IIDA Announces 2026 Foundation Award and Scholarship Recipients

CHICAGO — IIDA and the IIDA Foundation are pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of its awards and scholarships. 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.

Each year, the IIDA Foundation selects interior design professionals and students to receive scholarships and awards that recognize leadership, innovation, academic achievement, and a commitment to advancing the future of the design industry. Through the generous support of donors, the IIDA Foundation sustains, administers, and grows programs that serve the greater design community, and the interior design industry at large. Support for the IIDA Foundation ensures both emerging and established designers are able to pursue their passions, continue their education, run their businesses, and be recognized for their professional achievements.

“The IIDA Foundation exists to invest in the people and ideas shaping the future of interior design,” says Michelle Boolton, Ind. IIDA, IIDA Foundation Chair. “We are proud to celebrate this year’s recipients, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication reflect the transformative power of design and the importance of continuing to support the next generation of industry changemakers.”

The 2026 IIDA Foundation award and scholarship programs are:

John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund

The John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to support and nurture African American interior design and architecture students while promoting diversity and access in education. This scholarship was established by John J. Nelson Sr. in partnership with the IIDA Foundation in 2019. Nelson was a known champion of design education, diversity, and unfettered access to education.

The Foundation values Nelson’s history of advocating to increase diversity in design and architecture by championing students of all backgrounds, and this award honors his legacy. This program awards up to two (2) recipients with up to $10,000 each in scholarship funds annually.

The 2026 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund recipients are:

Miranda Alvarado
School of Visual Arts

Tanaka Jeter
Louisiana State University

Kimball International Makers of a Better Future Fund

Kimball International established the Makers of a Better Future Fund in partnership with the IIDA Foundation to support IIDA members who are integrating the spirit of foresight into design, fostering innovative solutions for tomorrow's challenges. This award recognizes those committed to advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through visionary design practices. Innovation lies at the heart of Kimball International's mission to enhance spaces where people work, live, and gather.

By prioritizing future-focused design, they identify trends, tackle challenges, and develop solutions meeting both present and future needs, ensuring relevance and sustained impact. This program awards up to two (2) recipients with a $2,500 cash award annually.

The 2026 Kimball International Makers of a Better Future Fund recipients are:

Mitchell Brooks, IIDA, CDF, RID
Principal, Lawrence Licensed Interior Design Inc.

Lauren Cole, IIDA, CDF
System Director of Design Strategy, Providence St. Joseph Health
IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter

Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Award

The Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Award celebrates the professional achievements of Anna Hernandez, founder of Luna Textiles, through establishing and presenting an annual award for women entrepreneurs and industry leaders in the commercial interior design field. Anna Hernandez was a leader in the textile industry, a creative force, entrepreneur, and champion for the interior design industry, establishing herself and Luna Textiles as award-winning industry leaders.

The fund was established in 2016 by Anna's family, Luna Textiles, and in partnership with the IIDA Foundation to recognize the legacy of Anna Hernandez, and the award serves to honor her spirit and achievements by recognizing women entrepreneurs in commercial interior design. This program awards one (1) recipient with a $5,000 cash award annually.

The 2026 Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Award recipient is:

Felicia Bonillas, IIDA
Principal Designer, Bloom Collective
IIDA Southwest Chapter

IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship

IA Interior Architects established the IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship in partnership with the IIDA Foundation to support and elevate students that represent diverse voices and perspectives in interior design, with the goal of enriching diversity of thought and practice across the industry.

A diverse design community drives innovation and inclusion by incorporating different experiences, voices, and ideas, and as the future of design, students are a major force pushing the industry towards more diverse and inclusive workplaces. The program awards one $5,000 scholarship, one $3,000 scholarship, and four $500 scholarships annually.

The 2026 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship recipients are:

1st Place
Haruko Utsuki, Student IIDA
New York School of Interior Design
IIDA New York Chapter

2nd Place
Samia Hilton, Student IIDA
Texas State University
IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter

Honorees

Zephyr Corchado Gil-Phillips, Student IIDA
University of Texas at Arlington
IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter

Aneisha Muhammad
The London Metropolitan University

Leta Pham, Student IIDA
San Jose State University
IIDA Northern California Chapter

Connor Trang, Student IIDA
Florida International University
IIDA South Florida Chapter

Wilsonart Student Essay Competition

The Wilsonart Student Essay Competition awards scholarships to students that participate in the IIDA Student Mentorship program. In the IIDA Student Mentorship Program, student participants gain invaluable professional development and mentorship from professionals in the interior design industry. The Wilsonart Student Education Fund created this scholarship to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the value of their IIDA Mentorship program experience and further advance their education in interior design. This program awards one (1) recipient with a $1,000 cash award annually.

The 2026 Wilsonart Student Essay Competition recipient is:

Jermaine Deckard, Student IIDA
West Valley College
IIDA Northern California Chapter

All honorees will be celebrated during IIDA’s 2026 Annual Meeting on June 7 at WorkLife Meetings at The Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago. The event will also be available to view via live stream on IIDA’s YouTube channel (@IIDA_HQ).

For more information about this or other IIDA Foundation awards and honors please visit IIDA.org/foundation or contact via email at foundation@IIDA.org.