Fighting For The Right To Call
Themselves ‘Interior Designers’
by Christine Stuart | September 9, 2008 5:06 PM
Posted to Courts
For the past 25 years Susan Roberts has been decorating the insides of people’s homes, but for at least 20 years she’s been unable to call herself an interior designer.
Roberts said when the state Department of Consumer Protection knocked on her door about 20 years ago and told her she couldn’t call herself an interior designer, instead, she was told that she could call herself a ‘Designer of Interiors.’
The only people who can call themselves “interior designers” in Connecticut are those that register with the Department of Consumer Protection and pass a lengthy and expensive exam administered by a private testing body called the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications.
Standing outside US District Court in Hartford Tuesday, Roberts and her fellow designers said they feel this onerous state law violates their civil rights, which is why they decided to sue the state’s Commissioner of Consumer Protection.
Patti Morrow, executive director of the Interior Design Protection Council, said it gives a “marketing advantage to the licensed few.”
“We’re all independent business owners trying to earn a living doing something we’re passionate about,” Lynne Herrmann, owner of the Decorating Den in Newtown, said. She said the public doesn’t see any difference between those who are licensed and those who are not. “To them it’s the same thing.”
“We succeed or fail based on the merits of our work,” Herrmann said. She said since she’s been a decorator she’s never had anyone ask her for anything except her portfolio.
Clark Neily, the attorney from the Institute of Justice representing the designers in the Connecticut lawsuit, said the American Society of Interior Designers is a national group that has aggressively pushed for licensing legislation in more than 20 states. He said the group wants interior design to become a profession on par with architects and lawyers.
He said the national group is “petrified of people with natural talent.” He said the disadvantage to his clients is that they can’t advertise themselves, even in the Yellow Pages, as interior designers.
Ironically, Morrow said a majority of ASID’s own members do not possess the credentials the organization claims are necessary to work as an interior designer. “They are actually going to effect their own membership if they’re successful,” Herrmann said. “It’s very elitist.”
“Interior design is a dynamic profession that celebrates innovation, creativity, and diversity,” Morrow said. “ASID’s attempt to impose a one-size-fits-all occupational licensing scheme on the profession could not be more contrary to those values.”
Comments (15)
Posted by: Walt![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| September 10, 2008 9:21 AM
Good for them
Most of the CT licensing laws , like this one, are designed mostly to protect existing businesses from new competition.
Thus the real estate licensing requirements were proposed by real estate dealers to keep new folks out of their field, the electricians ditto, the carpenters ditto, the plumbers ditto, and so on.
Not to say all licencing is necessarily bad, but this one on interior design looks especially fishy.
Posted by: Terri | September 10, 2008 2:50 PM
Having been a member of ASID since the late 70s, I can say that I have been against all ASID's legislation efforts since they started. This is the last year that I will be a member of ASID since I will no longer support this kind of organization that is just a big bully of other small business people.
ASID fees are exorbitant along with the NCIDQ test that is just a racket (definition-an illegal or dishonest scheme for obtaining money) and an industry in itself with study guides, study groups, test materials etc. which all are very expensive. After getting a 4 yr. bachelor's degree from an accredited college, why is it necessary to take another test?
This year there will be no choice for a member to give to legislation. The invoice will now read:
Allied Fees-$420 plus $15 Legislative Assessment.
And as a member I have never seen an accounting of where my dues go.
NCIDQ test fees are below taken right from their website:
Section I (Principles & Practices of Interior Design)/$240
Section II (Contract Documents & Administration)/$200
Section III (Schematics & Design Development)/$375
All three sections taken during the same administration/$720
Additional Exam Fees: (per administration)
Late Exam Registration/$125
Exam Deferral/$35
Exam Cancellation (1/2/3 section(s))/$100/125/150
Exam Registration Reactivation/$70
Bye bye ASID! You won't get any more of MY money! Should have left a long time ago....
Posted by: Wendy Hoechstetter, Allied Member ASID | September 10, 2008 3:29 PM
Actually, Walt, a 2006 study by the Institute for Justice entitled "Designing Cartels: How Industry Insiders Cut Out Competition"
proved exactly that, specifically about interior design. http://www.ij.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1619&Itemid=249
What's more, multiple studies by various other organizations such as the Reason Foundation http://www.reason.org/ps361/ and others, dating back to the '60s, show that in general, almost *all* occupational licensing in *all* industries arises because industry insiders want to limit the competition.
In addition, these broader studies also demonstrate conclusively how such anticompetitive measures not only do not protect the public, but in some instances, actually result in *increased* harm, because the resulting increase in prices causes more consumers to do without altogether, or to try to do the work on their own.
