Designers aren’t known for sharing trade secrets or go-to strategies—unless you’re talking sustainability. At this year’s Interface + IIDA Converge Action Summit, our community of experts and designers showed up ready to give up the goods on everything from client strategies to unexpected resources.
As the Converge Summit marks its fifth year, the community has expanded to include the year-round Converge Council, and IIDA has been digging deeper into what designers need to foster greater sustainability in their practices and their firms. Two big-picture goals have emerged: Arm designers with actionable tools and insights that empower them to practice more sustainably; and spread those tactics and that shared knowledge to other designers and design communities.
Converge Action Summit 2023
Our top 5 takeaways from Interface and IIDA’s annual gathering of designers and sustainability leaders
By Cindy Dampier
Dec 15, 2023
Published in
Articles
Above Image: Converge Speakers, Joey Shea, IIDA (far left); Amy Trojacek, IIDA; Allison Smith, IIDA; Stacey Crumbaker, IIDA (center); Ana Pinto-Alexander, FIIDA; James Kerrigan, IIDA; Amie Keener, IIDA; and Paul Shariari, IIDA (far right). Image courtesy of Artistry & Light.
Experts in a range of sustainable practice areas and emerging design leaders convened in Dallas at the November event , and came away empowered with a fresh sense of community around sustainability and design, as well as those key actionable “nuggets.” Here are our top five takeaways from this year:
- Network up: Take advantage of the incredible transparency and desire to share best practices and ideas around sustainability. When you tap into a community of like-minded designers, you’ll find answers to questions, strategies that work, and resources you didn’t know you could tap—as well as that crucial peer support!
- Bake it in: You never have to make an argument for sustainable practices or products with clients, if you make it part of your design from the outset. “Frame sustainability as just being good design,” said Stacey Crumbaker, IIDA, International Board member. Want to make this even easier? Work within your firm to set standards for products in your library, so that all choices will be sustainable choices.
- Find allies in unusual places: “A lot of companies have goals around sustainability,” said Allison Smith, IIDA, Sustainable Design Leader at HKS, “they have targets, so if you can help frame the work that you’re doing to show how they can help their business succeed, there’s a lot of power there.” Client employees who oversee corporate sustainability goals can be great advocates—look to bring them into your design process.
- Hold the checklist: Starting a project with a sustainability certification checklist doesn’t always yield the best or most satisfying results, in terms of actual impact. Start with a charette instead. Bringing all parties to the table as early as possible allows full transparency around the sustainability goals, gains valuable input and creative ideation, and increases buy-in for design solutions that have the biggest overall impact.
- Reconsider nature: Most of us are familiar with biophilic design, but biomimicry goes deeper. “Nature is an evolutionary design process,” said Kathy Zarsky, Biomimicry Design Researcher and Founder of Sustainable Strategy and Systems. “What we are witnessing is time tested recipes. These things work, so how can we apply them to our designs?” Taking a closer look at not only what we find in nature but how it works allows us to adapt both inspiration and concrete strategies from the natural world—a natural pattern for successful design with zero waste.
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Meet five furniture and architecture firms led and made by women
May 22, 2023
Perspective
Perspective Future Female: Renew
The Banya, a 1920’s bank-turned-bathhouse is rich in art deco design and original features
May 18, 2023
Renew, Perspective, Hospitality design
Design as Communication: 2023 Wilsonart Essay Winner
Emily Roberts, Student IIDA on learning about thinking of interior design as a way to communicate to and serve the end-user
May 17, 2023
Student mentoring program, Wilsonart essay
IIDA Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
Members Alvin Oei and Angie Lee discuss the importance of AAPI Month in design
May 16, 2023
Perspective, Edi, Aapi
Introducing IIDA at WestEdge Design Fair
Join us in L.A. as we name the best in product and booth design at the WestEdge Design Fair
May 08, 2023
Competitions
Perspective Future Female: Emerging
Nominated by their peers, these emerging designers are women who are helping shape the future of our industry
May 08, 2023
Perspective, Women in design
Perspective Future Female: A Day in the Life
A peek into the Day in the Life of emerging interior designer Brianna Hunter who is taking the workforce by storm
May 08, 2023
Perspective
2023 Student Design Competition Showcase
Presenting the student winner and honorable mention projects from this years competition, which saw students designing an assisted living facility for aging residents
May 05, 2023
Students, Competitions
IIDA Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
Members Karen Muraoka, and Midori Shim, discuss the importance of AAPI Heritage Month in design
May 03, 2023
Perspective
Perspective Member Exclusive with Samantha Josaphat
The Studio 397 founder spent a month researching cultural sustainability in Civita, Italy
Apr 24, 2023
Perspective, Women in design
2023 Expo Chicago Highlights
The fair brings the best of the art world to Chicago
Apr 20, 2023
Articles
Perspective Future Female: Talk Talk
Members Sarah McGarry and Rene Stremel talk founding a design studio of their own
Apr 20, 2023
Talk talk, Perspective, Women in design
Design Your World Book Launch
The Design Your World book celebrates the power of early design education
Apr 10, 2023
Design your world
Perspective Future Female: High 5
5 women in design creating a future that is empowered, sustainable, and innovative
Apr 04, 2023
Perspective, Women in design
Perspective Future Female: How to X
Founding an inspiring sustainable woman-owned business with Yvonne Hung of Otelier
Apr 04, 2023
How to x, Women in design
Perspective Future Female: Samantha Josaphat
On designing meaningful spaces that foster human connection, the power of letting go, and the upsides of being an underdog
Apr 03, 2023
Perspective, Women in design
Collective D(esign) | Future Female: Small and Mighty
Three female founders gather in conversation in the webinar’s 2023 season premiere
Apr 03, 2023
Collective d(esign)
Advocacy Symposium: Impacting Spacemaking
IIDA Advocacy leaders gather to strategize how to break boundaries and build a better world
Mar 27, 2023
Advocacy symposium, Advocacy
What is Deregulation?
