Announcements
ASID Appoints New Executive Vice President and CEP
[distributed to all Society members via direct email from ASID HQ on January 17, 2012; posted here January 19, 2012]
Dear ASID members:
This is a landmark moment in the history of ASID. I am delighted to be able to send this announcement to you.
Mr. Randy W. Fiser was selected and affirmed by the Board of Directors to serve ASID under the title of Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer.
Our profession faces tremendous opportunities and is in the midst of significant change. We are so pleased to have Randy’s innovative leadership experience at the helm of ASID.
His expertise in organizational development skills combined with his strategic business background will be of benefit to our members and the profession. I look forward to introducing Randy to our Chapter leaders and members in the upcoming months.
Randy brings to ASID an extensive background in leading organizational transformation in corporate, not-for-profit, and professional services industries. His innovative leadership expertise includes leading staff, boards, executives and stakeholders to design strategies, implement programs and measure performance to achieve organizational vision and goals.
He comes to ASID from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit education reform organization Achieve, where he served as vice president of management, finance and operations. He has previous experience as vice president of strategy for the Fannie Mae Foundation, as a Senior Advisor at the Make It Right Foundation, and as a senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of strategy, management and technology consulting. Randy also brings a unique point of view about the capacity of design to make a difference in people’s lives and professions. Working with the Make It Right Foundation, he shared his observation of the power of design as it added so much to the lives of the residents of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Randy is committed to lead ASID in its quest to raise awareness of the power of design to transform the human experience in all types of spaces.
Our national search task force sought a candidate that has visionary and innovative leadership skills. We sought an individual that would inspire staff as well as volunteers while having a strong communications and administrative background. Randy was unanimously chosen by the selection committee and approved by the ASID Board of Directors as the ideal fit for ASID from over 150 candidates. He has an MBA from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in counseling and human development from University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Arts in human resource management from Northern Arizona University.
Please join me in welcoming Randy to ASID. We all look forward to the exciting and meaningful work we have ahead of us!
Respectfully,
Lisa Henry, FASID
ASID President
ASID introduces Design Business Benchmarking to Members
[distributed to all Society members via direct email from ASID HQ on November 1, 2011; posted here November 1, 2011]
Wondering How to Help Your Business? Get Answers.
Is your business the best it can be? How would you know? Up to now, it’s been almost impossible to compare your interior design business to others. With the new Design Business Benchmarking service, exclusively from ASID, all that has changed. Forget spreadsheets. Easy to read charts and graphs let you see how your business stacks up and where you can make changes that will reduce your costs and improve your profitability.
Stop guessing and start improving your business today. Learn more at asid.org/dbb. To view a video demonstration, GO HERE.
Enter the 2012 ASID Design Awards
[distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on October 14, 2011; posted here November 1, 2011]
The entry period for the 2012 ASID Design Awards opens Oct. 15. The ASID Design Awards honor those who have made significant contributions toward the advancement of the profession, while exemplifying a commitment to enhancing quality of life through interior design. Submit your entry by Dec. 15 at asid.org/DesignAwards.
ASID introduces The Business Library to Members
[distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on August 26, 2011; posted here August 29, 2011]
ASID has teamed up with The Business Library to meet your business needs by providing answers to your most important big-dollar opportunities, concerns and questions. What’s my business worth? How do I increase my retirement money and income? When should I sell my business, and how do I negotiate the best deal? How do I prepare a financing proposal to get needed capital? How do I design a compensation package that gives me the most after-tax income? How can I assure business continuity, save personal and business taxes, increase and manage my cash flow, and build more wealth?
Visit the ASID Business Resource Library on our website and see how The Business Library answers those questions and many more, with actual case studies to lead you to the right decisions that pay off for you and your business today and for many years to come.
Through special arrangement with The Business Library, we are able to offer you some of their most popular resources for a fraction of the normal cost. ASID members pay only $12 for each report — a savings of $27 off the regular price.
GO HERE for a listing and description of all reports. We hope you take full advantage of The Business Library as a valuable new member benefit. Plus, check out the Practice & Business area of the website for more business resources.
ASID Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
[distributed to all Society members via ASID direct email on June 22, 2011; posted here June 23, 2011]
The American Society of Interior Designers takes great pride in our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as both a practice and a policy. It separates ASID members from all others, providing us with a unique value proposition. For those we work with or for, it becomes a matter of choice. That choice is to choose an ASID professional, one that is held to a higher standard.