This is really not a major deal for flower arrangments or haircuts - but it became a *major* source of increased injuries when electricians in one state raised their rates so much that people began to try to do their own electrical work instead of hiring an electrician - and more were electrocuted as a result.
We've certainly all been in restaurants where rickety chairs unsuitable for such heavy use purchased *by the owners* were threatening to collapse (or actually did so, sometimes injuring people) - with clearly no interior designer in sight.
And yet, since about 1904, there have been only *three* lawsuits against interior designers for any sort of injury-related issue in the entire country.
What we designers do is obviously *not* a major public health issue by itself - or in our highly litigious society, we would have already seen an avalanche of lawsuits against designers.
Joe Q. Public already believes he cannot afford us - even if that's not true, which it often isn't any more. Just think how much worse it will be if the competition is artificially restricted and prices go up from where they are already.
In short, not only does occupational licensing of almost any sort unfairly limit competition, but it specifically does *not* generally accomplish its stated goal of protecting the public, even often in occupations where there are indisputable safety hazards - and actually *increases* the harm in many cases, both financial and physical.
And in our country, the right to free speech demands the right to advertise truthfully what one does for a living as well.
Posted by: Arthur | September 10, 2008 6:05 PM
I was very disappointed to read these comments on the above subject, but just for the record, Ms. LYNNE L HERRMANN, of Newtown CT is the owner of the franchise named Decorators Den. I believe she shares a special interest of her own by filling this frivolous and unfair suit against many professionals who have dedicated many years of study and practice. The profession of Interior Design is known in Europe and other continents as Interior Architecture because of its relevant studies and shared subject knowledge, unfortunately architectural title laws in the United States prohibit the use of the word Architecture when offering interior design services, unless one is a licensed and registered architect. But for centuries it has been the closest to architecture. Yet despite all this history, Interior Designers in the United States have fully respected Architects and their title and never challenge state laws as in the aforementioned case. I only wish this small number of attorneys from the institute for justice would stop preaching what they were tough not to do as I only wish these individuals could study a little more to become licensed Professionals.
Posted by: Wendy Hoechstetter, Allied Member ASID | September 10, 2008 9:12 PM
Arthur,
This lawsuit was clearly filed against the *state*, not any individual designers.
The constitutionality of the law itself is what is being challenged here - and similar laws have already been declared unconstitutional in other states and thrown out.
I don't really understand what the name of Ms. Herrmann's business has to do with anything. The case is about her (and other people's) legal right to free speech, to freely say what she does for a living, and to advertise accordingly.
And of course people have vested interests whenever they file a lawsuit of *any* sort. That pretty much goes without saying.
Posted by: Susan Roberts | September 10, 2008 9:20 PM
As one of the three who brought this law suit, it's delightful to read supportive posts. Thank you...... BUT to Arthur I need to say the following:
Arthur, I'm Susan. After 25 years doing interior design work of all kinds, more school is not what I need. I need to see this law shot down. Arthur, I've paid my dues and I'm so proud that they have NOT been to ASID !!
Posted by: Lynne Herrmann | September 12, 2008 10:08 AM
I would like to respond to Arthur's comment. I do not have an ulterior motive in participating in this suit. The fact that I own a franchise does not minimize the work I put into my business. What my franchise does do is provide consistent, quality, on-going education that I actively participate in. There are historical figures in this profession that never attended "accredited" schools and sat for exams, but produced designs that we now hold as benchmarks for quality. Sister Parrish comes to mind. My goal in this lawsuit is to simply place my efforts on an even playing field with others. Perhaps more effort should be made to incorporate the broader community of those who practice design into the fold rather than excluding them via tests, fees and refused membership. And, just for clarification, my franchise is INTERIORS by Decorating Den, a respected company that has been in business for more than 39 years.
Posted by: Interior Design student | September 15, 2008 11:47 AM
I agree with Terri's comments. I am currently an Interior Design Student, who has already received an Associates degree in Interior Design and is working toward a Bachelors degree in the same at an accredited school. The schooling that we currently get is incredibly intensive and I agree we should not have to take additional tests aside from the testing we are required to pass in order to get ones degree.
The ASID in my opinion makes the new standards of even qualifying to take the NCIDQ test impossible for any newly graduated degree holding people.
Please see requirements and the New Supervised Work requirement:
Route 1
Education
A bachelor's degree (minimum) from an interior design program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly known as FIDER). The degree program must include no less than 120 semester or 180 quarter credit hours, of which no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours are interior design coursework.
