14/08
AYES: Ridley-Thomas, Calderon, Corbett, Florez, Yee
NOES: Aanestad, Denham, Harman
NO VOTE RECORDED: Simitian
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : 8-3, 5/22/08
AYES: Torlakson, Cedillo, Corbett, Florez, Kuehl, Oropeza,
Simitian, Yee
NOES: Cox, Aanestad, Dutton
NO VOTE RECORDED: Ashburn, Ridley-Thomas, Runner, Wyland
SUBJECT : Registered interior designers
SOURCE : Interior Design Coalition of California
DIGEST : This bill creates, within the California
Architects Board, the Registered Interior Design Committee
for the registration of registered interior designers.”
The Registered Interior Design Committee will review the
qualifications of candidates for examination as a
registered interior designer. This bill makes it unlawful
for a person to hold him or herself out to the public or
solicit business as a registered interior designer without
holding a certificate of registration, unless the person is
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exempt, as specified.
ANALYSIS :
Existing law:
1. Provides for a state sanctioned private certification
program for interior designers, whereby only
practitioners who meet specified education and
experience standards, and who pass a privately
administered examination, may use the title “certified
interior designer,” but does not otherwise limit any
person from practicing interior design.
2. Provides for the licensure and regulation of some 22,000
architects by the California Architects Board (CAB)
within the Department of Consumer Affairs and imposes
various related fees that are deposited in the
California Architects Board Fund, a continuously
appropriated fund.
3. Provides that CAB consists of 10 members, including:
A. Five architects (appointed by the Governor).
B. Five public members (three appointed by the
Governor, one appointed by the Senate Rules
Committee, and one appointed by the Speaker of the
Assembly).
This bill:
1. Increases the membership of the CAB by two members, one
who shall be a registered interior designer who has been
registered and in practice in this state for at least
four years, and one public member.
2. Creates, within the CAB, a Registered Interior Design
Committee (Committee).
3. Specifies the Committee shall consist of seven members,
three of whom shall be registered to practice registered
interior design in this state and four of whom shall be
public members. The Governor shall appoint two of the
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3
public members and three registered members. The Senate
Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly shall
each appoint one public member. The public members of
the Committee shall not be licensees of the board of
registrants of the Committee.
4. Specifies the initial members to be appointed by the
Governor are as follows: one member for a term of one
year, two members for a term of two years, and two
members for a term of three years. The Senate Rules
Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly shall
initially each appoint one member for a term of four
years. Thereafter, appointments shall be made for
four-year terms, expiring on June 1 of the fourth year
and until the appointment and qualification of his or
her successor or until one year shall have elapsed
whichever first occurs. Vacancies shall be filled for
the unexpired term.
5. Specifies that no person shall serve as a member of the
Committee for more than two consecutive terms.
6. Requires the Committee to review the qualifications of
candidates for examination for registration as a
registered interior designer and, after investigation,
evaluate and make recommendations regarding potential
violations of this act.
7. Allows the Committee to investigate, assist, and make
recommendations to the CAB regarding the regulation of
registered interior designers in this state.
8. Requires the CAB to prosecute all persons guilty of
violating the provisions of this bill, and allows the
CAB to employ inspectors, special agents, investigators,
and clerical assistance as it deems necessary to carry
out the provisions of this bill.
9. Allows the CAB to select and contract with necessary
interior design consultants who are registered interior
designers to assist in its enforcement program on an
intermittent basis.
10.Allows the Committee, in accordance with the
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4
Administrative Procedure Act, to adopt, amend, or repeal
the rules and regulations that are reasonably necessary
to:
A. Govern the examinations of applicants for
registration to practice registered interior design.
B. Establish rules or professional conduct that are
not inconsistent with state or federal law. Every
person who holds a registration issued under this
bill shall be governed and controlled by these rules.
C. Carry out the provisions of this bill.
11.Requires a registrant to sign, date, and seal or stamp,
using a seal or stamp all plans, specifications,
studies, drawings, and other documents he or she issues
for official use. Allows the Committee to adopt
regulations specifying the manner in which a registrant
may electronically issue those documents.
12.Requires a registrant to use a seal or stamp of the
design authorized by the CAB, bearing his or her name,
the serial number included on his or her certificate of
registration, and the legend “registered interior
designer.”
