logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
38m 45s

122\\ How New California Design Legislat...

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
About this episode

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!

Featured 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.

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: ⁠geniseplessasdesigns@gmail.com⁠

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
  • 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

Check out the show notes >>> How New California Design Legislation Could Transform Interior Design Practices in 2025

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction & Announcement: Waitlist for "Launch Your Business Bootcamp" for aspiring interior designers in 2025

(03:12) Genise Plessas: Career Journey in Interior Design

(06:52) Challenges and Transitions in Genise's Career

(10:23) Insights from Working Internationally and in Commercial Design

(12:19) Genise's Involvement in Interior Designers Organizations

(13:51) Understanding California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID) Mission and Goals

(20:23) Perspective on California Legislation Updates and Industry Challenges

(27:40) The Importance of Designer Advocacy

(34:06) How to Get Involved and Stay Informed

NEXT STEPS:

Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!

⁠https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign

Thanks for listening!

Up next
Oct 6
159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche
Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche.With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, a ... Show More
15m 55s
Sep 29
158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel
“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”Many interior desi ... Show More
33m 27s
Sep 22
157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers
Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, re ... Show More
33m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 2023
83 How to Become a Fully Booked Graphic Designer with Shay (Bucketlist Bombshells)
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast. In this insightful conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Shay, founder of Bucketlist Bombshells, to uncover the secrets behind getting booked out 3, 6, and even 12 ... Show More
1 h
Apr 2024
102 Running a Small Design Agency with Kristy Campbell (Pink Pony Creative)
Get ready to explore the vibrant world of design entrepreneurship with Kristy Campbell, the innovative force behind Pink Pony Creative. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we uncover Kristy's journey from a solo designer to leading a successful design ... Show More
51m 59s
Apr 2025
157 What Separates $3K Designers from $10K+ Designers
Most designers stay stuck at $3K projects because they’re pricing wrong, targeting the wrong clients, and positioning themselves as just another freelancer. The difference between a $3K designer and a $10K designer isn’t design skills. It’s how they run their business. In this ep ... Show More
22m 17s
Sep 30
The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he bu ... Show More
50m 51s
Apr 2025
How to Bulletproof Your Graphic Design Career Before Disaster Strikes & It’s Too Late
What happens to your creative career when life hits hard? Graphic designers are taught how to build brands, craft visuals, and make things look amazing. But no one teaches us how to survive when life punches us in the face.Whether it’s grief, family emergencies, burnout, or just ... Show More
34m 34s
Mar 2024
97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we've all been there. If you've heard my other ... Show More
32m 37s
Sep 1
134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
Send us a textWelcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is mo ... Show More
13m 1s
Feb 2025
Graphic Design Business Lessons by Andy Warhol. Turning Your Creativity Into Cash!
Graphic designers are taught to create, not sell—and that’s exactly why so many talented designers stay broke. The harsh reality? Talent alone won’t make you successful.The industry is full of insanely skilled designers who struggle to make ends meet while less talented ones cash ... Show More
44m 27s
Sep 29
Julie Wainwright: Getting Real Real About Building a Billion-Dollar Business
Julie Wainwright is the visionary founder and past CEO of The RealReal, the luxury resale giant that disrupted the fashion industry and redefined what it means to build a billion-dollar brand. In her new book, Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion Dollar Business that Rocked th ... Show More
1h 16m