Design Your World (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 (we’ve got you covered here if not)!
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.
No experience required! Just curiosity, creativity, and commitment.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Register here!
June 1-12, 2026 — Application deadline: May 22
Chicago: Register here!
June 15-26, 2026 — Application deadline: June 5
St. Louis: Register here!
July 6-17, 2026 — Application deadline: June 26
Miami: Register here!
July 20-31, 2026 — Application deadline: July 10
Don’t worry, you won’t be spending the whole summer in a classroom — or even the full two weeks (there will be field trips).
Get hands-on with design basics, collaborate with creative students from other schools, tour professional studios, work on your portfolio, and learn directly from people who actually work as designers.
Work in teams on a project where you’ll solve a design challenge, receive feedback from real designers, and present your final project.
Throughout the program you will:
- Gain mentorship from industry professionals
- Have studio time and creative collaboration
- Learn about college pathways and types of design-related careers
You'll learn:
- How real designers think, sketch, and plan spaces
- How creative careers actually work
- How to collaborate, present, and critique ideas
- How the built environment impacts people, culture, and communities
Plus, you’ll receive a stipend!
What's next? Students who have completed DYW have:
- Job shadowed at a firm or other design-related workplace
- Gained exposure to different roles in the design industry
- Made mentorship connections with adults that have helped them find internships, jobs, or college programs
- Been accepted into a college or university and pursued a design-related major
Don't just take it from us, here's what students have had to say:
"My advice would definitely be to join DYW. It was super fun and it brings out a creative side of you that you probably didn’t know you had." — Sarah Myonne, DYW alum
"I had this perspective on interior design as only decorating, but there are so many other opportunities for interior design and design in general that I had no idea about. The presenters coming in and explaining different methods and what they do for their jobs was eye-opening.” —Taylor Dowding, DYW St. Louis alum
"Taking this program motivated me on what I can do in the future. And allowed me to make new friends and learn different perspectives from others." — Adam Iovuta, DYW alum
Want to know more? Like, what exactly is interior design?
Well, interior designers do more than pick the carpet and color schemes, they're also responsible for:
- Space planning: how a space is used
- Accessibility: making sure it’s accessible and easy to navigate for all people, including those who are disabled
- Wayfinding: ensuring that people know how to evacuate public places safely in the event of a fire or other emergency
With a degree in design, you can work in:
- Product design: furniture, flooring textiles, or lighting
- Sound design: acoustics and material planning
- Materials science: design surfaces and materials for spaces like healthcare
You, your teacher, or your parent/guardian can contact DYW Program Manager, Sheena Lewis, at slewis@iida.org.