DXDF: Diversity by Design Fund

The Diversity by Design (dxdf) Scholarship Award provides scholarship funds for students to pursue academic and community-based programs for architecture and interior design. The fund was created to empower young voices in design through education, outreach, and advocacy. It was founded by Jon Otis, FIIDA and Diane Barnes, Ind. IIDA.

The mission of dxdf Scholarship Award is to advance educational initiatives that increase awareness of opportunities in design, cultivating a field that actively embraces diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, nationality, disability, socioeconomic standing, and intellectual viewpoint. Learn more about dxdf.

“When more people from diverse backgrounds harness their lived experiences to solve design problems, new opportunities for innovation become apparent, translating into actualized projects that ultimately better serve the needs of all people.” - Jon Otis, FIIDA and Diane Barnes, Ind. IIDA

Applications

Applications are currently closed.

Opens: August 11, 2026
Closes: September 25, 2026

Eligibility

This scholarship award is open to previous participants of IIDA’s Design Your World (DYW) program in any of the four city locations: Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and St. Louis. Applicants must have completed the 2-week program, and be currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution in an interior design or architecture program. IIDA membership is not required to apply.

Award

Up to two (2) recipients will be eligible to receive $1,000 each in scholarship funds. Recipients will also receive official digital assets, a mention on IIDA’s website, and recognition on IIDA social media channels.

For questions or more information, contact IIDA Foundation at foundation@iida.org.