Against the Law

Edited by Sheila Kim-Jamet -- Interior Design, 10/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

Critics don't call the New York State legislature dysfunctional for no reason. Ruth Lynford, legislative chair of Interior Designers for Legislation in New York, had been tirelessly lobbying to reserve the title of "interior designer" for those who meet certain educational and professional qualifications and pass an examination on fire, safety, and building codes. (Anyone practicing for 15 years or more would have been able to apply for an exemption.)

After two years, the State Senate and Assembly finally passed bill A8587-A—only to have it vetoed by Governor George Pataki in early October. But Lynford, amazingly, has not lost hope. She plans to take up the issue again as soon as possible.