Recently, a council of ASID volunteers updated the Code of Ethics and recommendations were made to and approved by the National Board. These changes updated the Code to reflect the legal, social and technological environments in which we practice today. It also updates the requirements needed to file a complaint against a fellow member.
It is extremely important that we as ASID members have sound business practices and ethical parameters. We ask that you take a few moments to review the newly revised Code of Ethics at www.asid.org/about/ethics. If you have any questions please contact Caitlin Lewis at clewis@asid.org.
More ASID News Online, Less Clutter in Your Inbox!
[distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on June 17, 2011; posted here June 20, 2011]
In an effort to provide streamlined Society news, updates and industry happenings, we will be transitioning ASID NewsFlash to a monthly format, with content geared toward your membership category. We will also be combining the Eye on Design and Eye on Design Business e-newsletters into a single, weekly Eye on Design news brief. Each issue will include a combination of design industry and business news articles. The new format will allow us to keep members current while reducing the number of emails from ASID. In addition, all the content will be accessible through the “ASID Mobile” App. Be on the lookout for these changes, beginning in July.
To stay on top of what’s going on in the ASID world, and the design world at large, be sure to check out our latest news outlet atASID.org/icon. Click the “news” tab and bookmark the page today!
A Message to Members from the ASID Staff
[distributed to all Society members via ASID direct email on May 9, 2011; posted here May 24, 2011]
Over the past several months, ASID and its members have been leading the effort against the attempted deregulation of commercial interior design in Florida. It is with great pleasure that we announce to you today [May 9, 2011] that House Bill 5005, the “Deregulation of Professions and Occupations” bill, was defeated in the Senate on Friday, May 6 by a resounding 32-6 vote.
[This] victory clearly benefits the thousands of registered interior designers across Florida. Their right to maintain hard-earned voluntary registration, that provides the opportunity to work in commercial settings, benefits all designers across the country.
Our success in Florida would not have been possible without the commitment from ASID’s members. To support our efforts in Florida, ASID’s team worked tirelessly to distill misinformation about our profession and to ensure legislators understood the value of commercial interior design registration.
While the defeat of H.B. 5005 stands as a clear victory for all interior designers, our fight in Florida and across the country is not done yet. Our profession will continue to be confronted by similar opposition, so we must remain vigilant against misinformation campaigns such as the ones we faced in Florida and stand behind one unified message. The future of professional interior design depends on it.
Thank you for your continued support of ASID and the interior design profession.
Sincerely,
Don Davis, ASID Director of Government and Public Affairs
Caitlin Lewis, Manager of Government and Public Affairs
Tom Kaczmarek, Manager of Government and Public Affairs
Going Mobile! Introducing Our New ASID Mobile App for the iPhone
[distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on April 29, 2011; posted here April 29, 2011]
If you are an iPhone user, you can now access the ASID Product Finder, website and design news stories through your phone. Go to the App Store on iTunes and search “ASID Mobile” to download the free App. The App also includes contact information for ASID Customer Service and a “member card” where you can store your membership number and login information.
And while you are getting connected, check out the new ASID ICON portal at http://icon.asid.org/ and follow us on Twitter@asidicon for design news you can use.
A Message to Members from the ASID President
[distributed to all Society members via a direct email from ASID on April 25, 2011; posted here April 26, 2011]
As you are aware, over the past several weeks ASID and its members have been actively working against the attempt to deregulate commercial interior design in Florida. I wanted to take a brief moment to share with you recent developments in the Florida Legislature and steps we at ASID are taking to protect the rights of our colleagues in the Sunshine State.
On April 7, the House passed House Bill 5005, the “Deregulation of Professions and Occupations” bill. Because the Senate refused to concur with the language of the bill, the measure currently awaits consideration in Conference Committee. H.B. 5005 can only pass if both the House and Senate agree on the final language.
Although the bill is still very much alive, the Senate’s refusal to pass H.B. 5005 in its current form has opened an opportunity for interior designers to still be removed from the bill. ASID has enlisted the support of a respected team of Florida-based lobbyists with a history of success and a communications firm that is second to none to help with our efforts.
Together, we have been working tirelessly over the past three weeks to craft a clear and unified message to targeted legislators to remove interior designers from the bill. Significant progress continues to be made by our team in Florida, but the next two weeks will be critical in this fight.
If you have not already done so, we encourage you to watch our new video titled: Interior Design Deregulation in Florida: The Real Impact on You. Featuring our own Don Davis, ASID Director of Government and Public Affairs, the video aims to clear the water on the truth behind how deregulating interior design in Florida would hurt the consumer, the profession and the Florida economy as a whole.