IIDA Director of Advocacy Marci Merola explains what deregulation means, and what it looks like in states with interior design laws
Mar 27, 2023
Advocacy
Advocacy Works March 2023
Find out how advocacy works across the country—from bills that have passed and those still on the floor, to other efforts that support how we practice interior design
Mar 27, 2023
Advocacy
Advocacy Spotlight: Laura Stroik, IIDA
What happens after the bill is signed: from new state board roles to shifting priorities
Mar 27, 2023
Advocacy
2023 Diversity in Design Winners
IA Interior Architects scholarship recipients represent diverse voices and new perspectives and address efforts for an equitable and sustainable future
Mar 17, 2023
Foundation
2022 John J. Nelson Award Winners
Student members Kambria Lauderdale and Brianna Toussaint share their stories
Mar 15, 2023
Foundation, John j. nelson legacy scholarship
Designing for Senior Living
Samantha Belfoure, IIDA and Hillary DeGroff, IIDA of Perkins Eastman discuss the importance of meaningful spaces in senior living facilities
Mar 13, 2023
Interior design
Diversity in Design: Tina Patel
Empowering students to design with empathy as a pathway to equitable and inclusive design
Mar 13, 2023
Foundation, Educators, Diversity, Educator diversity award
Perspective Future Female: Scratch Pad
What to read, watch, and experience this spring with a focus on women in art and design
Mar 08, 2023
Perspective, Scratch pad
Perspective: Future Female
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA introduces this year's first issue of Perspective: Female Future
Mar 08, 2023
Perspective, Women in design, Cheryl durst
2023 SHIFT Student Conference
Lead. Inspire. Grow. Unite.
Feb 28, 2023
Students
Project Spotlight: Surf Simply
Meet IIDA’s Latin America Design Award Winner: A surf camp with a green edge
Feb 27, 2023
Competitions, Project spotlight
Campus Center Spotlight: Howard University
Howard University campus leaders and students share their experience and goals as one of IIDA’s first HBCU Campus Centers.
Feb 23, 2023
Campus centers
OFS Student Roundtable
Tennessee State students gathered for a panel led by IIDA EVP and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, to explore building careers in design.
Feb 21, 2023
Students
Chapter Spotlight: IIDA Alabama Student Day
IIDA Alabama Chapter hosts Student Day with keynote speaker Cheryl S Durst, Hon. FIIDA
Feb 13, 2023
Chapters, Chapter spotlight
Black Designers to Know
Designers That are Leading the Way
Feb 13, 2023
Black history month
Inside IIDA Student Mentoring
Megan Burns and Kaitlin Salisbury on the mentorship experience from the mentor and mentee perspectives.
Feb 13, 2023
Student mentoring program
We Make Space: Renew today!
IIDA is made of creatives, leaders, and changemakers and We Make Space, to understand and uplift humanity
Jan 26, 2023
Iida hq, Membership
Leaders Breakfast 2022 Recap
Looking back at all the wonderful moments from IIDA’s 2022 Leaders Breakfast
Jan 13, 2023
Leaders breakfast
Chapter Spotlight: IIDA Ohio/Kentucky
Leading the way to becoming a true advocate for diversity
Jan 13, 2023
Chapters
Member Moves
Join us in celebrating design professionals who have achieved growth in the industry through their talent and dedication.
Jan 13, 2023
Members
2023 IIDA Emeritus Members
Introducing our inaugural IIDA Emeritus members
Jan 13, 2023
Membership
Perspective 2022: Looking Back
Highlights from 2022 Perspective Magazines: State of Being, Changemakers, and Moving UP
Jan 03, 2023
Articles
Looking to the Future, Collectively
IIDA's signature conversation series Collective D(esign) returns for a fourth season
Jan 03, 2023
Programs, Collective d(esign)
Converge: Conversations on Sustainability
Exploring the future of sustainable innovation during a time of great change
Jan 03, 2023
Programs, Converge
Perspective Moving UP: Talk Talk
The Big Picture with Cheryl Durst: The future of design education
Dec 20, 2022
Perspective, The big picture with cheryl durst
Happy Holidays from IIDA
We hope you enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones! To ensure IIDA staff may do the same, IIDA Headquarters will be closed from Dec 23-Jan 2
Dec 20, 2022
Iida hq
Best of Design Miami 2022
Saturated colors, nature-based design, and natural textures abound
Dec 20, 2022
Articles, Industry events
Perspective Moving UP: NEXT
Meet 5 design firms leading the way in sustainability
Dec 19, 2022
Perspective
Perspective Moving UP: Emerging
Nominated by IIDA members, this group of designers are emerging as design leaders and are helping shape the future of our industry
Dec 19, 2022
Perspective, Emerging
25 Years of Industry Roundtable
IIDA looks back at 25 Years of Industry Roundtable and its legacy
Dec 14, 2022
Industry roundtable
Perspective Moving UP: Julia Watson on Sustainable Futures
Centering indigenous technologies in our designs for the future
Dec 06, 2022
Perspective, Women in design, Sustainability
Will Ching: 30 Years of Legacy
IIDA Celebrates 30 Years of the Will Ching Design Competition
Dec 01, 2022
Articles, Competitions
Perspective Moving UP: How to X
Think like a futurist: David Staley discusses applicable tools designers can use today
Dec 01, 2022
Perspective, Futurism
Advocacy Works: 2022 in Review
Find out how advocacy works across the country—from bills that have passed and those still on the floor, to other efforts that support how we practice interior design
Nov 21, 2022
Advocacy
CIDQ: Inspiration for the Future
IIDA’s Director of Advocacy Marci Merola share an overview of the 2022 CIDQ Annual Meeting
Nov 17, 2022
Advocacy
IIDA and ASID Celebrate HB 4715
Association leaders, legislators, and volunteers celebrate their achievement in passing the landmark bill
Nov 17, 2022
Advocacy
Perspective Moving UP: Scratch Pad
What to read, watch, experience, and where to go this winter
Nov 07, 2022
Perspective, Scratch pad
Perspective Moving UP: Dr. Jennifer Languell and Babcock Ranch
Durability and resiliency are key to designing a sustainable built environment capable of enduring a rapidly changing climate
Nov 07, 2022
Perspective, Sustainability
Perspective Moving UP: A Day in the Life
Step into a Day in the Life of business owner Christie Porter as she leads her design firm and non-profit.
