January 31, 2008

Andy Meisner and Bill Huizenga: Interior designer licensing is good for state economy

House-passed bill needs attention in state Senate

Everyone in Michigan understands the need to strengthen our struggling economy, and to fight the brain drain that is sending our best and brightest college graduates out of state. You might not realize it, but the interior design profession can play a key role in advancing both of these objectives.

As it turns out, interior design is about a lot more than just wall colors and throw pillows. Interior designers are part of a growing profession that takes into account critical aspects of public safety, health and consumer protection, and that requires a focused technical knowledge of building, fire and accessibility codes.

Trained interior designers know what materials can be used to safely maximize mobility and efficiency in all types of buildings. Fire-retardant floor or wall coverings could be the difference between life and death in the home or workplace.

That's why 26 other states have enacted legislation to regulate interior design professionals. Consumers want the added protection of licensing when it comes to professional service.

A national survey by International Communications Research of Media in 2007 found an overwhelming 89 percent polled thought it important or very important to hire a licensed professional. At present in Michigan anyone can claim to be an interior designer without education or training, putting the public at great risk.

Compounding this situation, the International Building Code adapted by Michigan recognizes a "Registered Design Professional" as someone licensed or registered in this state. Interior designers aren't licensed or registered in Michigan. Consequently, some building code officials are rejecting documents prepared by interior designers. The rejection of these design documents clearly represents a serious restraint of trade and challenges free and fair competitive access to the marketplace in Michigan.

Michigan's failure to license our interior design professionals has led outsiders to view our state as lagging when it comes to high-quality, trend-setting service. As a result, the biggest potential clients are turning to New York and Chicago for services in which we excel, and our college graduates are following the work to these attractive destinations.

Interior designers are entrepreneurs providing jobs and economic stimulus for our economy. Every year, 15 Michigan colleges and universities graduate well-trained interior design students wishing to practice in Michigan, with degrees from associate to doctorate. Our current laws in Michigan send these graduates the message that Michigan neither wants nor needs what they have to offer.

At the urging of many important groups, including the Michigan Association of Home Builders, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation in 2007 that will allow Michigan to join 26 states (and eight Canadian provinces) in protecting consumers by regulating the interior design profession. Licensing provides an accountability standard to interior designers and is in the best interest of consumers and the interior design profession. We urge the Michigan Senate to follow our lead.

The future of our economy and retention of our college graduates hangs in the balance.