SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Interior Designers Celebrate Practice Rights in Illinois

On Tuesday, October 4th, the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID-IL) and the Illinois Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA-IL), celebrated the passing of HB4715; a practice rights bill signed into law on June 10th, 2022 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. This legislation establishes a robust slate of practice rights for Interior Designers in Illinois and confirms that interior design work positively impacts lives in the built environment. Interior Designers who qualify, will be able to stamp and seal documents for permitting.

 

On Tuesday, October 4th, the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID-IL) and the Illinois Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA-IL), celebrated the passing of HB4715; a practice rights bill signed into law on June 10th, 2022 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. This legislation establishes a robust slate of practice rights for Interior Designers in Illinois and confirms that interior design work positively impacts lives in the built environment. Interior Designers who qualify, will be able to stamp and seal documents for permitting.

Legislators, chapter members and supporters were welcomed atop the Grand Stair of Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart at Marshall’s Landing, theMART’s center for socializing, gathering, and dining. Guests enjoyed spectacular views of the Chicago River as they toasted this historic piece of interior design legislation. 

 

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Interior Designers in Illinois. We have been advocating for our rights and abilities for decades. As Registered Interior Designers, we possess the knowledge, education, practical experience, and nationally recognized examination to be the protectors of public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. With the passing of HB4715, we are finally being acknowledged for our qualifications with the ability to independently sign and seal construction documents for permit. The interior design industry is an economic force within the United States and this profession is 75% female with over 80% small business owners. These new rights advance women’s economic empowerment and support equity and equality in the workforce. ASID-IL is incredibly grateful to everyone who helped pass this historic piece of legislation and we were honored to celebrate this achievement with the IIDA-IL Chapter, our Bill Sponsors, Legislators, Advocacy Partners, and design community.” 

-Sarah Schwuchow, ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, RID 

ASID Illinois Chapter President

See the gallery below for photos from the celebration!


 

Stay tuned for more updates on Interior Design legislation in Illinois. Thank you again for your support!

 
 
 
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Announcing Practice Rights for Registered Interior Designers in Illinois!

Our Bill has become a Law!

Over the last year, you may have seen messages from our team asking for your support for interior design rights in Illinois. We are excited to announce that with your assistance, our bill has become a law!

On June 10th 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this into law this historic piece of legislation that establishes practice rights for Registered Interior Designers in Illinois and confirms that interior design work positively impacts lives in the built environment.

What does this mean?

  • Amends the Registered Interior Design Act in Illinois

  • Provides a Seal for Registered Interior Designers (RID)

  • RID’s can stamp their own design plans for non-structural construction

  • Acknowledges the crucial role Interior Designers play in protecting occupant health, safety, and welfare

Who lead the initiative?

  • Introduced and sponsored by Representative Margaret Croke (D) in the House of Representatives and by Senator Laura Fine (D) in the Senate

  • ASID IL and IIDA IL Chapter Leaders, Members, and Legislators

  • CIDQ (Council for Interior Design Qualification)

Who will regulate this Practice Act?

  • The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

When will the new law take effect?

  • January 1st 2023


 

Stay tuned for more updates on Interior Design legislation in Illinois. Thank you again for your support!

 
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Renew Your Illinois Interior Design License - Expires August 31st!

Registered Interior Designers in Illinois (RID): You must renew your active license before it expires on August 31, 2019. Once renewed, licenses are good for two years and always expire on odd years. Read the step by step instructions here on how to renew your Interior Design License today.

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Registered Interior Designers in Illinois (RID): You must renew your active license before it expires on August 31, 2019. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is moving away from sending paper based renewal notifications and will only be sending electronic notifications.

Make sure your renewal notice email does not get lost in your inbox! Search for an email from FPR.Notice@illinois.gov with the subject line as “Interior Designer Renewal Notice”. This email contains your license number and pin number that you will need to renew your license.

