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Is What We Do A Crime? According to ASID - it should be! Wall Street Journal - 4/1/08

Someone sent me this article link and I could NOT believe it when I read it - but it's true! Although there are those that we could argue should be "shot" for doing a poor job in the decorating, Staging, and design world, this is going to the extreme. We have blogged about "regulating" the industry based on skills - this is basing it solely on education and passing a test. Seems there is no happy medium . . . . yet.

For those that missed the article - I reference a couple of points - and you can link to http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120701341410579079.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries and read it online there.

The bottom line is that ASID - that I know has many wonderful designers in it - as a business entity is trying to eliminate competition from those that do not have the initials after their name. As the article points out, many of the designers out there do not bother to take the 2-day, $2,000 test for a license as it is "meaningless" (and expensive).

I found it most disconcerting that a state had already banned the giving of decorating advice (Alabama) even though it was retracted by the courts. IF we head this way or have an entity with much $$$ behind it pushing for legislation with the only agenda to drive others out of the market (not encourage a quality standard) that is a frightening thought.

- Jennie

Posted by Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP on 04/10/2008 07:06 PM

Comments (9)

home staging, education, training, staging, advice

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9 Comments on Is What We Do A Crime? According to ASID - it should be! Wall Street Journal - 4/1/08

APR

2008

Thanks for sharing that Jennie, that was extremely interesting and insightful to read.

What an intersting article. Glad you pointed it out to us. Heh, my niece complained she hurt her tailbone because I closed a toilet seat during the night and she sat down without expecting that! Maybe that is the proof they are looking for! HA!

Kim Dillon, Creative Eye Home Staging

Well, this is interesting. I know that if you don't have an Interior Design degree, you can legally get into lots of trouble if you use the term "design" in your title. I don't have this degree, mine is in Marketing. However, I do know that majority of the training in this field requires quite an extensive coverage of all the building codes and regulations so for building/remodeling purposes be it residential or commercial, this person is qualified to know what can and can not be done structurally. However, for those of us without this degree--we would be the "decorators" -- are limited to how far our advise goes. It's a shame to see them trying to limit the decorating part, that seems senseless. I understand the actual building, where to place the wiring, where to install plumbing, etc. is and can be "life" issues, so go for the ones practicing that without a license. But come on, leave the throw pillows and color consults out--that's just being greedy and wanting to create a monopoly.

My father has his own Interior Design firm he has owned for 30+ years. He carried his ASID license for years, but finally stopped paying the fee's. He said after awhile, your reputation carries you, and there was no need to keep up the ASID fee's, they seemed useless and pointless. I thought that was interesting coming from a veteran!!

We have turned away business and referred them to very reputable "Interior Designers" when their needs definitely needed architectural input. People just need to know what their limits are and stop there.

APR

2008

Yes - the article was quite interesting and what really resonated with me was that a court would actually listen to this ridiculous argument about only "licensed" designers being able to give advice about decorating or design in a home. Please. That would basically toss every friend that gives advice, people that are born with talent that give advice or set up a business, as "illegal." I think licensing is important for some industries where not doing a good job is actually detrimental to the house or homeowner, but really is stretching it for decorating, Staging, or Design because our recommendations related to design or decorating are not harmful.

And Julie - what you wrote about your Dad is what the article said - that many designers simply don't feel a need to keep paying high fees for something they don't use or need. It is not because they are not talented - or don't do a good job. - Jennie

Well, I only practice redesign, not design, which is why I don't make the big bucks! ;) I always say staging isn't brain surgery...but apparently, interior design is a matter of life and death!

Jennie,

Interesting article! I have found here in Southern California, there hasn't been so much of a fuss over ASID licensed designers and stagers or decorators. I think that people who hire Interior Designers are well aware of the difference and can differentiate between the two types of services. Perhaps the other states that were wanting laws passed to protect the Interior Designers are having a slow down in business and somehow feeling that stagers are taking a lot of their business away from them. But staging and full blown design services are two completely different things. As far as having laws to protect the Interior Design Industry, in my opinion is not necessary, but to the extreme of someone without their design license breaking the law for suggesting such a thing as a wall color or type of throw pillow is pushing it a little too far!

APR

2008

Very interesting Jennie, thanks for sharing!

APR

2008

ASID has been pushing this in our state for some time - this is an example of the power of a PAC and legislators with little to do. You can contact your State Representative and let them know how you want them to vote! And, it doesn't hurt to tell your State Rep that you are a registered voter and will remember their actions when it is time for their re-election.

MAY

2008

Jennie - Obviously the legislators have nothing of importance to do. Perhaps they should be required to take some training, pass an exam and be certified before they are allowed to run in an election. After they are elected they should be required to upgrade their knowledge by taking ongoing training at their own expense as we have to.

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