Are you a parent, guardian, or educator of a creative kid who is curious about what a creative career can look like? Design Your World works with schools and educators to provide a two-week immersive experience in the design industry.
Students won't only gain an understanding of design through educational programming, but also the opportunity for professional mentorship with peers and instructors and design professionals who can offer advice, insight, and early opportunities that can help them get a foot in the door.
Another bonus? Students are provided free lunch throughout the two-week program, and will receive a stipend for their participation.
What stood out to me most about the Design Your World program was watching those “aha” moments unfold, the spark when students suddenly saw design as something they could do, not just observe. Design is for everyone!
Tamara Rice, Design Your World Educator
Why Parents Trust Design Your World
Safe and Structured
Students are fully supervised by trained educators and industry professionals
Career Pathway Exposure
Students gain early access to creative careers before choosing college majors
College and Portfolio Value
Participants leave with a completed design project, presentation experience, and mentorship connections
Financial Accessibility
The program is completely free, and students receive a stipend
National Credibility
Powered by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and supported by top design firms across the country
Hear from Design Your World participant Naomi Mekonnen, who went on to be an interior design student at Indiana University Bloomington, and a teaching assistant at the Chicago Design Your World program.
With all the other options out there, why would I choose Design Your World?
DYW will set your child up for a future career in interior design, sure, but it will also provide a foundation in creative and design thinking skills. The Harvard Business Review points out that these strategy-based thinking skills have a net benefit on one’s career both in advancement and salary.
How do I know if my child/student is a good fit?
DYW is for high school students who are curious about or interested in art and creative expression, and curious about how that can translate to an education and career.
Do students need prior design experience?
Nope. Just curiosity, creativity, and commitment.
Is transportation and lunch provided?
Currently, transportation is not provided in any of our cities, but a daily lunch and program stipend are included.
Is this only for students interested in architecture?
This program focuses on commercial interior design, but students interested in architecture gain valuable exposure to spatial design, creative problem-solving, and professional practice.
This Could Change How Your Student Sees Their Future
Most students never get real access to creative careers. Design Your World gives them mentorship, confidence, career exposure, and a pathway they didn’t know existed.
But don't just take our word for it, hear from students and take a peek behind the scenes of DYW here.
Do you think your child or student would be a good fit for Design Your World? Reach out to DYW Program Manager, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@iida.org.