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Design Your World (Overview)

Design Your World

Two students collaborate on a design project, focusing on a floor plan sketch, with a whiteboard and architectural models in the background.

Mission


IIDA’s Design Your World (DYW) is an education pathway program created to build equity and diversity in the design industry by providing high school students with exposure to the possibilities of a career in design. By sharing the value of design education, we’re building a pipeline of design talent to support the future of our industry and advocating for the power of the built environment to promote positive change.

The two-week summer program introduces students to the fundamentals and practices of commercial interior design through classroom work, guest speakers, and field trips to local firms, design projects, and showrooms. Students will develop a basic understanding of the industry — and the possibilities within — while making connections with educators, local professionals, and other design-curious young people from their communities.

Design Your World currently has programs in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and St. Louis. Students are provided supplies, complimentary lunch, and will receive a stipend. Learn more about each city’s program and apply below.

Want to learn more about participating? Visit our Student, Parent/Educator, and Sponsorship pages for more information!

Through Design Your World, a diverse group of students will be empowered to fully realize that careers in design and the creative arts offer unlimited potential. Perhaps most importantly, that design is truly ‘accessible’, meaningful, and relevant in their lives.

Quote

IIDA EVP and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA

Design Your World Chicago at Gensler


CHICAGO

Register here

Design Your World Chicago 2026 details:
When: June 15-26
Where: TBD
Instructor: TBD

The 2026 Chicago program is made possible with generous support from:

Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Supporting Sponsors: 3form, Mannington Commercial

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Register here

2026 Dallas - Fort Worth Design Your World program details:
When: June 2-12
Where: TBD
Instructor: TBD

The 2026 Dallas program is made possible with generous support from:

Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Supporting Sponsors: 3form, Mannington Commercial

Design Your World Miami Field Trip

MIAMI

Register here

2026 Miami Design Your World program details:

When: TBD
Where: TBD
Instructor: TBD

The 2026 Miami program is made possible with generous support from:

Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Supporting Sponsors: 3form, Mannington Commercial

(Photo by DesignVox)

ST. LOUIS

Register here

2026 St. Louis Design Your World program details:

When: July 6-17
Educator: TBD

The 2026 St. Louis program is made possible with generous support from:

Presenting Sponsor: OFS
Supporting Sponsors: 3form, Mannington Commercial

Don’t see your city or want to learn more? Contact DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@IIDA.org.

Press

2026 Presenting Sponsor

A minimalistic black silhouette of a cat with long ears, a curved tail, and a standing posture, emphasizing its sleek profile.

2026 Supporting Sponsors

Black silhouette of a cat sitting elegantly, facing to the right with its tail curled, capturing a sense of grace and poise.
A minimalist design featuring a dark background with subtle variations in shade, creating an elegant and modern aesthetic.

With Support From

A minimalist outline of a four-leaf clover, symbolizing good luck, with a simple design and clean lines.
A simple black silhouette of a human brain, emphasizing its intricate folds and structure, representing cognitive functions and thoughts.
A minimalist black outline of a cat, depicted in a playful pose with its tail curved and ears perked up.
A black silhouette of a dog standing on a grassy area, with its tail raised and a playful stance, ready for action.
Donate to DYW