About The Foundation
The IIDA Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit philanthropic organization with a mission to drive innovation and advancements in the commercial interior design field. The foundation seeks to make a meaningful impact through supporting grants and funding opportunities, and continued support of education, research, and outreach opportunities.
Through the support of donors like you, the IIDA Foundation is able to sustain, administer, grow, and launch programming serving the greater design community, and the interior design industry at large. Your donation ensures that both emerging and established designers are able to pursue their passions, continue their education, and be recognized for their professional achievements.
The IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees work in collaboration with IIDA to administer and manage the work of the foundation, and to support the strategic plan set forth by IIDA. The Board of Trustees is composed of IIDA members that have served in leadership roles, are dedicated to the commercial interior design field, and are focused on fostering an innovative and inclusive design community.
Photo by Elaine Miller
2024-2025 IIDA Foundation Trustees
Foundation Chair
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Jon Otis, IIDA, 2024-2025 Foundation Chair
Pratt Institute, O|A Object Agency
New York
Trustees
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Gilbert Broco, IIDA, 2024-2025 Trustee
CI Group (Corporate Interiors)
Florida Central
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Tara Headley, IIDA, 2024-2025 Trustee
Hendrick
Georgia
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George Bandy Jr., Ind. IIDA , 2024-2025 Trustee
Andersen Corporation
Northland
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Michelle Boolton, Ind. IIDA, 2024-2025 Trustee
Kimball International
Ohio/Kentucky
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Krystal Lucero, IIDA | 2024-2025 Trustee
Edwards + Mulhausen Interior Design
Texas/Oklahoma
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Ronnie Belizaire, FIIDA
HKS
Georgia
IIDA Staff
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Sr. Manager of Corporate Membership Sales and IIDA Foundation
Michelle Merry
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Senior Director of Finance
Lisa Taylor
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Continuing Education Manager
Mary Tokar
News
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Read the latest news on our funds, awardees, and more
2025 Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Award
Rochelle Porter says “I believe good design shouldn’t come at the expense of the people or the planet.” Read about the surface designer's social impact and eco-friendly manufacturing.2025 IA Diversity in Design Scholarship Winners
Our 2025 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship awardees use their voices and ideas to create a more inclusive design industry. Read "How Indigenous Representation Enhances Interior Spaces" by winner Shailynn Charley2024 John J. Nelson Award Winners
Get to know the scholarship recipients Kiaira Coates and Charles Forkwa through their video essays. Watch "2024 John J. Nelson Award Winners" here.2024 Educator Diversity Award: Professor Rana Abudayyeh
Rana Abudayyeh works in and out of the classroom using design as a tool for community empowerment, inclusion, and social change. Read "Politics of Space, from the Classroom to the Refugee Camp" hereFunding a Greener Future
The Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund reimburses IIDA members for their commitment to sustainable design. Learn more about "Funding a Greener Future".2024 Wilsonart Essay Competition Winner
Navigating New Beginnings: Scott Ware, Student IIDA, wrote about how mentorship has proven to be an invaluable tool as he begins new career in design. Read more about "2024 Wilsonart Essay Competition Winner".Atelier Cho Thompson: Five Years Later
We check in with Christina Cho Yoo and Ming Thompson, five years after their Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles award—where are they now, and what has changed? Read more about "Atelier Cho Thompson: Five Years Later".Meet the 2023-2024 IIDA Foundation Trustees
Our new slate of trustees are dedicated to nurturing our design community through philanthropic endeavors. More about "Meet the 2023-2024 IIDA Foundation Trustees" here. -
The Legacy of Anna Hernandez
The legacy of Anna Hernandez: Promoting entrepreneurship by women in the interior design industry. Learn more about the designer and the IIDA award celebrating her life and work.Read more: Celebrating Anna Hernandez