The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) recently reached an agreement that will allow both organizations to better advocate for legislation on behalf of their respective members and industries. The memorandum of understanding, signed in August 2015, states that FEDA has no intention of working against legislation introduced by IIDA or an Interior Design Legislative Coalition as long as it does not impact or prevent foodservice designers or foodservice equipment dealers from practicing to the fullest extent in the design of professional foodservice kitchen/facilities.
The memorandum was the direct result of a joint leadership session held at IIDA headquarters in May 2015 and seeks to “promote a better understanding of interior design” through IIDA continuing education opportunities and editorial support. IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon FIIDA, LEED AP; Director of Advocacy, Public Policy, and Legislative Affairs Emily Kluczynski; and Advocacy and Public Policy Manager Abigail Rathbun, MMP, attended the session. The two organizations also are committed to joining forces to better advocate for mutually beneficial legislation.
“We are so pleased to have come to an agreement with our colleagues at FEDA. After discussing our respective associations’ advocacy goals, we were able to reach a positive outcome, which will allow both organizations to better allocate advocacy resources,” said Kluczynski. “We look forward to a cooperative, long-term relationship with FEDA as we continue to build on this foundation.”
As the voice of the Commercial Interior Design industry, IIDA is committed to advocating for its members and the profession so that interior designers may practice to their fullest abilities. For more information, visit advocacy.iida.org, or contact Kluczynski at ekluczynski@iida.org.
About International Interior Design Association
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is the Commercial Interior Design Association with global reach. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. We advocate for advancements in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of Interior Design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of people’s lives every day. www.iida.org