Nov 03, 2022
Perspective
National Black Theatre with Little Wing Lee
Proud history; bright future: An institution that elevates the black experience.
Oct 25, 2022
Perspective
Collective D(esign): Season Three Dialogues
With the third iteration of IIDA’s Collective D(esign) series, we brought together thought leaders for design-focused dialogues addressing our rapidly changing world.
Oct 25, 2022
Ceus
Perspective Moving UP: Little Wing Lee
Rooted in the past, focused on the future with a clear vision of a stronger and more connected design community
Oct 20, 2022
Perspective
Perspective Moving UP: High 5
Five new ways to consider moving into the future as designers: collectively, with nature, through climate change, and emphasizing care and social services
Oct 20, 2022
Perspective, High 5
Perspective: Moving UP
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, introduces Perspective: Moving UP, an issue that looks fearlessly into the future
Oct 20, 2022
Perspective
Design Your World: Building Interior Designers of Tomorrow
Participating organizers and educators reflect on the 2023 session experience and positive impact in both Chicago and Miami
Oct 10, 2022
Design your world
Meet Cindy Dampier, IIDA’s Chief Marketing Officer
A lifelong writer with an eye for design and storytelling, we welcome a new face to the IIDA HQ team
Oct 10, 2022
Iida hq
Marivel Ansera: Design Through a Latina Lens
A bold reflection on the experience of being a Chicana woman in our industry, and how identity and culture shape her vision
Oct 06, 2022
Edi, Members
Perspective: Changemakers | How To X
Chicago-based designer, maker, educator, and all-around visionary creative, Norman Teague on finding one's purpose.
Sep 27, 2022
Perspective, How to x
Perspective: Changemakers | Ukraine-Based YOD Group
Designers Volodymyr Nepiyvoda and Dmytro Bonesko discuss the challenges faced during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and where they find resiliency and inspiration
Sep 27, 2022
Perspective, International design
Perspective: Changemakers | Talk Talk
Can design really change the world? Find out in this conversation between Tanner Woodford and Quilen Blackwell
Sep 12, 2022
Talk talk, Perspective
We Make Space: Join or Renew
IIDA is made of creatives, leaders, and changemakers and We Make Space, to understand and uplift humanity
Sep 12, 2022
Iida hq, Membership
Hailey Fuller, IIDA 2022 Student of the Year
A recent graduate of Auburn University’s CIDA-accredited Interior Design program, a LEED Green Associate, and a campus center leader
Sep 08, 2022
Awards
Member Spotlight: Chesenia Burgos, IIDA
Finding joy in her work, and meaning in representation, IIDA PA/NJ/DE’s first Hispanic Chapter President shares her achievements and goals for IIDA and her design work
Sep 08, 2022
Members, Diversity
Meet 2022 Member of the Year: Alexandra Bonner, IIDA
A leader committed to the industry and community, she contributes an impactful legacy for the next generation.
Aug 24, 2022
Honors, Members
Design Your World 2022
In its second year, the program grew to two cities expanding accessibility and providing teens an entry point to careers in design.
Aug 24, 2022
Design your world, Edi, Programs
Perspective: Changemakers | Emerging
Recent recipients of diversity-promoting scholarships share why these are essential initiatives in shaping their futures, and impacting the industry
Aug 23, 2022
Perspective
Legislation Spotlight: Illinois
Recent legislation in Illinois allows professional interior designers permitting privileges and recognizes interior design as a distinct profession
Aug 15, 2022
Advocacy
Advocacy Works August 2022
Hear how advocacy works across the country—from bills that have passed, are still on the floor, and other efforts that support how we practice interior design
Aug 10, 2022
Advocacy, Chapters
IIDA Equity Roundtable at NeoCon 2022
Looking at equity through the lens of education, leadership, as well as community and industry partnerships
Aug 10, 2022
Neocon, Edi, Equity council
Meet Stacey Crumbaker, IIDA’s National VP of Advocacy
With increased engagement from the passage of several interior design laws, this role will unify efforts on a national level
Aug 10, 2022
Advocacy, Members
2022 Student Design Competition Showcase
Presenting the student winner and honorable mention projects from this years competition, which saw students designing a behavioral health clinic
Aug 05, 2022
Students, Competitions
Leader’s Breakfast 2022 Series
The beloved IIDA Leaders Breakfast with international benefactor MillerKnoll is back in person for the 2022 season across eight cities
Jul 27, 2022
Leaders breakfast
IIDA Annual Meeting Highlights
Highlights from our annual meeting, from awardees to new board members—we'e got you covered on what you missed
Jul 27, 2022
Neocon
Perspective: Changemakers | High 5
Five projects that create change—by rethinking the boundaries of what it can mean to make space
Jul 27, 2022
High 5, Perspective
Perspective: Changemakers | Renew
How can we can we change a used space while maintaining the integrity of the structure and design of the building
Jul 27, 2022
Renew, Perspective
2022 Educator of the Year | Igor Siddiqui, IIDA
Siddiqui encourages students to explore unconventional ways to think about design, craft, and how communities engage with materials and interiors.
Jul 19, 2022
Honors, Education, Members
Perspective: Changemakers | Member Picks
IIDA Chapter presidents share their current favorite books, movies, tv, music, art, and guilty pleasures.
