Annual Meeting: President's Report
2017 has been a very exciting and active year for IDCC. This year we have focused on
engaging the profession through education. Education in this context is of course a two way street. We have set up a number of venues throughout the state this year which encouraged conversation so we can listen and make sure we are on target for not only what the profession needs but also what the profession wants. Our mission has been to elevate the profession of Interior Design by distinguishing ourselves by our education, testing and work in the code impacted environment.
Our year started out on a high note from the release of the Little Hoover Report late last year. The Little Hoover Commission was tasked with studying occupational licensing in the State of California. The first hearing did not go so well for our profession as we were described as “pillow fluffers” and repeatedly used as an example of a profession that should not be licensed. With the influence of our lobbyists we were invited to testify at the second hearing and we were finally heard and taken seriously. Our profession is mentioned several times in the final report and is recommended as a profession that should indeed be licensed.
IDCC has always been very inclusive of all Interior Designers and continue to strive to elevate in a way that does not discriminate against anyone currently practicing. By mid-year we were approached by CCIDC to participate in their strategic planning session and welcomed their request to work together. Unfortunately, the divide still exists and appears to hamper any meaningful progress in elevating our profession and the requirements for professional recognition. During the Sunset Review Hearing (and prior stakeholder meeting) it was apparent that the current testing for the CID was something that many whom influence the progress of our profession find inadequate to justify any elevation of our profession. This is the main focus of our strategic plan, the insistence of the NCIDQ “national” exam as the basis for elevating our profession. The two national associations that embody the entire practice of Interior Design have always required the NCIDQ test as a passage into a professional membership. The NCIDQ exam is also the only exam used in every other state that has or seeks any form of legislation for Interior Designers. As many Interior Designers work across state lines this offers reciprocity as a familiar requirement across the country.
This year we also continued our communication with small and large firms across the state through “Advocacy Based Leaders Roundtables”. These have proven invaluable as the leaders in our profession come together to discuss the importance of and the strategic ways to elevate our profession. These leaders share their experiences, their desires and most importantly their determination within their own firms to elevate the profession and the young professionals who join their firms.
Our board members will go into a bit more detail about the types of events we have continued to engage in during 2017 and the overwhelming support garnered from our steadfast support to elevate Interior Design in the State of California. IIDA has been our collaborative partner throughout the year providing both monetary and in kind support to the coalition. Both IIDA chapters came together with HQ, and the board members that also serve on those chapter boards will discuss the incredible support they have provided. Likewise, our board members who have been involved in some of the local ASID chapters will discuss how those chapters have generously supported our efforts.
I have to tell you that it personally makes me very proud of the efforts of our board of directors to know that members of the two major associations, IIDA and ASID have come together on numerous occasions and shared interaction on panels and in discussions about our profession and have exemplified the efforts of unifying our profession. We have an NKBA member on our board and continue to have constructive meetings with colleagues from other associations as well as independent designers. I want to thank each of you for the endless hours you have given towards the efforts of IDCC. It has been my pleasure to lead this coalition as President and also to work with such generous and talented designers who have given from their heart toward elevating our profession not only for all currently practicing Interior Designers but mostly for the future Interior Designers and Leaders of our profession. Together we have made great progress and I look forward to continuing to celebrate our progress.
As 2017 comes to a close and we enter 2018, we will look for new ways to engage our community, meet with various stakeholders and continue meeting with legislators to find effective ways of implementing our strategic plan to benefit this profession. Make no mistakes, it is not an easy or fast road to take but if we all stand united and chip away at what stands in our way we can make it happen. Please stand with us as we maneuver the legislative landscape and together we will elevate the profession, OUR PROFESSION, of Interior Design in the State of California.
