03.18.26

#AB1769 Lobby Day in Sacramento

Ahead of our hearing for AB1796 – the Licensed Commercial Interior Designer Practice Act, a group of fourteen advocates from IIDA SoCal and NorCal met at the capitol to discuss our bill with lawmakers and educate them on the important role interior designers play in the commercial design and construction industry. Our group was comprised of designers in all phases of their careers, from students to firm leadership, and represented the broad spectrum of commercial interior design, including industry partners, large firm CEOs, small business owners, and Certified Interior Designers. Joined by our lobbying teams at Full Moon Strategies and Gladfelty Government Relations, we met with over 20 legislators in a single day, many of whom were surprised to learn about the highly technical nature of commercial interior environments. Several designers brought along examples of their own work and walked through the subjects of egress, accessibility, and detailing with lawmakers who often “didn’t realize designers did plans.” Through these face-to-face meetings, our representatives were able to gain a clear understanding of commercial interior designers’ impact on public health, safety, and welfare and the current barriers we face in gaining access to our own industry.

That night, we regrouped at MTA (Miles Treaster Associates) in Sacramento for a public town hall event with the IIDA Sacramento City Center, where we answered questions about the technical details of the bill and heard personal stories from other designers who have been a part of this effort over the last 30 years. We even had a special guest, @asmcoreyjackson, who surprised us by swinging by the town hall to share his support for licensure!

To follow AB1796 on its journey and find out how you can help elevate interior designers in California, text “License” to (213) 931-7749 or email [email protected] / [email protected].