Jul 19, 2022
Member pics
Perspective: Changemakers | Scratch Pad
An exhibition that actively responds to the climate crisis, a visionary designer’s life and career journey, a taste of Scandinavia, a book that embraces architecture’s anthropomorphic qualities, and more.
Jul 19, 2022
Perspective, Scratch pad
Perspective: Changemakers
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, introduces "Perspective: Changemakers," the people reinventing the way that we think, design, and live.
Jul 19, 2022
Perspective
Student Charette: Design Revolution
Rethinking and redefining the workplace for hybrid work, the Student Charette brings together students for a collaborative experience
Jul 01, 2022
Students, Neocon
Perspective: State of Being | Renew
Fantasy Babble Factory: a redesigned former soap-making factory site becomes a museum, cafe, and gallery space
Jul 01, 2022
Perspective
Mentoring is for Everyone | 2022 Wilsonart Essay Winner
2022 Wilsonart Essay winner Sally Birkett Seston, Student IIDA on the merits of mentorship—at any stage of life.
Jul 01, 2022
Foundation
Perspective: State of Being | Next
What's next in workplace-a look at some of the latest in design from the floors of 2022 NeoCon in Chicago.
Jun 21, 2022
Perspective
NeoCon Keynote | Cheryl Durst with Nick Cave and Bob Faust
Art as Activism: Blurring the lines between art and design
Jun 21, 2022
Neocon
Best of IIDA at NeoCon 2022
IIDA celebrated changemakers at NeoCon through engaging conversations, celebrations, and an excuse to gather
Jun 21, 2022
Neocon
IIDA Spotlights Chicago’s Upcoming LGBTQ+ Clinic
In honor of Pride Month IIDA takes a look at how design reshapes the communities it serves. Case in point: Howard Brown Health, a new clinic that will improve healthcare access for LGBTQ+ community.
Jun 15, 2022
Healthcare design
Introducing the Skill Set with Cheryl Durst Podcast
Join host Cheryl S. Durst as she explores talent, creativity, ability, and the not-so apparent skills that power success.
Jun 14, 2022
Skill set with cheryl
Perspective: State of Being | Talk Talk Part 2
Sarah Clair, IIDA, and Rolando Mendoza continue their discussion on embracing new technologies—the Metaverse, extended reality, and the future of design
Jun 06, 2022
Perspective, Talk talk
Perspective: State of Being | Quick-Fire with Barbara Bouza
The President of Walt Disney Imagineering answers 10+1 quick-fire questions
Jun 01, 2022
Perspective
IIDA Fellows Karen Muraoka and Joey Shimoda on Representation
We talk to Asian American designers about representation in the design industry, and how we can create a workspace inclusive to all.
May 26, 2022
Members
Perspective: State of Being | Thinking Big with Barbara Bouza
The President of Walt Disney Imagineering on keeping her calm, creating authentic, impactful experiences, and using challenges as the fuel that powers greatness.
May 23, 2022
Perspective
IIDA Celebrates 25 Years with Cheryl Durst
25 things to know about IIDA EVP and CEO as we celebrate her 25th anniversary at IIDA, and mark a quarter-century of service to the interior design industry
May 18, 2022
Interior design, Cheryl s. durst
Meet Melissa Cook, IIDA Student Engagement Manager
“I always think about what I wish I would have known or the advice I wish I had gotten in college—I want to be that person for our students”
May 18, 2022
Students, Membership
IIDA at NeoCon 2022 | We Make Space
Join IIDA this June as we return to our in-person annual meeting and black-tie gala, celebrate our member achievements, host inspirational discussions, and keynote speakers Nick Cave, and Bob Faust.
May 17, 2022
Neocon
IIDA and urban Collaborate to #BeMoreInclusive
Learn about our collaboration with the international recruitment specialist urban, bringing their inclusivity-driven hiring strategies stateside.
May 17, 2022
Talent collective
Perspective: State of Being | Member Picks
IIDA Chapter presidents share their current favorite books, movies, tv, music, art, and guilty pleasures.
May 10, 2022
Member pics
The Big Picture with Cheryl Durst: Futurism
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA talks with design futurist Mark Bryan about rapid changes in our world.
May 09, 2022
The big picture with cheryl durst
Perspective: State of Being | How To X
Look to the future: rethinking space, workplace culture, and the rules of design using cutting-edge technologies.
May 09, 2022
Perspective
Perspective: State of Being | Scratch Pad
What to read, watch, experience, and where to go in May.
May 09, 2022
Scratch pad
Spring Advocacy Brief: 2022
Our IIDA Advocacy teams work to advance our profession through voluntary registration, and legal recognitions—catch up with the latest news from our chapters
Apr 25, 2022
Advocacy
Wisconsin Passes Historic Legislation
Wisconsin Senate Bill 344 was signed into law on March 18, 2022 providing stamp and seal provisions for interior designers
Apr 25, 2022
Advocacy
After the Bill: North Carolina
North Carolina Advocacy VP Chelsea Harrell shares the work that follows passing stamp and seal legislation and refocusing on interior designer registration
Apr 25, 2022
Advocacy
Perspective: State of Being
Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, introduces "Perspective: State of Being" the first edition of our members-only digital magazine with insights on navigating a new world.
Apr 12, 2022
Perspective
Perspective: State of Being | Emerging
Nominated by their colleagues, this group of designers are emerging as leaders in their own right, and are poised to shape the future of our industry.
Apr 12, 2022
Perspective, Emerging
Perspective: State of Being | High 5
We look at five innovative ideas that harness states of being to adapt to a changing world
Apr 12, 2022
Perspective, High 5
Perspective: State of Being | Talk Talk Part One
Sarah Clair, IIDA, and Rolando Mendoza talk embracing disruption, collaboration, and ultimately designing for the future.