To check if your license is active, click the link below, select INTERIOR DESIGN and enter your name.

https://ilesonline.idfpr.illinois.gov/DFPR/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

All Interior Design licenses will expire on August 31, 2019 if not renewed! Once renewed, licenses are good for two years and always expire on odd years.

If you have any questions or concerns about the renewal process, contact the Department at 1 (800) 560-6420 or send a message here.


8 Steps to Renew Your License Today

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1. Visit the IDFPR website http://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/defaultSSL.asp

2. Select the BLUE box “Professions Currently in Renewal”

3. Click “Interior Designer”

4. Click the GREEN box “Credit Card - Internet Renewal”

5. Scroll down and click “Continue”

6. You will need to enter your License Number and Pin Number. You can find this in the email that was sent to you from FPR.Notice@illinois.gov with the subject “Interior Designer Renewal Notice”. If you can’t find your pin number, you can enter your social security number or date of birth.

7. Submit your payment. The Interior Design Renewal fee is $60.00, plus applicable processing fees, and is good for 2 years. Payments are non-refundable.

8. You will receive a confirmation email once your payment has been submitted. It generally takes 2 business days for the renewal processing. Once updated, print and save a copy of your renewed license, as the IDFPR is no longer mailing paper licenses.

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What is Interior Design?

Whenever I meet someone new, I always get the question “So what does an Interior Designer actually do?” Here’s my response: “Look around this room, what do you see?

Whenever I meet someone new, I always get the question “So what does an Interior Designer actually do?”

Here’s my response: “Look around this room, what do you see? Someone had to select and layout these ceiling light fixtures, place those EXIT signs and sprinkler heads, select all the furniture and arrange it in a way that a wheel chair could pass by, specify this specific flooring material and make sure it meets slip resistance standards so you won’t fall, select that drapery fabric and make sure it meets fire code standards so that it doesn’t contribute to flame spread if the room were to catch fire.” The list goes on and on. Anytime you are in a space, it was someone’s job to specify and design every little component and make sure it meets applicable building codes, all while understanding design aesthetics on a scientific and artistic level. That’s what an Interior Designer does.

An Interior Designer can be your partner, your advocate and can help guide you through the decision making process; we help our clients realize their vision and create an environment that is uniquely theirs. It is important to involve an Interior Designer in the early stages of a project, as they can help you avoid costly mistakes, provide you with valuable resources, and help you find experts to execute the job on your timeline and budget.

The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) recently released an updated definition of Interior Design:

 

“Interior design encompasses the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in compliance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines for the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as allowed by law. Qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, interior designers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect consumers and occupants through the design of code-compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments that address well-being, while considering the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.”

 

While that may be a lot of technical jargon to sort through, the bottom line is that an Interior Designer is an all-encompassing profession when it comes to your space. I earned my NCIDQ certification in 2018 and take every effort to create aesthetic and functional solutions in my clients’ homes. I take the time to get to know my clients style, lifestyle, and emotional and physical needs. I take care of all the details that come along with an interior design project, making it as easy as possible for my clients: understanding applicable building codes, project managing contractors, sourcing high-quality vendors, and executing the project down to the last detail.

 
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A common misconception is that an Interior Designer is the same as an interior decorator. While decorators have an eye for design and can create beautiful spaces, they lack the qualifications of education, experience, and the NCIDQ examination. Interior Designers combine artistic and technical solutions to create harmonious spaces, while also focusing on health, safety and welfare to enhance quality of life. Check out “What’s in Your Paint?” for a great example of how selecting the right paint can make all the difference in ensuring your families health and wellness.

Pinterest is fantastic way to find a style that you love, but to effectively recreate it by yourself in your own home is much more complicated than it looks. An Interior Designer can help you achieve a pin-worthy home that is sustainable, functional, and beautiful; but most importantly, it will be a reflection of you!

If you’re ready to start working on your dream home, schedule a design consultation today! No project to big or too small, I love helping my clients create a home that is uniquely theirs that they can experience to the fullest!

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