September 2014



: : 
President's Note : :
 

   

The advent of Fall signals change, and for our Chapter, that means the changing of the guard.  On October 1st the new board will take over under the adept leadership of Corinn Soro - you'll be hearing from her next month. It has been an exciting and busy year, as we have continued our ongoing effort to re-examine our communications and procedures, and to make these more relevant to our chapter's designers. 
Your input is always welcome!

 

There was good news the Interior Designer Profession last month when Governor Deval Patrick signed into Massachusetts law the Interior Design Bidding Bill H.4303.  This established the right of designers to bid as the prime contractor on state contracts and recognizes the profession of interior design within the state of Massachusetts.  ASID and its members played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation, which removes unfair restrictions that had prevented Massachusetts interior designers from competing for code-impacted design work in the state.

 

I'm happy to see some of the legislative battles that ASID has been fighting for being won, and am optimistic that we will be having more positive news along these lines in the future.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your Chapter President over the last year.  Thank you for the opportunity!

 

Sincerely,

 

Cathy Emilian

President, New York Upstate/Canada East Chapter of ASID

 

PS: 

Here is my last push as president:  Join us in celebrating the year and our Design Awards Winners at the Fall event on September 13th and 14th.  - we have a great program, as well as a raffle to support the ASID Foundation. For more information: http://asidnyuce.org/events/a-taste-of-the-finger-lakes/ ,  http://www.asidfoundation.org/ASID_Foundation.html


 

 PRESS RELEASE RE: 
Massachussets Interior Bidding Bill

New Law Expands Interior Design Practice Rights in Massachusetts
ASID plays pivotal role in ending unfair labor restrictions for interior designers

 

Washington, D.C. (Aug. 21, 2014) | Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts has signed into law the Interior Design Bidding Bill H. 4303, which establishes the right of designers to bid as the prime contractor on state contracts and recognizes the profession of interior design within the state of Massachusetts. The new law also establishes a defined scope of work for designers, opening up opportunities for qualified design professionals to compete for design work in code-impacted spaces. The new law takes effect 90 days from today.

 

"This is a monumental victory not only for members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), but also for the profession as a whole," said ASID Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Don Davis. "This law allows designers to expand their businesses, utilize their skills to make a lasting impact on state-initiated design and construction projects, and to benefit the state's economy."

 

ASID and its members played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation, which removes unfair restrictions that had prevented Massachusetts interior designers from competing for code-impacted design work in the state.

 

ASID and its members applaud Gov. Patrick and the Massachusetts Legislature for their support on this issue. For more information on ASID Government and Public Affairs efforts, please contact gpa@asid.org.

 

*************
 

Cathy

The following companies have helped make this happen through generous donations and sponsorship:
     
 
 
 

INTERIOR DESIGN WORKSHOPS AT VILLA MARIA:


 

Natalia Albul, Assistant Professor in the Interior Design program at Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY will be the Instructor. 


 

The workshop will be held at Villa Maria College, 240 Pine Ridge Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14225 on the following dates and time:     September 10th           5pm-9pm 

  September 12th           3pm-7pm

                        Professional: Practicum

 

   September 20th           9am-12pm   IDFX (Student/Professional)    September 20th           1pm-4pm                 IDPX (Professional)   


 

 

There is a fee to attend.  Lunch and exam supplies are provided. To register contact: Connie Broniszewski @716-961-1815
"American Society of Interior Designers Appoints Key Senior Staff
ASID restructures to strengthen its support of members and industry"

For additional info go here:
If Interior Design Is Your Passion, Then Don't Miss GO PRO/NYC September 18-19!
 

Be Part of GoPro/NYC!

 

Registration is now open for one of ASID's most exciting events for emerging professionals, set to take place September 18-19 in New York. Space for Go Pro/ NYC is limited and is slated to sell out. Registration includes access to all conference sessions, as well as networking receptions with refreshments.

 

This year's speakers include, among others:

  • Krista Ninivaggi, Allied ASID, founder, K & Co., Contact Magazine's Designer of the Year, 2014;
  • Interior Design editor-in-chief Cindy Allen  - and have your portfolio reviewed with Interior Design editors!
  • Aga Artka, Allied ASID, LEED AP and Jenny Schrank, Allied ASID, co-authors of the soon to be published book, The Brand of You; and
  • A representative of the Make It Right Foundation, founded by Brad Pitt in 2007, to discuss the organization's incredible portfolio of LEED Platinum certified, cradle to cradle-inspired homes and buildings for communities in need.

 

In addition, you'll also take part in a learning journey that includes PROfessional Development, the PROcess involved in a designer's path to success, new and innovative design PROducts, the PRO Bono work done by the Make It Right Foundation (mentioned above) and much, much more. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive up to 0.8 IDCEC-approved CEU credits.



A great event - for more info or to register click here


Always Build You Team - Real World Design Week

 

 

 

Recruiting employees is something a company typically does only when they are in immediate need of new staff.  I would argue that this is too late!
 

Your company is not just about your designs, your experience, your resources, it's largely about your people.  That being said owners should always be looking to strengthen their staff.  Even if you are truly not looking to hire someone, word will circulate in the community that your firm is doing well and existing staff will also appreciate that the company is aware of the importance of growth and improvement. 
 

This principle can easily be integrated into your busy schedule by attending ASID event and getting involved in your design community.  A great tool to take advantage of is Real World Design Week, a shadowing opportunity with students.  You pick the date.  You pick the time.  Not only will you enhance the life of a student, you will have the opportunity to get a sneak peak and the upcoming work force! 
 

ASID Practitioners can sign up now:


 

Student registration begins September 15th

 

 
'Whither thou goest....' - an oft-used and probably over-used and misunderstood sentiment.
Implying fidelity, faith - belief and conviction about an uncertain future, it has carried strong emotions through all the ages.

And so, Whither Thou Goest - we as your local ASID chapter, goest in ever-changing, ever-challenging directions. From recent changes/improvements in leadership positions at ASID National - to local chapter initiatives meant to engender and promote professional activism and activity, we follow a compass that has been a guidance beacon since 1931 when the American Institute of Decorators (AID) was established.

Actually formally established in 1975 the ASID of today remains true to its original mandate and calling with 40,000+ members devoted to its founding principles.

But this commentary is not intended to be a history lesson - more an acknowledgement of constant change. As Director Communications over the past year, we, as your Board, have implemented various initiatives, introduced some new thinking (we hope!) and we are now at the point of handover to other members of the chapter. As Cathy pointed out, next month Corinn Soro (some of us refer to her a Crackerjack...) will attempt to fill Cathy's shoes. Not an easy challenge for sure. And I will shadow Corinn for the next year as President-Elect.

And, next year at this time, maybe you - or you - will have stepped up and found a way to participate in our culture of continuous improvement ...... and I for one eagerly look forward to greeting you in such capacity, and to working together as we GOEST forward.....

Thank you
Michael Moore ASID, APDIQ, IDC, RGD
Quick Links