Apr 12, 2022
Perspective, Talk talk
Meet Marci Merola, IIDA Director of Advocacy
Marci comes to IIDA with over a decade of grassroots activism leading to legislative successes, and a passion for professions that transform communities and lives.
Mar 28, 2022
Iida hq, Advocacy
Women Lead Design: Women’s History Month 2022 Part 3
Jennifer Graham, FIIDA, Catherine Heath, FIIDA, and Karen Muraoka, FIIDA discuss groundedness, empowerment, and what it means to be a woman in design.
Mar 28, 2022
Women lead design
Chapter Spotlight: IIDA Northern Pacific
Vancouver-based designer Sara Namdarian and IIDA NPC President Jessica Cody sit down to talk about working together to build a new city center.
Mar 28, 2022
Chapter spotlight, Membership
Best of IIDA Competitions: Submit Your Best
Celebrate incredible design—earn international recognition for your work, and be honored for your innovative and extraordinary design—we’ve rounded up some of our favorite winners from 2021.
Mar 28, 2022
Competitions
Collective D(esign) | Women Lead Design: New Changemakers
In response to our rapidly changing world, IIDA brings you a design-focused dialogue on the effects of a global crisis. Join us for these important community discussions.
Mar 15, 2022
Collective d(esign)
SFC Shangying Cinema Luxe | Best of Competition
2021 Global Excellence Awards winner Pulse on Partnership’s Best of Competition project design is an ode to cinema and music.
Mar 14, 2022
Competitions
Member Spotlight: Viveca Bissonnette, FIIDA
We hear from 2022-2023 Chair of the College of Fellows Viveca Bissonnette, FIIDA, about her background, vision, and inspirations
Mar 11, 2022
Members
Women Lead Design: Women’s History Month 2022 Part 2
Ronnie Belizaire, FIIDA, Ana Pinto-Alexander, FIIDA, and Kay Sargent, FIIDA, FASID, share their insights, experiences, and pathways for the future of design.
Mar 11, 2022
Women lead design
IR24: IIDA Industry Roundtable Returns
Industry leaders and thinkers share conversation, community, strategy, and goal setting to weigh in on the state of the industry—and what’s in store for the future.
Feb 24, 2022
Industry roundtable
Women Lead Design: Women’s History Month 2022
Imani Day, Megan Dobstaff, IIDA, and Tiara Hughes share their experiences in being a woman in the design industry.
Feb 24, 2022
Women lead design, Edi
Creative Voices: Honoring Black History Month
Alexandra Bonner, IIDA, Krystal Lucero, IIDA, Robina Shepherd, Associate IIDA, and Leyden Lewis discuss what it means to create an EDI focused workplace.
Feb 15, 2022
Diversity, Black history month
Diversity in Design: Milagros Zingoni Phielipp
IIDA 2021 Educator Diversity Award awardee Milagros Zingoni Phielipp instills a sense of global and cultural empathy in her students, her designs, and her curriculum.
Feb 14, 2022
Diversity, Awards, Iida foundation
Behind SoFi Stadium with Amanda Trimble of HKS
Amanda Trimble, IIDA, of HKS talks about her work designing Super Bowl LVI venue SoFi Stadium, and using region, fans, and culture to create an incredible fan experience.
Feb 11, 2022
Member projects
Student Members at TX/OK's IIDA SHIFT 2022
Hear from IIDA Student members Shelby Alexander, Veronica Aziz, and Mikayla Adkins about their experiences at and takeaways from the IIDA Texas Oklahoma's annual student conference.
Feb 10, 2022
Chapters, Students, Career
Member Spotlight: Lakiesha Stanley
We talk healthcare-informed design, the impact of designing from a place of empathy, and the importance of engaging multicultural design ideals.
Jan 31, 2022
Members
Cheryl Durst Welcome to 2022
IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl Durst welcomes you to 2022—looking forward to a year dedicated to being changemakers.
Jan 18, 2022
Cheryl durst
High 5: Design Miami
Highlights from Design Miami including limited edition pieces, virtual tours, programming covering equity, design as social practice, and more.
Jan 04, 2022
Articles
Building Foundations Through Mentorship
Zane Land, Ind. IIDA shares her experiences as a mentor, and the importance of mentoring young designers and the value of exposing students to a range of careers in design.
Jan 04, 2022
Student mentoring program
Leading With Empathy | Creating a Legacy in Your Community
Mari Ansera, IIDA was named the 2021 Member of the Year for her dedication to and passion for interior design—an exceptional advocate for the industry, and asset to IIDA through her commitment to contributing to the profession.
Dec 14, 2021
Members, Honors
Sustainability in Design | Converge 2021
The third annual Interface + IIDA Converge Summit brought together designers, students, and industry leaders to explore innovative sustainability and wellness solutions in design.
Dec 14, 2021
Industry events, Ceus, Academy
Talent Collective | Culture as Foundation
Hear from EDI leaders from across the industry examining how to collectively implement initiatives in our workplaces and drive changes both big and small.
Dec 10, 2021
Talent collective
Creating Change: IIDA Advocacy Workshop
Advocacy VPs and volunteers from across the U.S. gather to talk legislative wins, strategy, and learn how to build community in four CEU-accredited sessions.
Nov 30, 2021
Advocacy, Ceu
Wisconsin Eyes Stamp and Seal
Six years in the making, SB344 in Wisconsin provides registered interior designers in Wisconsin stamp and seal provisions as soon as 2022.
Nov 30, 2021
Advocacy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Conversation Continued
Christina Peter, Co-Chair of DEI for Southern California continues the conversation on starting DEI initiatives at the chapter level, and collaborating with other chapters to create consistent messaging.
Nov 30, 2021
Advocacy, Dei
Advocacy Brief | Winter 2021
Catch up on what our IIDA Advocacy chapter teams have been doing—bills that have passed and those still on the floor for votes.
