Want to spend your summer doing something different — and unlocking a whole new way of thinking?

You could explore design this summer with a group of other students from your city, and not just in the classroom. You’ll work on a project where you'll be designing a space and learning how to communicate visually, all while learning about color theory, different materials (textiles, flooring), and products (lighting, furniture). A big part of interior design that you might not realize is thinking about health and safety as well as many other unseen elements. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from designers, and see examples of all that you learn in real life through field trips.

DYW is a free summer school program and paid learning experience for high school students interested in creative careers like interior design — even if you’ve never heard of it before! Choosing a college, major, or career path can be overwhelming, but it helps if you have a chance to explore what different kinds of jobs look like, and ask adults that look like you how they got there, what they really do, and any obstacles that you may have in taking a similar path.

Bring your career questions, your curiosity, and your unique talents to Design Your World, and in return, you’ll have an eye-opening, exciting summer experience. DYW students receive a stipend for participating in the two-week summer program; many students also walk away with new friends and exciting new opportunities.

Have questions? We’ve got answers. Check out the FAQ below:

(Photo by DesignVox)


Why would I want to spend my summer in a classroom?

Well, first of all, this isn't the whole summer, it's only a two-week program! But really, why wouldn’t you? You’ll meet other students from different schools with similar interests, and you won’t just be in the classroom — you’ll take field trips to tour design firms or showrooms, explore design projects in your city, and more! Plus, you’ll learn all about the ins-and-outs of interior design through hands-on projects.

Interior design? You mean like picking out the carpet and wall colors?

Yes, but it’s so much more — did you know that interior designers are also responsible for designing how you use a space (space planning), making sure it’s accessible and easy to navigate for all people, including those who are disabled, and ensuring that you know how to evacuate public places safely in the event of a fire or other emergency (wayfinding!)?

Interior designers are not only concerned with how a space looks, but how it feels, how it’s used, how environmentally friendly it is, and whether it’s welcoming to everyone. Plus, an education in design is incredibly versatile. With a college degree in interior design, you could go on to design furniture, textiles, or lighting (product design), the acoustics in a theater (sound design), or even the materials used in antimicrobial surfaces in hospitals (materials science).

Wait, people really do that? Like for a job?

Yes! Design offers so many different careers, and there are so many ways to be a designer. Through Design Your World, you’ll get to meet people with different jobs in the design industry who can help you uncover a possible career path — or just learn something new about what you like. But don’t just take it from us, hear from some of our past participants about what they liked about this program:

“Design Your World has changed the way that I see the world, because whenever I’m in a new space, I’m thinking about accessibility or what the designers must’ve thought of when they were designing the space, what complications they might’ve faced, I didn’t realize how much of an impact design had. I knew it was really important, but I didn’t realize that it’s the basis of everything,” says DYW student Amelia Boggeman

Does it cost anything?

Nope! 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. Not only is DYW free, it can help you earn income. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

Want to know more?

You, your teacher, or your parent/guardian can contact DYW Program Coordinator, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@iida.org.