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NKBA Columbia River Chapter
Government Relations
 by Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CCIDC, NCIDQ
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EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE = EVOLUTION
(CONCLUSION:
"NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN")
by Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CCIDC, NCIDQ
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Paths aren't always straight, and more often than we'd like, the paths are filled with potholes and obstacles, creating challenges for our journey. We often come to a "Y" in the road, and have to choose which direction to follow. Six months ago, the intersection I saw was not a "Y." It was a "T." I could continue, or change directions completely. I thought it was going to be a difficult choice, but there were signs and maps to help make an informed decision.
My journey began 27 years ago. Professors (mostly members of ASID) stressed the importance of passing the NCIDQ, because they believed that legislation for the design profession was inevitable. After I passed the CBD, CKD, and NCIDQ examinations, California
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did pass legislation. Unlike other states with laws governing interior designers, California's certification is voluntary, and receives no state funding. Certification is based on a designer's combined education, experience and passing examinations (CBD, CKD, CQRID, or NCIDQ plus the CCRE). Before moving back to Oregon, I took a seminar and the CCRE to maintain my certification. The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) is an independent governing body. It has directors representing every design organization (ASID, IDEC, IFDA, IIDA, NKBA), plus one independent designer and four directors from the general public.
CLICK HERE FOR REST OF ARTICLE |
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DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS: "NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN"
This past week, I received a copy of the proposed Washington State legislation. It's very important for us to take the time to read it thoroughly, understand its implications, and make important decisions. The Puget Sound chapter of NKBA has decided to fight the legislation, and they're asking for our help. We are separated from Washington State by a river. Many of us work on projects in Washington. If passed, Washington legislation could negatively impact our future. If the Washington legislation is passed, IDC-Oregon may decide to go in the same direction. Is this what we want?
I have included the entire body of the proposed bill. As you read the document and think about legislation, I'd like you to keep these questions in mind:
- What problem are they/we trying to solve?
- Have there been serious infractions of codes, or serious health, safety, and welfare problems created by interior designers that warrant the introduction of a practice act in Washington State (and other states)?
- What historical evidence can anyone provide to support the need for protecting the public's health, safety and welfare with new legislation, when we already have codes?
- Who are the real beneficiaries of legislation?
The people who are proposing legislation need to be asked these questions, repeatedly, until we get reasonable, logical answers. Too much time, effort, and money is being spent on the issue of legislation, robbing all of us of the resources we could use to be more effective in our profession.
I welcome your comments and feedback.
Click here for entire legislation in a pdf format.
Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CCIDC, NCIDQ
Vice-President Government Relations
Columbia River Chapter, NKBA
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