Converge was founded in 2019 by IIDA in partnership with Interface, to create a platform for knowledge sharing around sustainable practice. Combining Interface’s years of research and strong commitment to sustainability with IIDA’s ability to convene both emerging design leaders and subject matter experts from across the design industry, the program is focused on fostering and expanding leadership in sustainable practice.
IIDA Statement of Environmental Stewardship
IIDA envisions a world where interior design not only inspires but sustains a regenerative future. We recognize the intersection of social equity, environmental justice, and climate change and our responsibility to advocate for positive impact.
Impact Principles:
Environment
IIDA acknowledges climate change and the role of interior design in reversing ecological damage and having a positive impact on the planet.
Community
IIDA supports the physical, mental, and emotional health of all people and communities.
Leadership
IIDA leads the interior design community in promoting responsible stewardship and equitable access to resources.
Drafted by Ronnie Belizaire, Mike Johnson, Stacey Crumbaker, Bill Bouchey
IIDA International Board - Sustainability Committee
IIDA + Interface Converge Action Summit
The Converge Action Summit is a yearly event which brings together sustainability leaders in design and a wide range of emerging designers. This Converge community engages in three days of learning focused on real-world, up-to-date practices and tools that designers can take back to their firms, clients and partners. Currently in its fifth year, the Summit has hundreds of alumni across the U.S., meeting our goal of seeding actionable sustainability knowledge throughout the design industry. Learn more about "IIDA + Interface Converge Action Summit"
Converge Sustainability Council
The Converge Sustainability Council represents the next step in our commitment to foster sustainable practice and empower emerging leaders. As part of the Council, Converge Summit alumni and a group of sustainability mentors meet regularly to share knowledge, welcome expert guest speakers and support growth in skills to further sustainable practice. Council participants help to shape future Converge Summit programming and work to extend their knowledge into the larger design community. Learn more about "Converge Sustainability Council"
Ecomedes
Explore the IIDA Ecomedes portal to find and measure sustainable products specifically curated for commercial design and to achieve equitable, resilient, and adaptable design. The IIDA Ecomedes platform can accelerate your ability to find, evaluate, and specify products and materials while tracking your carbon impact. Learn more about "Ecomedes"
Resources
IIDA is dedicated to providing our members with thought leadership and resources on how to think, enact, and learn more about integrating sustainability into their practice. Dive into our thoughtful webinars, articles, and tools to help you do more—and learn more—about resilient, sustainable design. Learn more about "Resources"
IIDA + Interface Converge Action Summit
IIDA + Interface 2024
Think circularly, sweeten your sustainability messaging, tell a good story, and more key takeaways to help you make sustainability an action verb from 2024 Converge in Atlanta.
Read more about "IIDA + Interface 2024"
IIDA + Interface 2023
Converge heads to Dallas to mark its fifth year, arming designers with actionable tools and insights to bring back to their firms and practice. Read more about "IIDA + Interface 2023"
IIDA + Interface 2022
Converge returns to Atlanta and Interface HQ! With four years of alumni spreading the Converge message through the design world, we launched the Converge Council to build continuity throughout the year. Read more about "IIDA + Interface 2022"
IIDA + Interface 2021
Virtual once again, Converge continued to build, with a stellar lineup of speakers and participants. Learn more about "IIDA + Interface 2021" and watch here
IIDA + Interface 2020
Converge goes virtual: With the COVID pandemic, we converted to a digital format and kept the sustainability knowledge flowing. Learn more about "IIDA + Interface 2020" and watch here
IIDA + Interface 2019
The launch pad: Converge’s inaugural event was held at Interface headquarters in Atlanta, and marked the beginning of an inspired community centered on sustainability.
The Converge Sustainability Council
Converge Sustainability Council Mentors
Converge Council Mentor
Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Ecomedes
Converge Council Mentor
Manager, Mission Activation, Interface
Converge Sustainability Council Members
Allison Brown, Assoc. IIDA, IIDA New York Chapter
Ivy Lane, IIDA, IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter
Amalia Morejon, Student IIDA, IIDA South Florida Chapter
Alvin Oei, IIDA, IIDA Southern California Chapter
Kristen Peterson-Motan, IIDA, IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter
Emily Pittenger, Assoc. IIDA, IIDA Indiana Chapter
Travis Prekop, IIDA, PA/NJ/DE Chapter
Kristin Stubbs, Assoc. IIDA, IIDA Ohio/Kentucky Chapter
Sustainability Toolbox
Webinars, Articles, and Tools
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Articles | Highlights from IIDA's coverage of sustainable design
"Perspective Sustainable Futures" | This issue of Perspective, IIDA's digital magazine, centers sustainability across our industry
"Sustainability Responsibility: Lake|Flato" | A discussion with the San Antonio-based firm that centers sustainable design
"Student Spotlight: Aubrey Schmidt" | Studying in Kenya informs a collective approach to sustainability and permaculture
"Perspective Moving UP: Next" | Meet five design firms leading the way in sustainability
"Julia Watson on Sustainable Futures" | A discussion with the author of LO–TEK Design by Radical Indigenism, a study of sustainable and resilient Indigenous design
"Dr. Jennifer Languell and Babcock Ranch" | A discussion with the sustainability engineer and member of the team that created the "most resilient and sustainable community in Florida -
Tools
Easy Questions That Build Sustainable Practices | The Converge Sustainability Council shares questions they ask contractors, clients, leaders, and manufacturers to champion sustainable practices -
Webinars
Continuing Education | IIDA offers an array of CEU opportunities that center education and research into various aspects of the interior design industry—including sustainability. Find all of our current opportunities here
Ecomedes Tutorials | IIDA and Ecomedes presents webinars to introduce IIDA members to the IIDA.Ecomedes platform and how to maximize this important resource. These webinars are for IIDA Members only, log in to your account to view!
• Ecomedes 101: Meet your newest member benefit!
Collective D(esign) | A webinar series from IIDA that provides resources, information, and inspiration to the design community. Find selection of our sustainability-centered conversations below, and explore the full series here:
• "Collective D(esign): Episode 8 | Sustainability, Wellness, and Adaptive Change"
• "Collective D(esign) S3: Ep4 | Sustainability: Climate Change, Equity, and Inclusion" -
Grants and Funds
Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund | $350 for five (5) IIDA Student, Professional, or Associate members, who have completed and passed the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP exam courtesy of Keilhauer and the IIDA Foundation
WELL Sustainable Design Fund | Up to $350 for up to seven (7) IIDA Student, Professional, and Associate members who have completed and passed the WELL AP Exam courtesy of the IIDA Foundation
For questions about the program, please contact Cody Czmyr, director of member services, at cczmyr@IIDA.org.