CHICAGO—The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is proud to announce the recipient of the inaugural IIDA ICON Award, recognizing extraordinary service and contributions to the profession of interior design. Lauren Rottet, FIIDA, FAIA, Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio, has been named the recipient for her significant accomplishments and impactful contributions to the field.

As an acclaimed architect, interior designer, furniture designer and art curator with an extraordinary record of awards, publications, lectures, juries and honors, Lauren Rottet’s professional contributions span the industry. As Founding Principal of Rottet Studio, an international architecture and interior design firm, she was the first woman in history to be elevated to Fellow status by both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Built on her seamless command of both architecture and interiors, Rottet Studio has ventured into arenas historically dominated by design’s biggest firms, expanding into experience design as well as product design and sales through Rottet Collection, which offers an artful array of functional furnishings. As a female leader, she advocated for herself, and became a pioneer in the fields of modern workplace, hospitality, residential, and maritime design—while also becoming a mentor and advocate for many other designers. Some of today’s brightest lights count her as a key support and teacher in their rise to the top. Known for her unfailing eye and generous heart, she has also achieved considerable formal industry recognition. Rottet is a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame and four-time Designer of the Year, among many other awards, and has won numerous Best of NeoCon gold medals as well as multiple Interior Design Best of Year Awards for her product and furniture designs.

“Icons make an indelible mark on the world and blaze a trail toward the future for others to follow. Lauren embodies this essence and then some, making her the epitome of what the ICON Award celebrates. Her agility and artistry continue to galvanize the design profession and highlight the magic that designers create," says IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. "As IIDA celebrates 30 years of design, we look forward to what lies ahead. We are privileged to honor what Lauren’s leadership and ingenuity have brought to our industry and to witness her rise from talent to catalyst to icon.”

“It is an honor to be the first-ever recipient of IIDA’s ICON Award,” says Rottet. “The principles of creativity and vitality drive me and so many others throughout the profession. My goal is to be an innovator who redefines how we experience design, to instill a lasting impression with the hope that designers of today and tomorrow will continue to transcend the boundaries of their craft to reenforce to the world the importance of design.”

In celebration of this deserving recognition, IIDA has chosen to present an iconic trophy. The trophy will change annually to reflect pieces that are formative or influential creations by other icons in the field of design. These iconic items will be unveiled at each year’s awards presentation ceremony.

The 2024 IIDA ICON Award will be presented during the IIDA Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 9, at 12 p.m. CST, held at Venue SIX10 in Chicago. For more information about this award, contact memberservices@iida.org.