What is Deregulation? | IIDA

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Mar 27, 2023 By Marci Merola

What is Deregulation?

IIDA Director of Advocacy Marci Merola explains what deregulation means, and what it looks like in states with interior design laws

By Marci Merola Mar 27, 2023

Deregulation, or the process of removing or reducing state codes and statutes, is a buzz word that’s appearing more and more in the media lately, especially in relation to occupational licensing and its many professions. In relation to the interior design industry, it usually refers to the reversal of title or practice acts. That’s right: the very legislation that interior design communities have spent decades fighting for is in the spotlight.

While deregulation of interior design and occupational licensing professions is not new, there has been a recent resurgence, potentially fueled by a December 2020 report from the National Conference on State Legislatures (NCSL) stating that “occupational licensing has grown exponentially over the last 60 years, comprising nearly 25% of the U.S. workforce, up from 5% nearly 60 years ago.” The report cites occupational licensing as a barrier specifically to workforce development, criminal justice reform, immigration, and military affairs. But this mindset is not new, multiple government agencies and private organizations have historically had a less-government stance, with occupational licensing under examination. In a post-pandemic environment, state legislators everywhere are looking for creative solutions for fiscal solvency.

Military families are currently used as a prime example of how occupational licensing isn’t working: when one spouse or parent gets reassigned to a new post, the other, often in a portable, licensed career, such as a realtor, cosmetologist, or nursing professional, can’t get to work until they’re properly licensed or registered, a process that can take months.

Indeed, bureaucracy and prohibitive costs are unsavory realities of occupational licensing, and of course, the ones that are attracting attention of the media. Other recent mentions include a February 2023 Atlantic article that states that it takes $1,485 and 2,190 days to become an interior designer in Louisiana (a point reiterated in a recent WBUR-Boston’s podcast, where even National Public Radio seems to struggle with the pros and cons of the issue in “who benefits, who loses when one in four workers in America need a license to do their job?”).

To counter recent efforts that affect interior design, IIDA, ASID, and CIDQ have been working together with local lobbyists and practitioners. On the heels of Wisconsin’s 2022 legislative victory, news of deregulatory efforts took that interior design community by surprise. Wisconsin’s situation could be construed as classic bureaucracy, where legislators who serve on the Wisconsin Joint Council Study Committee on Occupational Licensing may have been unaware of other legislators’ recent efforts to move interior design legislation forward. While Wisconsin’s situation was resolved somewhat easily, other states have not been as lucky.

January saw the introduction of SB 1480 through the Virginia legislature, a sweeping bill that sought to deregulate multiple professions under the umbrella of occupational licensing, including interior design and initially, landscape architects (as well as auctioneers, geologists, and martial arts, boxing and wrestling events). The bill was defeated almost unanimously (sans a "yea" vote from bill sponsor, Sen. Richard Stuart) and almost as quickly as it appeared, thanks to quick mobilization efforts of the Virginia interior design community, which had encountered multiple deregulation efforts in the past. But their work is far from over: at the hearing, Senator Stuart alluded to a stronger strategy of targeting individual licensures in 2024. As such, those practitioners are back at work, educating legislators, solidifying strategy, and expanding their grassroots efforts.

Meanwhile, a smaller but determined group of practitioners in New Mexico are in the final throes (at press time) of battling another deregulation effort, which began last summer with an attempt to dissolve the regulatory board ahead of the 2024 Sunset of the New Mexico Interior Design Act, presumably with the ultimate goal of repealing this legislation.

Two solutions currently touted are a slippery slope towards removal or circumvention of state testing and regulation requirements altogether: interstate compacts (or state reciprocity, where states agree to accept licensing and registration of professionals between their states) and universal regulation (basically, where as long as someone is licensed in their home state, they are free to practice nationwide). Both of these are gaining traction. Virginia’s universal licensure bill, passed last month, adopted universal license recognition for 85 professions. Other proposed solutions, such as using sunset laws as opportunities to intercede and steer current legislation are playing out in states like New Mexico.

Registered and Licensed Interior Designer stamps, image courtesy of Engineer Seal Stamps.

Registered and Licensed Interior Designer stamps, image courtesy of Engineer Seal Stamps.

Increasingly, what our profession sees as leveling up—asking for more accountability via testing and regulation to increase improvements to the health, safety, and welfare of the public—is being deemed as a barrier to entry. Occupational licensing exists solely to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. By default, it is a mechanism that allows legislators to do the same—they could easily shift their attention to an easier solution: occupational licensing reform that would reduce wait times and create affordable, more equitable fees. In the meantime, it's up to the interior design community to educate policy makers about the indispensable role commercial interior designers play in the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Learn more about becoming involved in Advocacy work in your state.

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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

article

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

article

2023 Expo Chicago Highlights

The fair brings the best of the art world to Chicago

Apr 20, 2023 Articles

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

Advocacy Spotlight: Laura Stroik, IIDA

What happens after the bill is signed: from new state board roles to shifting priorities

Mar 27, 2023 Advocacy

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

2023 SHIFT Student Conference

Lead. Inspire. Grow. Unite.

Feb 28, 2023 Students

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

National Black Theatre with Little Wing Lee

Proud history; bright future: An institution that elevates the black experience.

Oct 25, 2022 Perspective

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

Scratch Pad: July

What to explore, read, and watch in July

Jul 12, 2021 Scratch pad

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

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Perspective: Innovation | Talk, Talk: Hit Refresh

How is the pandemic pushing designers to think differently?

May 28, 2021 Perspective

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Perspective: Community | Reading the Room

A community gathering place for centuries, libraries evolve their interiors to meet emerging societal needs

Mar 22, 2021 Perspective

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Talk, Talk: Delineating Diversity

How can the design industry truly become more diverse and inclusive?

Feb 05, 2021 Perspective

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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

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Perspective Access: Scratch Pad

What to read, watch and browse this month.

Feb 03, 2021 Perspective

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Perspective Access: Generation Next

Feb 01, 2021 Perspective

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Perspective Fast Forward: The Automation Effect

Designers are using tech to add convenience—and safety—to their spaces.

Jan 05, 2021 Perspective

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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