contributed by Pamela J. Krisan, ASID [President / Owner of 0,0 Defining Space] 

Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.
— Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister / Novelist (1804–1881)

Lately I’ve become keenly aware of bullies and the programs designed to prevent their intimidation. I am impressed with my children’s schools, which have not only addressed this issue, but have also instituted proactive programs with clear protocols on how to report a bully. I can’t help but think how lucky my children are to have a solution for dealing with this issue. These programs allow anonymous reporting and bullying gets cut off at the pass. It is wonderful to know that my children can focus on their studies and not be distracted by someone’s behavioral problems.

Bullies are always cowards at heart and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.
— Anna Julia Cooper, American Teacher / Writer (1858–1964)

I’m sure you’re wondering exactly what the subject of bullies has to do with interior design. Well, I find myself pondering the thought of bullies every time I need to get a set of plans or an electronic (a.k.a. computer aided design / CAD) file from an architect or take construction documents to a building department for permitting.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told that I’m not allowed to submit drawings because I’m an interior designer. But I always politely request a copy of the legislation, ordinance, law, statute, or subchapter that states I cannot do so. Each and every time, the building department has been unable to produce such a document, and I have followed through with my submission. Once a city, town, or village has gone through this process with me a few times, they leave me alone to pursue business.

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.
— Harvey S. Firestone, American Industrialist / Founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. (1868–1938)

Often I receive this same treatment from architects. Recently, I bid on a 7,500 square foot job against a local architect. He had already done some work on the building and was in possession of the CAD file, so once I was hired, I had to get it from him. When I requested the file, the architect began to lecture me about going outside my legal scope and on the fact that I could not do a project over 5,000 square feet. I politely told him that I was on top of the legislation that regulates interior designers and architects, but that if he could provide me with the appropriate subchapter and/or rules and regulations, I would certainly concede.

He referred me to Subchapter H of the state set of rules governing design professionals, which I immediately researched on the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners [TBAE] website. I discovered no such regulation even existed and informed him that the website might not be up to date. The architect did some additional research and then called me to state, “Oh, that particular rule has not been passed yet,” before finally forwarding the CAD file to me.

When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet / Lecturer / Essayist (1803–1882)

Certainly, I hope that one day the perception of our profession will go far beyond “pillow fluffing.” Generally speaking, the public – along with some professional architects and engineers – is not aware that interior designers are specialized in interiors, from programming and space planning, right through to construction documents and permits. To be an interior designer, we are educated and tested on interior products, building and fire codes, accessibility issues, and so much more.

What I have learned through all of this is that somehow a generation of professionals has not learned that bullying is inappropriate. I also learned there is no recognized solution for handling professional bullies. Ultimately, my advice to all interior designers is simply this:

• when encountering a bully, work through their misperceptions in a calm and professional manner
• do your best to stay on top of the rules and regulations
• conduct your business in a way that is legal and ethical
• educate everyone around you about the scope of an interior designer’s capabilities

It’s true: knowledge is indeed power.