Senator Angelique V. Ashby honored as IIDA California’s 2024 Legislator of the Year
The IIDA Northern and Southern California Chapters of the International Interior Design Association are happy to announce State Senator Angelique V. Ashby as the recipient of our 2024 Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Ashby is the fourth annual California legislator to receive this award, joining a cohort of remarkable past recipients. This award recognizes exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and alignment with the values of IIDA and commercial interior designers in California.
From L to R: Adam Newton, VP Advocacy NorCal, Amanda Humphrey, VP Advocacy SoCal, Senator Angelique Ashby, Traci Godbey, President Sacramento City Center, Katy Mercer, Immediate Past President IIDA Norcal, and Yeaphana La Marr, Senate B&P Committee Consultant
Senator Ashby has long been a trailblazer. She’s the first woman in over two decades to represent Sacramento District 8, in the California State Senate, and in her short time in office, she’s already become a standout leader. Earlier this year, she was named Chair of the Senate Business and Professions Committee, a role with pivotal influence in the path forward for our profession. From her time on the Sacramento City Council, where she secured millions to support community infrastructure, to her work championing programs for women and children experiencing homelessness, she’s consistently prioritized meaningful, tangible change. Her commitment to supporting working women is especially resonant for commercial interior designers as our profession is uniquely women-led compared to other design and construction professions. Among other important legislation, she authored SCR 29 in 2023, the resolution that declared Women in Construction Week to highlight women as a vital component of the construction industry.
On Monday, November 18th, representatives from both California IIDA chapters had the honor of presenting Senator Ashby with the award at her Sacramento office. This moment wasn’t just about recognition; it was about celebrating her leadership in advancing conversations around equity and opportunity. We especially thank Senator Ashby for her engagement during the 2024 California Architects Board sunset review where the practice barriers for interior designers were highlighted and discussed as a key issue.
Congratulations, Senator Ashby. The IIDA Northern and Southern California chapters look forward to continued collaboration with the Senator’s office. To learn more about Senator Ashby’s initiatives and legislative work, or to show your support, you can visit her official website.
Advocacy in Action for California’s Interior Designers
Ahead of the March 11th California Architect’s Board Sunset Hearing, a group of IIDA advocates took to the capitol to educate legislators on the profession of commercial interior design and the occupational barriers this profession faces in California. Representing the profession were Adam Newton, VP of Advocacy; Melissa Pesci, President-Elect; Tamara Roth, Sole Practitioner and Advocacy Committee Member; and Ellon Brittingham from Full Moon Strategies.
Lobby Day: A Gathering of Passionate Voices
Lobby days are an important tool in educating the legislature on any topic of advocacy. Lead by our lobbying team Full Moon Strategies, the team spent the day explaining the broad scope and powerful impact of commercial interior design projects, from restaurants to hospitals and everything in between. As a women and queer lead profession it was essential to educate our lawmakers on the importance of making change to improve equity throughout the construction industry. Additionally, Tamara Roth shared her experience as a sole practitioner who is regularly economically impacted by the outdated and inconsistent structure currently in California. Without updating the governance for commercial interior designers to be a state entity, sole practitioners will continue to be disproportionately impacted.
In total, IIDA met with nine legislative offices during the Lobby Day, making a grand total of thirty separate meetings with legislators and staff in the last two months alone. This high degree of engagement is only possible with the support of thought-leading firms and an active community of members.
Ellon Brittingham, Adam Newton, Melissa Pesci, Tamara Roth
Helping educate our lawmakers about Commercial Interior Design and what we’re trying to accomplish with our advocacy. Download your own copy →
The Hearing: From Discussions to Decisions
On March 11th IIDA represented commercial interior designers to the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee for the California Architects Board Sunset Hearing. We appreciated the comments from Senator Roth, a long-time and esteemed member of the committee, and our colleagues at the American Institute of Architects California Chapter. This hearing was a very preliminary first step as we ramp up for more robust conversations so we are looking forward to collaborate more with stakeholders as this process progresses.
“I just want to thank you all for your time and interest in the issues, very well outlined in the background, that interior designers are facing in California. We’re really excited to collaborate with you all, and with CAB, to bring some consistency to our practitioners, our clients and our building officials.”