Nov 29, 2021
Advocacy
Diverse Voices and Viewpoints: Rethinking Design Education
Olivier Vallerand, Assoc. IIDA was named the 2021 Educator of the Year for guiding students to consider how design movements emerge from social, economic, and political contexts through exposure to marginalized communities and voices.
Nov 15, 2021
Education, Awards
From IIDA Student to Associate Membership
As students transition to the workforce, IIDA membership can play an important role in their success. Recent grad Allie Bierman and 22-year IIDA member and International Board President, Sascha Wagner, discuss the value of membership for a young professional.
Nov 11, 2021
Students, Membership, Career
Design Your World: A Pathway to Design
IIDA’s inaugural Design Your World education pipeline program wrapped up in Chicago this summer, and is poised to expand building diversity and equity within the design industry.
Nov 02, 2021
Design your world
Be A Changemaker With IIDA
A community provides support, opportunity, connection, and growth. IIDA’s community is strong because of individual members, and future members, like you. Members who are the changemakers in their local community, at work, and across the globe.
Oct 19, 2021
Membership
NeoCon 2021: IIDA Celebrates Leaders, Community, and Looks Forward
With a focus on the workplace and the future of design, IIDA hosted keynotes, honored IIDA design leaders, and celebrated The Design Your World program
Oct 19, 2021
Neocon
Collective D(esign): Season Two Dialogues
With the second iteration of IIDA’s Collective D(esign) series, we brought together thought leaders for design-focused dialogues addressing our rapidly changing world.
Oct 19, 2021
Ceus
College of Fellows One-on-One: Part 2
IIDA's highest honor, the College of Fellows, honors the achievements and impact of design industry members. Learn more about our newest inductees.
Sep 21, 2021
College of fellows
IIDA at NeoCon 2021
Join IIDA this October as the industry returns to Chicago for NeoCon to celebrate and preview the best in design and thought leadership.
Sep 07, 2021
Neocon
College of Fellows One-on-One: Part 1
IIDA's highest honor, the College of Fellows, honors the achievements and impact of design industry members. Learn more about our newest inductees.
Aug 24, 2021
College of fellows, Honors
Oklahoma’s HB 1147
Kristen Brumley, IIDA, and lobbyist Haley Blood provide a behind-the-scenes look at their strategies for passing a bill and what to expect during the process.
Aug 09, 2021
Advocacy
Summer Advocacy Brief: 2021
Catch up on what our IIDA Advocacy chapter teams have been doing—bills that have passed and those still on the floor for votes.
Aug 09, 2021
Advocacy
Building Community and Engaging Members
IIDA's Janella Curtis catches up with Claudia Padilla, IIDA, Advocacy Vice President for IIDA Michigan to talk about shaping an advocacy program and planting roots towards affecting change.
Aug 09, 2021
Advocacy
High 5: Place
We take a look at firms, projects and products that are site-specific, and/or evoke place through materials or experiences, presenting different ways to connect to place.
Jul 27, 2021
High5
Summer CLC Wrap Up
Summer programming included virtual community building, equity and inclusion, and celebrating our Campus Center and Chapter Award winners.
Jul 13, 2021
Chapters
Introducing Leaders Virtual
Leaders Breakfast is back and more accessible than ever with a virtual format honoring regional designers, featuring keynote speaker Elaine Welteroth, and more!
Jul 13, 2021
Leaders breakfast
Applying Human-Centered Design to Mentorship
2021 Wilsonart Essay winner Jonny Bywater, Student IIDA looks inward and discusses the importance of mentorship early in design careers.
Jul 12, 2021
Foundation, Student mentoring program
Scratch Pad: July
What to explore, read, and watch in July
Jul 12, 2021
Scratch pad
Member Spotlight: Kaitlin Snow, Ind. IIDA
We speak with IIDA Industry Member and Vice President of Industry Relations for our Texas Oklahoma chapter.
Jun 28, 2021
Members, Industry members
Perspective Innovation
The pandemic has given us an opportunity to innovate how and where we design
Jun 24, 2021
Perspective: Innovation | Reality Check
Call it the COVID effect: Interior designers are focusing even more on meeting user needs (not what’s racking up likes on Instagram)
Jun 24, 2021
Perspective
Perspective: Innovation | Modular Moves Mainstream
Prefabrication is proving even more relevant as designers find ways to deliver economies of scale—without skimping on quality.
Jun 24, 2021
Perspective
Mohawk Group Believe in Better Series
A three-part series that takes a look at how environmental psychology, human-centered design, and design thinking methodologies impact what we design.
Jun 11, 2021
Industry events, Ceus
Perspective: Innovation | Pre/Post: Shiroiya Hotel
A 300-year ryokan is transformed into a contemporary hotel that also aims to serve as the community’s “living room”
Jun 08, 2021
Perspective
Samantha Josaphat on Building a Career You Love
2021 Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Visionary Award winner discusses creating your dream career and re-discovering a love for architecture and designing spaces
Jun 01, 2021
Foundation, Awards, Career
2021 IIDA Chapter Award Winners
From supporting campus centers and building chapter connections, to leadership programming and celebrating member accomplishments, our chapter honorees went above and beyond to support their members and communities.
May 28, 2021
Chapters, Awards
Perspective: Innovation | Talk, Talk: Hit Refresh
How is the pandemic pushing designers to think differently?
May 28, 2021
Perspective
Introducing the IIDA Equity Council
As part of IIDA’s ongoing commitment to the sustained, intentional, and organized dismantling of racism in all of its forms and instances, we have established the IIDA Equity Council.
May 24, 2021
Iida, Dei
IIDA Member Moves: Spring 2021
Join us in celebrating our members who have achieved professional growth in the first quarter of 2021
Apr 30, 2021
Membership
Perspective: Innovation | Scratch Pad May
Get your summer reading list started with our design inspiration recommendations for summer. From iconic rock stars to fashion designers, visual artists and a look at the impact of design we’ve got you covered.
