There is a strong level of misunderstanding among elected officials at all levels of government on what interior designers do. This must change. The time has come for all interior designers and students of interior design to come together to advocate for their profession.
I am a licensed interior designer, business owner, professional member of ASID, and an ADVOCATE for interior design! This is exactly how I describe myself when someone asks what I do for a living. In our industry, we strive for professional titles, appellations, and certifications. However, the most powerful title is calling yourself an advocate for interior design.
Becoming an interior designer was a lifelong dream of mine. I never realized how much public policy could impact me as a student and then afterwards in my young career as an interior designer. While studying at Florida State University, I was eager to graduate and jump start my career as a professional interior designer. Trying to juggle final exams and preparing for the NCIDQ, the last thing on my mind was that after all my hard work, I may not be able to practice or even own my own business.
Luckily, I live in a state where I am able to become a licensed design professional and own a small business. Sadly, in many other states, I would be prohibited from those opportunities. It became clear to me there is a strong level of misunderstanding among elected officials at all levels of government on what interior designers do. This must change.
Interior designers know how highly skilled they are and the main reason for it – to uphold public safety amidst numerous other design challenges presented to us on both commercial and residential projects. But we must educate our elected officials on these facts.
The time has come when we need to join together as a community and become better advocates. I encourage you to be an advocate for interior design and raise your voice. Don’t let your passion and career goals be shut down by unnecessary government restrictions!
Join me and many of our colleagues from across the country at the ASID 2016 Legislative Symposium on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. On February 9, we will join together as one voice and educate our elected officials on the importance of interior design. Please reach out to me through the ASID Government & Public Affairs Department for more information at gpa@asid.org. The time is now to be heard and to be part of the One Voice that will design your future success.
About the Author
Amber Clore, ASID is a Florida-based licensed interior designer and the creative force behind the prominent design firm, A.Clore Interiors. She graduated with a B.A. from Florida State University and worked as a NCIDQ certificate designer in hospitality and residential field for six years. As an ASID Legislative Advisory Council member and ASID Florida North chapter board member, Amber is extremely passionate about interior design practice laws and advocates for the profession in the media as FOX35 Good Day Orlando’s on-air design expert.