Melissa Pesci, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, IIDA Northern CA President-Elect
Empowering Commercial Interior Designers in California
IIDA’s Northern and Southern California chapters’ advocacy efforts are moving ahead full steam this year to advance legislation that empowers commercial interior designers. In recent discussions surrounding these efforts, various points of view have emerged that illustrate the passionate engagement of professionals in the A&D industry. As part of our ongoing commitment to elevating our profession, it’s crucial to clarify the intentions of our efforts and dispel any misconceptions.
There are three main tenets of our objectives this year:
Modernization: Working with state lawmakers to develop a governance structure that better reflects the increasing complexity of our practice and acknowledges the interdisciplinary landscape of our project teams.
Consistency: Aligning commercial interior designers, and our statutory privileges, with the standardized regulatory environments of our peer professionals on the job site, in our offices, and across the nation.
Equity: Acknowledging that the commercial interior design field is led by women and queer professionals, who currently do not enjoy the same statutory privileges as the colleagues in related fields.
TODAY: Monday, March 11th is the California Architect’s Board Sunset Review hearing and, based on the board’s sunset report, we anticipate these longstanding, structural issues to be a significant discussion. This follows on the heels of months of meaningful engagement with stakeholders. Don’t worry – we’ll be there to advocate for you! We are privileged to have this opportunity to collaborate with our lawmakers and architectural colleagues to align with many other states that govern architecture and interior design professionals under equivalent or joint regulatory structures.
When pushing for progress, it’s natural, and expected, for concerns from others to arise. It’s important to emphasize that our proposed goals seek to support, not undermine, our diverse community of professionals. As IIDA members, please understand that there is NO effort being made to dismantle the existing Certified Interior Designer (CID) structure. Instead, we aim to carve out a modernized governance structure that grants consistent privileges specifically for commercial interior designers. This is not a new concept; 31 other jurisdictions (29 states + DC and Puerto Rico) have some form of state-governed regulation for our profession. Even as recently as this week, a title act granting the ability to stamp and seal for state-registered interior designers was signed into law in Nebraska. For a leader like California, this change is long overdue.
We invite you to follow along during this process and look forward to the ongoing constructive conversations with our industry colleagues; this is only the beginning.
HGA and ASD|SKY Inaugural Signatories Supporting California Registered Commercial Interior Designer Title Act
Leading architecture and design firms, HGA and ASD|SKY, have signed letters to AIA California in support of a Commercial Interior Designer Title Act. This follows on the heels of a recent announcement by the International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) California chapters declaring their intention to sponsor legislation for a title act in 2024, a move that has garnered widespread support within the industry. As inaugural signatories, these firms are at the forefront of a movement aimed at advancing the profession within the state.
HGA and ASD|SKY commitment to this cause is a reflection of their leadership in fostering innovative and collaborative approaches in architecture and design. Their participation as the first signatories underlines a shared vision for the future of the architecture and design industry – one that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based project execution.
At HGA it is a priority to elevate and integrate the Interior Design discipline into every project and into the leadership of the firm. We believe this integrated approach along with the visionary leadership of our Interior Design Partners is critical to the quality of our work and our future success. HGA strongly supports the path to licensure that the IIDA is proposing in the State of California.
Tim Carl | CEO, HGA
The proposed title act by IIDA aims to establish and recognize professional standards and qualifications for the profession of commercial interior design in California. This legislative effort is a crucial step towards aligning the profession with the evolving demands of the industry, where interdisciplinary collaboration and consistent regulation are increasingly becoming the norm.
Both ASD|SKY and HGA have expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing its importance in shaping a more dynamic, integrated, and professional future for commercial interior designers in California.
ASD|SKY is a multi-disciplinary firm where holistic design is paramount and interior design is a key element of our integrated approach. We see a clear path to licensure for our invaluable interior designers in the State of California as a long overdue measure. ASD|SKY fully supports the path to licensure that IIDA is proposing in the State of California.
Amy Tamburro | Principal, ASD|SKY SF
Katy Mercer, President of the IIDA Northern California Chapter, commented on this: “The backing of this initiative by leading firms like ASD|SKY and HGA highlights a long-awaited and crucial step for our industry in California. It signals a collective acknowledgment and readiness to embrace modernized practice and interdisciplinary approaches that many in our field have long seen as necessary for our profession’s growth and relevance.”
