With legislation that impacts the design profession under consideration across the country, interior designers are taking their message to Capitol Hill on April 15 as a part of their annual Legislative Symposium hosted by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
“Interior design is a highly skilled and licensed profession. We realize many of our lawmakers may not fully understand the vital role of a professional designer during new construction or renovations of residential, commercial, and public properties,” said Jim Brewer, ASID vice president of government and public affairs.
During this two-day event on April 14 and 15, a strategic network of interior designers will interact and engage with lawmakers to ensure they are properly educated about the design profession. Designers also will update their advocacy skills and receive the latest news about key legislation affecting them on and off Capitol Hill. In addition, attendees will meet with representatives from the Architect of the Capitol to learn about the exterior and interior work on the Capitol dome and how interior designers are involved in various projects in the House and Senate office buildings.
"Comprehension of why and how issues ranging from tax reform, energy, business regulations, and even homeland security affect interior designers is most likely not on the radar of our lawmakers," added Brewer. "We fully understand that because we know how quickly this will change once our industry arrives on the Hill.”
ASID is also hosting the 2015 Design to Lead Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 13. It is designed to provide emerging leaders with the skills they need to succeed as they advance in their careers. Attendees will gain an introduction to key leadership competencies and expand their networks as they learn from the diverse experiences of leadership experts via keynotes, panel discussions, interactive breaks, and a closing reception.
For more information or to register, go to: https://www.asid.org/event/legislative-symposium#.VRxqiPnF8qs.