Having trouble reading this?  If so, go to
www.ccidc.org/eNews/dec_2011.html

California Council for Interior Design Certification
The standard for interior designers in the State of California

1605 Grand Avenue - Suite 4
San Marcos, CA 92078
Tel. 760-761-4734  Fax 760-761-4736
CCIDC website

Season’s Greetings
from the CCIDC Board and Staff!
Robert E. Wright, John Searles,  Susan Hauser,
Richard Galitz, Patsy Zakian-Greenough, Millie Kwong,
Michelle Eaton,  Kimberly Alonzo, Marie Kimble Cooley,
Deborah Ogden, Brian Kaneko
Doug Stead, Roze Wiebe

December, 2011
News for Certified Interior Designers

Year-end tax deduction!

If you received a renewal invoice this year, remember to pay before Dec. 31 to get your full tax deduction.

If you haven't received a renewal notice this year, you can still renew early and get full credit even if you haven't completed your CEUs yet. Your CEUs can be completed later and sent to us electronically. Certification renewal online is at www.ccidc.org/renewal.html.

Always check with your tax professional first, and note CCIDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
 

Save the Date for our January Board Meeting + CEU

The CCIDC Board Meeting will be on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Hilton San Diego Resort
1775 East Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, California 92109
Tel: (619) 276-4010  Toll Free: (800) 445-8667 Fax: (619) 275-8944

Directions - - From I-5, exit Sea World Dr. and head west. Turn right onto E. Mission  Bay Dr. Follow past the park. The resort is located 3/4 mile on left.

If you don't have a website, you are invisible!

CEU is “YOUR INTERNET PRESENCE”
The ease & importance of having a website for your interior design business.
Presented by Jon Anthony Gaugert, EPhost, Inc., San Diego, CA

Topics will include:
1) Web Design and the importance of having a user friendly website
2) Web Development and custom coding
3) SEO (search engine optimization) SEM (Search Engine Marketing) How it works.
4) Social Media: Facebook Twitter
5) How do search engines work? (Google, Bing, Yahoo, MSN)
6) (CMS) Content Management System Demonstration on how to maintain your website
7) Web Hosting, Cloud Solutions, Dedicated & Shared Servers, Smarter Mail-email
8) Blogs and Ecommerce
9) Photo galleries and video related web functionality
10) Statistics: Understanding the traffic volume and sources

The CEU will help interior designers get an Internet presence with their own web site.
This is a “how to” CEU, and you will learn how to get it done inexpensively by others.
By attending, it is conceivable to have a ‘live’ web site within a week or less.

Even if you already have a website, this class is for you. You will learn how to make your web presence even more effective with the latest available technology and media!

Save $10. Fee for this CEU is $20.00 by paying online by Thurs., Jan. 26, 2012 or pay $30.00 at door. Register & pay here

Board Meeting & CEU Schedule
9:00 am -Disciplinary proceedings  (Closed session)
10:00 am - 12:00 noon is the public portion of our meeting
12:00 noon - Break for lunch
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm  CEU presentation, “Your Internet Presence” 

It is not mandatory to attend our board meeting to attend our CEU.

Credit 2 hours CCIDC; 2.0 LU HSW; .2 CEU HSW
Note: this is not IDCEC approved, therefore it cannot be reported to any design associations such as (but not limited to) ASID or IIDA unless the attendee can, or wants to get separate approval from their respective association.

Your CEU fee is tax-deductible. CCIDC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Our CEUs are open to interior design professionals and students as well as the general public.
 

Sunset Review

CCIDC has received the Sunset Review schedule from the California Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee.  For those who are not familiar with the Sunset Review process, CCIDC, along with various state boards and bureaus, are required by law to go before a joint Senate and Assembly committee to review their operations (since their last review), and to determine whether they should be allowed to continue in statute.

For 20 years, since our inception (in 1991), CCIDC has undergone the Sunset Review process three times. We are scheduled again for review in the 2012/2013 cycle, our last review being in 2003. The CCIDC Board fully expects to meet all of its obligations and requirements from the last review by this joint committee and fully expects the Certified Interior Designer statute to be continued until the next review cycle beyond 2014.

CCIDC is a private nonprofit board, one of five private nonprofit boards that will also be reviewed by the same Sunset Review Committee. CCIDC is the first private nonprofit board created under a statute implemented for a profession in California.
 