Brett Shwery, President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter, expressed his thoughts on the matter: “The support for this initiative from prominent organizations underscores a pivotal advancement for Commercial Interior Designers in California. Sharing this collective recognition and providing vital leadership is imperative to advancing the profession that provides vital practices in support of our ever-evolving society and the built environment”. For more information or to get more involved email advocacy@iidanc.org.
IIDA California Chapters Announce Intention to Enter 2024 Title Act Legislation for Commercial Interior Designers
In a progressive move, IIDA California chapters are spearheading a revolution for California interior design professionals, propelling them into a future where licensure standards reflect the modernized A&D industry. This innovative approach aims to empower commercial interior designers with permitting privileges, following the wave of national recognition and influence.
California commercial interior design professionals have long grappled with outdated regulations overseen by an all-volunteer board lacking the necessary consistency in licensing standards. It’s time to adapt and follow the currents of change sweeping across the nation.
The landscape has evolved since the 1990s, and it’s time for California to catch up. Since then:
AIA has shifted from outright opposition to a more neutral stance both at the national and state levels, allowing for increased collaboration and dialogue.
28 states plus two jurisdictions have legislation in place, with a growing number of states are pursuing permitting privileges.
SB 816, etched into law in 2023, marks a historic milestone by officially recognizing the designation of a commercial interior designer in California.
Armed with these developments, IIDA is reigniting efforts to carve a voluntary path for commercial interior designers seeking permitting privileges. The focus is on creating a nuanced route tailored to those in the commercial realm without compromising the practices of residential and kitchen-and-bath design colleagues.
At its core, this initiative is about interior designers taking the lead to modernize an outdated governmental structure that reflects current practice and industry standards. Collaboration is key. IIDA’s Northern and Southern California teams are building alliances with key stakeholders, from State Legislature experts to industry peers. The mission? To ensure that commercial interior designers stand tall alongside their industry colleagues.Over the next few months, IIDA is aiming to build consensus, educate the State Legislature, and pave the way for groundbreaking Title Act legislation with permitting privileges. Stay tuned as we keep you in the loop on this transformative journey. Have questions or want to be part of history in the making? Text “InteriorDesign” to 52886 or contact your local VP of Advocacy. Please direct all questions to advocacy@iidanc.org.
IIDA’s Northern and Southern California Chapters Honor State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman
From L to R: Northern California President Elect Melissa Pesci, AIA, LEED AP, California State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, and VP of Advocacy Adam Newton, Assoc. IIDA
The Northern and Southern California chapters of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) have proudly announced the awarding of the prestigious 2023 Legislator of the Year to State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman. This accolade is a testament to Eggman’s exemplary legislative leadership. As the third annual lawmaker to receive this award, Eggman joins a cohort of celebrated legislative leaders in California. Northern California President Elect Melissa Pesci, AIA, LEED AP, and VP of Advocacy Adam Newton, Assoc. IIDA, met with Senator Eggman in her Sacramento office to present the award.
Senator Eggman’s work spans several key areas important to California’s commercial interior designers, notably in improving health care and advocating for environmental sustainability. Her legislative priorities not only address urgent societal needs but also resonate with the values of the interior design community. Her efforts to enhance public health and make healthcare more accessible reflect IIDA’s commitment to inclusive and supportive environments. She’s also been a steadfast supporter of sustainable projects and initiatives, echoing IIDA’s focus on design excellence and environmental stewardship.
“This award not only honors Eggman’s substantial legislative achievements but is also an acknowledgement of the similarities in her social work background, to the occupational barriers commercial interior designers experience everyday. Eggman’s legislative efforts reflect an understanding of how essential it is to recognize the value and expertise required by these women-lead professions,” noted Adam Newton, VP Advocacy IIDA Northern California. The IIDA Northern and Southern California chapters look forward to continued collaboration with Senator Eggman’s office. To learn more about Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman’s initiatives and legislative work, or to show your support, you can visit her official website.
