Legislation/GRA
What is GRA?
GRA = Government and Regulatory Affairs.
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Laws and Regulations
Interior Design legislation helps establish and maintain professional standards that protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. IIDA firmly believes that legal recognition, achieved through licensing, registration, and certification brings uniformity to the profession, defines responsibility, and encourages excellence in the Interior Design industry. Visit the IIDA licensing guide to find out what states and jurisdictions .
Find out more about GRA, Legislation, and what states and jurisdictions have Interior Design legislation in place at the IIDA National website: www.iida.org/content.cfm/advocacy
Also, be sure to check out IIDA's Legislative Video
Click here to view more photos from Capital Day 2011
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Legislation Update June, 2012
GOVERNOR PAT QUINN PROCLAIMS JUNE 11-15, 2012 AS “INTERIOR DESIGN WEEK” IN ILLINOIS
(Chicago, June 2, 2012)-- The interior design profession received historic support from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on May 9, 2012 when he proclaimed June 11-15, 2012 as “Interior Design Week” in Illinois. The week coincides with NeoCon World’s Trade Fair which will be held at the Merchandise Mart Chicago during that time. The Proclamation was signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Secretary of State Jesse White and affixed with the Great Seal of the State of Illinois in the capitol of Springfield.
The Governor’s Proclamation recognizes that “interior design is a multi-faceted profession which applies creative and technical solutions within a structure to achieve a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment.”
The Governor further proclaimed the profession’s role as stewards of our environment and as embodying the highest levels of professionalism in the industry. “The interior design profession is also becoming increasingly concerned with encouraging the principles of environmental sustainability: and interior designers must also comply with strict licensing requirements, such as those embodied by the Interior Design Title Act in Illinois, which is critical in keeping the interior design profession at its highest level and serves to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by qualifying registered design professionals based on education, experience, and testing,” said the Proclamation.
The Proclamation further states that “Interior Design Week” has been issued to coincide with NeoCon “in the interest of promoting the highest levels of excellence in the interior design profession.”
Frederick Miller, AIA, President of the Illinois Interior Design Coalition is pleased with the Governor’s Proclamation. “There exists a common misconception – often reinforced in the media – that interior design is limited to the selection of finishes and furniture. In truth, professional interior designers work in a highly technical environment. In addition to creating an environment that enhances the lives of those whom the space is designed, professional interior designers are often responsible for coordinating with engineers for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and audio visual work. Interior designers also work to ensure code compliance is maintained. Governor Quinn formally recognized that interior designers not only make significant contributions to the safety and well being of building occupants, but also make significant contributions to commerce in the state of Illinois. I sincerely thank Governor Quinn for his support and for recognizing our qualified and dedicated professionals.”
Click here to view the 2012 Interior Design Week Proclamation.
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Legislation Update October, 2011
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW ILLINOIS INTERIOR DESIGN OPPORTUNITY ACT
The new Illinois Interior Design Economic Opportunity Act from IIDC.
Click HERE to view the document.
Legislation Update September, 2011
ILLINOIS TITLE ACT RENEWED
"Governor Quinn Signs Illinois Interior Design Title Act Sunset Bill into Law"
A very big thank you to Registered Interior Designers, leaders of Illinois interior design programs, sympathetic architects, and interior design students! Due in large part to the letter writing efforts of these individuals, the Illinois Interior Design Title Act was signed into law by Governor Quinn on Friday, August 26th.
The renewal bill readily passed both the Illinois House and Senate a couple of months ago. However, Governor Quinn had yet to sign the bill into law. In a last minute surprise, the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation recommended that Governor Quinn veto the bill. (It's believed this was a maneuver aimed at saving the state money. However, this was a false economy as the enactment of the legislation does not, in balance, cost the state.)
Immediate lobbying efforts and a letter writing campaign proved to the governor that this legislation is of value. Individuals who have successfully completed the necessary education, experience and examination will continue to be able to register with the State of Illinois to identify themselves as Registered Interior Designers.
Even more than ever, it is crucial that interior designers who have successfully passed the NCIDQ exam register with the State of Illinois to be called Registered Interior Designers. If we move forward with stamping and sealing privileges for individuals that work in code-regulated spaces, we need to prove to the Legislature that we are a viable group. There will be two town hall meetings in the state this fall that will discuss the issues of our industry moving forward. These events will be open to all interior designers, both registered or not, educators, students and friends of the interior design industry. The events will also be jointly sponsored by IIDA, ASID and IIDC. Look for a “save the date” for these two hall meetings shortly.
CARRIE FITZPATRICK HONORED BY IIDA ILLINOIS
On June 22, 2011 IIDA Illinois Chapter honored Carrie Fitzpatrick with a special recognition award at their Annual Meeting held at The Paris Club in Chicago. This award encompasses a number of positions and achievements that Carrie has fulfilled for IIDA, IIDC and the Interior Design industry on a whole. Carrie’s achievements include the following:
- Registered Interior Designer for the State of Illinois
- Member of Illinois interior Design Coalition since 1997
- Co-President of Illinois Interior Design Coalition from 2003-2009
- Served as Past President of IIDA Illinois Board
- Served as Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs on IIDA National Board
- Has been a strong advocate for licensing and registration for the Interior Design Industry
- Has helped fight against numerous legislation that would have adverse effects on the Interior Design industry
- Has been instrumental in getting the renewal of the Title Act Extension Bill this year
Carrie is still active in IIDC as Legislative Chair, which is preparing forthcoming legislation to give Interior Designers the right to stamp and seal drawings of their own work in code-regulated spaces. IIDC is extremely honored to have Carrie serve the organization in the many roles she has committed to and of her achievements to the industry over the years.
IIDA Illinois Chapter Recognized for Government and Regulatory Affairs
Congratulations to Dan Bassano for a job very well done in his role as IIDA Illinois Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs (GRA). His efforts were recognized at the annual IIDA Chapter Awards where the Illinois IIDA Chapter was the recipient of the Excellence in GRA Award.
This Award recognizes a Chapter that has exhibited excellence in Chapter GRA activities that promote the role of interior design in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Judging criteria includes the scope of activities and budget resources, successful implementation and attendance, achievement of goals, outreach to all membership levels, enthusiasm and innovative approach, as well as compliance with established policies of IIDA .
To receive this award is no small feat and is acknowledgement of the great job Dan Bassano as done. We are lucky to have him on board helping to shape the future of design legislation in Illinois.
Congratulations also go out to Mindy Zimmer and Crandon Gustafson for design of the GRA submittal.
What is IIDC?
IIDC is Illinois' Political Action Committee, Representing the Entire profession Illinois Interior Design Community.
IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) is a not for profit, all volunteer organization founded in 1986 to promote the general professional welfare of all persons engaged in the business of Interior Design. IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) members including, industry members and practicing professionals from all professional design organizations (ASID, IIDA, ISP, etc.) as well as all unaffiliated independent designers, related design industries and design students.
IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) is a registered political action committee that serves as an advocate for the Interior Design Profession in Illinois. IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) depends upon each and every member for financial and participatory grass-roots support. This support remains the cornerstone of IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) 's efforts to protect the well-being of all Interior Designers in Illinois. Political advocacy is an on-going business necessity, protecting your legislative business visibility and voice.
Your contribution is crucial to your successful legislative voice. Your contribution is crucial to the success of our profession in this state. Your contribution determines the future of your profession. Discover how Interior Designers affect the health, safety and welfare of our community.
Contribution payable to IIDC (Illinois Interior Design Coalition) -PAC, Illinois Interior Design Coalition, Merchandise Mart, PO Box 3647, Chicago, IL 60654.