We will keep you informed as we receive further updates from Tallahassee. Thank you for your continued support of ASID and the interior design profession.
Michael Thomas, FASID – 2011 ASID President
Announcing Daily Promotions Dedicated Solely to the Interior Design Industry
[distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on April 22, 2011; posted here April 26, 2011]
Are you looking for the latest exclusive promotions for Interior Design professionals direct from top suppliers within the interior design industry? Do you ever wish you could find one spot that had the latest discounts, specials, and closeouts on products and services you purchase every day?
Announcing the launch of Daily Exclusive Promotions within the ASID Interior Design Product Finder. The amazing Daily Promotions within the ASID Interior Design Product Finder include everything Interior Design Professionals need, all with a special discount.
To access these exclusive promotions, CLICK HERE.
Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) Poised for Success in Continuing Education Accreditation Efforts
Three Associations Partner; Director Named to Head New Organization [distributed to all Society members via ASID's NewsFlashe-newsletter on March 22, 2011; posted here March 24, 2011]
ASID, Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) are pleased to formally announce a partnership among the three design organizations to create an accrediting body for interior design continuing education. They will formalize and centralize what is currently a voluntary, decentralized consortium known as the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).
It is the mission of IDCEC to serve as the premier advocate for continuing education in the advancement of the interior design profession, and to inspire and guide providers of continuing education programs to deliver high-quality lifelong learning activities for interior design practitioners. Under the direction of newly hired IDCEC Director Brynell D’Mello, a small staff will be selected and board of directors chosen as the organization works to centralize records/files and convert them to a web-based, data-driven infrastructure.
To read the full press release, CLICK HERE.
Call for Entries: Made in the Shade – Design in Motion
A Design Competition for Drapery Fabrics sponsored by Dwell Magazine & Lutron®, ASID Industry Partner [posted March 18, 2011]
In this design competition, Dwell and Lutron® challenge you to create a custom fabric design for Lutron’s Kirbé® vertical drapery system—a shading solution that seamlessly moves the treatment up and down, all the while maintaining fabric pleats. We want you to call upon the raucous mid-century prints by now-boldface names—Knoll, Day, Eames—as your inspiration. The grand prize winner’s pattern will become a standard offering in Lutron’s collection of fabrics. The grand prize winner will receive $4,000 worth of Lutron product and their winning design will be showcased at Dwell on Design, on dwell.com, and will become a featured selection in Lutron’s internationally sold collection of soft fabrics! Four finalists will also receive recognition. The deadline for entries is MARCH 31, 2011. GO HERE for the Official Rules, and GO HERE to find out how to submit and to see the latest submissions.
ASID Fact Sheets Supporting Professional Opportunities for Designers
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via direct email message on March 7, 2011; posted March 8, 2011]
In the last several weeks, ASID has noted that several special interest groups have spread mistruths about ASID’s legislative policy and ASID’s efforts to provide professional opportunities for designers. To assist you in responding to misinformation and to help members better understand ASID’s public policy positions, the government affairs team has posted several documents in the “Understanding the Issues” section of ASID.org. The documents can be reviewed and downloaded via this link:http://www.asid.org/legislation/issues.
ASID believes that laws, regulation and legislation that open new practice opportunities for designers should be supported. Designers who become registered, licensed or certified do not limit others from practicing, but open new areas to the entire profession. This legal process is no different from state regulations for architects, engineers, accountants or the hundreds of other professions that are subject to professional licensure regulation. Thank you for your support of the interior design profession.
For more information, please contact Director of Government and Public Affairs at ASID, Don Davis at (202) 675-2344 orddavis@asid.org.
ASID Declares Locke vs. Shore Decision a Victory for Florida Businesses and Interior Design Community: Circuit Court Upholds Florida’s Interior Design Licensure
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via direct email message on March 7, 2011; posted March 7, 2011]
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and its members support the United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit on its decision this week to uphold the State of Florida’s interior design statute. The Court unanimously affirmed last year’s District Court decision that Florida’s licensing requirement for interior designers practicing in commercial settings is constitutional. The statute does not prevent any designer from performing the work they currently do but expands the scope of work for those who meet additional requirements. Interior designers practicing in residential settings in Florida may do so without a license.