Advancing Equity, Sustainability, and Educational Facilities
This year, over 2,630 bills were introduced across the Senate and Assembly houses–a higher number of bill introductions than is typical and the highest number in over a decade. This crush of bills paired with the State’s projected $31.5 billion budget deficit, foreshadows an unlikely future for some initiatives with big price tags. With the 2023 Legislative session nearly halfway complete, we wanted to provide an update of IIDA’s California chapters’ actions on a few pieces of key legislation.
The Northern and Southern California chapters of IIDA have joined together to adopt positions on seven bills which align with our chapters’ missions and core values. These bills include equity, climate and sustainability-focused initiatives, as well as two bond proposals that would, if passed by voters, provide funding for new construction to repair and modernize school facilities for California’s students.
Photo credit: Josh Hild
IIDA supports Senate Bill 306, a climate-conscious building decarbonization initiative that would provide opportunities to better protect residents from the harms of extreme heat, wildfires, and local air pollution. IIDA believes California’s buildings should promote the health and well-being of occupants–providing necessary shelter from the worsening impacts of climate change–while recognizing how decarbonizing buildings can help combat climate change. IIDA supports this opportunity brought forth by Senator Anna Caballero, to improve buildings in the State, minimize our carbon footprint, and advance the safety of all Californians.
Assembly Bill 529 Would require the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), in consultation with other state agencies to research and develop, and to consider proposing to the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), revisions and clarifications to the California Building Standards Code pertaining to adaptive reuse development projects. Given the State’s ongoing housing crisis–adaptive reuse is an area gaining traction to help increase housing supply. As experienced commercial interior designers, we appreciate the usefulness and significance of turning commercial properties into housing and look forward to enhancing future conversion projects with our expertise.
Senate Bill 28 and Assembly Bill 247are both general obligation bonds that, if passed by voters, would fund construction and modernization of school buildings for California’s students. It is anticipated that ultimately only one of the bills will proceed and the Senate and Assembly will negotiate a final bond proposal. The Senate-side bond, SB 28, focuses on school facilities funding for preschools, K-12, and colleges. The Assembly-side proposal, AB 247, would fund capital projects for transitional kindergarten, K-12 and community colleges. If these measures are passed this session, they would appear for voter consideration on the 2024 statewide primary ballot. IIDA members design educational facilities across the state every day. We support the improvement of California’s educational facilities that we know assist in improved learning outcomes for students.
SB 306, SB 28,and AB 247 have been passed by their respective houses of origin and have moved into the second house where their assignments to a policy committee(s) are pending. AB 529 is currently on the Assembly floor, awaiting votes that could send it onto the next house. All bills must be passed by their house of origin by Friday, June 2nd in order to move forward this year. We look ahead to continuing our support for these initiatives along the way, and monitoring their progress throughout the remainder of the legislative session.
IIDA continues to support Assembly Bill 342 which was introduced with support from AIA California., which allows the California Architect Board to ask licensees to provide demographic information including race, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity at the time of initial license and at the time of renewal. AB 342 is well on its way, having already been assigned to two policy committees in the next house: Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development as well as the Judiciary Committee. Our chapters believe the collection of this demographic information will bring value to the industry at large, advancing us toward our shared Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goals. IIDA maintains a support if amended position on SB 816, which makes minor modifications to certifications for Interior Designers. SB 816 passed the Senate Floor on Wednesday, May 24th and is on its way to the Assembly-side where it will soon be assigned to a policy committee(s). For more information outlining our position, check out our previous blog Senate Bill 816 Pledges Collaboration.
Elevating Mental Health Awareness through Behavioral Healthcare Interior Design
As Mental Health Awareness Month takes center stage, we turn our attention to the power of design in creating spaces that foster healing, hope, and resilience.
In the realm of behavioral healthcare, interior designers face a unique set of challenges and considerations to provide environments that promote mental well-being. From cultivating peaceful and functional areas to embracing durability and safety, the intricacies of behavioral healthcare interior design are crucial in supporting patients’ journeys toward recovery.
We asked Donald Cremers and Michele Hutchinson from HOK to share their thoughtful approach, innovative solutions, and compassionate design principles that shape the healing spaces they design.
