There is nothing more important to the Profession of Interior Design than legislation. In the New England area two of our six states (Connecticut and Maine) already have interior design legislation. They continue to work to protect their legislation and are always in need of volunteers.

It should be our mission as Interior Designers, and members of IIDA, to help the other four states in our New England Chapter achieve their legislative goals. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont currently are without interior design legislation but are actively engaged in various legislative processes to achieve that goal.

There are twenty-six states in the United States that have legislation in the form of Title acts, Practice Acts, Self Certification and Permitting Statutes. Many of the other states in our union are currently attempting to attain legislation.

Allied organizations such as IIDA and ASID work together to garner support. Support can be made in the form of monetary contributions to the state’s coalition. IIDA New England has received a grant from IIDA International that will be distributed to our member States. IIDA has already contributed to the efforts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut during the last several months.

Attaining legislation is a difficult task with many misunderstandings by interested parties. Our goal as Interior Designers should be to educate those that don’t understand Interior Design Legislation. A simple way, is to discuss legislation with other professionals, clients and encourage support of the process of legislation in your state.

Listed below is contact information for each state’s coalition. Please help the coalitions to continue their efforts.

Massachusetts Interior Design Coalition

President: Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky

IIDA will be hosting the “Interior Design Day at the Hill” in April 2007. Please attend and help as much as you can with this program. Contact our Boston City Center to offer your help with the program.

Maine Interior Design Coalition

President: Peter Pinkerton

 
New Hampshire Interior Design Coalition

President: Maria Perron

The New Hampshire bill will be heard on March 15, 2007. New Hampshire has garnered much support for their Coalition. Good luck New Hampshire!

Vermont Interior Design Coalition

A new coalition is forming in Vermont. If you are interested in legislation in Vermont please contact Christine Burdick. Volunteers are needed.

Interior Design Coalition of Rhode Island

Please contact Diane Hanley if you are interested in legislation in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is trying to reorganize the coalition in order to get the bill through next year. Volunteers are needed to help and to take leadership roles in the coalition.

Connecticut Interior Design Coalition

President: Alexandria Lanuk

Connecticut is currently dealing with several issues regarding their existing legislation. Please contact Alexandria at the above address to offer support.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane L. Hanley, IIDA
Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs,
IIDA New England Chapter