Brittany Bachteal, interior design senior and president of MSU’s Interior Design Student Organization, or IDSO, said she is frustrated by the fact that those who graduate with a degree are not recognized as experts in the field.

“What’s the point of going to school if you’re not recognized as a professional?” Bachteal said.

“Interior design is not just about picking out colors — there’s a lot more that goes into it.”

Sponsored by the Coalition for Interior Design Registration, or CIDR, Capitol Day 2011 was held to give students the opportunity to display their work and discuss the issue with legislators, said CIDR president Linda Thomas.

A representative from State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer’s office met with the students, but Whitmer was not able to be reached for comment.

Although the coalition already has tried several times, the coalition plans to introduce yet another bill that will require interior design professionals to be licensed or registered, proving they have received a degree from an accredited school.

Currently, 28 states require interior design professionals to acquire a license.

This change would differentiate those who received a degree in interior design from those who are untrained in the field, Thomas said.

“(Interior designers) will need to provide documents showing their credentials,” she said. “They must have the necessary skill sets to practice interior design as a licensed professional.”

Interior design instructor and IDSO student advisor Kristy Kellom said the situation is unfortunate for interior design graduates wishing to stay and work in the state.

“This legislation is necessary for the sake of the careers of those who want to stay in Michigan,” Kellom said. “We need the support from legislators to move forward with this proposal.”

Interior design senior Molly Johnson said she eventually plans to move to a state that requires interior designers to obtain a license.

“Michigan is not educated on the differences between designers and decorators,” Johnson said.
“There’s imposters — it’s hard to work in an area with someone who has no training.”

Although Bachteal said she has decided to stay in Michigan after graduation, she knows other students are planning to move out of the state to pursue their careers as licensed professionals.

“Right now, a lot of students don’t see the incentive to stay in the state,” Bachteal said.

“We want to keep jobs in Michigan to help the economy, but without support and recognition … it’s hard to make that decision.”