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Dear IIDA,
We have exciting news regarding our Interior Design Bills. Our three bills are scheduled for testimony TOMORROW – Tuesday, November 12th at 9:30 AM.
To build momentum and demonstrate the real-world impact of this legislation, we need professional testimonials in the form of written letters. While the timeline is tight, having a strong show of support through these letters will be crucial in advancing our efforts.
We are asking you to take a moment to write a letter sharing how these bills would positively affect you, your practice, or the industry as a whole. Even a few sentences can make a significant difference in demonstrating the widespread support for this important legislation.
Letters are due: TOMORROW, Tuesday November 12th by 9:30am
Address Letters To: Members of the House Regulatory Reform Committee
Format: Word document saved to PDF
PDF of your Letter emailed directly to: Carson Gatt; cgatt@acuitasllc.com
House Bills 5960, 5961 & 5962 can be found on the Michigan Legislature here: House Bill 5960 of 2024 - Michigan Legislature
Please don't overthink your letter – keep it personal and share why you support House Bills 5960, 5961, and 5962, and how these bills could impact you as a professional in the Interior Design industry. The goal is for each letter to be unique, reflecting individual perspectives.
Below are key bullet points to consider, as they highlight the importance of this legislation in Michigan:
- CREATES Equality of Entry into the Marketplace for Interior Designers
- Many states allow interior designers to independently submit interior design construction documents for permit. Those that don’t prevent interior designers from practicing to their fullest potential and burden interior design small businesses. In these states, designers do not have the ability to “stamp and seal” construction documents to obtain building permits for the interior design portion of a commercial construction or renovation project. Many small business interior designers must seek out another design professional with stamping authority, work under the responsible control of that design professional, allow that design professional to seal and submit those plans for permit, and, many times, pay that professional a potentially substantial fee for those services.
- ENCOURAGES Lower Construction Costs & Greater Consumer Choice
- In states where interior designers are not allowed to “stamp and seal” commercial interior design construction documents for permit, consumers must limit their choice to either an architect or an engineer for full-scale interior design services. Consumers should have the ability to work with an interior designer and only an interior designer for all interior work within the scope of interior design practice from concept to permit to project completion. Greater choice generally means lower construction costs and fees for private and government clients.
- PROMOTES Positive Growth in Interior Design Jobs, Small Businesses, and Partner Industries
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The interior design industry is an economic force within the United States. The industry reported a 9.87-billion-dollar value of sales in 2015. The U.S. Census reported 66,500 interior design jobs in 2016 (13% increase since 2014) and the existence 13,176 firms nationwide. The total annual economic impact of the interior design sector in the United States is estimated to be $96.3 billion in 2016, which can support 522,400 jobs annually. The interior design profession is 75% female. Of interior design firms represented by ASID members, 82.4% are small businesses of fewer than four practitioners. In states where interior designers do not have this ability, the interior design industry within the state is constrained from reaching its fullest potential.
Your voice is vital in demonstrating the broad support for these bills, and your personal testimony can make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your continued commitment to the success of our Interior Design Bills!
IIDA Michigan
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