May 2012 IDEX^® Registration Deadline
March 2, 2012 is the deadline to register for the May IDEX Exam

Study for the IDEX^® Exam
These materials and classes are from third parties

IDEX Prep Online
Study for the IDEX^® California exam wherever you have an Internet connection. This comprehensive online class gives you 60 days of access; 34 presentations;
34 quizzes (totaling 385 practice questions); over 65 handouts (totaling hundreds of pages); a final quiz of 150 questions; approx. 24 hours of anytime learning, and more.
$195 - IDEX Prep Online covers IDEX^® Domains I, II and III. Best value.
$150 - California Codes covers IDEX^® Domain I only.
$100 - Business Practices & Design Standards covers IDEX^® Domains II and III only.
Enroll anytime that is convenient.
www.idexprep.com

CIDs and Building Permits

All CIDs should be aware of - - and must remember - - that it is the sole authority and responsibility of a local building official to determine who can (and who cannot) submit plans for building permit purposes, including Certified Interior Designers, architects and engineers.  

There is no language in the architects or engineers practice act that legislates their plans and drawings to be accepted by any building officials. This is the rule since building codes were first adopted in California.

Whoever issues the permit and conducts the inspections assumes the risk, therefore they (the building official) are the determining authority on who they will accept plans from.

CID Law Changes on January 1, 2012
The Governor signed Senate Bill 944 into law on October 2, 2011 which will now reference the "California Building Standards Code". It is a minor update to the Certified Interior Designers law (which referenced the Uniform Building Code), however, it is important to CIDs who submit their plans to local jurisdictions for building permit purposes.
 
This revised language (in Section 5805) will now direct CIDs and building officials to the current code for plan check submission. It also references, as it always has, the appropriate Section of the "Architects Practice Act" (5538) that defines what is not considered "architecture" under California law. In other words, work that is not defined as architecture can be done by CIDs and others (such as building designers, contractors, building owners, and non-certified interior designers).

Stamp Your Drawings
This is a mandatory requirement by the Certified Interior Designers law, namely Section 5802(a) which states: "All drawings, specifications, or documents prepared for submission to any government regulatory agency by any certified interior designer, or under his or her supervision shall be (emphasis added by us) affixed by a stamp, as specified in Section 5801, and signed by that certified interior designer."

This language definitively advises the building official that these plans and documents have been prepared by a qualified professional who has education and or experience, and has been tested on California codes and regulations. 

Even if you do not submit plans or pull permits, stamp your drawings anyway. It is your stamp of professionalism. Be proud of it as certification is the highest professional achievement for interior designers in the state.

If you have a problem submitting your nonstructural or nonseismic interior design plans for permitting purposes to any jurisdiction, you can fill out a "Plan Check Denial" form on the CCIDC website (enter the username and password shown).

CCIDC will be able to advise you on the best course of action, sometimes even interceding on your behalf and working directly with the local jurisdiction. Sometimes all that is needed is a little education about CIDs and Section 5538 of the architects practice act in order to move a submittal forward.

CCIDC is continuing to work with the larger jurisdictions in the state to mitigate these issues and we'll report on our progress in future eNews.
 

How To Get the Most From Your Certification

Over the past year or so, we have been getting a lot of telephone calls and emails from CIDs about the state of the economy and the effect it is having on their business, or their ability to find a job. They ask what can they do, or what is CCIDC doing to help them. Interestingly enough, in this eNews, and in many previous issues of eNews, there is a section titled "FREE MARKETING TOOLS FOR CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNERS". We can tell you that very few CIDs take advantage of these tools, most of which are free.

Here are some interesting observations and thoughts:
 
ALPHABET SOUP: A lot of emails, and other communications we receive from and signed by CIDs, either have the commonly adopted abbreviation "CID" missing altogether without any other appellations, or they have all of their professional organization appellations and the “CID” missing, or the "CID" is buried amongst the rest of the alphabet soup. A conversation with the average consumer will quickly reveal that they have absolutely no idea what this alphabet soup of initials means or stands for, including those appellations of the so-called large professional organizations or examinations. This also includes the commonly adopted abbreviation “CID”.

Section 5800 of the California Business and Profession Code (CBPC) only codifies the title "Certified Interior Designer" and protects it from unlawful use as an unfair business practice under Section 17200 of the CBPC. “CID” is not a protected title, mostly because it has numerous connotations, none of which can be easily protected by law. “CID” is a common use for "Criminal Investigative Division" as one example, and there are a least a hundred more.
 
