The Illinois Interior Design Coalition is a not-for-profit legislative political action committee whose membership activities are supported solely by individual and corporate contributions. IIDC is open to all interior designers and those in related fields. We are an organization of concerned professionals who volunteer time, money and a lot of effort to protect our right to practice Interior Design in the state of Illinois. All membership dues and contributions are applied directly to legislative efforts, lobbyists, legal fees, campaign contributions and mailings.

The focus of IIDC since the passage of the Title Act has been to protect the Title Act against assaults by other interest groups; to keep the interior design community informed of the legislative agenda which affects their right to practice; organize appropriate response to such actions; and to educate interior designers about the necessity of a continued political presence in Springfield. In addition IIDC's current thrust is to stress the importance to the design community of being a registered Interior Designer in the state of Illinois.

President Erin McConnell, LEED AP, Registered Interior Designer, NCIDQ Certificate Holder Erin is a Registered Interior Designer in Chicago currently consulting independently. Prior to these positions she worked at SCB in Chicago and Whitney, Inc. in Oakbrook. Erin attended the University of Cincinnati where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. She has served on multiple IIDC committees over the last six years.
“I would like to raise awareness not only of the existing Title Act, but to general interest raised in the design community in Chicago so that those currently eligible to register and that those still working on the [NCIDQ] test understand the importance not only of the NCIDQ test, but then registering with the state.”

Vice President Monica Wood is an NCIDQ Certificate Holder, Alabama Licensed Interior Designer and Illinois Registered Interior Designer. Monica is owner of Wood Design Group in Chicago. She graduated from Southern Institute School of Interior Design earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design. She was previously involved with the Alabama Interior Design Coalition as a member.
“I am interested in offering recent graduates, seasoned professionals and all levels in between support and a sense of direction in furthering their careers through licensing or registration. It’s important to encourage someone to complete the necessary steps to gain not only the recognition of their profession but also the ability to present themselves to their clients as one whose services are backed up by the state in which their services are performed.”

Treasurer Cheryle Rome, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, NCIDQ Certificate Holder Cheryle is owner of C. Rome Design Associates in Chicago and is committed to environmentally responsible design that protects the environment, conserves its natural resources and maintains the health and well-being of its users. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas and has served on the IIDC Board of Directors since 1998 as both Treasurer and Secretary.
“It is important for design professionals and the public to understand and appreciate the evolution of the interior design profession in the last 50 years.”

Secretary Frederick Miller, IIDA, ASID, LEED AP ID+C, Registered Interior Designer, NCIDQ Certificate Holder. Derick is a senior interior designer at Perkins + Will in Chicago and was previously an architect and interior designer with HKM Architects, Inc. in Arlington Heights. He earned his B.A.S. in International Studies from Miami University (Ohio) and his Master of Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
“My goal is assist with development and implementation of strategy to promote legislation that both provides Illinois consumers a discernable choice and interior designers the right to practice.”

Past President Carrie Fitzpatrick, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, NCIDQ Certificate Holder Carrie is a Senior Project Manager at CB Richard Ellis in Chicago. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Design. She served on IIDC committees starting in 1997, and has served as Co-President, President and now Past President. In addition, Carrie served on IIDA's Illinois chapter and International boards.
“The next two years are critical to Registered Interior Designers in Illinois as we face the challenge of a law that will be under sunset review. I look forward to working with the returning and new board members and the other professional associations to renew the Title Act and create a collaborative work environment for us all.”