Our overall design goal of healthcare environments is to create “healing” spaces, where comfortable, peaceful, functional, and calming attributes are considered. When we take on a behavioral healthcare project, we must dig even deeper for ways to include the features above, but also have many additional, often complicated, things to consider such as:
Consideration of different areas where patients will be throughout the day is important, such as quiet, contemplative areas vs. more active treatment spaces. Interior design lends itself easily to this with color for example: softer tones in the “home” spaces and the ability to increase saturation and even graphics in more active areas.
Treatment areas, such as classrooms, are set up to maximize multi-purpose functions. Different programs can include anything from art therapy, job preparedness courses, writing workshops and even cooking classes. The finishes then need to be incredibly durable and detailed to meet the safety requirements of the space. The goal of the interior design is to create a warm environment that encourages creativity and healing.
Patient environments need to be secure, anti-ligature & tamper-resistant to meet the safety needs of the patients and staff.
Visibility is an important factor in these facilities as well. Staff must be able to easily supervise spaces, so when designing things like nurse stations, providing open access helps to create an environment that encourages communication between patients and staff. Access to daylight and views is also an important factor; nature is very healing, and being able to celebrate views and artwork depicting nature is always encouraged.
Designing behavioral healthcare environments continues to increase our compassion for people who struggle with mental illness. The goal of these facilities is to prepare patients for life outside of the facility, where they can live healthy, normal lives – love participating in that journey.
Donald Cremers, IIDA
Senior Principal – Interior Design Leader at HOK
Michele Hutchinson, INTCA, LEED GA
Senior Project Interior Designer, Senior Associate at HOK
This month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. At IIDA Northern California, we take this opportunity to recognize our members and honor the contributions of AAPI designers and their impact on the field of interior design. From their unique perspectives and approaches to design to their diverse cultural influences and experiences, AAPI designers continue to inspire and shape the industry. This month, we highlight IIDA Northern California members of the AAPI community to celebrate their heritage and meaningful contributions to the design world.
Christina’s career trajectory significantly shifted from structural engineering to architecture, driven by her desire to combine technical expertise with a deeper involvement in projects’ creative vision and human experience. Before this transition, she excelled as a structural engineer at Arup, where she held the esteemed position of Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas. Her exceptional contributions encompassed noteworthy projects such as the LEED-Double Platinum California Academy of Sciences, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals, and various bridges.
In 2014, Christina and her partner Ming Thompson established Atelier Cho Thompson—a multidisciplinary design and concept firm with offices in San Francisco and New Haven. This dynamic firm engages in the art of architecture, interiors, graphics, brand strategy, furniture, installations, and exhibitions. Their diverse portfolio spans from single-family residences to hospitality venues, institutions, offices, cultural landmarks, and public spaces. Christina and Ming are driven by a profound passion for design that brings about lasting change and resonates with individuals from all walks of life.
Furthermore, Christina’s commitment to community-building extends beyond her professional pursuits. Last year, she co-founded A Rising Tide, an initiative dedicated to cultivating leadership and increasing the visibility of Asian and Pacific Islanders working in design for the built environment. This endeavor highlights her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering underrepresented voices within the industry.
While Christina and Ming are trained architects who have worked on large and complex buildings like international Apple stores and museums like the California Academy of Sciences, they joined IIDA because they believed that design at the human scale is essential.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Stanford University
Master of Science, Design-Construction Integration, Stanford University
Masters or Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design
Ravi Rao, LEED AP Associate | Lead Interior Designer | Taylor Design
With over 18 years of experience in the field, Ravi Rao profoundly understands the importance of empathy in creating meaningful spaces. As an Associate and Lead Interior Designer at Taylor Design, Ravi’s approach revolves around a thoughtful and human-centered process, recognizing that design goes beyond aesthetics and encompasses the user’s mental and emotional experience. This perspective is particularly crucial in his work on healthcare projects, where design can significantly impact healing.
In addition to his innate empathy in design, Ravi embraces a distinctive leadership style that encompasses reflection, compassion, and a global mindset, all while prioritizing the team. Often described as a “quiet leader,” Ravi’s natural curiosity and ability to delve beneath the surface bring stability and purpose to the intricate intersection of people and space.