So what should you use and why? You should always use the full title that is written into statute and protected, that of Certified Interior Designer. Not only does it belong to you (we'll explain further on), but it clearly states your credential and your title. Every consumer will understand this, and in all probability, will trigger a dialog, thus allowing you the opportunity to explain all about certification and the chance to sell yourself. If you add your certification number to it as well, then it lends even more credibility to your title.

THIS IS YOUR TITLE AND YOU OWN IT: For the sake of brevity amongst Certified Interior Designers, especially in our written communications and on our website, we too are guilty of using the abbreviation. Hopefully by the time a consumer gets to our website, the obvious conclusion about what “CID” stands for becomes apparent. This is not an excuse, however. Again, the best use of the title is in its fullest form, including your certification number.
 
We see many CIDs even putting “CCIDC” behind their name. Some even refer to themselves as being a “member” of CCIDC. Firstly, CCIDC is not a membership organization. YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER! CCIDC is just the certification board tasked with administering the certification statute, namely Section 5800 through 5812 of the CBPC. Our job is to accept applications, verify qualifications, administer an examination, and confer the title on those who complete and comply with requirements of the statute. Once you have complied, and the title is conferred upon you, you essentially "own" the use of that title as long as you are in good standing with the CCIDC board, i.e. have paid your fees, and have no complaints or disciplinary actions found against you. Just like “Doctors” are not “members” of the California medical board, just like “Architects” are not members of the California Architects Board, you are not a member of CCIDC. You are a Certified Interior Designer in the state of California. Use your full title, put it on everything you do or use, such as websites, business cards, email sign-offs, etc. People will notice.

PROMOTE YOUR TITLE AND ETHICS: Now that you are going to use your title to its fullest extent, how do you use it to sell yourself?  Many of you already are, but many of you are not. When you go on a job interview, or an interview for a project, ask yourself if you really use your title to its fullest advantage. You can set yourself apart from others who are not certified. You have been verified as to your education, your work experience and have taken and passed a specific examination relative to your title as a Certified Interior Designer. You have met the requirements of the only legally recognized title for interior designers in the state of California. Unless your competition is also certified by CCIDC, you have distanced yourself from them.
 
In addition, in order to become a Certified Interior Designer, you signed and agreed to abide by a very specific Code of Ethics and Conduct. If you have forgotten about this, you did it when you signed your application, and a copy, in case you don't have one, was included in your original certification binder, or can be found on our website. Your competitors probably haven't signed a Code of Ethics, but if they have, the question to ask is, "is it enforced"? CCIDC posts its disciplinary procedures on its website for the world to see. Why is this important? Give a copy of your Code of Ethics and Conduct to your prospective employer or client and see what they say after reading it. We know from literally hundreds of conversations with consumers over the years that they would rather work with a legally recognized titled professional with verified credentials and a code of ethics, versus someone who hasn't been verified.

Let's go even further! CCIDC is a real board that the consumer can go to in order to file a complaint, if one should occur. This gives a consumer a lot of comfort knowing they have somewhere to go to if their CID doesn't live up to their contractual obligations, or doesn’t deliver what the CID has promised. Having a Code of Ethics and Conduct is your promise of professionalism, and your promise of performance. You are literally putting your reputation and your title on the line. Those who are not CIDs have nothing to lose and no promises to keep. We know, as we get many complaints about non-certified interior designers.
 
At the next client presentation take along a copy of the "ABC" brochure for consumers and a copy of your code of ethics. Try it out and see what happens. You have nothing to lose and it could increase your number of new clients. For this brochure and other relevant and important publications, go to "Free Marketing Tools for Certified Interior Designers”.

DO YOU HAVE A WEB SITE?: If you don’t have a website, you are invisible! It would seem obvious that if you are in business for yourself you would have a website in this day and age. However, we have recently been presenting a CEU about “The Internet and Your Web Presence” after our last two board meetings, one in San Diego, and one in San Francisco. What seemed apparent is that at least half of the attendees at these events, all or most of whom were self employed or participating in a small business, did not have websites. Here's the news! Very few people today go to the physical Yellow Pages to find a designer. Most people, if not all, who either own a business or have the wherewithal to hire a designer for their home, use smart phones and computers. When they need something where do they go? To the "World Wide Web". If you are not there, you are missing out on the greatest form of information and communication ever developed. Having a website works for you 24/7/365. You could even be sleeping while someone is looking at your website and comparing your services and work with others, before making a decision to call and talk to you. The Web is your silent and most cost effective partner in getting your name and your message out to literally millions of people. For example, two people could be having lunch, and one suggests it's time to redo their kitchen, and voila' out come the smart phones and an Internet search ensues using Google, Bing, or any other number of search engines, quickly finding a dozen or more interior designers in their area. This is how business is done today.