Apr 28, 2021
Perspective
Perspective: Innovation | Outside Wants In
Designers recognize the added importance in considering biophilia in the workspace—especially in a post-COVID-19 landscape.
Apr 28, 2021
Perspective
Perspective: Community | Retail Therapy
Retailers can survive the post-pandemic retail apocalypse—if they create an in-store experience worth visiting.
Apr 22, 2021
Perspective
Spring Advocacy Brief: 2021
Catch up on what our IIDA Advocacy chapter teams have been doing—bills that have passed and those still on the floor for votes.
Apr 19, 2021
Advocacy
IIDA Member Spotlight: Christine Peter
We speak with the VP of Advocacy, and Co-Chair of DEI for IIDA Southern California
Apr 14, 2021
Members
Perspective: Community | Pre/Post: Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Chicago
A nearly demolished historic hospital is nursed back to health—re-emerging as a much-buzzed-about multi-use commercial space.
Apr 01, 2021
Perspective
Spotlight on Our Chapters: 2020 Catalyst Grants
IIDA chapters reached important goals and benchmarks with funding from our Catalyst Grant program
Mar 22, 2021
Chapters
Perspective: Community | Reading the Room
A community gathering place for centuries, libraries evolve their interiors to meet emerging societal needs
Mar 22, 2021
Perspective
Women Lead Design: Women’s History Month Edition
IIDA connects with six leading women in design as they reflect on the value of mentoring, the role of women in design, and the places they seek inspiration.
Mar 08, 2021
Women lead design
Talk Talk: Screen Life
In a socially distanced world, here’s how two designers stay connected to their community.
Mar 05, 2021
Perspective
Maintaining Community During COVID-19
Even amid a sea of screens, design teams are finding ways to deepen connections—collaborating, creating, and conversing in whole new ways.
Mar 04, 2021
Perspective
Perspective Community: High 5
5 things generating buzz in the design world: Prada’s fashion statement, a haveli turned hotel draws on local artisans, Norway’s new passport, Lego’s biophilic blocks, and biotech textiles.
Mar 03, 2021
Perspective
Perspective Community
In this issue, we explore what "community" looks like as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic
Mar 03, 2021
Online Masterclass: The Importance of Interior Design in 2021
Cheryl Durst joins Martha Thorne to talk about the role of interior design, designers, and education in 2021.
Mar 02, 2021
Education
IIDA Member Spotlight: Rashanda Udekwu
We speak with IIDA member and Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for IIDA’s Northern California chapter.
Feb 23, 2021
Members
For Now, For Next: 12 Essential Ideas For 2021
IIDA Industry Roundtable members convened to discuss what the past year revealed about life, work, and what the future might hold for the design industry, for our clients, and for ourselves.
Feb 08, 2021
Industry roundtable
Talk, Talk: Delineating Diversity
How can the design industry truly become more diverse and inclusive?
Feb 05, 2021
Perspective
IIDA Student Members Reflect on Their 2020 Mentorship Experience
The Student Mentoring program goes virtual in 2021—hear from students on the importance of establishing professional relationships while building their careers.
Feb 05, 2021
Students
Perspective Access: Scratch Pad
What to read, watch and browse this month.
Feb 03, 2021
Perspective
Perspective Access: Generation Next
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Feb 01, 2021
Perspective
Anna Hernandez Awards Celebrates Women in Design
Establish your name, and fund the further development of your emerging design firm—if you are a woman-identifying designer you may qualify to apply for the Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Visionary Award and Education Fund.
Jan 25, 2021
Foundation
Cheryl Durst on Designing a Better 2021
Cheryl S. Durst shares insights on how we weathered a radical 2020 and the ways we can transform our world with, and through design in 2021.
Jan 25, 2021
Cheryl durst
Perspective Access Code
Instead of just ticking a box, designers are focused on building accessibility into the DNA of a space.
Jan 19, 2021
Perspectives
Perspective Access: High 5
Check out 5 items building buzz in the design world: pod offices, the state of women in the workplace, the whitest white, carbon-negative furniture, and bioplastic PPE.
Jan 19, 2021
Perspective
Talk, Talk: Mental Health Check
How can design leaders support team members’ mental health in difficult times?
Jan 06, 2021
Perspective
Perspective Fast Forward: The Automation Effect
Designers are using tech to add convenience—and safety—to their spaces.
Jan 05, 2021
Perspective
Interface + IIDA: Virtual Converge Sustainability Summit 2020
A cohort of emerging designers and students convened virtually for a two-day climate summit.
Nov 22, 2020
Interface converge
Perspective Fast-Forward to 2025
COVID has changed everything–what will last and what will morph into something else? Designers look ahead to the future of office, hospitality, healthcare, and retail interiors.
Nov 19, 2020
Perspective
Perspective Fast Forward
A look forward—COVID-19 has changed everything, we look forward to what is in store in the workplace, the new urbanism, automation, and how to manage mental health in the workplace
Nov 19, 2020
Advocacy Spotlight: Oregon and Cincinnati/Dayton
IIDA Chapters are staying connected with members safely and being creative with virtual events from happy hours and networking to annual fundraisers.
Nov 17, 2020
Advocacy
IIDA Advocacy: Sunset Reviews
Many laws contain a clause that calls for regular review or termination after a certain period of time–learn what this means as you advocate for your profession.
Nov 16, 2020
Advocacy
2020 State Legislative Round-Up
IIDA Advocacy shares what has changed, and what has stayed the same in key elections throughout the U.S. where politicians that support our industry were up for reelection.
Nov 16, 2020
Advocacy
What Design Education Means Now
What does it mean to teach in a global health crisis? IIDA and KI gathered six designers and education professionals to explore a changing education landscape, optimism, and the resiliency of students.