13.Specifies it is unlawful for a person to seal or stamp a
plan, specification, study, drawing, or other document
after the certificate of the registrant, named thereon,
has expired or has been suspended or revoked, unless the
certificate has been renewed or reissued.
14.Requires a plan, specification, study, drawing, or other
document prepared by a registrant to contain a statement
that the document was prepared by a person registered
pursuant to this bill.
15.Allows a registrant, in the practice of registered
interior design, to collaborate with any of the
following persons:
A. A licensed architect.
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5
B. An electrical, structural, or mechanical engineer
registered and authorized to use that title.
16.Requires the Committee to issue a certificate of
registration to a person who meets all of the following
requirements:
A. Has not committed any of the acts listed in #23
below.
B. Completes an application for a certificate on a
form prescribed by the Committee.
C. Pays the registration fee prescribed by the
Committee.
D. Submits proof satisfactory to the Committee of
successful completion of one of the following:
(1) A bachelor’s degree program in interior
design and 3,520 hours of interior design
experience, including 1,760 hours earned after the
degree program is completed.
(2) A bachelor’s degree program in any major, no
less than 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of
interior design coursework that culminates in a
certificate or degree, and 3,520 hours of interior
design experience, including 1,760 hours earned
after the degree program and coursework are
completed.
(3) No less than 60 semester or 90 quarter hours
of interior design coursework that culminates in a
certificate, degree, or diploma and 5,280 hours of
interior design experience earned after that
coursework is completed.
(4) No less than 40 semester or 60 quarter hours
of interior design coursework that culminates in a
certificate, degree, or diploma and 7,040 hours of
interior design experience earned after that
coursework is completed.
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6
E. Submits proof of passage of the examination
prepared and administered by the National Council for
Interior Design Qualification.
17.Allows the Committee to issue a certificate of
registration to a person who meets both of the following
requirements:
A. May lawfully represent himself or herself as a
“certified interior designer” pursuant to current
law.
B. Submits an application to the CAB before January
1, 2011.
18.Allows the Committee to issue a certificate of
registration to a person who submits an application to
the Committee before January 1, 2011, and submits proof
acceptable to the Committee of one of the following:
A. Ten years of experience in interior design.
B. Eight years of experience in interior design and
two years of education in interior design that is
acceptable to the Committee.
19.Requires a person registered pursuant to this bill who
has not passed the examination within the first two
renewal periods, as a condition of renewal of his or her
certificate of registration, to show proof acceptable to
the Committee of both of the following:
A. Passage of Section I of the examination prepared
and administered by the National Council for Interior
Design Qualification.
B. Completion of 15 hours of Committee-approved
continuing education coursework relating to health,
safety, and welfare regulation. The hours earned
pursuant to this paragraph shall be credited toward
the continuing education requirements established by
the Committee.
20.Specifies a certificate of registration shall expire two
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7
years after the date of issue.
21.Requires the registrant, to renew the certificate, on or
before the expiration date of the certificate, do all of
the following:
A. Apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the
Committee.
B. Pay a renewal fee prescribed by the Committee.
C. Submit proof of compliance with the continuing
education requirements established by the Committee.
22.Allows the Committee to, by regulation, require
registered interior designers to complete not more than
10 hours of continuing education per renewal period as a
condition of renewal of their certificates of
registration.
23.Allows the CAB, by order, to suspend, revoke, or place
on probation the certificate of a registrant, assess a
fine of not more than $10,000 against a registrant,
impose the costs of an investigation and prosecution
upon a registrant, or take any combination of these
disciplinary actions if a registrant does any of the
following:
A. Obtains a certificate of registration by fraud or
concealment of a material fact.
B. Is found guilty by the CAB or a court of competent
jurisdiction of fraud, deceit, or concealment of a
material fact in his or her professional practice, or
is convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of
a crime involving moral turpitude.
C. Is found mentally ill by a court of competent
jurisdiction.
D. Is found guilty by the CAB of incompetence,
negligence, or gross negligence in the practice of
interior design.
D. Affixes his or her signature, stamp, or seal to
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8
plans, specifications, studies, drawings, or other
instruments of service that have not been prepared by
him or her, or in his or her office, or under his or
her responsible supervisory control, or permits the
use of his or her name to assist a person who is not
a registered interior designer to evade any provision
of this chapter.
E. Aids or abets an unauthorized person to practice
as a registered interior designer.
F. Violates a law, regulation, or code of ethics
pertaining to the practice of registered interior
design.