Ravi’s journey into the design world traces back to a young age when he felt a deep calling toward the designer role. Although initially unnamed, this passion was nurtured by his family and friends. Eventually, his curiosity led him to pursue architecture school and enter the realm of architecture and interior design. However, only recently did Ravi discover the perfect fit for his talents, thanks to someone who recognized his potential before he did. Reflecting on his own experiences, Ravi emphasizes the significance of looking out for those around us within our community and helping them reach their full potential. He attributes his growth and success to the guidance of mentors who played a vital role in shaping his career trajectory.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture, Iowa State University
MBA Design Strategy – Design, Business Administration, Management & Operations, California College of the Arts, California College of the Arts
Vismaya’s passion for art and design ignited at a young age, leading her to pursue a degree in Architecture for her undergraduate studies. Growing up, her father worked in the wood and millwork industry, exposing her to his work with architects and artisans. She watched various forms of design through his work in the built environment and the details he worked on with skilled woodworkers. These experiences grew her curiosity about design and her appreciation for the craft.
Her desire to delve deeper into interiors motivated her to pursue a Master’s in Interior Architecture. With a strong focus on user experience and sustainable design practices, Vismaya is dedicated to contributing thoughtful and meaningful work. Her comprehensive background in Architecture and Interior Architecture and her expertise in designing for diverse cultural contexts allow her to bring a unique perspective to her projects.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Vismaya finds joy in various activities. She embraces the opportunity to travel, nurtures her digital art skills, and constantly explores the evolving forms of design. These experiences not only broaden her creative horizons but also shape her approach to design, infusing it with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Throughout her educational journey, Vismaya discovered the immense value of her involvement with IIDA. From attending events and competitions to accessing valuable resources, IIDA has played a significant role in her growth as a designer. It has allowed her to connect with the local design community and comprehensively understand the collective work required to drive the industry forward.
Vismaya offers a valuable piece of advice to fellow professionals she received: to enjoy the creative process and remember how amazing it is to be able to do creative work every day.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture, Dayanand Sagar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India.
MA Interior Architecture, Suffolk University, Boston, MA.
California Bill Hearing Presents Changes to Interior Design Profession’s Statute, Pledges Future Collaboration with Commercial Interior Designers
Senator Richard Roth presents SB816 at an April hearing in Sacramento
This Spring, IIDA’s California Chapters joined together to evaluate and provide amendments to SB 816 which was heard and advanced by the Senate Business and Professions Committee this week.
Committee Chair, Senator Roth, presented the bill to his colleagues on the committee and concluded his remarks with a pledge to continue advancement in this area, noting “I look forward to continuing to work with commercial designers and others in this space to determine what additional changes may be necessary to ensure efficiency and the appropriateness of the Council’s [California Council for Interior Design Certification] work.”
In prior conversations with the B+P Committee’s consultants – staff who work year-round on regulation of professions and vocations – IIDA representatives learned the primary purpose of this bill is to align statute to current practice. This alignment includes the codification of the Commercial Designation for Certified Interior Designers which has been issued by the Council since 2017 but was not previously recognized in statute which contributed to confusion among design professionals and issues of stamp acceptance at local building departments.
As the preeminent professional association for commercial interior designers, IIDA supports the bill’s recognition of the commercial interior design specialty. Several other states also differentiate the work of interior designers this way including Utah which passed the State Certification of Commercial Interior Designers Act in 2016.
IIDA Lobbyist Ellon Madill speaks on behalf of IIDA at the hearing
IIDA also recommended minor clarifying language to committee consultants to ensure SB 816’s statutory updates do not contribute to confusion in the already-complex landscape of design professions in California. The clarifications included recommending that any further changes to the regulation of commercial interior designers should be brought to the Legislature for review, as is typical practice for regulating bodies of other professional boards who wish to make changes to requirements for education, testing, continuing education, etc.
Advocate designers as well as IIDA’s lobbyist team will continue to engage in the progress of SB 816 as it advances to the next phase of legislative review by the Senate Appropriations Committee for fiscal analysis. All legislative engagement by IIDA is rooted in the belief that regulated interior design is crucial for the public health, safety and welfare of all Californians and IIDA’s commitment to the ability of commercial interior designers to practice to the fullest extent possible.