“We are very pleased that the Court upheld the state’s interior design statute,” said Director of Government and Public Affairs at ASID, Don Davis. “This decision ensures Floridians will continue to benefit from the high quality of services the interior design community provides.” In a well reasoned opinion, the Court rejected, among other things, the Appellants’ contention that the Florida legislature’s safety concern does not provide a rational basis for the license requirement. Believing in Florida’s right to maintain and enforce legislation that serves to protect the public safety and consumers, ASID filed an Amicus Curiae Brief with the Court in support of the proposition that Florida had a rational basis for regulating commercial interior designers. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification, which administers the national qualifying examination recognized by the state, also submitted an Amicus Curiae Brief in support of the state’s position.
For more information, please contact Director of Government and Public Affairs at ASID, Don Davis at (202) 675-2344 orddavis@asid.org.
ASID Texas Update: Chapter Facebook Page
A Message from the ASID Texas Chapter [posted May 25, 2010]
We are getting on the social media bandwagon and connecting with all levels of members – interior designers, educators, students and industry partners – via our new ASID Texas Chapter Facebook page. Be sure to “Like” us – it’s just one more way to keep informed about all of the wonderful things ASID has to offer. To find our Facebook page, go here.
ASID Notice: Fraudulent Resume Emails on the Rise
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on May 14, 2010; posted here May 20, 2010]
At a time when graduating students and emerging professionals are electronically sending their resumes to prospective employers, fraudulent emails requesting employment consideration have been detected. Several ASID members have received such emails, in which the resume attachments contain viruses that may damage your computer. Take the necessary steps to separate your resume from fraudulent requests. ASID recommends that you:
• Call in advance to obtain correct contact information.
• Send a personal greeting, as opposed to something generic.
• Send a preliminary email, as a “heads up” to the recipient.
Employers, if you have experienced any suspicious e-mail correspondence, please contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ic3.gov or (877) 382-4357.
ASID Praised As “Man in the Arena”
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via direct email message on March 24, 2010; posted March 25, 2010]
An industry publication, Office Insight, recently applauded the Florida court decision in the article titled “Interior Design: Victorious in Florida”. The court ruling was handed down in early February upholding the interior design practice act. Brad Powell, author of the mentioned article, has credited ASID for its legislative efforts. “ASID has kept its mind open and, fighting the slings and arrows of sometimes outrageous fortune and accusations, has emerged the victor and deserves the gratitude of the profession as a whole.”
To read the article in its entirety, click here to download the PDF document. For more information on the Florida lawsuit visit www.asid.org and click on the tab Legislation & Advocacy. If you have any questions or comments please contact the Government and Public Affairs department at gpa@asid.com.
Call for Entries: Kravet & Traditional Home Student Design Competition
A Message from the ASID Texas Chapter [posted January 15, 2010]
Kravet, Industry Partner ASID, is proud to partner with Traditional Home for Kravet Your Room, a digital design contest for interior design students. Beginning on January 15th the contest will be promoted through Traditional Home’s website, Kravet’s website, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
As always, students are welcome to visit the showrooms for inspiration and additional information about our products. However, the design process will be totally digital. Students will use virtual design tools to style a room with Kravet furniture, fabrics, carpets and accessories. The emphasis of the contest will be on the kravetsmart line of furniture and fabrics.
The winning room will appear in Traditional Home magazine and will be promoted online. The winning design student will receive a kravetsmart chair upholstered with the kravetsmart fabric of his or her choice, valued at $2,400, and a $100 American Express gift card. Five design students will receive Honorable Mention awards. Their designs will appear on Traditional Home’s website, and they will receive $100 American Express gift cards.
The contact for questions is Ann Feldstein, Sr. Director of Marketing Communications for Kravet/Lee Jofa: 516-293-2000 ext. 2726.
ASID Notice: “Robocall” Vendor Not Associated With ASID
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on November 20, 2009; posted here November 23, 2009]
ASID has recently become aware of a California-based online vendor of Asian furniture that is placing “robocalls” (i.e., automated phone calls) to the ASID membership in which they apparently state that these calls are in “conjunction with ASID.” Please note that it is ASID policy that we do not give out or sell members’ phone numbers at any time to any third-party organization. ASID has no relationship at all with this specific company, as they are not and have never been an Industry Partner member of ASID. If you become aware of any such activity, please let ASID headquarters know at membership@asid.org.