G. Fails to comply with an order issued by the CAB or
fails to cooperate with an investigation conducted by
the CAB.
24.Makes it unlawful for a person to do any of the
following:
A. Hold himself or herself out to the public or
solicit business as a registered interior designer in
this state without holding a certificate of
registration issued by the Committee pursuant to this
chapter. This paragraph does not prohibit a person
who is exempt from this bill from holding himself or
herself out to the public or soliciting business in
this state as an interior designer.
B. Advertise or put out any sign, card, or other
device that indicates to the public that he or she is
a registered interior designer or that he or she is
otherwise qualified to engage in the practice of
registered interior design, without holding a
certificate of registration issued by the Committee.
C. Practice registered interior design, or use the
title “registered interior designer,” in this state
unless he or she holds a certificate of registration
issued by the Committee.
25.Specifies this bill does not prohibit a person
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9
certified, or otherwise qualified or approved by a
private organization, from using a term or title
copyrighted or otherwise protected under law by the
certifying organization or from providing services
customarily associated with that title, or specified by
the certifying organization, provided that the use of
that term or title does not connote registration under
this bill.
26.Specifies that a person who violates any provision of
this bill is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable as
follows:
A. For a first violation, the person shall be
punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more
than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail
for not more than six months, or by both that fine
and imprisonment.
B. For a second or subsequent violation, the person
shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000
nor more than $2,000, or by imprisonment in the
county jail for not more than one year, or by both
that fine and imprisonment.
27.Specifies that in addition to any other penalty
prescribed by law, a person who violates any provision
of this bill or any regulation adopted by the Committee
or the CAB is subject to a civil penalty of not more
than $10,000 for each violation. That penalty shall be
imposed by the CAB.
28.Specifies that this bill does not apply to any of the
following:
A. A licensed architect acting within the scope of
his or her license.
B. A person engaging in work related to registered
interior design as an employee of a registered
interior designer if the work does not include
responsible supervisory control or supervision of the
practice of registered interior design.
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10
C. A person performing registered interior design
work under the responsible supervisory control of a
registered interior designer.
D. A consultant retained by a registered interior
designer.
E. A person who prepares drawings of the layout of
materials or furnishings used in registered interior
design or provides assistance in the selection of
materials or furnishings used in registered interior
design, if the preparation or implementation of those
drawings, or the installation of those materials or
furnishings, is not regulated by a building code or
other law, ordinance, rule, or regulation governing
the alteration or construction of a structure. The
persons exempt from this provision include, but are
not limited to, a person who prepares drawings of the
layout of, or provides assistance in the selection
of, any of the following materials:
(1) Decorative accessories.
(2) Wallpaper, wallcoverings, or paint.
(3) Linoleum, tile, carpeting, or floor coverings.
(4) Draperies, blinds, or window coverings.
(5) Lighting or plumbing fixtures that are not
part of a structure.
(6) Furniture or equipment.
F. An employee of a retail establishment providing
consultation regarding interior decoration or
furnishings on the premises of the retail
establishment or in the furtherance of a retail sale
or prospective retail sale.
29.Sunsets the Committee on July 1, 2011, consistent with
the CAB.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: Yes Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: Yes
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
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11
Major Provisions 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Fund
Interior design Up to $794 Up to $1,475Up to
$1,695 Special*
registration – estimated costs offset all, or in part,
by fee revenue -
Additional board members Minor, ongoing costsSpecial*
* CAB-Registered Interior Designers Fund
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/27/08)
Interior Design Coalition of California (source)
American Society of Interior Designers
International Interior Design Association
OPPOSITION : (Verified 5/28/08)
American Institute of Architects – AIA California Council
American Lighting Association
Building Owners and Managers Association
California Architects Board
California Building Officials
California Legislative Coalition for Interior Design
California Retailers Association
Canada College
College of the Canyons
Community College League of California
Fullerton College
International Furnishings and Design Association -
Northern California Chapter
Long Beach City College
Los Rios Community College District
Lumber Association of California and Nevada
Merced College
Modesto Junior College
Monterey Peninsula College
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
National Federation of Independent Business
National Kitchen and Bath Association – California Chapters
Ohlone College
Palomar College
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12
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Monica College
Santa Rosa Community College
Shasta College
The Interior Design Society
West Valley Mission Community College
Western Home Furnishings Association
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the bill’s sponsor,
the Interior Design Coalition of California:
“In the interest and for the protection of the public
health, safety and welfare, SB 1312 creates a Practice
Act for Registered Interior Designers in California. The
measure amends the current California Architects Board
into the California Architects and Registered Interior
Designers Board. It further defines a scope of practice,
and establishes education, experience and examination
requirements, and provides a voluntary registration
process and regulation for interior designers who provide
specific code-affecting services.
