Are you a parent, guardian, or educator of a creative kid who’s interested in expanding their (and your) idea of possible careers that might fit their interests and talents but don’t know where to start? That’s where Design Your World (DYW) comes in. Representation matters — and DYW provides curious students with role models that work in design, and look like them. We work with schools and educators to identify imaginative, curious students who would benefit from learning more about interior design. An education in design can pave the way towards many different career paths — and there’s no way to know all that’s possible without exposure.
Through this immersive two-week summer program, students will learn about design both in a classroom setting and through field trips to local design firms, and manufacturers or showrooms. They will learn the basics about the interior design industry, business, design thinking, problem solving, and what opportunities can come from an education in design. All this with free lunch and stipend!
Once you have design thinking, no one can take it away from you — we’re teaching these kids how.
Tracey Thomas, IIDA Senior Director of Strategic Sales
With DYW, you’re not only giving your student or child a head start through educational programming, but also the opportunity for professional mentorship. DYW students build relationships with their peers, but also instructors and design professionals who can offer advice, insight, and early opportunities that can help 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.
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. What is design thinking, and why is it valuable? Design thinking is a human-centric way of approaching innovation — you’re focused on a solution for the user as a starting point, rather than the problem. It develops strategy-based thinking which is valuable no matter what career path your child chooses. The Harvard Business Review points out that these 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 highs chool students who are curious about or interested in art and creative expression, and curious about how that can translate to an education and career.
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.
Why is DYW a valuable tool when it comes to encouraging my child or student to pursue a college education or consider their future career?
IIDA partners with volunteer design professionals who are passionate about connecting with students at an early age and providing education and mentorship. Through DYW, students will learn first-hand what different design career paths can look like, and hear about internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities to support career growth early.
Does it cost anything?
No! Design Your World is generously supported in each city by IIDA and our partners, ensuring that the program is available to any student regardless of finances. In fact, all DYW students receive a stipend for their participation.
But don't just take our word for it, hear from students and take a peek behind the scenes of our 2024 programs here.
Do you think your child or student would be a good fit for Design Your World? Reach out to DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@iida.org.