To qualify, the degree program must have been CIDA-accredited at the date of graduation or must have become CIDA-accredited within the two-year period following the graduation date. A list of accredited programs is available from CIDA.
Experience
No less than 3,520 hours of interior design work experience. This can be completed in approximately two years if you work full-time.
Up to half of the required hours (no more than 1,760 hours) may be earned while you are still in school. You must have completed at least 96 semester or 144 quarter credit hours of education before you can begin to count work experience toward this requirement. In addition, if you receive academic credit for work experience, you cannot count that work experience toward this requirement. In all cases, the final 1,760 hours of work experience must be earned after the education program is completed.
Route 2
Education
A bachelor's degree (minimum) in an interior design program NOT accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The degree program must include no less than 120 semester or 180 quarter credit hours, of which no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours are interior design coursework.
Experience
No less than 3,520 hours of interior design work experience. This can be completed in approximately two years if you work full-time.
Up to half of the required hours (no more than 1,760 hours) may be earned while you are still in school. You must have completed at least 96 semester or 144 quarter credit hours of education before you can begin to count work experience toward this requirement. In addition, if you receive academic credit for work experience, you cannot count that work experience toward this requirement. In all cases, the final 1,760 hours of work experience must be earned after the education program is completed.
Route 3
Education
A bachelor's degree (minimum) in any other major in a program of no less than 120 semester or 180 quarter credit hours, AND no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of interior design coursework that culminates in a degree.
This route is primarily intended for career changers with a bachelor's degree in another field (architecture, English, nursing, psychology, etc.) who have returned to school for an interior design degree.
Experience
No less than 3,520 hours of interior design work experience. This can be completed in approximately two years if you work full-time.
Up to half of the required hours (no more than 1,760 hours) may be earned while you are still in school. You must have completed at least 96 semester or 144 quarter credit hours of education before you can begin to count work experience toward this requirement. In addition, if you receive academic credit for work experience, you cannot count that work experience toward this requirement. In all cases, the final 1,760 hours of work experience must be earned after the education program is completed.
Route 4
Education
No less than 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of interior design coursework that culminates in a degree or diploma.
Experience
No less than 5,280 hours of interior design work experience. This can be completed in approximately three years if you work full-time. All work experience must be earned after the education program is completed.
Route 5
Note: This route does not qualify for IDEP entry.
Education
No less than 40 semester or 60 quarter credit hours of interior design coursework that culminates in a certificate, degree or diploma.
Experience
No less than 7,040 hours of interior design work experience. This can be completed in approximately four years if you work full-time. All work experience must be earned after the education program is completed.
Supervised Experience Requirement
Exam candidates who began accumulating their interior design work experience on or after January 1, 2008 are required to complete all of that experience under the direct supervision of an NCIDQ Certificate holder, a licensed/registered interior designer, or an architect who offers interior design services. Independent practice time and work done under the supervision of an unlicensed practitioner cannot be counted toward the work experience requirement.
The supervised experience requirement does not apply to exam candidates who begin to accumulate their interior design work experience on or before December 31, 2007.
This requirement is important to understand if you are a future exam applicant who is not participating in IDEP. Exam applicants who have completed IDEP will automatically satisfy the Supervised Work Experience Requirement because qualified supervision is required for IDEP participation.
When I receive my Bachelors degree I have the neccessary qualifications in FIDERS eyes to be an Interior Designer otherwise I wouldn't be receiving a degree. I do think the education of an Interior Designer is a must, but the current standards of which ASID wants is overly excessive and self serving.
Posted by: Interior Designer | September 16, 2008 7:23 PM
It's about time people stood up against ASID.
Their pretense about Health, Safety & Welfare will destory the creativity of the profession.
You don't need a governmnet licence to be a "professional".
Posted by: Michael Dudek | September 18, 2008 12:32 PM
Your claim that legislating the practice of Interior Design limits your ability to continue decorating is nothing more than a red herring to obfuscate the simple fact that you are unable to properly qualify yourselves to be interior designers. The world is passing you by and you are very angry. Just call yourselves decorators and get over it.
Posted by: Interior Designer | September 18, 2008 8:30 PM
Michael:
ASID needs to get over the fact that the vast majority of interior designers in this country don't want their legislation.
How many more Governors have to Veto legislation, how many more state legislatures have to reject licensing, how many more courts have to find this type of legislation unconstitutional before ASID gets it!
ASID takes money from their designers to push for legislation that puts their dues paying Allied members out of business.
It's time for ASID to get over it and stop destroying the profession.
And Michael, you should stay out of politics and stop brainwashing your students at K-State that the only way they will ever get a job is if the government passes interior design legislation.