ASID Notice: NAHB Votes on Recommendation
A Message from ASID [distributed via ASID's NewsFlash electronic newsletter on November 2, 2009; posted here November 2, 2009]
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently passed a recommendation opposing “legislation that would restrict the ability of NAHB members to practice interior design in the normal pursuit of their residential construction and remodeling businesses.” Please know that ASID will not advocate for legislation that restricts interior design practice or services currently provided. Further, existing and proposed interior design legislation does not impact residential design practices or services, and ASID will continue to only support legislation that does not adversely affect homebuilders and other businesses in residential settings. In fact, ASID believes that interior design legislation creates more choices for interior designers and consumers and, in turn, decreases construction and service costs. The NAHB recommendation, which we understand to be non-binding to its groups at the state and local level, would not be impacted by ASID-supported legislation. ASID sent a letter to NAHB emphasizing that the Society will continue to ensure that ASID-supported legislation will not negatively impact homebuilders or their businesses. To read the letter, go to www.asid.org/legislation. ASID and NAHB share a long history of working together, and ASID hopes to strengthen that relationship in the future. Learn more by going here.
ASID Notice: ASID Updates Membership Numbers
A Message from ASID [distributed via ASID's Twitter page and Facebook group page October 12, 2009; posted here October 12, 2009]
Like most associations and the interior design industry as a whole, the American Society of Interior Designers is feeling the affects of a strained economy, having experienced a 10 percent drop in membership over the past fiscal year, which ended September 30. While the membership drop reflects the effects that the downturn has had on the interior design industry, it is actually low compared to industry averages. Read the full story and how ASID is working to ensure value to members by going here.
Notice: Green Building Certificate Program
A Message from the ASID Texas Chapter [posted September 24, 2009]
St. Edward’s University Professional Education Center located in northwest Austin is partnering with Colorado State University–Pueblo’s distinguished Green Building Certificate distance learning program. This 8-week program helps prepare building professionals for the LEED® Green Associate exam, thus helping them achieve certification that distinguishes them in their field. The certificate program is directed by Larry Grosse, Emeritus Head of the Department of Construction Management at CSU–Pueblo, which is a nationally recognized leader in construction management education and green building. The certificate program is geared to:
• Design professionals — interior, landscape, architectural
• Contractors and builders, planners and commissioners
• Facility managers and stakeholders
• Built environment engineers and decision-makers
Classes will take place on Thursday nights between Oct. 1–Nov. 19 (8 weeks) from 6:30pm-10:00pm at St. Edward’s University Professional Education Center, 9420 Research Blvd., Bldg. III. Go here to find out more information, go here to download a press release about the program, and go here to download information explaining how ASID members can receive a $120 discount on tuition.
ASID Notice: Scam Artists
A Message from ASID [distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on July 31, 2009; posted here July 31, 2009]
ASID Headquarters has recently been informed of several instances in which ASID practitioner members have been contacted via email or telephone by scam artists posing as potential clients. Click here (PDF download) to view a sample of the communications received by our members. These scam artists commonly pose as serviceman returning from Iraq or someone from a foreign country, and many times, they propose alternative payment schemes due to relocating or traveling. Like many scams, the problem arises when the scam artist asks the interior designer to handle financial matters by depositing what turns out to be a fraudulent check and sending a portion of the money immediately to another person or organization. Communications often contain a lot of very convincing detail, ask that you charge their credit card, make a payment and retain a portion as a deposit for your work. Please don’t fall prey to this attempt to defraud you. Go here for a more detailed account on ASID’s Facebook page, which also contains information on what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
ASID Texas Update: Amended Texas Interior Design Title Act
A Message from the ASID Texas Chapter [posted May 14, 2009]
On May 12, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed bill HB 1484 into law, amending the Texas Interior Design Title act from a “Naked” one to that of a “Qualified” one. It became effective immediately. To understand the history of this issue, go here.
ASID Update: Regarding ASID & IIDA Merging
A Message from ASID Headquarters [distributed to all Society members via ASID's Eye on Design e-newsletter on May 8, 2009, as well as in a direct e-mail to all Society members on May 8, 2009; posted here May 8, 2009]
As we reported to you last fall, the boards of ASID and IIDA met to initiate talks on ways to advance the interior design profession, including how our organizations could better collaborate and whether there was merit in exploring a possible merger of the two organizations at some time in the future. After deliberation, the IIDA board recently released a statement that it did not support merging with ASID at this time. [To access a PDF file of this statement, please click here.]
ASID respects this decision and welcomes the opportunity to work with IIDA on issues that affect our members and the profession as a whole. As IIDA affirmed, both organizations recognize the inherent and real need for increased collaboration on issues in the profession, and we are proud to acknowledge that we are moving forward with these intentions. If you have any further questions on this matter, please e-mail feedback@asid.org.