“This bill ensures that interior designers that do not
provide code-affecting services may continue to use the
title ‘interior designer.’”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION : The California Legislative
Coalition for Interior Design believes the bill
discriminates against many current professional interior
designers in California by “requiring us to become licensed
through an out of state organization that will not
recognize our qualifications.” They argue the bill does
not protect the consumer and adds an unjustified layer of
bureaucracy to the already overburdened state budget. This
bill raises exam and licensing costs which will result in
higher prices passed on to the consumer and only adds
additional cost to the services that an interior designer
provides making it more exclusive and out of reach for many
consumers. The Coalition states that the current
certification process in California already requires an
interior designer to follow a code of ethics and pass an
exam covering California codes and regulations. They argue
that this bill will exclude many designers from becoming
registered because of hard-to-meet requirements and will
CONTINUED
SB 1312
Page
13
criminalize certain acts subjecting them to severe
penalties.
JJA:mw 5/28/08 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
**** END ****
Interior Design: “Parker Plan” leaked
Today I received a newsletter from the Interior Design Protection Council about an ASID/IIDA “secret legislative strategy” to simultaneously introduce interior design practice acts in 47 states. Not only will this be a very expensive endeavor on their part (paying lobbyists and state coalition expenses), it’s a big leap off a steep cliff for nothing.
These associations are out of step with the reality of today. States need REAL reasons (not conceptual or potential) to vote for practice acts and add expensive state boards to their already overburdened budgets. If there is no proof of physical harm, if there is no public demand with evidence of need, practice acts really do seem like a great way to shut all non NCIDQ designers out of business (or at the very least keep them ‘down as underdogs’ leaving them with a limited scope of practice).
There should be an easy way for everyone to stay in business and for the public to differentiate between unqualified, semi-qualified and qualified design professionals without it having to come from the state as a practice act. It is vitally important to the public interest to be transparent and to play fair.
Here is all the text from the IDPC June 13, 2008 newsletter:
NEWSFLASH!
2009 Monopoly Strategy – The Secret’s Out!Manifesting the Monopoly
SECRETS REVEALED.Earlier this week, ASID and IIDA discussed plans to launch a radical new strategy for 2009. This MONOPOLY effort, which some have dubbed the “Parker Plan,” will ramp up their efforts to regulate the interior design profession by introducing practice acts simultaneously in the 47 states which do not currently have these restrictive laws. These would-be laws could potentially harm more than 200,000 people in the design community, as well as over 3,000,000 in related trades.
Masking the Monopoly
The thinking behind this harebrained scheme. . .Apparently IIDA and ASID are planning to to fund this “blitzkrieg” and try to out last the opponents because they believe they have both the money and the backing to do it.
And, they will try numerous ways to disguise it, e.g. stating it’s “to protect the public,” “necessary to get plans stamped,” or “voluntary,” all of which have been proven time after time to be untrue.
Malevolence of the Monopoly
How a practice act would affect YOU.This is nothing more than an attempt by a small handful of industry insiders to eliminate their competition!
What is truly amazing is that practice acts even harm Allied ASID members, but since ASID does not consider them to be “professionals,” they would fall under the heading of “collateral damage.”
Note: The Alabama Supreme Court declared their practice act UNCONSTITUTIONAL in 2007 and ordered it removed from the books.
Matching the Monopoly
What YOU can do to stop it.Those pushing regulation are counting on
(1) continued apathy on the part of the uncommitted design community, and
(2) eventually wearing down those of you who have been actively resisting their anti-competitive legislation over the years.
But YOU can stop them. How?
By joining IDPC and getting on board to assist us inOperation: Designing Freedom
- Make our voice louder by increased numbers
- Your membership fee will be used to fund such programs as:
- Providing education and training to assist each state to set up and maintain an effective grassroots opposition group.
- Conducting town hall meetings and rallies to educate designers across the country by providing the truth and exposing the motives
- Actively influencing legislators by providing information essential to obtaining a “NO” vote on interior design bills
- National campaign to educate students who have only heard the misleading and blatantly false brainwashing scheme perpetrated by the proponents pushing regulation.