Nov 11, 2020
Education
The Value of IIDA Membership
IIDA is designed for you. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of membership—from networking opportunities to continuing education tools—and be included in an expansive design community.
Nov 04, 2020
Membership
IIDA Wilsonart Essay Winner Reflects on Mentorship Experience
The Wilsonart Essay awards IIDA Student members for participating in a reflection on their experience as a mentee in the Student Mentoring Program.
Oct 19, 2020
Students
From Outdoor Space to Outer Space
Climate change drives design towards sustainability and towards a future where we design for life in space, and the current trend towards incorporating the outdoors in workplace design.
Oct 13, 2020
Industry roundtable
The Design Process in the Real World
The 2020 IIDA Student Roundtable report highlights our program the offered IIDA Student members an inside look at different professions within the interior design industry—from designers, to sales and manufacturing roles.
Oct 05, 2020
Student roundtable report
Watch Advocacy 101: Just the Basics
The 2020 Advocacy Symposium opening session Advocacy 101: Just the Basics highlighted ways that the IIDA advocacy department can assist members and students in their advocacy efforts and debunked common advocacy misconceptions.
Oct 01, 2020
Advocacy
IIDA Virtual Advocacy Symposium: State of Affairs
IIDA's 2020 Advocacy Symposium went digital—catch up on the State of Affairs
Sep 23, 2020
Advocacy
Everybody is Included
How will efforts and progress in diversifying the interior design industry shape the future of the industry, and the world at large?
Sep 21, 2020
Diversity
Women Lead Design: Ronnie Belizaire, Rachel Rouse, Kia Weatherspoon
Women making strides in design discuss the urgency of this current moment, what’s next for design, and how a diversity of design thought is more crucial than ever.
Sep 08, 2020
Women lead design
2020 Advocacy Symposium Keynote Speaker Bill Grant
Bill Grant, mayor of Canton, Georgia, and president and chief creative officer of the award-winning Grant Design Collaborative, shares insight into how the skills that designers possess can drive advocacy.
Aug 10, 2020
Advocacy
When Women Lead, Design Thrives
As part of IIDA’s 2020 NeoConnect programming, IIDA presented Collective D(esign): Women Lead Design, with an eye on leadership and how women specifically lead, the panel addressed the importance of being able to see yourself reflected in your leaders and managers.
Jul 24, 2020
Women lead design
Sascha Wagner on Design Influence, Leadership During Crisis, and the IIDA Community
2020-2021 International Board President Sascha Wagner discusses the roles of community and design in the process of evolving through crisis, and the need for adaptability in our environments.
May 29, 2020
Iida, Iida international board, Future of design, Covid-19, Workplace design
Lauren Rottet: Connectivity, Success, and Enduring Design
IIDA and AIA Chicago kicked off the second season of their Designers & Architects Talk series on February 11, with a conversation between IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, and Lauren Rottet.
Mar 10, 2020
Cheryl s. durst, Lauren rottet, Aia, Interior designers, Designers & architects talk series
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Safety Information
The health and safety of IIDA members is our priority, and we have gathered together some essential tips and important information for keeping you, your family, and your community safe.
Mar 10, 2020
Iida members, Personal health & safety
Interior Adaptations Across Chicago
On March 10, IIDA Headquarters will host Repositioned and Reimagined, a discussion on three of the most newsworthy and timely interior transformations in Chicago: Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Old Post Office.
Feb 21, 2020
Designers & architects talk series, Old post office, Willis tower, Tribune tower, Chicago, Interior design, Architecture, Adaptive reuse
Spotlight on Oklahoma: New Design Awards Elevate Local Community Work
Kristen Brumley, IIDA, discusses why championing Oklahoma’s local design community with the newly-established Oklahoma Interior Design Awards is beneficial to both practitioners and design advocates.
Feb 11, 2020
Advocacy, Chapter spotlight, Interior design advocacy, Oklahoma city center, Interior design awards, Kristen brumley
2020 Advocacy Preview: Continued Success
2019 was an eventful year for interior design legislation and activism. To build on this momentum, Emily Kelly, Director of Advocacy, Public Policy, and Legislative Affairs for IIDA, wants to help you advocate for your profession in 2020. Our advocacy initiatives, events, training guides, and resources, are designed to support your voice and creative energy.
Feb 10, 2020
Advocacy, Cheryl s. durst, Advocacy symposium, Legislation, Upcoming events, Interior design
Looking Forward to the 2020 Designers & Architects Talk Series
Here at IIDA Headquarters, we are thrilled to partner with AIA Chicago for the second consecutive year to co-present the Designers & Architects Talk series. This year, we offer four provocative Tuesday evening discussions that will address commercial interior architecture and design. Both architects and commercial interior designers will want to attend to learn from the speakers as well as to mix and mingle with the Chicago design community.
Jan 13, 2020
Interior design, Iida, Aia chicago, Designers & architects talk series
Leaders Breakfast 2019 in Review
This past December, IIDA’s Leaders Breakfast series wrapped another successful year, and an incredible decade of celebrating the history of IIDA, its design leadership, and our dynamic community of designers and industry members.
Jan 10, 2020
Herman miller, Leaders breakfast, Awards, Interior designers
How Evolving Behavioral Health Needs and Awareness Impact Interior Design
The 2019 IIDA HCD Power Lunch Addresses the Complexities in Designing for Behavioral Health Spaces and how the evolution of behavioral health needs and awareness impact interior design.
Dec 19, 2019
Healthcare, Iida hcd power lunch, Healthcare design expo, Hospitals, Safety
The Confluence of Workplace and Hospitality Design: An IIDA Panel Discussion at Room & Board
The IIDA-hosted panel at Room & Board's New York showroom focused on the influence of hospitality design in the workplace - one of the decade's most significant commercial interior design trends.
Dec 11, 2019
Industry, Interior design