Meeting Public Comments

Jessica Reinert [American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter]

I am not in favor of this bill for several reasons: This bill will create additional, redundant regulation. Interior designers can already do a wide variety of projects by building use and size, exactly thesame as contractors completing projects that don't require engineers or architects. While Iowa is one of only 19 states that regulates the voluntary title of Registered InteriorDesigner, 21 other states do not regulate interior design at all. 2 of the remaining states requireinterior designers to register but do now allow stamping and sealing. This leaves only 8 statesthat allow stamping and sealing, and they do so with very specific limits based on building useand size. This bill would put Iowa in uncharted territory. The 8 states that grant interior designers a stamp and seal limit their work to a very select set of projects based on building use and size. This bill expands infinitely beyond that, putting Iowansat risk unlike any in any other state. This bill redefines interior design as including the production of drawings and specifications that require a stamp and seal, but attempts to allow unregistered and unqualified interior designersto continue providing interior design services. Either this will force all interior designers toregister or create a burden of confusion for consumers and building code enforcement officials. Current Iowa law defines when an architect or engineer is needed to take responsibility for aproject based on the project size and use. This is similar to other states. This bill speaks anotherlanguage allowing interior design of any size or use based on the hundreds of elements withinthe project. This bill will require an extensive rewrite of current Iowa law and enforcementguidelines, while burdening building code officials with more extensive and time consumingreviews. For buildings to be safe a designer must ensure that occupants can quickly and safely get fromthe furthest back corner out to the public right of way. Architects and engineers must take onthat responsibility and ensure this continuity. This bill cuts off an interior designer's responsibility at the stairs, ramps, and external doors, creating a dangerous discontinuity of safety. When building use or size change, the number of people inside changes, affecting the number, size, and distribution of stairs, ramps, external doors, etc. The definition of nonstructural given in this bill is in conflict with existing law, which states "Nonstructural alterations are defined as that which do not modify means of egress, handicapaccessible routes, fire resistivity or other life safety concerns. Plans or specifications whichinclude nonstructural alterations involving the use of material and products in a manner whichaffect life safety must be prepared by a licensed design professional." This bill states that interior designers will interpret code. This is not a power grated to anyprofessional. Code interpretation is exercised only by building code officials like the state firemarshal. Building code officials like the state fire marshal and building inspectors depend heavily on thetime tested expertise of architects and engineers to ensure that the projects they review andinspect will meet code. Building code officials may not have the same level of confidence ininterior designers because of they do not possess the same training and skills as architects andengineers, which could slow down their review process and construction.Please reach out to me if you have any questions, thank you for your time.Jessica Reinert

William Dikis [Architectural Strategies LLC]

I am a licensed architect, product of the 5 year professional degree B. Arch as well as M. Arch from ISU. i am opposed to SF 445 and HSB 238 as unnecessary and not in the public interest. As thenchair of the AIA Iowa Government Affairs Committee, I was deeply involved in the compromise with the interior design profession that agreed to the title act that is current Iowa law. Each of the provisions was very carefully and clearly negotiated and committed to by the two professions. I personally drafted much of the current language.The entire systems of education, examination, and training are distinctly different for the two professions, with much greater emphasis on technical and engineering in the fiveyear professional degree than that of the two, three or four year interior design curricula. The choice in one or the other career should not become merged years later for reasons of market segment and selfesteem.National trends have been to lessen unneeded licensing as roadblocks and contrary to the public interest, and interior design has been one of those often mentioned in that light. Interior designers have long been able to establish their legitimacy by passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) by passing their examination and becoming certified. Although certification is the best route in my opinion, Iowa architects were nevertheless accepting of the desire to also permit registration as a title act protection the title of Registered Interior Designer.Please leave Iowa Code Chapter 544C as it now exists. Thank you.