THERE’S NOT A MINUTE TO WASTE!Legislation IS coming to YOUR state!You must act now!
Executive Director
Interior Design Protection CouncilEmail me at pmorrow@IDPCinfo.orgPS: If you’d like to volunteer to take the lead in forming a grassroots group in your state, or help on one of our committees, please email legislation@IDPCinfo.org.
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New conversion kits offer the potential for 100 miles per gallon and more.
2001 Toyota RAV4 EV auctioned on Ebay
Astonishing! This rare EV sold on Ebay for $89,200!
SB 1312 is DEAD but IDCC won’t lie down
Last week SB 1312 died because it didn’t have enough votes to get to the Senate floor.
This week, IDCC is betting they can change the minds of the community college representatives and make some kind of legislative progress. Posted on their home page it says:
“Clarification on SB 1312
“Last week IDCC updated you on the progress of SB 1312. As you know, the decision was made to not present the bill to the full Senate because of the concerns raised by community colleges. Yes, this particular bill is dead, but we and our determination for a Practice Act for Interior Designers lives on. The Coalition will meet with community college representatives and other stakeholders, as soon as this week, to discuss the provisions of the bill and to clarify what was and was not included in the text of SB 1312.
“Despite our best efforts, there was considerable confusion about the legislation and its intention. It is important as we go forward that the record is corrected and that we continue the important dialogue about this significant issue. Please click on the link to read the letter we provided to community college representatives. We want to share with you some of the issues that were raised and the information IDCC provided to them.
“The Coalition has great respect for the many ways interior designers come to the profession, and specifically made room for all interior designers to have the opportunity, if they choose, to become registered in SB 1312.
“As we progress with our efforts, we will continue to keep you updated.”
If I was a member of ASID, I’d demand to know how much money they have been THROWING DOWN A BLACK HOLE as “they” continue with their determination for a Practice Act for Interior Designers.
According to the Interior Design Protection Council:
“This year, an unprecented lobbying campaign to regulate interior design has been initiated by ASID and its funded coalitions.
“Since January, bills in ten states (CA, IN, WA, MS, NE, NY, TN, SC, CT MN) have been given some kind of consideration.
“To date, NONE have been enacted. Click on the 2008 bills link above for details.
“Last year (2007), 24 new bills were introduced which would have imposed some type of interior design regulation. At year’s end, NONE of them had been enacted.”
For the record, before IDCC pulls this gem off their web site, here is the full letter they have written to community college representatives:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Community Colleges
May 26, 2008
Ms Bonnie Slosson, Director of Governmental Relations
Community College League of California
2017 O Street
Sacramento CA 95811-5211
Dear Bonnie Slosson,
On behalf of the Interior Design Coalition of California, we appreciate the time you took to discuss with us proposed changes to SB 1312, the Interior Design Practice Act legislation we are sponsoring. As we discussed, we are willing to work with you and community college representatives to address any concerns you have. We want to ensure you that those students attending community colleges would be positively impacted by the proposed legislation, and we disagree that there will be negative impacts to any community college students from the passage of this Bill.
The purpose of this letter is to reiterate several points that were raised in the meeting.
- 1. SB 1312 will have only a positive impact the students who are, or intend to enroll in interior design curriculum.
As written, SB 1312 will increase career options for community college students currently enrolled, or intend to enroll in an interior design program. Today, students who graduate from a community college interior design program are free to practice interior design in all its aspects, and SB 1312 ensures they will have the same opportunities in the future. As I noted in our discussions the exemptions ensure that.
Graduates and students have a voluntary opportunity to become registered, which is left to them to decide. However, SB 1312 keeps the current standards that enable community college students, and students from dozens of public and private colleges and universities in California to have direct access to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, which is the national standard exam used in 26 other states.
Although there is no requirement for registration, Community College students would have the opportunity to register, and would be able to present plans and drawings for consideration at city building departments throughout California as a Registered Interior Designer.
- 2. Students who graduate from community college programs will still be able to seek employment and practice in the interior design field with employers large and small in a manner of their choosing.
