FEDA FOCUSES ON INTERIOR DESIGN REGULATION BATTLE

Legislation that would inhibit foodservice equipment dealers from practicing, or in some cases bidding on, interior design work continues to land in state legislatures. Much of the momentum is due to a 30-year legislative lobbying effort by the American Society of Interior Designers to require all interior designers be licensed for the “public’s health and safety,” with credentials identical to those needed to become a "professional." Last fall, ASID encouraged its members to introduce bills in every state. Since the beginning of the year, 18 bills which would impact interior designers have already surfaced. Bills have been proposed in at least six states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association is playing a central role in communicating information, and will throw a spotlight on the issue at its Spring Conference, March 30-April 3, in Phoenix. FEDA is a member and supporter of the Interior Design Protection Council, the nation’s leading advocacy group protecting the rights and livelihoods of those working in the interior design industry. Since 2006, the group has successfully defeated more than 100 bills in 21 states that would have expanded or enacted new anti-competitive interior design regulations. IDPC director Patti Morrow will speak at next week’s FEDA meeting on the council’s efforts.

Links on the licensing issues and information about each state’s particular situation are at feda.com and at idpcinfo.org.”””