State laws often define the scope of practice, certification requirements, and licensing regulations for interior designers. Staying informed ensures you comply with these rules, allowing you to work legally and avoid fines or penalties.
In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Genise Plessas, a seasoned interior designer and advocate for the profession in California. Genise delves into the challenges facing interior designers, particularly the proposed changes by IDEX that could create unnecessary barriers for both commercial and residential designers.
She shares valuable insights into the work of the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individual designers.
She also reveals the resources every designer needs – a comprehensive guide on codes and regulations, as well as study materials to help you prepare for the IDEX exam.
Plus, hear her inspiring story of starting her design business, working internationally, and balancing creativity with technical know-how.
Whether you’re a newbie dreaming of your first big project or a seasoned pro navigating new rules, this episode offers a wealth of information to help you stay informed and navigate the industry’s ever-evolving landscape. Tune in now!
AND don’t forget to get on the Launch Your Business Boot Camp waitlist to secure your spot and get ready to launch your design business in 2025!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how evolving legislation, like California’s certification requirements, could impact both residential and commercial interior designers—and what you can do to adapt
- Get access to valuable tools, like code guides and study materials, that can help you navigate certification exams and stay compliant with state laws
- Gain insights and practical advice from a seasoned designer for balancing creativity with technical skills
About the Guest:
Genise Plessas is the owner of Genise Plessas Designs and brings over 27 years of experience in interior design. She assists clients in achieving the best possible design outcomes for their individual and business projects.
With an office in Granite Bay, California, Genise has built a reputation in her private practice and as a partner in the commercial interior design industry. She educates clients on how to fashion a beautiful aesthetic while selecting products to fit and perform at the highest level using state-of-the-art innovations and technology.
Throughout the years, Genise has volunteered on several boards and believes that giving back to her business partners, clients, and community is key to boosting the importance of great design.
She currently sits on the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers known as CLCID; is a past president of the California Central Nevada chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as ASID as well as past president of the California Capital Chapter for National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Connect with Genise Plessas:
Website: Genise Plessas Designs
Email: [email protected]
Check out these episode highlights
00:34 – Announcement: Waitlist for “Launch Your Business Bootcamp” for aspiring interior designers in 2025
03:12 – Genise Plessas: Career Journey in Interior Design
- Transition from micrographics to interior design after a life-changing event
- Her love for art and how it influenced her decision to switch to interior design
- Started her own business specializing in residential projects
06:52 – Challenges and Transitions in Genise’s Career
- The challenges she faced during the economic crash and how it affected her business
- Her brief stint at Lamps Plus and her subsequent work for a stone supplier, where she learned a lot about natural stone and tile
10:23 – Insights from Working Internationally and in Commercial Design
- Experiences designing homes in Greece and learning local construction methods
- Her brief stint at Lamps Plus and her subsequent work for a stone and tile supplier, where she learned a lot about natural stone and tile
- Her experience working for Cosentino and the impact of COVID-19 on her spirit and work-life balance
12:19 – Genise’s Involvement in Professional Organizations
- Her roles in various professional organizations like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association)
- The importance of giving back to the design community and strengthening relationships within the industry for better business practices
13:51 – Understanding California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID) Mission and Goals
- Overview of CLCID’s mission: advocating for fair practices for residential and commercial designers
- Discussion on the proposed changes by IDEX and the potential impact on commercial and residential certified interior designers (CIDs)
20:23 – Perspective on Legislation Updates and Industry Challenges
- The 2024 California legislation affecting commercial designers
- The importance of understanding regional differences in design and the impact of supply chain on design trends
- The potential costs and barriers introduced by new testing requirements
27:40 – The Importance of Designer Advocacy
- CLCID’s shift toward representing individual designers over associations
- Efforts to include diverse voices from different regions and design specialties
- CLCID Resources available: interior designers’ code guide and study materials for certification exams
34:06 – How to Get Involved and Stay Informed
- Encouragement for designers to engage with CLCID and legislative efforts
- Fundraising and outreach goals to support advocacy for interior designers
Acronyms – Interior Design Organizations & Certifications:
- CLCID – California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers
- CID – Certified Interior Designer (California)
- NCIDQ – National Council of Interior Design Qualifications
- CCRE – California Codes and Regulations Exam
- IDEX – Interior Design Examination (California)
- CCIDC – California Council for Interior Design Certification
- ASID – American Society of Interior Designers
- NKBA – National Kitchen and Bath Association
Next Steps
Join the waitlist: Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…