The interior design profession as a whole has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last twentyplus years, thanks in large measure to ADA requirements, green building programs, and a host of other opportunities. Graduates from community colleges, four-year universities and schools such as FIDM have and will continue to enjoy opportunities in interior design companies of all sizes. There is nothing in the legislation that would prohibit a graduate, or an interior designer who wishes to transition from one company to another, to seek gainful employment with an interior design company or other companies that engage in such practice areas as retail, furniture, manufacturing, engineering and architectural firms.
- 3. SB 1312 was crafted to support the existing curriculum.
SB 1312 does not address curriculum standards and therefore there is absolutely no impact to the standard of teaching and education given at a community college. In addition, the accreditation requirements are open to support all colleges and schools to be eligible as educational criteria.
The Bill specifically states this information in the registration entry requirements.
- 4. SB 1312 allows an open playing field to all types of educational programs, whether private, community or state.
There are multiple methods of entry to become a Registered Interior Designer which recognizes the many ways interior designers come into the profession. Community colleges are one of them, with programs that can stay as they are. In our discussions with the community college representatives, we agreed that the work experience requirement should be changed to include work experience performed concurrent with school attendance and as well as after graduation. Language for an amendment has been written to reflect that change and will be added to the Bill.
- 5. SB 1312 allows a student to attend a college, university or community college of their choice. All of these types of higher education give the student the chance to take the NCIDQ which is currently unavailable to community college students.
This legislation is neutral on what type of education a student chooses to pursue, whether that is a community college, university, state college, or private college. Community colleges have, and will continue to play a critical role in the education and training of interior designers.
- 6. SB 1312 opens a door to become a Registered Interior Designer and allows everyone to choose their own career path when they leave school.
The exemptions have been amended so that they are the same as the current architecture law. For example, these exemptions take into consideration all retail establishments, any non-code impacting work, residential interior design, and contractors. The work environment that interior designers are in today stays the same for interior designers and graduates when SB1312 becomes law.
I appreciate the opportunity to provide you with these important clarifications to SB 1312. This is significant legislation that will allow interior designers the opportunity to fully practice what their education has prepared them to accomplish. As was stated at our meeting, we undertook a review of 39 local building departments to determine whether, in fact, interior designers had the opportunity to present plans and/or drawings to local building officials. Of the 39 departments we queried, 17 building departments deny interior designers the ability to present drawings or plans for approval without an architect’s stamp. Another 12 departments have “severe” restrictions on an interior designer’s ability to present plans. SB 1312 will correct that for interior designers who are practicing today and for the emerging interior designers who are the students you are teaching today and in the future.
I urge you to reconsider your position, and offer a continued dialogue in order for us to work together to ensure the greatest possible opportunities are available to Community College students in California. I realize you did not have the opportunity to read SB 1312 before we met last week. However, once you have read the bill, I am confident that we can have a productive discussion when you consider how this benefits community college students in being able to advance their career in ways otherwise that may be currently unavailable to them.
It was always the goal and intention of the Interior Design Coalition of California to provide an opportunity for the community college student to be able to participate in the profession of interior design in a way that gives them more choices in how to express themselves in their chosen career. Speaking for the Coalition, we look forward to discussing SB 1312 further with you.
We firmly believe that the bill increases the opportunities available to community college students. We thank you and the Board in advance for your reconsideration of SB 1312, look forward to working with you on the bill, and hope you will join us in supporting this important measure.
Sincerely,
Bruce Goff
Legislative Director
Cc: Community College League Board
Senator Leland Yee
Electric Cars for 2010
Electric Cars for 2010
By John Addison (6/4/08). With oil prices rocketing past $130 per barrel, a growing number of vehicle makers are planning to offer electric vehicles by 2010. Zero gasoline will be used.
Over 40,000 electric vehicles (EV) are currently used in the United States. Most are used in fleet applications, from maintenance to checking parking meters; these EVs are mostly limited to 25 mph speed and 20 mile range. A growing number of fleet EVs, however, are early trails of a new generation of freeway-speed EVs that will be available to the mass consumer market in 2010.
Mitsubishi is on target to sell its electric vehicle in the U.S. in 2010. The i-EV is a friendly looking sub-compact which easily handles freeway speeds. It’s expected 100 mile-plus range per charge will meet the needs of urban dwellers and most in suburbia. The drive system uses three permanent magnetic synchronous motors which receive power from a 16kWh lithium battery stack. Tokyo Electric Power is currently testing ten i-EV
Nissan’s and Renault’s famous CEO, Carlos Ghosn, plans to be selling electric vehicles in the U.S. market in 2010.
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