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This study examines the forces in the development of interior design as an independent profession. In the United States, the building boom in the 1950s developed a new service the design of the interior of existing buildings. Interior design practice and education expanded to fill this gap in service. Interior designers utilize the theory of behavior to design spaces in a micro-environment that are functional, efficient and safe for every end user. By 1980, ASID estimated that there were 200,000 practitioners. However, in 1981 changes to the building codes captured remodeling of existing spaces for architects and engineers. This made the independent practice of interior design difficult and a right-to-practice issue. In addition, licensure became mandatory for the independent practice of interior design. This is a history of the professionalization of interior design as viewed through the licensure process in Washington D.C., Virginia and Ohio. This book targets anyone examining issues involving professionalization, licensure, gendered professions and the history of the professionalization of interior design or any profession.

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Dr. Whitney was an interior design practitioner for 33 years. Her most recent project won awards for energy efficiency and interior design excellence. In 2003, she pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Design & Planning at Virginia Tech. This book is the result of her research on professionalization and licensure of interior design.

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