Will’s complete ignorance of the profession’s breadth and intricacy as it relates to health, safety, and welfare issues was not a complete surprise to industry veterans, as his impression is, sadly, typical of the general public’s. However, due to Will’s status and reach, the tireless volunteers that have been pursuing varying levels of interior design legislation around the country see yet one more steep step to climb when working to educate politicians and their constituents, otherwise known as consumers.

So what now” Speak up and speak out. Tell others about the value of educated, trained, and tested interior designers, not only as it relates to the psychological impact they have on people’s lives, but the vital role they play in the public’s physical well-being as well. Don’t just inform your clients, with whom you have an immediate vested interest, but also inform contractors, developers, builders, architects, engineers, friends, family, fellow organization members, etc. that interior designers take into consideration so much more than what affects the surface.

As I always say: No one knows what you want them to know until you tell them. So tell them.