Okay, so now here come the excuses. I'm not tech savvy, I don't know how to go about it, I can't afford one of those web design firms, I don't have the time, I don't have the... you name it. There are really no excuses. You can create a six or eight page website for very little money, especially if you do it yourself. GoDaddy, Intuit, the people conducting our CEU on this topic (EP Host in San Diego) all have easy, inexpensive, do it yourself solutions, and will help train you to create your website. These sites are so user-friendly now that you can literally add photos, type text, and publish it, all with the simple click of your mouse. Again, there really are no valid excuses. You choose, but don't delay. How long do you want to remain invisible? Register for “Your Internet Presence” today ( for Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012).


THE CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER PAGES

Finally on this topic, CCIDC has the "CID PAGES" on its website. We literally gets tens of thousands of visitors every year and many of them are consumers looking for CIDs. Get your CID Page for 12 months or renew your listing for a full 18 months - both just $100.00. We will help you as necessary to get it up and running. It even tracks the number of visitors you get and you can add your own text to describe what you do (up to 800 characters) and 8 photographs of your work as you wish.
This is the easiest and simplest of web pages you can possibly have, and yes, Google, Bing, Yahoo, Yelp, you name it, it will find you there.

New CBSC Website Format

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) launched its new website format on December 5, 2011 to make it easier to access Calilfornia’s building codes, understand the regulatory process, and other related information.

The CBSC is responsible for the administration of California’s building codes (California Code of Regulation, Title 24), which includes the adoption, approval, publication, and implementation of codes and standards. 

Certified Interior Designers should periodically login to the CBSC site for any news pertaining to building codes that may affect their projects.
 

CCIDC’s Listing on the DCA Website

The California Department of Consumer Affairs links CCIDC on their website with public and private agencies.

Our link on the DCA site directs consumers looking for information on qualified interior designers. Find us on the state government site here:
www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/links_consumerorgs.shtml

Marketing tools for Certified Interior Designers

ABC Brochure - “Answers & Basics for Consumers” is available to print online or you may request 10 printed copies "free of charge” by sending an E-mail or checking the box at the bottom of your certification renewal notice.
Download: www.ccidc.org/pdf/interior-designer-consumer-guide.pdf
Online: www.ccidc.org/consumers-guide/faq.html


Subscribe to the Certified Interior Designer Pages
Help a Client Find YOU for Their Next Project! Put your photos and web site on the CCIDC site! FAQ: www.ccidc.org/listings/faq.html


Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Certified Interior Designer
www.ccidc.org/pdf/interior-designer-consumer-guide.pdf


Hiring an Interior Designer? Make sure they’re Certified!
www.ccidc.org/pdf/CIDflyer2.pdf


The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Hiring an Interior Designer
www.ccidc.org/pdf/common-mistakes-hiring-interior-designer.pdf


The Difference Between a Decorator and an Interior Designer
www.ccidc.org/interior_decorators.html


A CID's Code of Ethics and Conduct
www.ccidc.org/pdf/CID-Code-Ethics.pdf

Catch up on your CEUs this holiday!

CIDs are required to have 1.0 credit (10 hours) for every two years of Certification
(equiv. to .5 credits = 5 hours each year).

Catch up on your CEU requirement this holiday by taking some of these free or low cost courses - many are offered online.
 

Add ‘n track your CEUs - It’s easy, fun and it’s free!

Here’s a great way for you to report your CEUs (and your Change of Address) to CCIDC.
No more $12.00 reporting fees to other organizations!.

Create your own private CEU Registry. You provide a login name and password, then you can access your account 24/7 (see sample view below).  Your account keeps all your CEU courses in one place, so you’ll never have to wonder how many you’ve taken.

Register today for your free account! It takes one minute, and you can enter your CEUs later. You can even enter CEUs that you’ve taken since 1995.

Need more tax deductions?

The Certified Interior Designer Pages have been viewed over 183,400 times!
This is a great opportunity for you to jump start your business for 2012, and attract new clients. Get your CID Page for 12 months or renew your listing for a full 18 months - both just $100.00. Sign up or extend your CID Page to take advantage of your year-end advertising tax-deduction!  

Need more tax deductions? Register today for our Jan 28 CEU.
 

CCIDC Holiday Hours

We will be closed Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27.
We will also be closed on Monday, January 2, 2012.

             Have a Happy Holiday and a Prosperous New Year!