Enough with self-serving interior design professors pushing for interior design legislation so more people sign up for their degree programs.
Posted by: Cynthia | October 1, 2008 3:37 PM
Hi everyone, it is refreshing to see this finally happening. I commend Susan and her group because their are many talented and creative people in the design, decorating business as well as I agree with Terri, I wanted to respond to Terri but couldn't get her contact information.
I began with a natural talent then learned more about design while running a workroom where we made draperies, did upholstery and I maintained a showroom and did outside sales....I hired another decorator/designer who got her degree online at the Sheffield school of design, then learned more from her. I then managed a design showroom for Scalamandre' Fabrics in Houston, Texas at the design center acquiring more knowledge when they flew me to NY to learn about historial replica, printing, dye process and more...I then went on my own and was told I would need to be licensed in the state of Texas in order to practice. I received my ASID through the Texas State Board of Architectural Examiners because I had to prove I was already established and practicing in the field. It took me eight months to provide them with my clients lists, advertising information, on and on.....I grandfathered before having to join ASID. The exorbitant fees were difficult for me to keep up with because most of my money went into MAINTAINING MY BUSINESS!!
You feel bullied if you are not part of ASID. As many of you I feel I have earned my right through self education to call myself a designer. I have practiced full scale design since 1980, although I am slowing down a bit, I still love it and still consult. My favorite thing now is the Accessories and room arrangement, etc. I am moving to Charlotte NC, which is not a state that requires ASID and now I will research how to vote against it so it doesn't Creep into that state. If you haven't heard of this site you owe it to yourself to look at it
http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/06/asid-agency-out-of-control.html
it is very informative about this subject. Feel free to visit my site also at http://serenityindesign.blogspot.com and add comments or contact me by email.
Posted by: Milton Gregory Grew, AIA | October 8, 2008 1:39 AM
I am a practicing licensed architect who is also licensed as an interior designer. I agree with the assertion that state licensing and regulation of interior designers is not necessary and unfairly limits the business of others providing design or decorating services for residential and commercial interiors. Supposedly licensed interior designers should have a greater understanding of the building and fire codes relevant to their practice but I have rarely found that to be the case. I must admit that many architects are missing that practical knowledge as well but, at least the architect exam and continuing education requirements do force architects to know more about how public health, safety and welfare are affected by what they do.
Posted by: Tamera Cowles | October 11, 2008 8:02 PM
For any interrested party out there considering a life persuing a career in interior design-think again.
I am a daughter of one of the origional FIDER borad member setting accrediation standards for schools offering an interior design degree. Since the advent of the internet the business has become much more difficult for all of us who are independant interior designers. For many reasons-mostly financial-government has become more involved in every aspect of our lives.
When creating interior enviroments it is my hope that we as designers along with the the public will respond in like manner. It is the responsibility of the buyer to research and inquire about who they choose to allow into thier lives, pocketbooks and homes to assist in the decisions that can frankly be overwhelming to almost anyone tring to make a good decision. I graduated from an FIDER accredited program in the 80's and have practiced in the northwest ever since. ASID along with IBD were the two predominate associations where by designers would gather around trade related educational and informational meetings.
The legislative arm ASID had taken on is reminiscent of a society that chooses nothing for itself, takes no responsibility for their decisions and expresses uniformity NOT creativity.
Although I have paid for my education and have enjoied the benefits of its knowledge, I do not have any ill regard for any person who has no formal education. I have found many un-educated designerd to be a harm and embarrassment to the field many times. Most who hire such to represent the profession by unqualified persons are fuled by greed. This is the shame to the profession but points only to the one in the HR department.
I am sure dad is rolloing over in his grave and porbably knows most of you by name. Thankfully I do not. All my best to any honest hard working designer who has the will and foreditude to make it happen for your clients in these challenging times.
All the Best!
Posted by: Annonymous | October 16, 2008 3:14 PM
I think that it is important to consider that the general public do not understand or know the difference between "designers" vs. "decorators." The term designer is used quite loosely by those outside of the profession - and rightly so as "design" is a wide-spread term suggesting analysis and a creative thought process (practiced by designers and decorators alike). How then, are the PUBLIC better protected by legislation which requires industry-specific knowledge of the difference between two seemingly interchangable titles? Of course it is necessary that all professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of health and safety issues and apply these in their daily work. Decorators/designers often work with architects, general contractors and tradespeople who do their part as well. Building inspectors look to ensure that codes are being adhered to. In short, if safety is truly what we are after here - let's put the money wasted on this legislation toward increased "safety-in-design" educational programs and let people who are designing interiors be "designers."